{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"NE\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-further-award-of-more-than-215-million-for-rural-nebraska-healthcare/", "Ricketts Celebrates Further Award of More than $215 Million for Rural Nebraska Healthcare", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "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", "Omaha, NE \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated the award of Rural Health Transformation Program grant money for rural healthcare in Nebraska. This funding comes from a program that was created by Congress earlier this year in the Working Families Tax Cut to strengthen rural healthcare. Senator Ricketts voted in support of the bill.\n\n\u201cThis is how you keep rural communities thriving,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThe Rural Health Transformation Program was an important part of the Working Families Tax Cut that Senate Republicans passed earlier this year. This is an investment in the future of rural healthcare and in the future of Nebraska.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced awards to all 50 states under the Rural Health Transformation Program. The program, created by Congress earlier this year as part of the Working Families Tax Cut, committed $50 billion to invest in rural healthcare. 50% percent of this funding is split equally among the states, 50% percent is awarded after an application process. Nebraska was awarded an additional $218,529,075.\n\nAs a part of CMS\u2019 application guidelines, awarded money is to be used to help rural communities expand care reach, strengthen and sustain clinical workforce, modernize rural health infrastructure and technology, drive efficiency, empower community providers, and advance innovative care models.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=FFB95124-F789-4360-8B8E-249CA251CBF6", "Fischer Leads Nebraska Delegation in Support of America\u2019s First Transcontinental Railroad", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE) led the entire Nebraska congressional delegation in a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, urging approval of the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern in order to create the nation\u2019s first transcontinental railroad.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers underscore the merger\u2019s widespread support among labor unions and rail customers across key industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. Due to Nebraska\u2019s central location, the state serves as a vital freight-rail corridor and ranks among the top five in the nation for freight-rail employment. Since 1862, Union Pacific has been headquartered in Omaha and currently employs more than 5,000 individuals across the state, contributing millions of dollars to Nebraska\u2019s economy each year.\n\nFull text of the letter is here and below.\n\nDear Chairman Fuchs, Vice Chair Schultz, and Member Hedlund:\n\nWe write in support of the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. We trust that, after a thorough review, the Board will approve this merger, bringing about the nation\u2019s first transcontinental railroad.\n\nAs the Board conducts its review, we believe the benefits associated with the new transcontinental railroad will demonstrate that this merger will enhance competition and provide value to the public. The reduced interchange delays will result in decreased transit times and increased service reliability. The new routes and expanded intermodal service also provide significant new opportunities for shippers. Furthermore, the limited overlap in existing networks of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern results in only a handful of shippers seeing service decreased from two freight rail carriers to one, and we trust Union Pacific will take the necessary action to ensure continued competition for their service. We are also encouraged by Union Pacific\u2019s commitment to maintain gateway access and address associated gateway pricing.\n\nNotably, the proposed merger has received the early support of multiple labor unions, including SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the largest union in the country. Additionally, rail customers across key industries \u2014 including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy \u2014 have voiced their support, citing improved market access, greater operational flexibility, and faster, more reliable service.\n\nWe support the merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern and look forward to the opportunities generated by our nation\u2019s first truly transcontinental railroad. As you complete your review, we are confident you will find that the proposed merger serves the public interest and strengthens competition nationwide. Thank you all for your attention to this letter and for your service at the Surface Transportation Board.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/12/fischer-leads-nebraska-delegation-in-support-of-america-s-first-transcontinental-railroad", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=488FE2E7-2D9D-4F4C-BF68-4741A8396AF2", "Fischer Celebrates Announcement of American Airlines Flights to Lincoln Airport", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement after American Airlines announced they will expand its service to the Lincoln Airport:\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see American Airlines announce new service at the Lincoln Airport, including year-round service to Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago and seasonal service to Phoenix. This expansion underscores LNK as a driver of Nebraska\u2019s economic growth and a vital transportation hub that connects Nebraskans to opportunity, commerce, and destinations nationwide.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/12/fischer-celebrates-announcement-of-american-airlines-flights-to-lincoln-airport", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=73823F73-6E45-447F-89D5-11B27A876485", "Fischer Reintroduces Bill to Support Ag Haulers", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE) reintroduced the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act to strengthen the transportation of America\u2019s agricultural products.\n\n\u201cNebraska\u2019s farmers and ranchers feed and fuel our world, but burdensome regulations make it harder for their goods to be transported. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve introduced the HAULS Act to ensure that Nebraska\u2019s ag products reach consumers in a safe and timely manner,\u201d Fischer said.\n\nThe HAULS Act would:\n\nEliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service (HOS) exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons.\n\nAmend and clarify the definition of \u201cagricultural commodities\u201d based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations.\n\nExpands on Fischer provision signed into law by authorizing a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag commodity haulers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-signing-of-defense-bill-into-law/", "Ricketts Celebrates Signing of Defense Bill into Law", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "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) recognized President Trump\u2019s signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. The NDAA authorizes funding levels and authorities for the U.S. military. This ensures American forces have the tools they need to carry out their missions.\n\n\u201cThe United States must deter Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cBy restoring peace through strength, this NDAA will help us deter our adversaries and keep Americans safe. The NDAA also delivers for Nebraska. It authorizes key funding to provide our servicemembers with the capabilities needed to keep Nebraskans safe. I appreciate Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Don Bacon\u2019s leadership on the Armed Services Committees. Together, we\u2019re ensuring our military has what it needs to defend us.\u201d\n\nNebraska-Specific Wins:\n\nRequires the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program to begin being fielded by Sept. 30, 2033;\n\nAuthorizes $11 million to support the Nuclear Command, Control, Communications (NC3) Network Sensor Demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base;\n\nAuthorizes $15 million to support the innovative NC3 Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub program, or REACH, at Offutt Air Force Base;\n\nAuthorizes $40 million for the design of hangars and other facilities for the Survivable Airborne Operation Center (SAOC), which will replace the aging E-4B Nightwatch planes at Offutt Air Force Base;\n\nCodifies a requirement for deep cleaning of ICBM launch control centers every five years;\n\nDesignates STRATCOM\u2019s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO) office as the lead entity for coordinating testing and evaluation of joint employment of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technologies;\n\nDirects a report on the 557th Weather Wing\u2019s cloud migration, AI readiness, and infrastructure modernization roadmap;\n\nCodifies the 557th Weather Wing\u2019s authorities to provide meteorological and environmental services to the Intelligence Community;\n\nRequires CFIUS to report on real estate transactions of national security threats, which helps to target Communist China\u2019s malign activities in the U.S. and near critical military sites across the nation.\n\nWins in the NDAA:\n\nAuthorizes $900.6 billion for national defense next year;\n\nGives a 3.8% pay raise to our servicemembers;\n\nAuthorizes over $4 billion in funding for modernizing our nuclear triad, including the Sentinel ICBM program;\n\nIncludes the Ricketts-sponsored AUKUS Improvement Act, which streamlines defense industrial base collaboration and co-production between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom;\n\nIncludes the Ricketts-supported COUNTER Act, which combats Communist China\u2019s attempts to strengthen its global reach through military expansion;\n\nIncluded in the NDAA joint explanatory statement are elements of Senator Ricketts\u2019 THINK TWICE Act, including a requirement for a strategy and report on arms sales of the People\u2019s Republic of China.\n\nRicketts\u2019AUKUS Improvement Act:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=459A0C31-BF64-49E9-98AA-88114C9E8FD4", "Fischer, Colleagues Request FCC Briefing on Universal Service Fund", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "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 (R-NE) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), and U.S. Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC9) and Doris Matsui (D-CA7), sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting a briefing to provide insight on the implementation of Congress\u2019 universal service directives and help inform the Working Group\u2019s leadership to modernize the Fund.\n\nFischer, Luj\u00e1n, Hudson, and Matsui announced the reconstitution of the Universal Service Fund Working Group in June.\n\nFull text of the letter is here and below.\n\nDear Chairman Carr, Commissioner Gomez, and Commissioner Trusty:\n\nThe bicameral, bipartisan Universal Service Fund Working Group continues to consider next steps on modernizing, strengthening, and sustaining universal service. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers\u2019 Research decision that upheld the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund (USF) this past summer, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives have been hard at work discussing how best to update the USF programs. It is more essential than ever that we stay aligned on ensuring that the enduring mission of universal service will be fulfilled in the 21st century.\n\nThis fall, our USF Working Group fielded a new slate of comments from a variety of stakeholders on possible reforms to USF programs, and the Working Group is actively reviewing those recommendations. We take this responsibility seriously, recognizing the vital role that USF programs play in ensuring that households, schools, libraries, health care providers, and rural communities across the nation have access to essential communications services.\n\nAs Congress weighs and debates options to reform the USF, the Commission has valuable insights on the implementation of Congress\u2019 universal service directives. Given ongoing discussions about the Fund\u2019s stability, contribution methodology, and long-term policy direction, it is important for our offices to receive updated information directly from Commission staff.\n\nSpecifically, we request a staff-level briefing covering:\n\nThe most recent program outlays and cost projections across each USF program;\n\nAssessment of the USF contribution factor and recent fluctuations;\n\nRulemakings or reforms of USF programs under consideration by the Commission; and\n\nAny administrative challenges, program integrity concerns, or operational updates pertinent to congressional oversight of the Fund.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=AC9D2FDC-4F04-4206-8992-EE865AC42A8A", "To President\u2019s Desk: Annual Defense Bill with Provisions Championed by Fischer for Nebraska", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "FY26 NDAA includes Fischer\u2019s provisions to enhance strategic preparedness, support service members, and invest in U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nU.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-coons-lead-resolution-in-support-of-japan-condemns-communist-chinas-bullying/", "Ricketts, Coons\u00a0Lead Resolution in Support of Japan,\u00a0Condemns Communist China\u2019s Bullying", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "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 (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asia Subcommittee, introduced a resolution to reaffirm the Trump Administration\u2019s unwavering support for the U.S.-Japan alliance. The resolution was introduced in response to Communist China\u2019s political, economic, and military pressure on Japan. Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) co-sponsored this resolution.\n\n\u201cThe United States will always stand strong with Japan,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cSince 1951, our alliance has served as the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Communist China\u2019s efforts to intimidate Japan \u2014 including economic coercion and the suggestion of beheading Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi \u2014 are unacceptable. We condemn Communist China\u2019s aggression. America is united behind our ally.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-recaps-2025-a-year-of-delivering-wins-for-nebraskans/", "Ricketts Recaps 2025, A Year of Delivering Wins for Nebraskans", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "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) highlighted successes in 2025, delivering wins for Nebraskans with safer streets, more money in pockets, and excellent customer service.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also proud of the legislative successes we achieved this year. We passed the Working Families Tax Cut, which delivered big wins for Nebraska families. This avoided a $2,400 tax increase on the average Nebraska family,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cIt expanded child tax credits and tax credits for dependent care. It incentivizes businesses to invest in childcare for their workers. It increased the standard deduction while letting donations be itemized. It includes the no tax on tips and no tax on overtime provisions. We made the Death Tax exemption permanent, so Nebraska farming and ranching families can pass their business to the next generation. The Working Families Tax Cut means 88% of seniors won\u2019t have to pay income taxes on their Social Security benefits.\u201d\n\n\u201c[M]y team and I delivered excellent customer service to Nebraskans. We helped 883 Nebraskans navigate federal agencies. We cut through the red tape,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cWe helped Nebraskans save or recover $16.4 million this year. My constituent services team held 736 outreach events in Nebraska this year. This includes Mobile Office Hours in all 93 counties.\u201d\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cAmericans elected President Trump and Senate Republicans to get our country back on track.\n\n\u201cThat means safer streets, more money in your pocket, and excellent customer service.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud of the work we did this year.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re delivering for Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cI continue to do what I did as Governor.\n\n\u201cI travel the state, talk to people, and listen to their concerns.\n\n\u201cThis year, I held public events across the state.\n\n\u201cThis included townhall meetings in Central and Western Nebraska.\n\n\u201cI hosted regular telephone townhalls to answer questions directly from Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cI hosted a Federal Issues Forum at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.\n\n\u201cEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso joined me at the Forum.\n\n\u201cWe discussed solutions to get America back on track.\n\n\u201cI also released the \u201cRicketts Review\u201d at the State Fair.\n\n\u201cThis report outlined my work to keep Americans safe, make government work, and deliver proven Nebraska solutions that are ready for America.\n\n\u201cI released 52 weekly columns.\n\n\u201cI did 100 exclusive interviews that were seen and heard across our state.\n\n\u201cI will continue this outreach in 2026.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also proud of the legislative successes we achieved this year.\n\n\u201cWe passed the Working Families Tax Cut, which delivered big wins for Nebraska families.\n\n\u201cThis avoided a $2,400 tax increase on the average Nebraska family.\n\n\u201cIt expanded child tax credits and tax credits for dependent care.\n\n\u201cIt incentivizes businesses to invest in childcare for their workers.\n\n\u201cIt increased the standard deduction while letting donations be itemized.\n\n\u201cIt includes the no tax on tips and no tax on overtime provisions.\n\n\u201cWe made the Death Tax exemption permanent, so Nebraska farming and ranching families can pass their business to the next generation\n\n\u201cThe Working Families Tax Cut means 88% of seniors won\u2019t have to pay income taxes on their Social Security benefits.\n\n\u201cWe also created a $50 billion rural health care fund to strengthen health care in our rural communities.\n\n\u201cThe Working Families Tax Cut delivers for Nebraska families.\n\n\u201cThe Working Families Tax Cut provides funding to finish the border wall, hire more agents and more judges.\n\n\u201cWe passed the Laken Riley Act.\n\n\u201cThis was the strongest immigration enforcement law in decades.\n\n\u201cIt closed dangerous loopholes that allowed criminal illegal aliens to hurt Americans.\n\n\u201cWe passed the HALT Fentanyl Act.\n\n\u201cThe HALT Fentanyl Act permanently reclassifies fentanyl and its analogues as Schedule I substances.\n\n\u201cIt will lead to harsher sentences for fentanyl traffickers and fewer overdose deaths.\n\n\u201cWe worked to cut red tape and restore commonsense.\n\n\u201cWe passed the GENIUS Act to support financial innovation.\n\n\u201cWe passed $9 billion in spending cuts.\n\n\u201cWe passed 24 Congressional Review Act resolutions to overturn burdensome Biden regulations, including stopping Biden\u2019s EV mandate.\n\n\u201cThis includes legislation I wrote with Rep. Mike Flood to overturn overreach from the Biden Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.\n\n\u201cAt the same time, we overcame unprecedented Democrat obstruction and confirmed President Trump\u2019s nominees.\n\n\u201cWe confirmed more than 400 civilian nominees this year.\n\n\u201cWe confirmed President Trump\u2019s Cabinet at the fastest pace since 2001.\n\n\u201cWe had more days in session and took more votes than any Senate in at least 35 years.\n\n\u201cMost Americans show up to work until the job gets done.\n\n\u201cIn Congresses past, that work ethic hasn\u2019t existed.\n\n\u201cUnder Republican leadership, the Senate is back to workback to work.\n\n\u201cIn addition, my team and I delivered excellent customer service to Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cWe helped 883 Nebraskans navigate federal agencies.\n\n\u201cWe cut through the red tape.\n\n\u201cWe helped Nebraskans save or recover $16.4 million this year.\n\n\u201cMy constituent services team held 736 outreach events in Nebraska this year.\n\n\u201cThis includes Mobile Office Hours in all 93 counties.\n\n\u201cWe will continue providing great services to Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cWe delivered for Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cMy priorities remain the same.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m working with my team to ensure your voices are heard.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m working to address your concerns.\n\n\u201cWe are delivering for Nebraskans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6CBD661A-4312-4390-9B43-A31884E8235A", "Fischer Leads Nebraska Delegation to Maximize Retention of State\u2019s Broadband Infrastructure Funds", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE) led the entire Nebraska congressional delegation in a letter to the National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA), urging the administration to allow states to retain Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds that are not already committed to broadband deployment in priority unserved or underserved areas, in compliance with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers highlight the importance precision agriculture plays in farming and ranching operations and urge NTIA to clarify that precision agriculture connectivity constitutes an eligible use of remaining BEAD non-deployment funds.\n\nFull text of the letter is here and below.\n\nDear Administrator Roth,\n\nOn behalf of Nebraska communities that continue to lack reliable, high-speed broadband access, we write to urge NTIA to allow states to retain BEAD Program funds that are not already committed to broadband deployment in priority unserved or underserved areas, in compliance with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).\n\nThe BIL authorizes the BEAD Program to fund broadband expansion across unserved and underserved areas, with a required prioritization of deployment to those areas and, as needed, connection of eligible community anchor institutions. The statutory allocation framework assumes that funds are first applied toward deployment, and only after those priorities are satisfied do remaining resources become available for alternative, \u201cnon-deployment\u201d uses.\n\nGiven this structure and the express purpose of BEAD as a historic investment to close the digital divide, we request clarification on how NTIA intends to ensure that non-deployment funds are reallocated appropriately to expand connectivity across the nation.\n\nIn this context, we urge NTIA to clarify that precision agriculture connectivity constitutes an eligible use of remaining BEAD non-deployment funds. The BIL defines eligible locations and permissible activities in ways that encompass broadband needed for agricultural operations on farmland and ranchland. The statute directs funding toward areas lacking service \u201ccapable of supporting real-time, interactive applications\u201d and emphasizes connectivity that enables \u201ceconomic development\u201d and \u201cmodern digital applications\u201d (47 U.S.C. \u00a7 1702(a), (c)(4)).\n\nPrecision agriculture operations \u2013 including field-level sensors, automated equipment guidance, telemetry, livestock monitoring, and real-time remote management \u2013 clearly fall within these parameters. They require reliable high-speed connectivity across the last acre, directly leveraging last mile deployment connections.\n\nThis approach aligns closely with the objectives reflected in the LAST ACRE Act (S.1617; H.R. 3212), as introduced by Senator Fischer and inspired by Nebraska\u2019s own Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program. The federal legislation has received bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress, seeking to ensure that agricultural producers have robust connectivity not just at the farmstead, but across the acreage where modern, data-driven operations occur.\n\nWhile this legislation is separate from the BIL, its underlying rationale is wholly consistent with BEAD\u2019s statutory purpose: to ensure that broadband infrastructure fosters economic competitiveness, technological adoption, and resilience, particularly in hard-to-reach rural economies.\n\nFor these reasons, we respectfully request that NTIA:\n\n1. Clarify whether states may direct unobligated BEAD funds toward connectivity that enables precision agriculture applications, including deployment extensions beyond residential structures to operational acreage;\n\n2. Affirm that precision-ag connectivity falls within BIL-authorized activities supporting broadband adoption, economic development, and advanced digital applications;\n\n3. Provide guidance for states on documenting and approving such uses, especially in areas where household-level broadband availability maps do not capture agricultural operational needs, and including where the challenge process in the LAST ACRE Act may provide a viable alternative; and\n\n4. Outline the process by which any remaining BEAD funds should be applied or reallocated, consistent with BIL statutory requirements and Congressional intent.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=99D2C89A-72DC-4071-925A-DCA2E7C8F261", "Fischer Leads Colleagues to Preserve States\u2019 Ability to Use Broadband Infrastructure Funds as Congress Intended", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE) sent a letter to Arielle Roth, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), urging the administration to preserve states\u2019 ability to use their non-deployment Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds consistent with congressional intent and the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\nFischer\u2019s letter also requests NTIA to provide a public accounting of unspent BEAD funds for each state, clarification of NTIA\u2019s current interpretation of allowable \u201cnon-deployment\u201d uses, and a timetable for revised guidance on non-deployment funds.\n\nU.S. Senators Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Moran (R-KS), Cantwell (D-WA), Risch (R-ID), Rosen (D-NV), Crapo (R-ID), Shaheen (D-NH), Sullivan (R-AK), Markey (D-MA), Murkowski (R-AK), Baldwin (D-WI), Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Klobuchar (D-MN) joined Fischer in sending the letter.\n\nThe lawmakers write:\u201cWe write to request the agency\u2019s attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program. Under the latest BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity, many states likely will \u2014 or already do \u2014 have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access nationwide, we respectfully seek clarity on how NTIA will ensure proper stewardship and redistribution of non-deployment funds to close the digital divide.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is here and below.\n\nDear Administrator Roth,\n\nWe write to request the agency\u2019s attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program. Under the latest BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity, many states likely will \u2014 or already do \u2014 have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access nationwide, we respectfully seek clarity on how NTIA will ensure proper stewardship and redistribution of non-deployment funds to close the digital divide.\n\nUnder the statutory framework established by Section 60102 of the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (47 U.S.C. \u00a7 1702), BEAD funding was intended first and foremost to fund broadband expansion: deployment to unserved locations, then underserved areas and connection of eligible community anchor institutions, before consideration of a broader set of permissible \u201cnon-deployment\u201d uses to facilitate goals of the program. Congress granted this authority, along with the authority to redistribute unallocated funding amongst eligible entities, to maximize broadband infrastructure expansion \u2013 and thereby boost the economic productivity that connectivity brings to every corner of our country.\n\nThe current status of non-deployment funding, however, appears unsettled. While NTIA\u2019s recent guidance stated that allowable non-deployment purposes were still under review, we were encouraged by your public comments on December 2, 2025, stating that the agency is \u201coperating under the assumption that the states will get to use their BEAD savings,\u201d though noting that \u201cnothing has been finalized.\u201d\n\nGiven these considerations, we respectfully request that NTIA provide:\n\n1. A public accounting of the unspent BEAD funds for each state, including amounts already committed to deployment projects and amounts remaining unallocated or reserved for non-deployment uses;\n\n2. Clarification of NTIA\u2019s current interpretation of allowable \u201cnon-deployment\u201d uses in light of the June 2025 policy notice and consistent with authorized use of the funds under 47 U.S.C. \u00a7 1702 moving forward, and whether any previously approved non-deployment activities may remain eligible; and\n\n3. A timetable for revised guidance on non-deployment funds, along with any criteria or conditions under which non-deployment programs will be permitted or prioritized.\n\nIn responding, we strongly urge NTIA to preserve states\u2019 ability to use their non-deployment BEAD funds consistent with congressional intent and the bipartisan infrastructure law. We look forward to your timely reply and to ensuring that every BEAD dollar is used to connect Americans for generations to come, as Congress intended.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/12/fischer-leads-colleagues-to-preserve-states-ability-to-use-broadband-infrastructure-funds-as-congress-intended", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=94710FA4-284B-4FD6-BE12-82C5833EE4C6", "PHOTOS: Fischer Views OPD Helicopter Secured Through Senate Appropriations Committee Role", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Omaha Police Department\u2019s hangar, located in Blair, last week to see firsthand the department\u2019s upgraded air support,made possible by federal funding she secured in 2024.\n\nClick here to download photos of Fischer\u2019s visit.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-committee-witness-speak-on-importance-of-nebraskas-sentinel-missile-program/", "VIDEO: Ricketts, Committee Witness Speak on Importance of Nebraska\u2019s Sentinel Missile Program", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "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 Last week, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted the need to modernize America\u2019s nuclear deterrent by supporting the new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)program. Sentinel, which will be based partially in Nebraska, will replace the aging Minuteman III ICBMs.\n\nRicketts questioned Marshall Billingslea, Senior Fellow at Hudson Institute and former Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control at the State Department. They discussed the importance of deterring the strategic threat posed by Communist China and Russia.\n\n\u201cHow do you get the Russians and the Chinese, given that the Chinese want to get to [nuclear weapons] parity with us \u2026 to the table?\u201d asked Ricketts. \u201c[Would replacing] the Minuteman III with the Sentinel \u2014 which again is partially based in Nebraska \u2014 is that something we need to continue to pursue? And what\u2019s the dangers if we delay the recapitalization of our nuclear forces?\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have deferred modernization of our nuclear weapons to the point where we are now at grave risk,\u201d responded Billingslea. \u201cWe have a just-in-time delivery approach to rapidly aging systems that we can\u2019t allow to slip further. So, the cost overruns with Sentinel are worrying, but we can\u2019t life extend the Minuteman III past a certain point. And it\u2019s vital now that we get on with this.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CB1D9F40-8C9E-4199-827F-0704807344E7", "Fischer in Washington Times: Modernize the U.S. Nuclear Deterrent", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "In case you missed it: U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, penned an op-ed in theWashington Times emphasizing the urgent need for Congress to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to modernize our nuclear deterrent.\n\nRead the op-ed here or below.\n\nAt a time of rising global instability, Congress faces a defining choice: whether to remain complacent or strengthen and accelerate modernization of America\u2019s nuclear deterrent.\n\nOur adversaries have been preparing, investing and testing all this while. As we near the end of the year, Congress\u2019 top priority should be passing a National Defense Authorization Act that modernizes our deterrent. That is how we continue to ensure peace through strength.\n\nThe world we live in today is the most dangerous since the end of World War II. China is accelerating its military buildup across the Indo-Pacific. Russia\u2019s brutal invasion of Ukraine continues. North Korea has become increasingly provocative with its missile tests. Iran seeks to develop its own nuclear weapons. Together, these four regimes form an axis of aggression united in their desire to undermine American leadership and the free world.\n\nThat reality makes modernizing our nuclear deterrent not a matter of choice but of survival. This year\u2019s NDAA rises to this challenge, with key provisions that will ensure our deterrent remains credible, effective and relevant. My focus remains on swiftly delivering a strong, unified NDAA to the president\u2019s desk before the end of the year.\n\nAs chair of the Senate Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee, I worked to secure several critical measures in the Senate version of the NDAA. This includes upgrading the National Nuclear Security Administration\u2019s aging infrastructure and refocusing the Nuclear Weapons Council to better oversee nuclear weapons and delivery systems. It requires the deployment of at least 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles across no fewer than 450 launch facilities \u2014 the bedrock of our deterrent.\n\nIt authorizes more than $3.8 billion for the Sentinel ICBM program and requires a sustainment strategy for our aging Minuteman III ICBMs, which must remain capable for years to come.\n\nIn addition to the land-based leg of our nuclear triad, this bill boosts the triad\u2019s sea and air legs. It accelerates the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile program, bolstering our long-neglected regional nuclear deterrence options. The NDAA directs the Air Force to submit a comprehensive bomber road map and lines up the schedule for when the new stealth bomber will be formally cleared to operate with the AGM-181 cruise missile.\n\nIt also supports the new Survivable Air Operations Center aircraft, from which the president will be able to command, control and communicate with our nuclear forces under any circumstance.\n\nThese investments send a clear message to our adversaries: America\u2019s nuclear deterrent is ready and formidable. In the face of overwhelming force, they will continue to think twice and conclude: \u201cNot today.\u201d\n\nCritics may argue that nuclear modernization is costly, but the far greater cost would be failing to deter aggression and allowing hostile powers to gamble that American defenses are insufficient or unreliable. A strong nuclear deterrent is the ultimate insurance policy \u2014 the guarantee that no adversary can risk attacking the United States or its allies without catastrophic consequences.\n\nBeyond the technical details, this bill speaks to a larger truth. Our adversaries are working together to weaken America. We cannot afford to respond with hesitation or half measures. Nor can we afford to continue to delay the modernization of these capabilities. This year\u2019s NDAA ensures that our forces remain second to none, that our nuclear deterrent can pace any threat, and that peace is preserved through strength.\n\nCongress must enact these provisions in the fiscal year 2026 NDAA. The stakes are too high for delay. At this critical moment, we owe it to the American people and to future generations to ensure that the arsenal of democracy remains ready, reliable and strong.\n\nDeb Fischer, a Republican, is the senior U.S. senator from Nebraska. She is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairs its subcommittee on strategic forces. She represents Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, Nebraska, home to the U.S. Strategic Command, which integrates and coordinates the necessary command and control capability to provide support with the most accurate and timely information for the executive branch and other combatant commanders.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=19891441-18CC-4696-8DB5-E40E57A165F0", "Fischer Votes for Health Care Freedom for Patients Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE) voted in favor of the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, which will help lower the cost of health care and give patients the resources to control their own health care decisions.\n\n\u201cToday I voted for the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act to lower costs by putting money directly into Americans\u2019 pockets. Senate Democrats refused to join us, choosing to preserve a failed system that sends billions in taxpayer dollars to insurance companies, not the people. These expanded COVID-era Obamacare subsidies were meant for a pandemic that ended years ago; continuing them without reform is unacceptable. Federal support should go directly to families \u2014 not enrich insurance companies. My priority is giving Americans the freedom to choose the care that works best for them, and I urge Democrats to meet us at the table to get this done,\u201d Fischer said.\n\nHealth Care Freedom for Patients Act:\n\nSends money to patients, not insurance companies;\n\nLowers insurance premiums by funding cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments;\n\nEmpowers Americans to choose the insurance plan that fits their needs by increasing access to low-cost catastrophic plans; and\n\nPrevents illegal immigrants from accessing Medicaid by requiring states to verify citizenship and immigration status before coverage.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-hassan-introduce-the-improving-measurements-for-loneliness-and-isolation-act/", "Ricketts, Hassan Introduce the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "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 (R-NE) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act, legislation that would create a federal working group to standardize how loneliness and social isolation are measured nationwide.\n\n\u201cNo Nebraskan should feel alone during the holidays, or any time of year,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cFamilies are more spread out. Digital connections can\u2019t replace face-to-face relationships. This legislation will give us the tools to better understand loneliness and strengthen communities. Every Nebraskan and American should feel supported.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans should have support as they face challenges such as loneliness and isolation, which can have devastating impacts on mental wellbeing,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cThis bill will help to bring uniformity to reporting measurements for loneliness and isolation so we can ensure that the federal government is best informed and individuals are able to get the support that they need.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAmericans of all ages are becoming more isolated and disconnected\u2014posing increased threats to their mental and physical health. Over four decades of research has produced robust evidence that loneliness and isolation are associated with a significantly heightened risk for early death from all causes. Furthermore, the negative health outcomes associated with loneliness and isolation can contribute to preventable healthcare costs.\n\nTo address this challenge, the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act calls on the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a working group of experts and stakeholders to provide recommendations for standardizing the measurements and definitions of loneliness and isolation\u2014unifying private and public efforts to study, understand, and combat them.\n\nCongressman Mike Flood (R-NE) and Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) led this legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-highlights-efforts-to-address-loneliness-and-isolation-in-nebraska/", "Ricketts Highlights Efforts to Address Loneliness and Isolation in Nebraska", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "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 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted his ongoing efforts to address loneliness and isolation ahead of introducing the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act this week.\n\n\u201cNo Nebraskan should feel alone this holiday season. Yet, about a third of Nebraskans report feeling lonely at some point throughout the year,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cAs I travel the state, I hear stories of Nebraskans who feel like they\u2019re losing connections to their communities. That\u2019s why I am introducing the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act. We must recognize and address loneliness in America.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to address loneliness. Like any other policy issue, we need to know what to measure in order to tackle the problem and improve lives. We must invest resources to improve measurements to target social isolation,\u201d continued Senator Ricketts. \u201cOnly then can we implement common-sense policy to address loneliness.\u201d\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nThis comes as reports show about a third of Nebraskans report feeling lonely at some point throughout the year and more than 40% of people over age 60 said they felt lonely.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cThank you all for joining this press call today.\n\n\u201cThe holidays are a special time in Nebraska.\n\n\u201cWe volunteer to serve our communities, families and friends spend more time together, but for too many Nebraskans, the holidays can be lonely.\n\n\u201cFamilies are increasingly spread apart. I know that\u2019s true for my family.\n\n\u201cDigital connections are good, but it\u2019s not the same thing as being there in person.\n\n\u201cNebraskans of all ages are becoming more isolated as a result.\n\n\u201cNo Nebraskans should feel alone this holiday season.\n\n\u201cYet, about a third of Nebraskans report feeling lonely at some point throughout the year.\n\n\u201cAs I travel the state, I hear stories of Nebraskans who feel like they\u2019re losing connections to their communities.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why I recently introduced the improving measurements for loneliness and isolation act.\n\n\u201cWe must recognize and address loneliness in America across Nebraska mental health care providers are hard at work to address the growing problem of loneliness.\n\n\u201cLoneliness occurs in both our rural and urban communities. Seniors are more vulnerable.\n\n\u201cThe National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and medicine reports loneliness and isolation in older adults are strongly associated with greater incidences of morbidity, that includes cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, a decreased quality of life and early death.\n\n\u201cA report from February 2020 found that about a quarter of seniors were socially isolated. More than 40% of people over the age of 60 said they felt lonely.\n\n\u201cThe COVID pandemic exacerbated many of these problems one size fit all policies from the federal government didn\u2019t help.\n\n\u201cLoneliness does not just affect Nebraska seniors, however.\n\n\u201cA study conducted by the University of Nebraska Lincoln found that 21% of young Nebraskans feel lonely to from some or to all the time.\n\n\u201cAnother 24% reported feeling lonely a little bit of the time.\n\n\u201cThese numbers are way too high. It\u2019s time to address loneliness like any other policy issue, we need to know what measure, what to measure in order to tackle the problem and improve lives.\n\n\u201cWe must invest resources to improve measurements to target social isolation.\n\n\u201cOnly then can we implement common sense policy to address loneliness.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why I will be introducing the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a bipartisan bill that I\u2019m leading with Senator Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire.\n\n\u201cRepresentative Mike Flood introduced the companion bill in the House.\n\n\u201cThis bill would establish a working group that standardizes the measurements of loneliness and isolation.\n\n\u201cThis will allow us, allow experts to target the root causes of loneliness.\n\n\u201cAddressing these factors is essential for what for the well-being of Nebraska communities.\n\n\u201cThis holiday season, remember to reach out to those who might be isolated.\n\n\u201cEncourage them to join your holiday festivities.\n\n\u201cAt our last Thanksgiving gathering, we had 89 people.\n\n\u201cWe invited people who didn\u2019t have any other plans.\n\n\u201cI encourage people to do the same.\n\n\u201cReach out to others and bring them with you as you volunteer with charities or churches or schools.\n\n\u201cNebraska nice is not just a phrase.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s defined by how Nebraskans lift up one another.\n\n\u201cFederal mandates alone will not solve loneliness.\n\n\u201cIn fact, it\u2019s just the opposite.\n\n\u201cWe can do a lot at the federal level, but at the end of the day, strong communities will help lift people out of loneliness and isolation.\n\n\u201cNebraska is what America is supposed to be.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s lead by example and support every Nebraskan this season.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-releases-statement-on-health-care-votes/", "Ricketts Releases Statement on Health Care Votes", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "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 after voting for a healthcare proposal led by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID):\n\n\u201cFrom the beginning, Obamacare has been broken promise after broken promise. Nebraskans couldn\u2019t keep their doctor. Premiums have more than tripled since 2013. Biden\u2019s COVID bonuses fueled massive waste, fraud, and abuse. Despite the misguided \u201cfixes\u201d, healthcare costs continued to grow. The Democrats\u2019 \u2018plan\u2019 of throwing more money at a broken system will only make these problems worse.\n\n\u201cThe Republican plan gives money to people, not insurance companies. It includes common-sense reforms to lower healthcare costs and combat waste, fraud, and abuse. It builds on the successes of the \u2018Working Families Tax Cuts Act\u2019, which expanded access to health savings accounts. These solutions allow people choice and will improve healthcare access and affordability for Nebraskans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=DDB8B859-FDEC-4FA0-B48E-BB89047E6484", "Fischer Joins Colleagues in Calling for Repeal of Harmful Biden-Era Housing Regulation", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE) sent a letter with her colleagues, led by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William \u201cBill\u201d Pulte calling for the repeal of a Biden-era guidance that would prohibit actual cash value (ACV) homeowners insurance policies for federally-backed mortgages.\n\nIn 2024, at the direction of Biden\u2019s FHFA, new policy from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae required replacement cost value (RCV) homeowners insurance coverage nationwide. This one-size-fits-all approach ignores the reality of America\u2019s diverse housing market and would make homeownership more unaffordable, especially in rural communities where appraisals frequently fall below replacement cost.\n\nThe letter began: \u201cAs Senators representing states with rural communities, we are particularly focused on ensuring the availability of effective and diverse options in the homeowners insurance market. Recent Enterprise Seller/Servicer requirements would impose a one-size-fits-all insurance standard that does not reflect our states\u2019 markets. This is why we are respectfully urging you to fully rescind these requirements.\u201d\n\nThe letter stated: \u201cAs you know, Fannie Mae issued an update to Selling Guide B7-3-02, \u201cProperty Insurance Requirements for One-to Four-Unit Properties,\u201d on February 7, 2024. There is parallel guidance from Freddie Mac issued in February, 2024 and May, 2024. Guidance from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae (the Enterprises), at FHFA\u2019s direction in the last Biden administration, would formally prohibit Actual Cash Value (ACV) insurance policies for loans acquired or guaranteed by the Enterprises. This would mandate the most expensive Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage for Enterprise-eligible single-family mortgages nationwide. This generates significant challenges for the families we represent.\u201d\n\nThe letter continued: \u201cRCV coverage pays the amount needed to repair or replace damaged property, with no deduction for depreciation-related factors. A roof with significant wear, for example, is treated as a new roof for the purposes of RCV insurance. But in our states, housing markets and would-be homebuyers are diverse, not uniform. Homes in our states have striking differences in age, value, weather exposure, and even appraised valuations that fall under or soar over reconstruction costs. For some of these homes and homeowners, ACV insurance is a far more appropriate coverage at a preferable cost point. Prohibiting ACV insurance then gives consumers fewer options, leaving them with higher premiums and insurance policies that may not fit what it insures; in turn this will drive many of our constituents out of the Enterprises\u2019 eligible mortgage market entirely.\u201d\n\nThe letter concluded: \u201cWe believe consumers should have access to a range of insurance products that reflect their needs, circumstances, and local markets. By mandating only one product type nationwide, the Enterprises limit consumer choice, reduce competition, and impose higher costs on borrowers, particularly those in rural America. We understand that this is guidance that your administration inherited.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nThe letter was co-signed by: Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Katie Britt R-AL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jon Husted (R-OH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Todd Young (R-IN), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Jim Banks (R-IN).\n\nThis letter is supported by: National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Independent Agents & Brokers of America, and the Farm Bureaus of multiple states.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/12/fischer-joins-colleagues-in-calling-for-repeal-of-harmful-biden-era-housing-regulation", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=0951F293-ADCF-4631-8A3A-F22FC49A9D83", "ICYMI: Fischer Joins RFD-TV to Talk USDA Farm Aid, E15", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Highlights White House ag roundtable, important role year-round E15 plays in solidifying President Trump\u2019s America First legacy in the ag & energy industry\n\nClick the image above to watch Fischer\u2019s full interview\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined RFD-TV to discuss the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s farm assistance package and President Trump\u2019s continued efforts to support America\u2019s ag producers.\n\nDuring the interview, Fischer highlighted the vital role her Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act will play in making year-round E15 a reality and establishing President Trump\u2019s America First legacy amongst the ag industry.\n\nOn Solidifying Trump\u2019s America First Agenda for Ag Producers:\n\nFischer: We always want to be positive about the economy. And I think as long as we can get year-round E15, have that available, that opens a huge market, and those trade deals, you know, that's what's important here. And the President realizes that.\n\nAs I said, this is going to solidify his America First legacy among ag producers, to be able to get these markets open, to be able to get that year-round sale of E15.\n\nOn Supporting America\u2019s Ag Producers:\n\nFischer: It's really welcome news for the farmers across the nation and in Nebraska too. We want to make sure that we can get the farm economy back on track. So, I was really fortunate to be at the roundtable yesterday.\n\nI applaud President Trump and thank Secretary Rollins for the great work that they have done in getting this farm assistance package done. It's $12 billion it's going to help with row crop assistance, about $11 billion will go to row crop assistance. That's really great news for our corn farmers and soybeans, sorghum and wheat.\n\nSo, looking forward to being able to get that assistance there as a bridge, to be able to help them as we work to continue to open markets, to get year-round sale of E15, that is huge for corn farmers especially. It's another 2.5 billion bushels a year that would have a market. So, there's a lot that the President and Secretary Rollins and all of us are looking forward to making sure that America first legacy is going to be there for America's agriculture.\n\nOn Producer Discussions at White House Ag Roundtable:\n\nFischer: I think they're just very grateful that this assistance is going to be there for them. As you know, of course, ag producers face a lot of risks out there that we have no control over. Whether it's weather, whether it's markets, a lot of things beyond our control. So to be able to bridge that gap that exists many times, we need to see this assistance there.\n\nBut again, I really want to stress that, you know, we're all very, very supportive of the President continuing to look for and make those good trade deals. We have to have markets. We have to have markets for our products. The world wants them, and we need to have the markets to provide them. I think we might be seeing some more news out of China. We'll see. I know the President's working hard there with President Xi to make sure that not just the agreements we have continue to be met, but also to look for some new as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E08378DB-39CA-43E8-9DE4-BE0FC8457518", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Back the Blue Act", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 34 Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, which would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.\n\n\u201cEvery day, our law enforcement officers step into danger to keep Nebraskans safe. Anyone who targets law enforcement should be brought to swift justice. That\u2019s why I joined my Republican colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, which holds criminals accountable and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate attacks on our brave men and women in blue,\u201d Fischer said.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nStrengthens Laws to Protect Police Officers\n\nCreates a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to the death penalty and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years if death results; the offender would otherwise face a minimum sentence of 10 years.\n\nCreates a new federal crime for assaulting a federally funded law enforcement officer with escalating penalties, including mandatory minimums, based on the extent of any injury and the use of a dangerous weapon. However, no prosecution can be commenced absent certification by the Attorney General that prosecution is appropriate.\n\nCreates a new federal crime for interstate flight from justice to avoid prosecution for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for this offense.\n\nCreates a Specific Aggravating Factor for Federal Death Penalty Prosecutions\n\nClarifies that the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or first responder is a statutory aggravating factor for purposes of the federal death penalty.\n\nLimits Federal Habeas Relief for Murders of Law Enforcement Officers\n\nImposes time limits and substantive limits on federal courts\u2019 review of challenges to state-court convictions for crimes involving the murder of a public safety officer, when the public safety officer was engaged in the performance of official duties or on account of the performance of official duties. These changes are consistent with the fast-track procedures created in 1996, which are applied to federal death penalty cases.\n\nLimits Recovery of Certain Damages and Fees for Individuals Engaged in Felonies\n\nLimits the type of civil damages and attorney\u2019s fees recoverable by a criminal as a result of purported injuries incurred during the commission of a felony or crime of violence.\n\nExpands Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights for Law Enforcement Officers\n\nAllows law enforcement officers, subject to limited regulation, to carry firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where such possession is otherwise prohibited.\n\nThis legislation\u2019s endorsements include the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD (SBA), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), and the National Narcotic Officers\u2019 Associations\u2019 Coalition (NNOAC).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=EF92ABBC-3169-4E5E-9F52-0FE4C0A60CB0", "ICYMI: Fischer Highlights Nuclear Deterrence, Missile Defense at Reagan National Defense Forum", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Fischer also joinedFox News Sunday to discuss national security challenges\n\nOver the weekend, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, participated in the 12th annual Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF), one of the nation\u2019s premier gatherings of national security leaders.\n\nAs Chair of the Senate Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Fischer served as a featured speaker on the panel \u201cDefending the Homeland: Establishing Superiority in Space and Missile Defense.\u201d Fischer detailed her work to strengthen our missile defense capabilities and support Golden Dome for America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=238B3B21-3BC9-4CA5-83EB-26F46980A97A", "Fischer Attends White House Ag Roundtable, Releases Statement on USDA Farm Aid Announcement", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "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-NE), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement afterattending today\u2019s White House agriculture roundtable where President Trump announced the U.S Department of Agriculture\u2019s farm assistance package:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s farm assistance package is welcome news as we work to get the farm economy back on track. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for stepping up to ensure that America\u2019s ag producers have the support they need to feed and fuel our world. I look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to expand trade opportunities that will create strong markets for Nebraska\u2019s ag products.\u201d\n\nFischer\u2019s colleagues, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND), were also in attendance at the roundtable.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/12/fischer-attends-white-house-ag-roundtable-releases-statement-on-usda-farm-aid-announcement", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-releases-statement-on-agricultural-relief-announcement/", "Ricketts Releases Statement on Agricultural Relief Announcement", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "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 in support of the Trump Administration\u2019s $12 billion relief package for American farmers:\n\n\u201cAgriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska. When agriculture does well, Nebraska does well. This relief provides temporary economic assistance while President Trump continues opening new markets for agricultural products. I encourage Nebraska farmers to work with USDA and their local Farm Service Agency office to ensure their eligibility for the program.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-coons-introduce-safe-chips-act/", "Ricketts, Coons Introduce SAFE Chips Act", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "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 (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asia subcommittee, led six senators in introducing the Secure and Feasible Exports (SAFE) of Chips Act of 2025. The bill codifies into law the Trump Administration\u2019s current limits on which advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) chips are allowed to be sold to Communist China.\n\n\u201cThe United States leads the AI race with Communist China due in large part to our dominance of global compute power,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cAt the core of compute are advanced AI chips. The best AI chips are made by American companies. Denying Beijing access to these AI chips is essential to our national security. Codifying President Trump\u2019s current AI chip limitations on Communist China secures this goal. It will allow U.S. chip companies to continue to rapidly innovate and widen our compute lead exponentially.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe rest of the 21st Century will be determined by who wins the AI race, and whether this technology is built on American values of free thought and free markets or the values of the Chinese Communist Party,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cAs China races to close our lead in AI, we cannot give them the technological keys to our future through advanced semiconductor chips. This bipartisan bill will protect America\u2019s advantage in computing power so that the world\u2019s most next generation AI models are built at home by American companies, and the world\u2019s infrastructure is built on the American tech stack.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s crucial that we protect American AI innovation from Communist China to win the AI race,\u201d said Senator Cotton. \u201cOur bill will codify current administration policy and keep our most advanced technology out of the hands of America\u2019s adversaries.\u201d\n\n\u201cPermitting the sale of advanced chips to Beijing and other adversaries would be tantamount to surrendering a vital U.S. advantage in a global competition for leadership in artificial intelligence \u2014 a competition central to our prosperity and national security interests,\u201d said Senator Shaheen. \u201cThis bipartisan bill sends a strong signal from Congress that the United States, in coordination with our closest allies and partners, must ensure that the defining technologies of the twenty-first century are led by democratic partners and not authoritarian regimes.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf America is going to maintain our strategic competitiveness and security, we need to enforce guardrails to ensure that our adversaries cannot obtain advanced technologies like high-performance chips only to use them against us,\u201d said Senator Kim. \u201cCongress must step up to bolster America\u2019s export control regime which is a critical tool in protecting our national security and technological edge.\u201d\n\nThe SAFE Chips Act of 2025would:\n\nDirect the Secretary of Commerce to deny export license applications for advanced chips to foreign adversary countries for a period not less than 30 months;\n\nAfter 30 months, the Executive Branch has discretion to update technical parameters as it sees fit;\n\nDefine Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, Russia, Iran, and the People\u2019s Republic of China, including Hong Kong and Macau, as Foreign Adversary Countries;\n\nDefine advanced integrated circuits as any chips more powerful than those currently licensed for export to foreign adversary countries;\n\nAnd direct the Department of Commerce to publish any proposed updates in the Federal Register that have been approved by a majority vote of the End-User Review Committee and to brief Congress 30 days before any proposed changes.\n\nBill text can be found here.\n\nCo-sponsors include Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe United States is in a zero-sum competition with Communist China for global AI leadership. AI is a general-purpose technology that will drive the next industrial and military revolution. Our national security requires that we prevent American technology \u2014 especially semiconductors and AI \u2014 from supporting Communist China\u2019s military modernization. U.S. economic security requires that the U.S. win the race to deploy our full AI tech stack around the world. Communist China views AI as both an economic engine and a core element of its military modernization. Dictator Xi Jinping aims to become the global AI leader by 2030 through state planning, investment, and its Military-Civil Fusion strategy. However, Communist China is unable to produce the quality and quantity of AI chips it needs to compete. They rely on smuggling or legal exports of advanced chips from the U.S.\n\nSince the first Trump administration, the United States has imposed significant export controls on Communist China\u2019s semiconductor industry. The purpose of this policy is to maximize U.S. leadership in the computing capabilities that drive AI advances. Denying licenses for advanced semiconductors deprives foreign adversaries of access to computing resources that directly undermine U.S. economic prosperity and national security. This bill will keep the United States as the leader in the AI race.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-gallego-introduce-halos-act-to-strengthen-startups/", "Ricketts, Gallego\u00a0Introduce\u00a0HALOS Act\u00a0to Strengthen Startups", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "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 (R-NE) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act. The HALOS Act will make it easier for entrepreneurs to connect with investors and grow their businesses. These events encourage innovation. By supporting these events, investors will be better equipped to discover promising startups and entrepreneurs will be able to connect with a broader ecosystem.\n\n\u201cStartups drive American innovation,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cEntrepreneurs in the Silicon Prairie and across the country shouldn\u2019t be stifled by red tape when trying to share their ideas with investors. The HALOS Act cuts through unnecessary bureaucracy so that promising companies can attract the capital they need to grow, create good paying jobs, and help maintain America\u2019s technological edge.\u201d\n\n\u201cEntrepreneurs often attend demo days to share their ideas and attract investors, but confusing and outdated rules make it hard to do that without worrying about violating securities laws,\u201d said Gallego. \u201cBy cutting unnecessary red tape and clarifying the rules around demo days, we can make it easier for Arizona entrepreneurs grow their businesses, create jobs, and build a more diverse mix of small businesses and founders across our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cNVCA strongly supports the bipartisan HALOS Act, which removes unnecessary regulatory barriers that can complicate participation in Demo Days and hinder early engagement between entrepreneurs and investors,\u201d said Bobby Franklin, National Venture Capital Association President & CEO. \u201cBy clarifying that startups can discuss their products and business plans at these important events without triggering general solicitation concerns, the HALOS Act will help expedite capital access opportunities and strengthen the broader startup ecosystem in every corner of our country. We urge lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advance this measure that will help promote American innovation.\u201d\n\nThe HALOS Act would:\n\nClarify SEC rules to ensure that showcasing of products and ideas at \u201cdemo days,\u201d pitch competitions, and community economic development events are not treated as \u201cgeneral solicitation\u201d under federal securities law so long as:\n\nThe startup does not advertise investment terms;\n\nThe event sponsor does not offer investment advice, negotiate terms, or receive compensation for connecting issuers and investors.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-highlights-successful-efforts-to-secure-border-protect-nebraskans/", "Ricketts Highlights Successful Efforts to Secure Border, Protect Nebraskans", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "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 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted successes in securing the border and keeping Nebraskans safe.\n\n\u201cA nation is only as secure as its borders. Joe Biden\u2019s open border policies created a national security, humanitarian, and drug catastrophe,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cPresident Trump won re-election promising to secure the border. This year, that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019ve delivered: a secure border. President Trump and Senate Republicans are keeping Americans safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor six straight months, U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into our country. It\u2019s the first time in modern history that has happened,\u201d continued Ricketts. \u201cAverage daily border encounters are 95% lower than under Biden in 2024. This fiscal year, we\u2019ve seen fewer illegal border encounters than ever before. That\u2019s fantastic progress. Biden said he needed Congress to act. Turns out, we just needed a new President.\u201d\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nRicketts made the comments as Eswin Mejia, Sarah Root\u2019s killer, faced justice for his crimes. On Monday, Mejia pled no contest on one count of motor vehicle homicide \u2013 DUI. He also pled guilty for one count of failure to appear in court.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cA nation is only as secure as its borders.\n\n\u201cJoe Biden\u2019s open border policies created a national security, humanitarian, and drug catastrophe.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump won re-election promising to secure the border.\n\n\u201cThis year, that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019ve delivered: a secure border.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump and Senate Republicans are keeping Americans safe.\n\n\u201cUnder President Biden, there were 10 and a half million illegal border encounters.\n\n\u201cEvery state was a border state.\n\n\u201cOver 250 people on the FBI\u2019s terrorist watch list crossed into America.\n\n\u201cFentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18\u201345.\n\n\u201c76,000 pounds of fentanyl flowed across the open border.\n\n\u201c76,000 pounds of fentanyl is over 10 billion lethal doses.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s enough to kill every American 30 times over.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s failed border policies exacerbated the fentanyl crisis in this country.\n\n\u201cBiden\u2019s open border policies had deadly consequences across the country.\n\n\u201cNebraska was no exception.\n\n\u201cThey stole the young life of Nebraskan Taryn Lee Griffith.\n\n\u201cThis summer, authorities arrested two members of the violent MS-13 gang in Omaha.\n\n\u201cIn August, five people were arrested in Omaha for sex trafficking and human trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering.\n\n\u201cThey trafficked minors and illegal immigrants across hotels and salons that they owned.\n\n\u201cAll five are here in the country illegally.\n\n\u201cThis is what happens when you have an open border.\n\n\u201cThe American people voted to close Joe Biden\u2019s open borders.\n\n\u201cThey want our laws enforced.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s what President Trump is doing.\n\n\u201cFor six straight months, U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into our country.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s the first time in modern history that has happened.\n\n\u201cAverage daily border encounters are 95% lower than under Biden in 2024.\n\n\u201cThis fiscal year, we\u2019ve seen fewer illegal border encounters than ever before.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s fantastic progress.\n\n\u201cBiden said he needed Congress to act.\n\n\u201cTurns out, we just needed a new President.\n\n\u201cIn the Senate, we\u2019re doing our part to secure our border.\n\n\u201cWe passed the One Big Beautiful Bill.\n\n\u201cThe OBBB makes a generational investment to help finish the border wall, upgrade border technology, and hire more Border Patrol agents.\n\n\u201cIt will help deliver more immigration judges and prosecutors.\n\n\u201cThis will help crack down on drug cartels at the border.\n\n\u201cWe passed the Laken Riley Act into law.\n\n\u201cLaken Riley was just 22 years old when her life was taken by an illegal immigrant.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill ensures that criminal illegal aliens will be detained and deported.\n\n\u201cIt protects American lives.\n\n\u201cThe Laken Riley Act also includes Sarah\u2019s Law.\n\n\u201cIn 2016, just hours after graduating college, Sarah Root was killed.\n\n\u201cShe was killed by an illegal alien drunk driver.\n\n\u201cDue to a loophole in federal law, her killer posted bail, was released from jail, and fled the country.\n\n\u201cSarah\u2019s Law requires ICE to detain aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person.\n\n\u201cIt closes the loophole that allowed Sarah\u2019s killer to avoid accountability for nine years.\n\n\u201cWe took action to stop the flow of illegal drugs.\n\n\u201cWe passed the HALT Fentanyl Act.\n\n\u201cThe bill permanently classified fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.\n\n\u201cIt will lead to harsher sentences for fentanyl traffickers.\n\n\u201cI also introduced legislation to fight against next-generation drugs like Nitazene.\n\n\u201cNitazenes are synthetic opioids that often are deadlier than fentanyl.\n\n\u201cMy bill would help prevent Nitazenes from becoming the next drug crisis.\n\n\u201cThe American people voted to close Joe Biden\u2019s open borders and restore order.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m working with President Trump and my Senate colleagues to deliver on this priority.\n\n\u201cUnder our Republican majority, order is being restored.\n\n\u201cThe continued safety and security of Nebraska is my top priority.\n\n\u201cI will keep fighting to keep our communities safe.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-chairs-subcommittee-hearing-on-american-ai-leadership-countering-communist-china/", "Ricketts Chairs Subcommittee Hearing on American AI Leadership, Countering Communist China", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "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 Yesterday, Chairman Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy. The subcommittee hearing highlighted the need to counter Communist China\u2019s challenge to American AI leadership.\n\n\u201cArtificial Intelligence will revolutionize daily life and its military uses will shape the global balance of power,\u201d Chairman Ricketts said. \u201cUnlike the moon landing, the finish line in the AI race is far less clear for the U.S.\u2014it may be achieving Artificial General Intelligence, human-level or greater machine cognition. Communist China, by contrast, is focused on rapidly diffusing AI across industry, manufacturing, robotics, and smart cities.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhat\u2019s at stake is simple: a U.S.-led future that benefits the free world, or a China-led AI order that reshapes the global system in line with their authoritarian values,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cThe risk could not be higher. This race will be won by whoever attracts the best talent, wields the best chips, and trains the best algorithms.\u201d\n\nRicketts announced his intent to introduce the SAFE Chips Act that would ensure the U.S. maintains its lead in AI development.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s early lead rests in large part on our dominance of global compute power. At the core of compute are advanced AI chips, the best of which are made by American companies,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cDenying Beijing access to these chips is therefore essential. President Trump had the foresight in his first administration to restrict specialized semiconductor manufacturing equipment from being sold to Communist China. Without cutting-edge tools, Chinese fabs produce AI chips that are inferior to ours. Today, our top chips are roughly five times more powerful than theirs, and we manufacture them at 10 times the annual scale.\u201d\n\n\u201cFurther controls by the Trump and Biden administrations on advanced AI chips have forced Chinese AI companies to smuggle U.S. chips to keep up,\u201d Ricketts continued. \u201cIf we sustain these limits while U.S. firms innovate and diffuse our technology globally, our compute lead will widen exponentially. That\u2019s why Senator Coons and I plan to introduce the SAFE Chips Act. This legislation would put in statute the Trump administration\u2019s current red lines on what AI chips are allowed to be sold to Communist China.\u201d\n\nWatch the Video HERE.\n\nRicketts\u2019 comments were made in a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy: Countering China\u2019s Challenge to\n\nAmerican AI Leadership. Witnesses in the hearing included Mr. Gregory C. Allen, Senior Adviser to the Wadhwani AI Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Mr. Tarun Chhabra, Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Head of National Security Policy at Anthropic; Dr. Chris Miller, Professor, the Fletcher School, Tufts University and Non-Resident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute; and Dr. James Mulvenon, Chief Intelligence Officer, Pamir Consulting, LLC.\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\n\u201cAlmost 70 years ago, Sputnik launched the greatest technological competition in US history.\n\n\u201cThe space race with the Soviet Union, which transformed global science and reshaped the Cold War.\n\n\u201cToday, we face a similar contest, this time with Communist China and even higher stakes.\n\n\u201cArtificial Intelligence will revolutionize daily life and its military uses will shape the global balance of power.\n\n\u201cBeijing is racing to fuse civilian AI with its military to seize the next revolution in military affairs.\n\n\u201cHowever, unlike the moon landing, the finish line in the AI race is far less clear for the US\u2014it may be achieving Artificial General Intelligence, human-level or greater machine cognition.\n\n\u201cCommunist China, by contrast, is focused on rapidly diffusing AI across industry, manufacturing, robotics, and smart cities.\n\n\u201cThese diverging visions were made clear this summer when both the US and Communist China released new AI strategies.\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration\u2019s AI Action Plan centers on openness, markets, and liberal norms: cutting red tape, building data centers and other AI infrastructure, exporting our full AI technology stack\u2014including hardware, models, software, applications, and standards\u2014to allies and partners, countering Beijing in international forums, and enforcing export controls.\n\n\u201cBeijing\u2019s AI Plus strategy champions state control, sovereignty, and sustained high-level diplomacy to shape the global environment.\n\n\u201cWhat\u2019s at stake is simple: a US-led future that benefits the free world, or a China-led AI order that reshapes the global system in line with their authoritarian values.\n\n\u201cThe risk could not be higher.\n\n\u201cThis race will be won by whoever attracts the best talent, wields the best chips, and trains the best algorithms.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s early lead rests in large part on our dominance of global compute power.\n\n\u201cAt the core of compute are advanced AI chips, the best of which are made by American companies.\n\n\u201cDenying Beijing access to these chips is therefore essential.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump had the foresight in his first administration to restrict specialized semiconductor manufacturing equipment from being sold to Communist China.\n\n\u201cWithout cutting-edge tools, Chinese fabs produce AI chips that are inferior to ours.\n\n\u201cToday, our top chips are roughly five times more powerful than theirs, and we manufacture them at 10 times the annual scale.\n\n\u201cFurther controls by the Trump and Biden administrations on advanced AI chips have forced Chinese AI companies to smuggle US chips to keep up.\n\n\u201cIf we sustain these limits while US firms innovate and diffuse our technology globally, our compute lead will widen exponentially.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why Senator Coons and I plan to introduce the SAFE Chips Act.\n\n\u201cThis legislation would put in statute the Trump administration\u2019s current red lines on what AI chips are allowed to be sold to Communist China for 30 months to preserve our edge.\n\n\u201cXi Jinping has made clear he has no intention of remaining reliant on American technology.\n\n\u201cThe CCP\u2019s recent Fourth Plenum doubled down on the goal of technological self-reliance.\n\n\u201cThe US and our allies, including the Netherlands, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, control nearly every critical node of the supply chain, which is the most complex in human history.\n\n\u201cThis is a structural advantage that Beijing cannot easily overcome.\n\n\u201cTogether, we must collectively enforce semiconductor export controls and close loopholes so Xi Jinping\u2019s strategy fails.\n\n\u201cTo win the AI race, we must also confront our vulnerabilities.\n\n\u201cComputing alone is not enough, and Communist China has advantages elsewhere.\n\n\u201cAI data centers require massive energy.\n\n\u201cCommunist China generates twice the electricity we do and is rapidly expanding capacity while our grid ages.\n\n\u201cChina leads in domestic AI adoption and is exporting its tech globally, while US adoption lags.\n\n\u201cIt produces 27 million more STEM graduates per decade than the US, even as we face an AI talent shortage.\n\n\u201cCommunist China now leads in open AI models, accelerating diffusion of its technology, standards and influence.\n\n\u201cIt also dominates critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are the lifeblood of AI tech and hardware.\n\n\u201cCommunist China completely controls the sector with near monopolies in magnets, cobalt, and lithium.\n\n\u201cCommunist China\u2019s recent restrictions on global exports show how it can use that leverage to dominate the world and what leverage that creates for it.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s recent critical minerals deal with Australia and other allies is a good first step, but far more is needed.\n\n\u201cSome argue these advantages mean that Communist China will inevitably win the AI race.\n\n\u201cThey said the same thing during the space race.\n\n\u201cThey misunderstand Americans\u2019 resolve and ingenuity.\n\n\u201cThey were wrong then, and they are wrong again this time.\n\n\u201cBut success will require the right policies and sustained investment.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=3A159D1A-8CC7-484D-8541-B019C213835F", "Fischer Holds Senate Commerce Subcommittee Hearing, Urges Congress to Protect America\u2019s Communications Networks", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Hearing witness highlights need to defend America\u2019s telecommunications networks by enacting Fischer\u2019sFACT Act\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s questioning\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=98E0445F-28DC-4DB4-B773-A1FCFBB7E63D", "Fischer Outlines Urgent Need to Fortify America\u2019s Communications Networks", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Fischer chairs Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s opening statement\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=02572A02-ACCE-4E66-9E02-60824DE7B831", "Fischer Applauds USDA Placement of Natural Resource Conservation Service Regional Hub in Lincoln", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Lincoln to be one of four locations across the nation, serving 11 states including Nebraska\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) applauded the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Central Regional Hub will now be located in Lincoln, Nebraska.\n\n\u201cGood news: the USDA\u2019s NRCS Central Regional Hub will now be located in Lincoln. This marks an important step in bringing decision-makers closer to the people they serve. I was proud to push for this placement and look forward to working with the administration to ensure our ag producers and landowners have the tools they need to drive real results for rural Nebraska and America,\u201d Fischer said.\n\n\u201cThis modernization puts leadership where it belongs \u2014 in the field, side-by-side with the producers we serve. We are streamlining operations, improving accountability, and ensuring that every NRCS employee has the tools, support, and leadership they need to deliver conservation results that matter. This is about putting farmers first, cutting bureaucracy, and delivering better outcomes for rural America,\u201d Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt said.\n\nThe Central Region includes the following states: Nebraska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas\n\nBackground:\n\nThe USDA\u2019s NRCS launched the Office of the Assistant Chiefs (OAC) \u2013 a realignment designed to modernize regional leadership, strengthen accountability, and put decision-makers closer to the producers and partners NRCS serves. This structure ensures every region has a dedicated leader focused on driving program delivery, strengthening coordination with State Conservationists, and expanding producer access to the tools and resources they need. By placing regional leadership closer to the field, NRCS is reinforcing its commitment to responsive service, communication, and support for farmers, ranchers, and private landowners.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-praises-usda-decision-to-locate-nrcs-central-regional-hub-in-lincoln/", "Ricketts Praises USDA Decision to Locate NRCS Central Regional Hub in Lincoln", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "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", "OMAHA, NE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) praised the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Central Regional Hub will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska:\n\n\u201cDecision-makers should be as close as possible to the people they serve. Locating this regional hub in Lincoln recognizes the expertise, innovation, and stewardship Nebraskans demonstrate every day. This modernization will improve accountability and efficiency. Thank you, President Trump and Secretary Rollins, for putting Nebraska farmers first.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8628249F-799A-4AF1-848B-66F67BD68D9B", "Fischer Blasts Tyson Foods\u2019 Decision to Close Beef Processing Plant in Lexington", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "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-NE), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after Tyson Foods announced it will close the beef processing plant located in Lexington:\n\n\u201cI am extremely disappointed by this news from Tyson today. As the single largest employer in Lexington, Tyson\u2019s announcement will have a devastating impact on a truly wonderful community, the region, and our state. Nebraskans are nothing if not resilient, and Lexington has a robust workforce. I hope their skill and experience will be sought after by other employers.\n\n\u201cNebraska is the beef state, and we know better than anyone the highs and lows of the cattle market. It\u2019s no secret that just a few years ago, packers like Tyson were making windfall profits while the rest of the industry was continuously in the red.\n\n\u201cAs we head into the holiday season, I call on Tyson to do everything in its power to take care of the families affected by this short-sighted decision.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/11/fischer-blasts-tyson-foods-decision-to-close-beef-processing-plant-in-lexington", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-showcases-successful-efforts-to-cut-red-tape-get-results-for-nebraskans/", "Ricketts Showcases Successful Efforts to Cut Red Tape, Get Results for Nebraskans", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "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) highlighted his successes in cutting red tape and helping Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy.\n\n\u201cMy team and I have helped over 2,200 Nebraskans access federal services,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cWe\u2019ve also helped constituents save or recover nearly $12 million from the federal government. We\u2019re continuing the fight to protect taxpayer dollars. We\u2019re ensuring federal agencies serve citizens. From streamlining government to cutting taxes, I\u2019ll keep working to make government work better.\u201d\n\nRicketts shared the story of Dayspring Academy in Manley.\n\n\u201cJen and Shelly worked hard to open a new daycare in Manley. They applied for a grant through the Department of Health and Human Services to open their new facility,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cBut red tape and regulations made it difficult for Dayspring Academy to receive the funding. Jen and Shelly exchanged nearly 90 emails with the Department of Health and Human Services. Not one explained why the grant wasn\u2019t going through. They were approaching a critical deadline. That\u2019s when they reached out to my office. My staff called the agency. We cut through the red tape, identified the issue, and helped them get their grant money. We made sure that Dayspring Academy could open their doors. Now, families in Southeast Nebraska have access to high-quality childcare closer to home. That\u2019s not just a win for Dayspring. It\u2019s a win for every Nebraskan who deserves accessible childcare.\u201d\n\nRicketts also shared the story of Off Broadway Apartments in Broken Bow.\n\n\u201cPaul serves his community as the President of the Board of the Off Broadway Apartments. Off Broadway is a senior living community in Central Nebraska,\u201d concluded Ricketts. \u201cCOVID requirements made it difficult for Paul to pay his staff. The IRS implemented an Employee Retention Credit to help small businesses like Paul\u2019s. However, bureaucratic red tape made it difficult for him to receive the credits. After waiting for a response from the IRS and not hearing from them, Paul reached out to our constituent caseworker in Kearney. My team was able to contact the IRS and ensure that Off Broadway received proper tax credits. Without these credits, Off Broadway would have been forced to close.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cWhen I was Governor, we focused on providing great services to Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cThe federal government should do the same.\n\n\u201cIn the Senate, my team and I are helping Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy.\n\n\u201cMy team is specially trained in assisting constituents with their concerns.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud of our work to cut red tape and deliver wins for Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cRural Nebraskans have struggled to find accessible daycare.\n\n\u201cJen and Shelly worked hard to open a new daycare in Manley.\n\n\u201cThey applied for a grant through the Department of Health and Human Services to open their new facility.\n\n\u201cBut red tape and regulations made it difficult for Dayspring Academy to receive the funding.\n\n\u201cJen and Shelly exchanged nearly 90 emails with the Department of Health and Human Services.\n\n\u201cNot one explained why the grant wasn\u2019t going through.\n\n\u201cThey were approaching a critical deadline.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s when they reached out to my office.\n\n\u201cMy staff called the agency.\n\n\u201cWe cut through the red tape, identified the issue, and helped them get their grant money.\n\n\u201cWe made sure that Dayspring Academy could open their doors.\n\n\u201cNow, families in Southeast Nebraska have access to high-quality childcare closer to home.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s not just a win for Dayspring. It\u2019s a win for every Nebraskan who deserves accessible childcare.\n\n\u201cMany other Nebraskans reach out to my office for help navigating the federal bureaucracy.\n\n\u201cPaul serves his community as the President of the Board of the Off Broadway Apartments.\n\n\u201cOff Broadway is a senior living community in Central Nebraska.\n\n\u201cTheir services are critical to Kearney and Broken Bow.\n\n\u201cCOVID requirements made it difficult for Paul to pay his staff.\n\n\u201cThe IRS implemented an Employee Retention Credit to help small businesses like Paul\u2019s.\n\n\u201cHowever, bureaucratic red tape made it difficult for him to receive the credits.\n\n\u201cAfter waiting for a response from the IRS and not hearing from them, Paul reached out to our constituent caseworker in Kearney.\n\n\u201cMy team was able to contact the IRS and ensure that Off Broadway received proper tax credits.\n\n\u201cWithout these credits, Off Broadway would have been forced to close.\n\n\u201cNebraskans always advocate for their community.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why I always advocate for Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cThese are just two examples of how my team and I help Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy.\n\n\u201cMy team and I have helped over 2,200 Nebraskans access federal services.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve also helped constituents save or recover nearly $12 million from the federal government.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re continuing the fight to protect taxpayer dollars.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re ensuring federal agencies serve citizens.\n\n\u201cFrom streamlining government to cutting taxes, I\u2019ll keep working to make government work better.\n\n\u201cMy offices are open in Scottsbluff, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and Washington, D.C.\n\n\u201cWe can also answer questions about services, eligibility, or benefits.\n\n\u201cThis includes questions about Veterans Affairs, Medicare, or the Internal Revenue Service.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to continue delivering excellent customer service for our constituents.\n\n\u201cNebraskans deserve nothing less.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-supports-taiwans-defense-capabilities-energy-resilience/", "Ricketts Supports Taiwan\u2019s Defense Capabilities, Energy Resilience", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "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 Yesterday, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted his bipartisan Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments (PORCUPINE) Act. The PORCUPINE Act would put Taiwan in the NATO-plus category, reducing obstacles for Taiwan to obtain necessary weapons and deter Communist China.\n\n\u201cOver the past several years, Taiwan has made real sacrifices to improve its self-defense,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cBut even as Taiwan steps up, the United States is failing to deliver key capabilities on the timeline deterrence requires. Bureaucratic backlogs and sluggish notifications are creating vulnerabilities we cannot afford. These delays don\u2019t just hurt the timelines \u2014 they weaken Taiwan\u2019s political will and ultimately increase the risk to U.S. forces and what they would face if deterrence fails. That\u2019s exactly why I introduced the PORCUPINE Act with Senator Coons. It would put Taiwan in the NATO-plus category to cut notification times and raise thresholds.\u201d\n\nSenator Ricketts also discussed the Taiwan Energy and Anti-Embargo Act, which aims to resolve Taiwan\u2019s glaring energy insecurities in the face of Communist Chinese aggression.\n\n\u201cTaiwan\u2019s energy security is one of its biggest liabilities,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cAn energy squeeze doesn\u2019t require a blockade or even a shot fired. Targeted coercion alone could trigger a crisis long before military action even happens. That\u2019s why strengthening Taiwan\u2019s resilience is central to deterrence. Senator Coons and I introduced the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act to help counter this. This common-sense legislation would expand U.S. LNG exports to Taiwan to support its energy infrastructure and ensure adequate flows of energy shipments to Taiwan in a contingency.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=0BEEAB0E-99A2-43F9-A223-EA51460C6601", "Fischer Statement on Dept. of Transportation Effort to Advance Safety Standards for All Drivers", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Calls on Congress to pass her She DRIVES Act to make NHTSA\u2019s updated crash testing standards permanent\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)announcedits new advanced female crash test dummy:\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been pushing for years to update crash testing standards, which do not account for all of America\u2019s drivers \u2013 particularly women. It\u2019s why I\u2019ve been a steady champion of myShe DRIVES Act to enhance passenger vehicle safety.\n\n\u201cI want to thank Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation for taking this step. Now it\u2019s time to pass my legislation to ensure future National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations do not slow or deprioritize these important efforts.\n\n\u201cIt's far past time to make these testing standards permanent, which will help save thousands of lives and make America\u2019s roads safer for all drivers. I'm ready to finish the job.\"\n\nFischer\u2019s work:\n\nIn 2024, Fischer introduced theShe DRIVES Act, to modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available\u2014including a female crash test dummy.\n\nIn January,during Secretary Sean Duffy\u2019s confirmation hearing to be Secretary of Transportation,Fischer highlighted herShe DRIVES Act and pressed Secretary Duffy to ensure that NHTSA works in a timely manner to update crash testing standards.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=842BFC11-751C-4FA1-A38B-A9B8EBE2F029", "Fischer, Smith Introduce Bill to Ensure Tribal Voices are Prioritized in Federal Nutrition Decisions", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill strengthens USDA response to low-income, elderly food assistance programs if disruptions occur\n\nToday, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act. This bipartisan legislation will ensure the federal government does not make decisions about the nutrition assistance programs Tribes rely on without their input.\n\nIn 2024, a contracting decision made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) left many Tribes \u2014 including the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska \u2014 with delayed, incomplete, and expired food deliveries. This resulted in significant food shortages for several months.\n\nThe Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act would prevent future food shortages by requiring the USDA to incorporate Tribal input in contracting decisions. It would also strengthen the USDA\u2019s emergency response during disruptions and encourage meaningful Tribal consultation on nutrition programs at the state level.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to introduce this bill to ensure that those who rely on food assistance programs in Tribal communities \u2014 including the elderly and low-income \u2014 are not impacted by federal government missteps. The Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act ensures that Tribal voices are at the table from the start and strengthens USDA\u2019s response if disruptions occur,\u201d Fischer said.\n\n\u201cTribal governments understand what works best for their communities, and they should have control over how they feed their members. Our bill makes an important fix that allows Tribes to get food assistance to those who need it most and provides the tools to prevent any future disruptions in the food supply chain,\u201d Smith said.\n\n\u201cLast year\u2019s FDPIR supply chain disruptions had a profound impact on something most of us take for granted \u2014 the ability to put food on the dinner table. The Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act of 2025 would help ensure food security for FDPIR participants during supply chain disruptions. The Winnebago Tribe appreciates Senator Fischer\u2019s leadership in addressing this issue and we look forward to working together to advance the legislation,\u201d said Winnebago Chairman Coly Brown.\n\n\u201cThe Native Farm Bill Coalition commends Senator Fisher and Senator Smith for introducing theIncreasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act. As we have witnessed in recent years, FDPIR warehouse disruptions have devastating and lasting impacts in Indian Country, where one in four Tribal citizens experience food insecurity, but this bill is an important step to ensure USDA has the authority it needs to utilize federal resources to resolve disruptions to the Food Disruption Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and provide immediate relief, including payments to Tribes to purchase food when USDA cannot due to government shutdowns, warehouse vendors, or other supply chain disruptions,\u201d said Native Farm Bill Coalition co-chairs Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Chairman Cole Miller and CEO of the Intertribal Agriculture Council Kari Jo Lawrence.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act would:\n\nRequire USDA to include Tribal representatives in reviewing and awarding contracts under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).\n\nFDPIR provides income-eligible households with food on Indian reservations. Many households participate in FDPIR as an alternative to SNAP.\n\nDirect USDA to designate an emergency contractor within 45 days of any supply chain disruption under FDPIR or Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).\n\nCSFP is targeted at low-income elderly persons 60 years or older and distributes both food and administrative funds to participating states and Tribes.\n\nAllow USDA to provide direct payments to Tribes to purchase food themselves during an FDPIR disruption.\n\nEncourage states to conduct Tribal consultation before amending CSFP State Plans.\n\nDirect USDA to support this work through cooperative agreements or technical assistance.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nToday, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced theIncreasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act. This bipartisan legislation will ensure the federal government does not make decisions about the nutrition assistance programs Tribes rely on without their input.\n\nIn 2024, a contracting decision made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) left many Tribes \u2014 including the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska \u2014 with delayed, incomplete, and expired food deliveries. This resulted in significant food shortages for several months.\n\nTheIncreasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act would prevent future food shortages by requiring the USDA to incorporate Tribal input in contracting decisions. It would also strengthen the USDA\u2019s emergency response during disruptions and encourage meaningful Tribal consultation on nutrition programs at the state level.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to introduce this bill to ensure that those who rely on food assistance programs in Tribal communities \u2014 including the elderly and low-income \u2014 are not impacted by federal government missteps. TheIncreasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Actensures that Tribal voices are at the table from the start and strengthens USDA\u2019s response if disruptions occur,\u201dFischer said.\n\n\u201cTribal governments understand what works best for their communities, and they should have control over how they feed their members. Our bill makes an important fix that allows Tribes to get food assistance to those who need it most and provides the tools to prevent any future disruptions in the food supply chain,\u201dSmith said.\n\n\u201cLast year\u2019s FDPIR supply chain disruptions had a profound impact on something most of us take for granted \u2014 the ability to put food on the dinner table. TheIncreasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act of 2025 would help ensure food security for FDPIR participants during supply chain disruptions. The Winnebago Tribe appreciates Senator Fischer\u2019s leadership in addressing this issue and we look forward to working together to advance the legislation,\u201dsaid Winnebago Chairman Coly Brown.\n\n\u201cThe Native Farm Bill Coalition commends Senator Fisher and Senator Smith for introducing theIncreasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act.As we have witnessed in recent years, FDPIR warehouse disruptions have devastating and lasting impacts in Indian Country, where one in four Tribal citizens experience food insecurity, but this bill is an important step to ensure USDA has the authority it needs to utilize federal resources to resolve disruptions to the Food Disruption Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and provide immediate relief, including payments to Tribes to purchase food when USDA cannot due to government shutdowns, warehouse vendors, or other supply chain disruptions,\u201dsaid Native Farm Bill Coalition co-chairs Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Chairman Cole Miller and CEO of the Intertribal Agriculture Council Kari Jo Lawrence.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTheIncreasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act would:\n\nRequire USDA to include Tribal representatives in reviewing and awarding contracts under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).\n\nFDPIR provides income-eligible households with food on Indian reservations. Many households participate in FDPIR as an alternative to SNAP.\n\nDirect USDA to designate an emergency contractor within 45 days of any supply chain disruption under FDPIR or Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).\n\nCSFP is targeted at low-income elderly persons 60 years or older and distributes both food and administrative funds to participating states and Tribes.\n\nAllow USDA to provide direct payments to Tribes to purchase food themselves during an FDPIR disruption.\n\nEncourage states to conduct Tribal consultation before amending CSFP State Plans.\n\nDirect USDA to support this work through cooperative agreements or technical assistance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-introduces-package-to-support-servicemembers-veterans/", "Ricketts Introduces Package to Support Servicemembers, Veterans", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "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 This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced a package of bills to support servicemembers and veterans. He introduced the Medical Integrity in Necessary Diagnostics (MIND) for Our Veterans Act of 2025 with Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). The bipartisan bill ensures that servicemembers receive effective, evidence-based mental health screenings prior to separation from active duty. Ricketts also introduced the Service Members Tax Relief Act of 2025. The bill would fully exempt active duty and reserve military compensation from federal income taxes.\n\n\u201cOur servicemembers and veterans sacrifice for the country. We owe them more than we can ever repay,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m working to ensure these brave women and men keep all the benefits they earn during military service. We also need to make sure that servicemembers are set up for success when they transition back to civilian life. These bills strengthen our support for Nebraska servicemembers, veterans, and their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cFar too many veterans moving from active duty to civilian status slip through the cracks, said Senator Slotkin. \u201cHaving served alongside our military, I know that our veterans deserve nothing less than the highest medical standards when it comes to their mental health. The MIND Our Veterans Act is about making sure every servicemember gets the mental health care they\u2019ve earned from day one of civilian life.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese bills are in keeping with my commitment to America First principles and advances President Trump\u2019s Peace Through Strength agenda by alleviating the burdens on our service members in some small measure,\u201d said Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-8), the House lead of the Service Members Tax Relief Act. \u201cOur service members face high operational demands and cost-of-living pressures that outpace pay tables. So, anything we can cost-effectively do to ease those pressures, should be done. These bills are fiscally conservative in that they offer relief through the tax code instead of new spending. It is a win-win; the exemption instantly improves take-home pay, while helping with recruitment and retention, which in turn keeps our war fighters strong.\u201d\n\nTheMIND Our Veterans Actwould:\n\nMandate that the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) use only validated, evidence-based tools for screening PTSD, alcohol misuse, and violence risk during the separation process;\n\nEnsures that a drug-use assessment is considered a core part of mental health screening, recognizing the critical connection between substance use and mental health challenges;\n\nDirects Joint Executive Committee of the DoD and VA to oversee validation, implementation, and reporting on all screenings;\n\nRequires DoD to fully implement the improved Separation Health Assessment within 120 days, creating urgency and accountability.\n\nThis bill is endorsed by the American Legion.\n\nBill text can be found here.\n\nThe Service Members Tax Relief Act would:\n\nAmend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude all military compensation from gross income for federal tax purposes;\n\nApply to both active duty and reserve members of the Uniformed Services of the United States;\n\nMaintain that retirement pay and pensions remain taxable under current law to preserve the distinction between active service compensation and post-service retirement benefits;\n\nEnsures that these changes take effect for income earned after the date of enactment.\n\nBackground\n\nMIND Our Veterans Act\n\nEvery year, thousands of servicemembers transition from active duty into veteran status. This transition can bring significant challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. Research consistently shows that recently separated servicemembers face heightened risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance misuse, depression, and even suicide.\n\nCurrently, the Separation Health Assessment (SHA) lacks a standardized, validated mental health and drug-use screening. This jeopardizes early identification and intervention for servicemembers in crisis, leaving the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address problems after they have escalated.\n\nService Member Tax Relief Act\n\nServicemembers\u2019 basic pay is fully taxable, along with most forms of special duty pay and bonuses. While certain allowances like housing (BAH), subsistence (BAS), and combat zone pay are excluded, these exemptions only partially ease tax burdens.\n\nWhile some states already exempt portions of military income, the federal tax system continues to treat active duty and reserve military salaries as taxable income. This legislation would recognize the extraordinary service of America\u2019s men and women in uniform by ensuring they keep more of what they earn. This bill would support readiness, recruitment, and retention while honoring the sacrifices servicemembers make every day to defend the United States.\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-8).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1323C477-D50A-4B9A-9758-62E934E8F6FD", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Financial Burdens of Wildfires Started by the Federal Government", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "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-NE), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act, legislation to boost federal wildfire recovery efforts. The legislation would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to waive all cost share requirements for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs as a result of wildfires started by controlled burns and other land management activities conducted by the USDA. Current law does not fully cover remediation costs in cases where the government is responsible for a wildfire ignition.\n\n\u201cIf a prescribed burn, started by the federal government, escapes containment, Nebraskans shouldn\u2019t be left to foot the bill for recovery. Our bipartisan Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act will protect Nebraskans from being impacted by the federal government if prescribed burns are mismanaged and destructive to private property,\u201d said Fischer.\n\n\u201cWell-intentioned federal controlled burns and land management activities can be critical tools for preventing devastating wildfires, however, if they unexpectedly escape containment, they can devastate communities. Many New Mexicans know this devastation personally after living through the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. While I passed legislation to rebuild communities in the aftermath of Hermit\u2019s Peak, the federal government currently bears no responsibility to fully cover costs for remediation and recovery. That\u2019s why I\u2019m introducing bipartisan legislation that allows the Secretary of Agriculture to remove costs share requirements and ensure communities across the country are not left to fend for themselves during their recovery,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n.\n\n\"Federal controlled burns are one of our most effective tools for protecting Wyoming communities from catastrophic wildfires. While these prescribed fires rarely escape containment, when they do, they can damage the very areas they're designed to protect. The Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act gives the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to compensate affected residents and repair any damage from when controlled burns exceed their boundaries\u2014while maintaining our commitment to proven wildfire prevention strategies,\u201d said Lummis.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThis bill will allow the Secretary of Agriculture to waive all cost share requirements for the remediation of damage deemed to be to be a result of management activities conducted by the Secretary on National Forest System land.\n\nThis waiver will only apply to cash cost shares, not in-kind contributions, and may only be applied at the Secretary\u2019s discretion. With this added authority, the Secretary will be able to expedite much needed infrastructural repairs in communities devasted by wildfires that are out of their control.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/11/fischer-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-end-financial-burdens-of-wildfires-started-by-the-federal-government", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CA6ACA3C-DCE1-409B-BFCA-B934A1BCA222", "Fischer in Scottsbluff Star-Herald: Western Nebraska\u2019s role in upholding our national security", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "In case you missed it: U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, penned an op-ed in the Scottsbluff Star-Herald highlighting the essential role Western Nebraska plays in strengthening our national security and maintaining a robust nuclear deterrent.\n\nRead the op-ed here or below:\n\nWhen Nebraskans think about our state\u2019s role in national defense, Omaha usually comes to mind. Offutt Air Force Base and U.S. Strategic Command are vital to America\u2019s military readiness, and they deserve that recognition. But another part of our state plays just as critical a role.\n\nIn the Panhandle of Nebraska sit roughly 82 of the 450 Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) that make up the backbone of our nation\u2019s nuclear deterrent. These missiles are housed underground in secure silos, monitored 24 hours a day by teams of missileers working in fortified launch control centers. While the rest of the country goes about daily life, these men and women stand watch every hour of every day \u2014 quietly helping keep America safe.\n\nThis mission doesn\u2019t happen in isolation. It is supported by Nebraska families who make a home in these communities and by small businesses that supply and sustain the base. The people of western Nebraska are vital partners in this mission. You carry a significant weight of global security on your shoulders.\n\nThe Minuteman III system was built during the Cold War. It\u2019s served us well, but it\u2019s time for modernization so we can meet the emerging threats of the future. That\u2019s why the Air Force is transitioning to the new Sentinel missile \u2014 and why in the U.S. Senate, I worked to ensure the program stays on track. Now that the federal government has reopened, Congress\u2019 next priority should be passing the National Defense Authorization Act. This year\u2019s bill authorizes more than $4 billion for the Sentinel program, requires at least 400 deployed ICBMs spread across no fewer than 450 sites, and sets a firm deadline of 2033 for completion. I fought to ensure these provisions made it into the Senate\u2019s version of the bill and will continue to fight to include them in the final bill passed by both chambers of Congress.\n\nThese steps aren\u2019t about building toward conflict \u2014 they\u2019re about making sure conflict never happens. Our ICBMs don\u2019t sit unused for decades \u2014 they are used every single day to deter our adversaries. A strong, modern deterrent sends a clear message: no adversary can risk attacking the United States or our allies without facing devastating consequences. That peace of mind is made possible, in large part, by the work happening in western Nebraska.\n\nSo to the people of the Panhandle: thank you. Your contributions are essential to our nation\u2019s safety. I will continue fighting on the Senate Armed Services Committee to make sure you have the resources, recognition, and support you deserve to continue this vital mission. Because when Nebraska stands ready, America stands strong.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/11/fischer-in-scottsbluff-star-herald-western-nebraska-s-role-in-upholding-our-national-security", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-releases-videos-showcasing-successful-efforts-to-cut-red-tape-get-results-for-nebraskans/", "Ricketts Releases Videos Showcasing Successful Efforts to Cut Red Tape, Get Results for Nebraskans", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "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) released two videos showcasing his team\u2019s successful efforts to cut red tape and get results for Nebraskans navigating the federal bureaucracy.\n\n\u201cWhen the federal bureaucracy fails Nebraskans, my team and I are here to help,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cI\u2019m proud of our work to cut red tape and deliver wins for Nebraskans. We\u2019re committed to providing excellent customer service.\u201d\n\nThe first video features Jen and Shelly from Manley. Jen and Shelly worked hard to open a daycare to meet a growing need for childcare. They applied for a federal grant through the Department of Health and Human Services. They exchanged 88 emails but continued to wait. Team Ricketts was able to cut through the red tape. Jen and Shelly got their grant in time to open their doors. Now, families in Southeast Nebraska have access to high-quality childcare closer to home.\n\nClick HERE to watch Jen and Shelly\u2019s story.\n\nThe second video features Paul in Broken Bow. Paul is the President of the Board of Off Broadway Apartments, a senior living community. COVID requirements made it difficult for Paul to pay his staff. Bureaucratic red tape made it difficult for Paul to receive the Employee Retention Credit. Without it, he would be forced to close. Team Ricketts contacted the IRS and ensured that Off Broadway received the proper tax credits.\n\nClick HERE to watch Paul\u2019s story.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-supports-bill-to-release-the-epstein-files/", "Ricketts Supports Bill to Release the Epstein Files", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "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) released a statement after supporting passage of a bill to compel the Justice Department to release the Epstein files:\n\n\u201cJeffrey Epstein committed disgusting, illegal acts. I\u2019ve long pushed for transparency and the release of the Epstein files. That\u2019s why I supported passage tonight. I appreciate Leader Thune for passing it through the Senate as quickly as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-praises-trump-administrations-wotus-update-this-is-what-reining-in-overregulation-looks-like/", "Ricketts Praises Trump Administration\u2019s WOTUS Update: \u201cThis is What Reining in Overregulation Looks Like\u201d", "2025-11-17", "2025", "2025-11", "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), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, praised the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) proposed rule to modify the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule aligns with the Supreme Court\u2019s 2023 Sackett v. EPA decision, which struck down the Biden administration\u2019s WOTUS definition. Ricketts said the following:\n\n\u201cThis is what reining in overregulation looks like. The Obama and Biden administrations tried to illegally increase the EPA\u2019s authority. The Trump administration is following the law. This action will deliver clarity and predictability for Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and small business owners. I applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for delivering on the promise they made to end regulatory overreach.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-25-colleagues-applaud-trump-admins-exclusion-of-unrwa-from-gaza-peace-process/", "Ricketts, 25 Colleagues Applaud Trump Admin\u2019s Exclusion of UNRWA from Gaza Peace Process", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "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. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led 25 colleagues in applauding President Trump and Secretary Rubio for excluding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from the Gaza peace process, citing UNRWA\u2019s ties to Hamas.\n\n\u201cAs discussions on Gaza\u2019s future continue, we must avoid repeating the mistakes that empowered the terror group to take hold in the first place,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cFor decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has operated in Gaza, yet extensive reporting, investigations, and intelligence assessments documented systemic infiltration of the agency by Hamas and other U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn response to these alarming findings, the United States rightfully suspended funding to UNRWA and Israel barred the agency from operating on its territory,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201dThese steps were necessary because UNRWA has shown it cannot maintain neutrality or operate without being co-opted by terrorists. During your recent visit to Israel, you reaffirmed UNRWA\u2019s ties to terrorism, describing the agency as \u2018a subsidiary of Hamas\u2019 and making clear that it \u2018is not going to play any role\u2019 in the delivery of aid to Gaza. Reinstating UNRWA would only recreate the very conditions that allowed Hamas to entrench itself and exert control in Gaza.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe strongly urge the administration to ensure that UNRWA play no role in any efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cInstead, we encourage the United States to work with vetted international partners, trusted regional actors, and nongovernmental organizations that are demonstrably free of terrorist influence and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace.\u201d\n\nAdditional signers included Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Budd (R-NC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tim Scott (R-SC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Boozman (R-AR), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), and John Hoeven (R-ND).\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write in support of the Trump administration\u2019s efforts to advance lasting stability in Gaza and enduring security for Israel. President Trump\u2019s leadership has been instrumental in negotiating and maintaining the ceasefire agreement and in securing the ongoing release of hostages. It is vital to continue applying maximum pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages still held in Gaza. We also commend the administration\u2019s continued commitment to ensuring that Hamas is fully disarmed and can never rule again in the territory. As discussions on Gaza\u2019s future continue, we must avoid repeating the mistakes that empowered the terror group to take hold in the first place.\n\nFor decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has operated in Gaza, yet extensive reporting, investigations, and intelligence assessments documented systemic infiltration of the agency by Hamas and other U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations. At least twelve UNRWA employees took part in the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, and roughly ten percent of UNRWA\u2019s Gaza staff have ties to terrorist groups, with many more having close relatives involved in these organizations. Since October 7, Hamas has repeatedly stolen the agency\u2019s aid and supplies, weapons have been found in its schools, tunnel infrastructure has been uncovered in or near its facilities, and its buildings were even used to hold hostages. Long before the war, UNRWA\u2019s curriculum was already known to radicalize Palestinian youth by promoting antisemitism and glorifying terrorism.\n\nIn response to these alarming findings, the United States rightfully suspended funding to UNRWA and Israel barred the agency from operating on its territory. These steps were necessary because UNRWA has shown it cannot maintain neutrality or operate without being co-opted by terrorists. During your recent visit to Israel, you reaffirmed UNRWA\u2019s ties to terrorism, describing the agency as \u201ca subsidiary of Hamas\u201d and making clear that it \u201cis not going to play any role\u201d in the delivery of aid to Gaza. Reinstating UNRWA would only recreate the very conditions that allowed Hamas to entrench itself and exert control in Gaza.\n\nWe strongly urge the administration to ensure that UNRWA play no role in any efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza. Instead, we encourage the United States to work with vetted international partners, trusted regional actors, and nongovernmental organizations that are demonstrably free of terrorist influence and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace.We appreciate your leadership and stand prepared to work with the Trump administration to support Gaza reconstruction efforts and ensure lasting security for Israel.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=04E4CA4E-07FF-44F8-8A33-204D326FEA15", "Fischer Votes For Funding Package to Reopen Government", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Package includes key funding provisions for Nebraska secured by Fischer\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) voted for a funding package that would reopen the federal government and allocate $72 million for community projects she secured for Nebraska. The legislative package \u2013 which passed the Senate by a vote of 60-40 \u2013 includes the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; and the Legislative Branch and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. It also continues current funding levels for the remaining federal agencies through January 30, 2026.\n\n\u201cAfter voting 16 times to reopen the federal government, I am encouraged that Senate Democrats have finally come to the table. This package delivers results I secured for Nebraska \u2013 including crucial funding that will benefit the Omaha VA and over $54 million for mission critical programs at Offutt Air Force Base. It also directs an additional $16 million for UNL\u2019s ARS center, which follows a total investment of over $56 million I\u2019ve helped secure over the last five fiscal years. While this legislation is an important step forward, we still need the House to take up and pass this package swiftly so we can reopen the government and get back to work for the American people,\u201d Fischer said.\n\nProvisions advanced by Fischer in theMilCon-VA Appropriations Actto support our veterans:\n\nSecures nearly $1.4 billion for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)\u2019s major construction account that will provide future funding for the Omaha VA hospital project;\n\nDirects the VA to purchase essential medical devices, such as needles, syringes, and blood collection products from U.S. manufacturers or allied trading partners. Also, directs the VA to submit a report on ways to reduce dependency on Chinese medical devices while safeguarding against shortages; and\n\nDirects the VA to report on the success of the External Provider Scheduling (EPS) program while identifying barriers to increased implementation and creating recommendations on how to increase community provider participation.\n\nFunding advanced by Fischer in theMilCon-VA Appropriations Actto support next generation of \u2018doomsday\u2019 planes, critical investments at Offutt Air Force Base:\n\n$42.3 million to plan and design the new Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) at Offutt;\n\n$6 million to plan and design a Consolidated Training Complex/Professional Development Center at Offutt; and\n\n$6 million to plan and design a new dormitory at Offutt.\n\nFunding advanced by Fischer in the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:\n\n$16 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln\u2019s (UNL) Innovation Campus; and\n\n$1.5 million for the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL.\n\nProvisions advanced by Fischer in the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:\n\nPrioritizing ARS research for the beef industry at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska; and\n\nRequiring the USDA to streamline contracting and procurement services for livestock research facilities to help USMARC with cost overruns on facility improvements.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-calls-for-quick-passage-of-bipartisan-solution-to-end-government-shutdown-give-americans-relief/", "Ricketts Calls for Quick Passage of Bipartisan Solution to End Government Shutdown: \u201cGive Americans Relief\u201d", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "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) called for expedited passage of the bipartisan solution to end the government shutdown.\n\n\u201cLast night, eight Democrats finally joined Republicans to begin re-opening government,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cThis bipartisan package is important for Nebraska. It extends critical farm bill authorities and supports agricultural research at the University of Nebraska. It also delivers funding to support critical missions at Offutt Air Force Base. We should pass this bill quickly and give Americans relief.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-highlights-nebraska-wins-in-bipartisan-solution-ending-government-shutdown/", "Ricketts Highlights Nebraska Wins in Bipartisan Solution Ending Government Shutdown", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "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) highlighted the Nebraska wins in the bipartisan package to end the government shutdown.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan package delivers for Nebraska,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cIt extends critical farm bill authorities and supports agricultural research at the University of Nebraska. It helps fight against the New World Screwworm. It also delivers funding to support critical missions at Offutt Air Force Base. The House should pass this package quickly so Americans can get relief.\u201d\n\nWins in the Bipartisan Package to End the Government Shutdown:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-after-voting-for-bipartisan-solution-to-end-schumer-shutdown/", "Ricketts Issues Statement After Voting for Bipartisan Solution to End Schumer Shutdown", "2025-11-09", "2025", "2025-11", "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", "\u201cRepublicans have been consistent. We\u2019ve offered a bipartisan funding resolution that Democrats have previously voted to pass four times over the last 19 months. After 40 days of delays, disruptions, and missed paychecks, Democrats finally appear to vote with Republicans to reopen government. I urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan solution without delay.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-condemns-schumers-unserious-demands-shares-letters-from-nebraska-air-traffic-controllers-are-the-democrats-deaf/", "Ricketts Condemns Schumer\u2019s Unserious Demands, Shares Letters from Nebraska Air Traffic Controllers: \u201cAre the Democrats Deaf?\u201d", "2025-11-08", "2025", "2025-11", "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 Yesterday, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) condemned Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and the Democrats for making unserious demands in exchange for reopening the federal government.\n\n\u201cBut why I\u2019m here today is to talk about people. Not leverage. Not power. People. Air traffic controllers,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThese are letters that I have received from air traffic controllers. Handwritten letters that are talking about what they are going through right now because of the minority leader\u2019s shutdown.\u201d\n\nRicketts read letters from air traffic controllers in Nebraska who are suffering due to the Schumer Shutdown. The air traffic controllers described they are being forced to decide between paying their mortgage or car loan and putting food on their table for their families.\n\n\u201cAre the Democrats deaf? Do they not hear from the people that they are putting in these situations? This is their shutdown,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cWe have patriots here who are suffering. Why don\u2019t they show some of the courage that these people are and stand up to their far-left wing and vote for this bill so that least the people who are working can get paid? Is that so much to ask?\u201d\n\n\u201cA Democrat staffer was earlier quoted as saying, \u2018we\u2019re going to do this until planes start falling from the sky.\u2019 Well, folks, we already heard that the FAA is going to cut back 10% this week on the number of flights because of safety concerns,\u201d concluded Ricketts. \u201cBut it\u2019s the people that are the air traffic controllers and our law enforcement and everybody else who is working in a federal job that is not getting paid are paying the price for the Minority Leader\u2019s shutdown.\u201d\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cEarlier today, we heard about an offer from the Minority Leader.\n\n\u201cIt shows just how unserious he and the Democrats are.\n\n\u201cThat offer is full of horse hockey.\n\n\u201cIt has things in it that Republicans cannot accept, and he knows it.\n\n\u201cAnd my colleague from Michigan, a Democrat from Michigan, was just talking about power, because this is what it\u2019s about.\n\n\u201cHe mentioned power.\n\n\u201cA number of other folks have talked about leverage.\n\n\u201cThey need to have this shutdown for leverage.\n\n\u201cNumber of Democrats have said this.\n\n\u201cBut why I\u2019m here today is to talk about people.\n\n\u201cNot leverage.\n\n\u201cNot power.\n\n\u201cPeople.\n\n\u201cAir traffic controllers.\n\n\u201cThese are letters that I have received from air traffic controllers.\n\n\u201cHandwritten letters that are talking about what they are going through right now because of the minority leader\u2019s shutdown.\n\n\u201cLet me just read you some of these.\n\n\u201cMy wife suffers from a chronic autoimmune disease that without her medication would cripple her.\n\n\u201cOur monthly co pay for her specialty medication is $2,800 a month.\n\n\u201cWe have less than two weeks before her next round of medication is due.\n\n\u201cOur situation is not sustainable, even with pulling money from our savings.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s from one of our aircraft controllers in Nebraska.\n\n\u201cHere\u2019s another one.\n\n\u201cEach shutdown gets harder than the last.\n\n\u201cThe mental stress of the unknown gets harder each time with my growing family and medical bills for my family, it gets harder every time.\n\n\u201cBoth my children have neurological disorders that require constant monitoring and medical care.\n\nI take pride in my job and the service we provide here at Omaha approach control.\n\n\u201cAs a patriot and a veteran, I take my federal oath seriously.\n\n\u201cI will always continue to do my job and keep the sky safe and expeditious.\n\n\u201cOr here\u2019s another one.\n\n\u201cMyself and my family, to include my three-year-old daughter, are struggling to make ends meet.\n\n\u201cI now have to decide between putting food on the table, paying my mortgage, paying my car note and many other things I need to survive.\n\n\u201cAre the Democrats deaf?\n\n\u201cDo they not hear from the people that they are putting in these situations?\n\n\u201cThis is their shutdown.\n\n\u201cThis is their Biden budget.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re not voting for it, they voted for this four times over last 19 months and now they won\u2019t because they\u2019re far left wing tells them not to!\n\n\u201cWe have patriots here who are suffering.\n\n\u201cWhy don\u2019t they show some of the courage that these people are and stand up to their far-left wing and vote for this bill so that least the people who are working can get paid?\n\n\u201cIs that so much to ask?\n\n\u201cThat we pay the people we\u2019re actually trying to keep the skies safe?\n\n\u201cA Democrat staffer was earlier quoted as saying, \u2018we\u2019re going to do this until planes start falling from the sky.\u2019\n\n\u201cWell, folks, we already heard that the FAA is going to cut back 10% this week on the number of flights because of safety concerns.\n\n\u201cBut it\u2019s the people that are the air traffic controllers and our law enforcement and everybody else who is working in a federal job that is not getting paid are paying the price for the Minority Leader\u2019s shutdown.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-gillibrand-introduce-bill-to-improve-flood-protection-infrastructure-resiliency-2/", "Ricketts, Gillibrand Introduce\u00a0Bill to Improve Flood Protection & Infrastructure Resiliency", "2025-11-07", "2025", "2025-11", "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. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act. The bill would elevate long-term flood resilience as a priority for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. It would grant the Secretary of Agriculture discretionary authority to provide an increased federal cost share for EWP grants. It would also elevate flood protection as a priority in the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Ricketts is a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.\n\n\u201cAfter big floods, federal red tape often slows recovery and delays rebuilding,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cThese restrictions also make it difficult to modernize the infrastructure that keeps our communities safe. This bipartisan bill will improve flood protection and infrastructure resiliency. It will help communities rebuild stronger, preventing future damage.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the climate crisis worsens and devastating floods become increasingly common, we must be better prepared and equipped to respond,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation will strengthen USDA\u2019s ability to help communities recover and rebuild. I will keep fighting to get this across the finish line to protect New Yorkers and improve resiliency across the country.\u201d\n\nBill text can be found here.\n\nThe bill has the support of American Flood Coalition Action.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act would:\n\nImprove EWP\u2019s level of protection above existing water levels at the time of the disaster to not only help communities recover from flood disasters, but also make critical watershed improvements that would reduce repeated damage during future disasters.\n\nGrant the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary discretionary authority to provide a variable federal cost share of up to 90% in the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, which provides technical and financial assistance for planning, design, and implementation of projects to rehabilitate aging watershed dams.\n\nAmend the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program to formally add flood prevention, mitigation, and resiliency to RCPP\u2019s statutory purpose, and enable the program to better assist agricultural producers, communities, and nongovernmental stakeholders in implementing regional and watershed-scale flood solutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-after-kazakhstan-joins-abraham-accords/", "Ricketts Issues Statement After Kazakhstan Joins Abraham Accords", "2025-11-07", "2025", "2025-11", "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) released the following statement after the announcement that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s historic Abraham Accords were the crowning foreign policy achievement of his first term. Building on its success demonstrates this administration\u2019s unwavering commitment to promoting enhanced cooperation between Israel and the Arab and Muslim world. I applaud Kazakhstan for making this important decision and hope other countries will follow suit.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-cotton-colleagues-applaud-president-trump-on-historic-success-of-asia-trip/", "Ricketts, Cotton, Colleagues Applaud President Trump on \u201cHistoric Success\u201d of Asia Trip", "2025-11-06", "2025", "2025-11", "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. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, and Tom Cotton (R-AR), the Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, led six colleagues in applauding President Donald Trump\u2019s successful trip to Asia last week. The lawmakers thanked President Trump for achieving trade deals that will benefit American farmers, workers, businesses, and innovators while protecting national security.\n\n\u201cThankfully, we have a President that puts America first and protects our greatest assets,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cYour leadership has ushered America into a Golden Era of relations with our allies and partners in the region and delivered outstanding results for the American people once again. The agreements that you secured mark a major milestone in ensuring that American farmers, workers, businesses, and innovators reap the benefits of fair and reciprocal trade.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers also applauded President Trump for securing concessions from Communist China without compromising American leadership in key technologies.\n\n\u201cWe understand the delicate balance you struck during the negotiations was not easy,\u201d The lawmakers continued. \u201cYour determination while engaging with Dictator Xi Jinping secured results on fentanyl, agricultural purchases, and critical minerals where others could not. Unlike your predecessors, who may have wavered and given away our greatest leverage, you managed to extract real concessions from Communist China while preserving American dominance. We applaud your foresight and wisdom in continuing to withhold America\u2019s most advanced semiconductors from Communist China, including NVIDIA\u2019s Blackwell.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs you have said, America is the country that started the AI race, and this decision will help ensure America wins that race,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cThank you again, Mr. President, for your unwavering dedication to putting America first and your unique ability to achieve outcomes that strengthen our economy, safeguard our technology, and reaffirm U.S. leadership on the global stage.\u201d\n\nAdditional signers included Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nWe write to congratulate you on your historic success advancing American prosperity and security on your recent trip to Asia. Thankfully, we have a President that puts America first and protects our greatest assets. Your leadership has ushered America into a Golden Era of relations with our allies and partners in the region and delivered outstanding results for the American people once again.\n\nThe agreements that you secured mark a major milestone in ensuring that American farmers, workers, businesses, and innovators reap the benefits of fair and reciprocal trade. For instance, your successful negotiations with Japan and South Korea will bring nearly one trillion dollars of investment into America\u2019s economy. And you have brought peace to yet another longstanding conflict, this time between Thailand and Cambodia.\n\nFinally, as you have rightly recognized in the past, Communist China is a dangerous and formidable adversary that has waged economic warfare on American farmers and manufacturers. Additionally, decades of mismanagement by previous administrations have led to entanglement with a regime whose actions have put our national security at risk. We understand the delicate balance you struck during the negotiations was not easy.\n\nYour determination while engaging with Dictator Xi Jinping secured results on fentanyl,\n\nagricultural purchases, and critical minerals where others could not. Unlike your predecessors, who may have wavered and given away our greatest leverage, you managed to extract real concessions from Communist China while preserving American dominance. We applaud your foresight and wisdom in continuing to withhold America\u2019s most advanced semiconductors from Communist China, which includes NVIDIA\u2019s Blackwell. As you have said, America is the country that started the AI race, and this decision will help ensure America wins that race.\n\nThank you again, Mr. President, for your unwavering dedication to putting America first and your unique ability to achieve outcomes that strengthen our economy, safeguard our technology, and reaffirm U.S. leadership on the global stage.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-we-need-five-more-democrat-votes-to-reopen-the-government-restore-essential-services/", "Ricketts: We Need Five More Democrat Votes to Reopen the Government, Restore Essential Services", "2025-11-06", "2025", "2025-11", "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 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) emphasized his efforts to end the Schumer Shutdown. It is now the longest government shutdown in history. Ricketts made the comments during his regular conference call with Nebraska media.\n\nWatch the video here.\n\n\u201cThis is day 36 of the Schumer shutdown. It\u2019s the longest government shutdown in history, and we\u2019re seeing the impacts all across the country,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cBut even in Nebraska, a friend of mine last week called me to tell me about a restaurant in Bellevue, where it\u2019s normally packed with airmen. Because of the government shutdown, airmen and the civilian employees are being very reticent to come in to be able to talk or to eat, because they want to make sure they\u2019re managing their dollars appropriately. This is the cost of Schumer shutdown.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re continuing to govern \u2013 even if the Democrats aren\u2019t,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cI\u2019ve voted fourteen times for a clean, bipartisan Continuing Resolution. I voted for the bipartisan Shutdown Fairness Act to pay our on-duty federal workers. I voted for a bipartisan appropriations bill to pay our military servicemembers. I voted to confirm 117 of President Trump\u2019s nominees. I will continue doing everything I can to reopen the government and restore essential services for Nebraskans.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe just need five more Democrats to stand up to their far-left base and vote to reopen government,\u201dsaid Ricketts. \u201cWe need five more Democrats to say we care more about people than political leverage. We need five more Democrats to join three Democrats who are already with us. That\u2019s all we need to reopen government. The sooner, the better.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\n\u201cThis is day 36 of the Schumer shutdown.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s the longest government shutdown in history, and we\u2019re seeing the impacts all across the country.\n\n\u201cBut even in Nebraska, a friend of mine last week called me to tell me about a restaurant in Bellevue, where it\u2019s normally packed with airmen.\n\n\u201cBecause of the government shutdown, airmen and the civilian employees are\n\nbeing very reticent to come in to be able to talk or to eat, because they want to make sure they\u2019re managing their dollars appropriately.\n\n\u201cThis is the cost of Schumer shutdown.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s impacting businesses in Bellevue, Nebraska.\n\n\u201cBut it\u2019s also the air traffic controllers, the federal law enforcement officers, border patrol and TSA agents, U.S. attorneys and Capitol police officers who are working without getting paid.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s the federal courts that are in limited operations.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s the SNAP benefits that are only being partially issued.\n\n\u201cHead Start grants that are not going out, hurting low-income students.\n\n\u201cSmall business loans are also not going out.\n\n\u201cRural Development programs that support housing, utilities, and infrastructure projects are on hold.\n\n\u201cGrants to local law enforcement to fight fentanyl and protect our communities are disrupted.\n\n\u201cAircraft inspections are delayed.\n\n\u201cVeterans transition assistance is disrupted.\n\n\u201cNational Guard trainings are delayed.\n\n\u201cI could go on and on.\n\n\u201cTelehealth and at-home care, community health centers, payments for ambulances, hospital-at-home services all disrupted.\n\n\u201cThese are all the consequences of the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cTo be clear, Republicans cannot open government by ourselves.\n\n\u201cWe need eight Democrats to vote to reopen government right now.\n\n\u201cWe have three.\n\n\u201cWe need five more.\n\n\u201cYet for too many of my Democrat colleagues in the Senate, these consequences are just leverage.\n\n\u201cYet for too many of my Democrat colleagues in the Senate, these consequences are just \u2018leverage.\u2019\n\n\u201cDemocrat Martin Heinrich of New Mexico said that our bipartisan bill to reopen the government: \u2018gives the president more leverage.\u2019\n\n\u201cWhy is it leverage for the President to have a working government?\n\n\u201cI think that benefits everyone.\n\n\u201cDemocrat Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island said this shutdown is \u2018the only lever we have.\u2019\n\n\u201cDemocrat Ruben Gallego of Arizona said: \u2018I\u2019d just go back and shut it down again\u2019 if he didn\u2019t get what he wanted.\n\n\u201cAnd, of course, socialist Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said: \u2018you reopen the government, we lose our leverage.\u2019\n\n\u201cTo Democrats, the Schumer Shutdown is about political leverage, not the American people.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time Democrats ended their partisan game.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re continuing to govern, even if Democrats aren\u2019t.\n\n\u201cI voted 14 times for a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution.\n\n\u201cI voted for the bipartisan shutdown Fairness Act to pay our on duty federal workers.\n\n\u201cI voted for a bipartisan appropriations bill to pay our military service members.\n\n\u201cI voted to confirm 117 of President Trump\u2019s nominees during the shutdown.\n\n\u201cI will continue doing everything I can to reopen government and restore essential services for Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cWe just need five more Democrats to stand up to their far left base and vote to reopen government.\n\n\u201cWe need five more Democrats to say we care more about people than political leverage.\n\n\u201cWe need five more Democrats to join three Democrats who are already with us.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s all we need to reopen government.\n\n\u201cThe sooner, the better.\n\n\u201cWhile Democrats claim they are holding out to negotiate on the Biden Obamacare COVID Boosters, Bonuses, whatever you want to call them, we need to reopen government first.\n\n\u201cAnd then we can have those negotiations.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019s right.\n\n\u201cWe need to reopen government.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s what Nebraskans deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=ED0B60E6-6355-4958-A013-F42DECE61643", "Fischer Presses for Continued Funding of Essential Air Service Program", "2025-11-05", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Department of Transportation nominees confirm commitment to funding Essential Air Service (EAS); Fischer urges Alliance Municipal Airport\u2019s EAS petition be swiftly considered\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Department of Transportation nominees Ryan McCormack and Daniel Edwards about their commitment to protecting rural air service.\n\nDuring the hearing, Fischer underscored the importance of the Essential Air Service (EAS) program to Nebraska\u2019s small communities and rural America as a whole.\n\nFischer also urged Edwards and McCormack to ensure that rural areas are not disadvantaged by future EAS reductions and encouraged them to reconsider Alliance Municipal Airport\u2019s EAS order with the Department of Transportation in a timely fashion.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s questioning\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-after-passing-of-former-vice-president-dick-cheney/", "Ricketts Issues Statement After Passing of Former Vice President Dick Cheney", "2025-11-04", "2025", "2025-11", "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) released the following statement after the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney:\n\n\u201cToday, America honors Dick Cheney\u2019s life of service. Born in Lincoln, NE and a son of Wyoming, Vice President Cheney represented his state and country with commitment and courage. He served at nearly every level of government, from congressional and White House aide all the way to Vice President. I pray for Lynne and his family as they mourn the loss of Vice President Cheney.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-following-resignation-of-nebraska-state-treasurer-appointment-of-new-treasurer/", "Ricketts Issues Statement Following Resignation of Nebraska State Treasurer, Appointment of New Treasurer", "2025-11-03", "2025", "2025-11", "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) released the following statement following the resignation of Nebraska Treasurer Tom Briese and Governor Jim Pillen\u2019s appointment of Joey Spellerberg as the new Treasurer:\n\n\u201cIn the Nebraska Legislature, Tom Briese focused on delivering property tax relief. As Treasurer, he delivered an improved state spending website and promoted financial literacy. I appreciate his service to Nebraskans. I wish Tom and his wife Joan the best in his retirement and congratulate Joey Spellerberg on his appointment.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-committee-advancement-of-bipartisan-bills-to-fuel-innovation-boost-american-energy-production/", "Ricketts Celebrates Committee Advancement of Bipartisan Bills to Fuel Innovation, Boost American Energy Production", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, voted to advance a package of bipartisan bills to fuel innovation and boost American energy production. Bills advanced yesterday include the Nuclear REFUEL Act, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act, and the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act.\n\n\u201cDespite the Schumer Shutdown, we\u2019re continuing to deliver for the American people,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cThis package of bipartisan bills will fuel innovation, boost American nuclear energy, and improve our recycling infrastructure.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-following-trumps-successful-asia-trip-trade-negotiations-with-xi-jinping/", "Ricketts Issues Statement Following Trump\u2019s Successful Asia Trip, Trade Negotiations with Xi Jinping", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement following President Trump\u2019s trip to Asia:\n\n\u201cThroughout his Asia trip, President Trump has secured great trade deals for America. Despite the president\u2019s deal with Communist China, we must continue to diversify our trading partners. We shouldn\u2019t be dependent on selling soybeans to Communist China. We also shouldn\u2019t rely on importing their critical minerals and pharmaceuticals. We must continue to diversify our markets, secure our supply chains, and protect our technology to end our reliance on Communist China. I am committed to working with the administration on these priorities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-mccormick-schmitt-introduce-the-nitazene-sanctions-act/", "Ricketts, McCormick, Schmitt Introduce the\u00a0Nitazene Sanctions Act", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), alongside Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), introduced the Nitazene Sanctions Act. Nitazenes are a dangerous class of synthetic opioids that often exceed the potency of fentanyl. The opioids, most of which originate in Communist China, are so strong that even trace amounts can trigger a fatal overdose. The Nitazene Sanctions Act would expand sanctions on persons and entities in Communist China to include those that support the manufacturing of nitazenes. This legislation would also require a strategy to combat the flow of nitazenes from Communist China.\n\n\u201cNitazenes could become the next fentanyl crisis if not stopped,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cIt\u2019s already killed thousands of Europeans, and it\u2019s quickly making its way to our shores. The Nitazene Sanctions Act will unleash sweeping sanctions against those in Communist China who are helping to poison and kill Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf we\u2019re going to prevent nitazenes from becoming the next fentanyl, we need coordination within the federal government and sanctions to crack down on the production and trafficking of this deadly narcotic,\u201d said McCormick. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Senator Ricketts for his leadership and commitment to keeping our communities safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cNitazenes are powerful synthetic opioids which overwhelmingly originate from Communist China,\u201d said Schmitt. \u201cThe Nitazene Sanctions Act will combat this deadly drug by unleashing devastating sanctions against any entity in Communist China that is manufacturing this deadly drug to poison and kill American citizens.\u201d\n\nThe Nitazene Sanctions Act would:\n\nRequire a report from the Secretary of State and the Attorney General on the role of the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) and financial institutions that support the production of nitazene precursors;\n\nRequire a plan from the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to work with the PRC to reduce the production of nitazene precursors;\n\nRequire a strategy to work with European allies and partners to combat the flow of nitazene precursors;\n\nAnd amend the Fentanyl sanctions to include 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, which will allow the President to designate any entity of the PRC that the President determines produces, manufactures, distributes, sells, or knowingly finances the production of nitazene precursors.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nUnlike opium, Nitazene and synthetic opioids can be produced anywhere in the world using precursor chemicals that are often uncontrolled and widely available. Chemical manufacturers in Communist China can easily synthesize nitazene precursors. The Drug Enforcement Administration has warned that Mexican cartels could use their existing relations with suppliers based in Communist China to funnel nitazenes into the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-republicans-are-continuing-the-business-of-governing-even-if-the-democrats-arent/", "Ricketts: Republicans Are \u201cContinuing the Business of Governing \u2014 Even If The Democrats Aren\u2019t\u201d", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) expressed his commitment to continue delivering for Nebraskans, despite the Schumer Shutdown. Ricketts made the comments during his regular conference call with Nebraska media.\n\nWatch the video here.\n\n\u201cWhile on-duty people work without pay, Republicans keep voting on the only bipartisan solution to the shutdown,\u201dsaid Ricketts. \u201cThis is the same bipartisan bill Chuck Schumer supported four times over the last nineteen months. But Chuck Schumer wants to keep playing his partisan game. My staff and I come to work every day. We\u2019re continuing the business of governing \u2014 even if the Democrats aren\u2019t.\u201d\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer says that \u201cevery day gets better\u201d for Democrats during the shutdown. It\u2019s not getting better for Nebraskans or Americans,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cDespite this, Senate Republicans and I are continuing the work of government. We\u2019re passing important bills like the NDAA and the Road to Housing Act. We\u2019re confirming President Trump\u2019s nominees. I\u2019m continuing my work to deter Communist China. I will keep delivering for Nebraskans.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re beginning week five of the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cToday is the 29th day.\n\n\u201cAs of last week, this is now the longest full government shutdown.\n\n\u201cWhile on-duty people work without pay, Republicans keep voting on the only bipartisan solution to the shutdown.\n\n\u201cWe have voted on a resolution to reopen the government over a dozen times now.\n\n\u201cThis is the same bipartisan bill Chuck Schumer supported four times over the last nineteen months.\n\n\u201cBut Chuck Schumer wants to keep playing his partisan game.\n\n\u201cMy staff and I come to work every day.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re continuing the business of governing \u2014 even if the Democrats aren\u2019t.\n\n\u201cCapitol Police also come in every day.\n\n\u201cSo do our federal law enforcement officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and air traffic controllers.\n\n\u201cBut Chuck Schumer doesn\u2019t want to pay on-duty federal workers.\n\n\u201cDemocrats made police and support staff work overtime\u2014all night, without a paycheck\u2014so they could try to break a filibuster record.\n\n\u201cThe American Federation of Government Employees is calling for Democrats to join Republicans in voting to end the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cLast week, Republicans introduced a bill that would pay these on-duty workers during the shutdown.\n\n\u201cOnly three Democrats voted for it.\n\n\u201cThe Democrats offered their own bill, but they added a partisan poison pill preventing President Trump from increasing government efficiency.\n\n\u201cThey did this to make sure Republicans wouldn\u2019t vote for it.\n\n\u201cThe Republican bill was clean.\n\n\u201cThe Democrats\u2019 bill was not.\n\n\u201cOur offer was serious. Theirs was not.\n\n\u201cDespite the Schumer Shutdown, my Republican colleagues and I continue to deliver for the American people.\n\n\u201cEarlier this month, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n\u201cThis NDAA will support our airmen at Offutt Air Force Base and strengthen Nebraska\u2019s Sentinel missile program.\n\n\u201cWe passed the historic ROAD to Housing Act.\n\n\u201cThis will make it easier for Nebraskans to buy homes.\n\n\u201cThe ROAD to Housing Act will help rural Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cIt includes my Streamlining Rural Housing Act, which cuts red tape for building homes in rural Nebraska.\n\n\u201cLast week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee also advanced three of my bills to deter Communist China and keep Americans safe.\n\n\u201cThat includes the THINK TWICE Act, the PORCUPINE Act, and the AUKUS Improvement Act.\n\n\u201cAll of these bills are bipartisan.\n\n\u201cThese bills strengthen our alliances with Australia and the U.K.\n\n\u201cThey strengthen Taiwan to deter Communist China\u2019s aggression.\n\n\u201cTogether, they make it easier for our partners and allies to purchase American-made military equipment such as submarines.\n\n\u201cThe Senate also continues to confirm President Trump\u2019s judicial and executive branch nominees.\n\n\u201cWe have confirmed 112 since the Schumer Shutdown began.\n\n\u201cJust because Chuck Schumer doesn\u2019t want to reopen the government, doesn\u2019t mean the government shouldn\u2019t be serving the American people.\n\n\u201cSenate Republicans and President Trump are doing everything we can to reopen the government.\n\n\u201cThe President found ways to pay military servicemembers.\n\n\u201cThe USDA is reopening the Farm Service Agency.\n\n\u201cThis means critical services for farm loan processing can resume for the end of harvest.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer says that \u201cevery day gets better\u201d for Democrats during the shutdown.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s not getting better for Nebraskans or Americans.\n\n\u201cDespite this, Senate Republicans and I are continuing the work of government.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re passing important bills like the NDAA and the Road to Housing Act.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re confirming President Trump\u2019s nominees.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m continuing my work to deter Communist China.\n\n\u201cI will keep delivering for Nebraskans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-schiff-lead-substance-use-misuse-prevention-month-resolution/", "Ricketts, Schiff Lead Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month Resolution", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a resolution to designate October 2025 as Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month in America. Ricketts is a long-time champion for programs that combat the drug addiction and overdose epidemic in the United States.\n\n\u201cDrug overdoses are killing Americans,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cSubstance use among adolescents is associated with continued substance use and misuse in adulthood. In 2024, an estimated 48,000,000 people in the United States aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder. This bipartisan resolution calls attention to the crisis and the need to support critical prevention programs.\u201d\n\n\u201cSubstance use and misuse affect millions of Americans each year, from every community and of all ages,\u201d said Schiff. \u201cI am proud to join Senator Ricketts in supporting crucial prevention programs to combat the drug addiction and overdose epidemic in our country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-commends-omaha-police-condemns-bidens-soft-on-crime-policies/", "Ricketts Commends Omaha Police, Condemns Biden\u2019s Soft-on-Crime Policies", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) commended Omaha police following the publication of charging documents related to an October 3 shooting in Omaha. An Omaha man, whose 20-year prison sentence was commuted by President Joe Biden, was charged for the shooting. Ricketts issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cIn 2018, Khyre Holbert was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses. During his last days in office, President Joe Biden let him out after serving less than half his time. Earlier this month, Khyre Holbert shot someone in the Old Market. This should never have happened.\n\nSoft on crime policies make Nebraskans less safe. I commend Omaha Police and federal law enforcement for bringing this violent criminal to justice.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1D371A5D-437D-47E5-8988-8C703A66C39F", "Passed by the Senate: Fischer\u2019s Bill to Strengthen U.S. Telecommunications Against Foreign Adversaries", "2025-10-27", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "The U.S. Senatepassed Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-Neb.)Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Actto help strengthen America\u2019s telecommunications against foreign adversaries.\n\n\u201cWith the Senate passage of myFACT Act, we marka crucial step in the mission to secure America\u2019s tech and telecommunication markets from foreign adversaries. We cannot allow adversarial regimes like communist China and Russia to infiltrate our communication networks and undermine our people and country, which is why I introduced and shepherded this bill through the Senate. I\u2019m grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues, and I look forward to getting this bill to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law,\u201dFischer said.\n\nBackground on theFACT Act:\n\nTheFACT Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to publicly identify entities that hold FCC licenses, authorizations, or other grants of authority that are owned, wholly or partially, by foreign adversarial governments. This includes the governments of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.\n\nUntil now, there has been no mandated public disclosure of companies linked to foreign adversaries operating within U.S. technology and telecommunication markets.\n\nAlthough the FCC is prohibited from granting licenses or authorizations deemed a national security threat, some entities with ties to adversarial foreign governments continue to hold certain approvals. As a result, more transparency is necessary.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/10/passed-by-the-senate-fischer-s-bill-to-strengthen-u-s-telecommunications-against-foreign-adversaries", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=288A5086-392F-4F35-B7D9-B7CB5EA4086E", "ICYMI: Fischer Joins Mornings with Maria", "2025-10-27", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click the image above to watch Senator Fischer\u2019s interview.\n\nClick here to download video.\n\nClick here to download audio.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-committee-advancement-of-his-bills-to-deter-communist-china-keep-americans-safe/", "Ricketts Celebrates Committee Advancement of His Bills to Deter Communist China, Keep Americans Safe", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, celebrated the advancement of a bipartisan package of legislation he authored to deter Communist China and keep Americans safe. The Ricketts bills advanced yesterday include the THINK TWICE Act, the PORCUPINE Act, and the AUKUS Improvement Act. The Foreign Relations Committee also advanced Ricketts legislation recognizing the 74th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the U.S. and the Philippines. All advanced by voice vote.\n\n\u201cCommunist China\u2019s malign aggression threatens our security and the security of our allies and partners,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cBy combatting Chinese arms sales, supporting Taiwan\u2019s self-defense, and strengthening military cooperation between the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom,these bills will help keep Americans safe. They will help deter continued aggression from Communist China. I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues for joining me to advance them to the Senate floor.\u201d\n\nAdditional bills that help counter Communist China\u2019s aggression that passed out of Committee today with Ricketts\u2019 support include the Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act, the Strengthening U.S. Leadership at the IDB Act, the SCAM Act, the Critical Minerals Partnership Act, the STOP Russia and China Act, the U.S. Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act, the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, the China Exchange Rate Transparency Act, and a resolution condemning Communist China for engaging in transnational repression. The bills now head to the Senate floor.\n\nThe THINK TWICE Act, as amended, would:\n\nRequire the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the Secretaries of State and Defense, to assess arms sales facilitated by entities in Communist China. The report requires inclusion of:\n\nThe specific Chinese weapons systems, technical aspects, and capabilities of those weapons;\n\nThe Chinese weapons that present the greatest security risks regarding the potential to collect intelligence on or compromise U.S. platforms;\n\nThe countries mostly likely to procure Chinese weapons systems;\n\nThe weapons systems in development in Communist China that could be on the global market in the next 5 years;\n\nThe factors that incentivize countries to procure Chinese weapons;\n\nThe Chinese entities that have violated UN security council resolutions regarding the sales of arms to Iran and North Korea;\n\nthe Chinese weapons systems purchased by foreign countries for the ultimate use of non-state actors;\n\nAnd Communist China\u2019s strategy regarding arms sales.\n\nRequire the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to develop a strategy to dissuade purchases of new weapons systems and defense equipment from the PRC. The strategy would include:\n\nAn information campaign to warn countries interested in procuring weapons systems and defense equipment originating from Communist China about risks, the inability to integrate such weapons with U.S. weapons, and the potential limitation of future security cooperation with U.S. if such weapons are acquired;\n\nA description of actions the U.S. and American defense firms can take to make U.S. weapons systems more attractive to prospective buyers of Chinese-origin weapons;\n\nAn analysis of whether sanctions or economic restrictions targeting potential buyers could be used as an effective deterrent;\n\nAnd a plan to combat Chinese disinformation campaigns targeting the performance of Western weapons.\n\nThe PORCUPINE Act, as amended, would:\n\nElevate Taiwan in the NATO-plus category for seven years for shorter formal Congressional notification times and higher weapons value thresholds.\n\nRequires the Secretary of State to assess the feasibility of establishing an expedited decision-making process for blanket third party transfers of defense articles and services from NATO member countries, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand or Israel to Taiwan, including transfers and re-transfers of U.S. origin grant, FMS, and DCS end-items not covered by an exemption under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.\n\nThe AUKUS Improvement Act would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-after-chuck-schumer-democrats-block-shutdown-fairness-act/", "Ricketts Issues Statement After Chuck Schumer, Democrats Block Shutdown Fairness Act", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement after Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and 43 Senate Democrats voted against the Shutdown Fairness Act:\n\n\u201cBecause of the Schumer Shutdown, federal law enforcement officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol agents are working without pay. The Shutdown Fairness Act would have ensured they are paid for this critical work. This fair, simple, and common sense solution should have passed unanimously. All but three Democrats blocked it. I\u2019ll continue fighting to end the Schumer Shutdown and support our federal workers who are keeping us safe.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-republicans-are-working-to-end-the-schumer-shutdown-pay-on-duty-federal-officers/", "VIDEO: Ricketts: Republicans Are Working to End the Schumer Shutdown, Pay On-Duty Federal Officers", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) expressed his support for the Shutdown Fairness Act. The common-sense legislation would pay federal law enforcement officers, military servicemembers, and other on-duty federal officers until the Schumer Shutdown ends. Ricketts made the comments during his regular conference call with Nebraska media.\n\nWatch the video here.\n\n\u201cOur law enforcement officers work hard to prevent crime and protect families. They face danger, act fast, and serve with courage,\u201dsaid Ricketts. \u201cBut because of the Schumer Shutdown, federal officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and Border Patrol agents are all working without pay. These federal officers and their families shouldn\u2019t have to pay the price for Chuck Schumer\u2019s political games. Their paychecks shouldn\u2019t be held hostage by Chuck Schumer. I continue to work with my Republican colleagues to end the Schumer Shutdown and support our law enforcement officers.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepublicans are working to ensure our law enforcement and all federal workers on duty don\u2019t continue to go unpaid,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cTomorrow, we will be voting on the Shutdown Fairness Act. This solution makes sure that the people who are showing up for work every day get paid. This includes air traffic controllers, military servicemembers, federal officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and Border Patrol agents. The Shutdown Fairness Act is simple. It\u2019s common sense. And it needs to pass.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\n\u201cRecently, Nebraska State Police seized 130 pounds of meth outside of Omaha.\n\n\u201cMultiple times this year, Nebraska officers have arrested criminal members of the violent MS-13 gang.\n\n\u201cIn August, U.S. Attorney for Nebraska Lesley Woods announced the arrest of five individuals for sex and human trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering.\n\n\u201cThese individuals trafficked minors and illegal immigrants across hotels and salons that they owned.\n\n\u201cAll five are present in the country illegally.\n\n\u201cEarlier this month, an Omaha Police officer was shot in the head while arresting a suspect at a gas station.\n\n\u201cWe continue to pray for his complete recovery.\n\n\u201cOur law enforcement officers work hard to prevent crime and protect families.\n\n\u201cThey face danger, act fast, and serve with courage.\n\n\u201cBut because of the Schumer Shutdown, federal officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and Border Patrol agents are all working without pay.\n\n\u201cThese federal officers and their families shouldn\u2019t have to pay the price for Chuck Schumer\u2019s political games.\n\n\u201cTheir paychecks shouldn\u2019t be held hostage by Chuck Schumer.\n\n\u201cI continue to work with my Republican colleagues to end the Schumer Shutdown and support our law enforcement officers.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve voted nearly a dozen times to reopen the government with a clean continuing resolution.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer and the Democrats continue to block it.\n\n\u201cThat hurts our heroic law enforcement officers.\n\n\u201cRepublicans are working to ensure our law enforcement and all federal workers on duty don\u2019t continue to go unpaid.\n\n\u201cTomorrow, we will be voting on the Shutdown Fairness Act.\n\n\u201cThis solution makes sure that the people who are showing up for work every day get paid.\n\n\u201cThis includes air traffic controllers, military servicemembers, federal officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and Border Patrol agents.\n\n\u201cThe Shutdown Fairness Act is simple. It\u2019s common sense. And it needs to pass.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re giving Chuck Schumer and the Democrats another chance to vote to support the women and men who take drugs off our streets.\n\n\u201cAnother chance to support the ones who fight against the scourge of human and sex trafficking.\n\n\u201cAnother chance to support all the federal workers who keep us safe.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m going to stand up for our law enforcement officers. I urge Chuck Schumer to do the same.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-instead-of-importing-more-foreign-beef-lets-work-on-market-based-solutions/", "Ricketts: Instead of Importing More Foreign Beef, Let\u2019s Work on \u201cMarket-Based Solutions\u201d", "2025-10-22", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement urging the Trump administration to prioritize market-based solutions supporting Nebraska beef instead of importing more foreign beef:\n\n\u201cThis administration\u2019s efforts to encourage Americans to consume more beef and expand grazing on federal lands are welcome. This helps Nebraska. We should be working on market-based solutions. Moving to import more Argentine beef at this time will set farmers and ranchers back. I urge the administration to reconsider its plans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=311C520E-0888-48D6-823D-6924B3553747", "Fischer Legislation to Expedite Producers\u2019 Access to Federal Disaster Relief Passes Agriculture Committee", "2025-10-21", "2025", "2025-10", "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.) legislation, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee.\n\nIf signed into law, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act would reform the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to offer producers impacted by disasters the option to receive an increased, up-front cost-share. The bill would also adjust eligibility for relief to include any wildfire caused or spread due to natural causes, as well as wildfires caused by the federal government. A provision was added this Congress that would extend the timeframe for eligible participants to use the rehabilitative funds, allowing more time for work to be completed.\n\n\u201cWhen disaster strikes, the last thing Nebraskans need is more bureaucratic red tape. Unfortunately, that is the case with the ECP\u2019s current distribution system. By streamlining the recovery process, my bill will ensure that our ag producers have access to the resources they need. I\u2019m grateful the Senate Agriculture Committee approved this important legislation, and I look forward to getting it to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law,\u201d Fischer said.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/10/fischer-legislation-to-expedite-producers-access-to-federal-disaster-relief-passes-agriculture-committee", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-supporting-nebraska-beef/", "Ricketts Issues Statement Supporting Nebraska Beef", "2025-10-21", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement urging the administration to support the sale of Nebraska beef:\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been in contact with members of the Trump administration including Ambassador Greer, Secretary Bessent, and Secretary Rollins. I also spoke to President Trump at the White House today with a number of my colleagues. Nebraska ranchers are making money for the first time in years. We must continue to stand with them while we look for ways to lower grocery prices. Our focus should be on market-based solutions. I have advocated to administration officials to invest in more mitigation efforts to be able to normalize trade with our long-time partner Mexico. The New World Screwworm has disrupted beef trade with Mexico this year. We should continue working to address this issue to help stabilize beef prices and normalize trade.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=99C3F2C9-FCBE-4173-AB9A-0FE24D9469B4", "Fischer Urges Trump Admin. to Prioritize America\u2019s Ranchers", "2025-10-20", "2025", "2025-10", "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 urging President Trump to prioritize America\u2019s ranchers over importing foreign beef:\n\n\u201cSince hearing the president\u2019s comments suggesting the U.S. would buy beef from Argentina, I\u2019ve been in touch with his administration and my colleagues to seek clarity and express my deep concerns. I\u2019ve also been sounding the alarm on the bleak state of our ag economy and the negative impacts facing Nebraska\u2019s ag industry\u2014the economic driver of our state. Bottom line: if the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn\u2019t the way. Right now, government intervention in the beef market will hurt our cattle ranchers. The U.S. has safe, reliable beef, and it is the one bright spot in our struggling ag economy. Nebraska\u2019s ranchers cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they\u2019re just getting ahead or simply breaking even. I strongly encourage the Trump administration to focus on trade deals that benefit our ag producers\u2014not imports that will do more harm than good.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/10/fischer-urges-trump-admin-to-prioritize-america-s-ranchers", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-despite-the-schumer-shutdown-senate-republicans-are-continuing-to-work-for-americans/", "VIDEO: Ricketts: Despite the Schumer Shutdown, Senate Republicans are Continuing to Work for Americans", "2025-10-16", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) slammed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for admitting that the Schumer Shutdown is political. Ricketts made the comments during his regular conference call with Nebraska media.\n\nWatch the video here.\n\n\u201cWe are into the third week of the Schumer Shutdown,\u201dsaid Ricketts. \u201cIt\u2019s shameful that Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats are holding government funding hostage for political gain. This is a Schumer Shutdown.\u201d\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer himself said this shutdown is for his political benefit,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cRecently, Chuck Schumer told journalists that, during the shutdown: \u2018Every day gets better for us.\u2019 Better for who? Certainly not for those Nebraskans who are missing their paychecks. Certainly not for Nebraskans whose services are delayed and disrupted. Certainly not the American people.\u201d\n\nRicketts emphasized that, despite the Schumer shutdown, Senate Republicans continue to work for the American people.\n\n\u201cLast week, we confirmed 107 qualified nominees, including Lesley Woods, our U.S. Attorney for Nebraska,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cWe stopped 3 burdensome Biden-era regulations restricting land use. These regulations would have prevented us from using our resources to lower costs for Nebraskans. We also passed a National Defense Authorization Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are ensuring our military has the tools it needs to deter adversaries like Communist China and keep Americans safe,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cFinally, we passed the Road to Housing Act, landmark legislation that puts America on a path to make home ownership a possibility for all Americans. This includes my Rural Housing Service Reform Act, which offers loans, grants, and rental assistance to rural communities. While Chuck Schumer wants to keep the government closed, Senate Republicans are continuing to do the work of governing this country.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\n\u201cWe are into the third week of the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s shameful that Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats are holding government funding hostage for political gain.\n\n\u201cThis is a Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cDon\u2019t take my word for it.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer himself said this shutdown is for his political benefit.\n\n\u201cRecently, Chuck Schumer told journalists that, during the shutdown: \u2018Every day gets better for us.\u2019\n\n\u201cBetter for who?\n\n\u201cCertainly not for those Nebraskans who are missing their paychecks.\n\n\u201cCertainly not for Nebraskans whose services are delayed or disrupted.\n\n\u201cCertainly not the American people.\n\n\u201cSenate Republicans don\u2019t think this is \u2018better\u2019 for Americans who are worried about the uncertainty a shutdown causes.\n\n\u201cWe have supported and are supporting the only bipartisan solution to this Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s passing a clean continuing resolution.\n\n\u201cPassing a \u2018Clean CR\u2019 is what Senate Republicans and three Senate Democrats are supporting.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve voted for it eight times this month.\n\n\u201cDemocrats have supported these exact same spending levels four times in the past eighteen months.\n\n\u201cBut not this time.\n\n\u201cThis time, they are supporting a Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer and Senate Democrats are the only ones insisting that the federal government stays closed because it is \u201cbetter\u201d for them.\n\n\u201cThe Clean CR is already a bipartisan compromise.\n\n\u201cIt is a bipartisan funding deal struck during the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cWe agreed to it as Senate Republicans when we were in the minority.\n\n\u201cClean means there are no partisan additions.\n\n\u201cThere are no partisan policies or changes.\n\n\u201cIt simply keeps the government funded at the same level as before.\n\n\u201cThat gives Congress time to continue the normal process of passing appropriations bills.\n\n\u201cDespite Chuck Schumer shutting down government, Senate Republicans are continuing to work for the American people.\n\n\u201cLast week, we confirmed 107 qualified nominees, including Lesley Woods, our U.S. Attorney for Nebraska.\n\n\u201cWe stopped 3 burdensome Biden-era regulations restricting land use.\n\n\u201cThese regulations would have prevented us from using our resources to lower costs for Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cWe also passed a National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n\u201cThis legislative package funds the Defense Department, Department of Energy, and other critical national security programs.\n\n\u201cIt authorizes $924.7 billion for national defense next year.\n\n\u201cIt gives a 3.8% pay raise to our servicemembers.\n\n\u201cIt includes my AUKUS Improvement Act, which will strengthen military cooperation between the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom.\n\n\u201cThis will help deter Communist China.\n\n\u201cIt includes an important review of U.S.-China science and technology agreements.\n\n\u201cIt also includes a provision, modeled after a bill by Senator Fischer, designed to enable local communities to support defense healthcare facility development \u2013 like we did with the Omaha Ambulatory Care Center.\n\n\u201cPlus, it contains funding for programs at Offutt Air Force Base and Nebraska-based Sentinel nuclear missiles.\n\n\u201cWe are ensuring our military has the tools it needs to deter adversaries like Communist China and keep Americans safe.\n\n\u201cFinally, we passed the Road to Housing Act, landmark legislation that puts America on a path to make home ownership a possibility for all Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis includes my Rural Housing Service Reform Act, which offers loans, grants, and rental assistance to rural communities.\n\n\u201cWhile Chuck Schumer wants to keep the government closed, Senate Republicans are continuing to do the work of governing this country.\n\n\u201cWhen Americans face a problem, we work together to find a solution.\n\n\u201cRefusing to pay bills, furloughing workers, and withholding pay from federal law enforcement make the challenge worse.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer doesn\u2019t want to debate.\n\n\u201cHe is not working toward a solution.\n\n\u201cHe is not acting like a leader.\n\n\u201cHe\u2019s being a hypocrite.\n\n\u201cBut Chuck Schumer doesn\u2019t care, because it\u2019s \u2018better\u2019 for him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=4ECDD338-62F2-4D70-95BB-C21451B1D2D8", "Fischer on Senate Floor: Americans are Hurting, Democrats Must Join Republicans in Reopening Government", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, during a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) urged her Democratic colleagues to join Republicans and vote for a clean funding resolution to reopen the federal government.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Fischer\u2019s remarks.\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-ricketts-tours-st-francis-memorial-hospital-in-west-point/", "ICYMI: Ricketts Tours Franciscan Healthcare in West Point", "2025-10-14", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WEST POINT, NE \u2013 This weekend, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) toured Franciscan Healthcare, a 25-bed critical access hospital in West Point. Ricketts emphasized the importance of rural hospitals in communities like West Point.\n\n\u201cFranciscan Healthcare is a pillar of the West Point community, caring for babies, seniors, and everyone in between,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cThese critical facilities are why we created the new rural healthcare fund in the One Big Beautiful Bill. It will provide $50 billion for medical care in rural communities over the next five years. This will provide at least $100 million annually for Nebraska hospitals like Franciscan Healthcare. I\u2019ll keep fighting to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes across Nebraska.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-on-release-of-living-hostages-in-middle-east/", "Ricketts Issues Statement on Release of Living Hostages in Middle East", "2025-10-13", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement after twenty living hostages were released from Gaza:\n\n\u201cThis is a great first step towards peace. Families can be reunited once again,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThe remaining bodies of the deceased hostages must be returned immediately as well. Once this happens, and Gaza becomes a deradicalized terror-free zone that no longer poses a threat to Israel, peace can truly begin.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-supports-defense-bill-with-major-nebraska-wins/", "Ricketts Supports Defense Bill With Major Nebraska Wins", "2025-10-10", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) recognized passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes funding levels and authorities for the U.S. military. This ensures American forces have the training, equipment, and resources they need to carry out their missions..\n\n\u201cCommunist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea all need to be deterred,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cBy restoring American strength, this NDAA will help us deter our adversaries and keep Americans safe. I appreciate Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Don Bacon\u2019s leadership on the Armed Services Committees. Together, we\u2019re ensuring our military has what it needs to defend us.\u201d\n\nWins in the NDAA:\n\nAuthorizes $924.7 billion for national defense next year;\n\nGives a 3.8% pay raise to our servicemembers;\n\nAuthorizes over $4 billion in funding for modernizing our nuclear triad, including the Sentinel ICBM program;\n\nIncludes the Ricketts-sponsored AUKUS Improvement Act, which streamlines defense industrial base collaboration and co-production between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom;\n\nIncludes a Ricketts-authored provision requiring a security review of the U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (STA);\n\nIncludes a Ricketts-supported provision directing the U.S. Department of Defense to assess the feasibility of a program, modeled after Senator Fischer\u2019s CHIP In for Veterans Act, enabling local communities to contribute to DoD healthcare facility development;\n\nIncludes the Ricketts-supported COUNTER Act, which combats Communist China\u2019s attempts to strengthen its global reach through military expansion;\n\nNebraska-Specific Wins:\n\nExtends experimentation and prototyping authority to all combatant commands, including U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM);\n\nRequires the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program to begin being fielded by Sept. 30, 2033;\n\nAuthorizes an additional $19 million in funding for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), which identifies the remains of fallen servicemembers. One of two DPAA labs is located at Offutt Air Force Base;\n\nAuthorizes $15 million to support the Nuclear Command, Control, Communications (NC3) Network Sensor Demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base;\n\nAuthorizes $15 million to support the innovative NC3 Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub program, or REACH, at Offutt Air Force Base;\n\nAuthorizes funding for the Survivable Airborne Operation Center (SAOC) to replace the aging E-4B \u201cDoomsday plane,\u201d as well as funding for the design of hangars and other facilities for SAOC at Offutt Air Force Base;\n\nCodifies a requirement for deep cleaning of ICBM launch control centers every five years;\n\nDesignates STRATCOM\u2019s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO) office as the lead entity for coordinating testing and evaluation of joint employment of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technologies;\n\nDirects a report on the 557th Weather Wing\u2019s cloud migration, AI readiness, and infrastructure modernization roadmap;\n\nCodifies the 557th Weather Wing\u2019s authorities to provide meteorological and environmental services to the Intelligence Community;\n\nRequires CFIUS to report on real estate transactions of national security threats. This helps to target Communist China\u2019s malign activities in the U.S. and near critical military sites across the nation;\n\nRicketts\u2019 AUKUS Improvement Act:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5AD87695-A67C-415F-AF68-975BA619C048", "Fischer Statement on Senate Confirming Lesley Woods Murphy to Serve as U.S. Attorney for Nebraska", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "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 after the U.S. Senate confirmed Lesley Woods Murphy to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska:\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Lesley Woods Murphy on her confirmation by the Senate to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska. I am confident that Lesley will excel in this role, which is why I strongly recommended that President Trump nominate her for this position. I look forward to seeing Lesley work efficiently and effectively \u2013 as she has done throughout her career \u2013 to keep our families and communities safe.\u201d\n\nAfter Fischer recommended Lesley Woods Murphy to be nominated for this position, President Donald Trump nominated Lesley Woods Murphy to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska in May of 2025.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=AC3FDE9F-106B-43A0-9700-94CD62142154", "ICYMI: Fischer Joins Newsmax to Discuss Schumer Shutdown, FBI Targeting Republican Senators, Middle East Peace Deal", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click the image above to watch Senator Fischer\u2019s interview.\n\nClick here to download video.\n\nClick here to download audio.\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined National Report on Newsmax to discuss the Biden-era FBI targeting Republican senators, Democrats prioritizing political theater over reopening the federal government, and the peace deal between Israel and Hamas announced by the Trump administration.\n\nOn Biden-era FBI Targeting Republican Senators:\n\n\u201cWell, it really was unbelievable, and my thanks to Senator Grassley for sticking with this and bringing it forward. I mean, you talk about federalization and weaponization of our law enforcement \u2013 that weaponization took place in the last administration.\n\n\u201cA lot of conservatives complained about it, but nothing ever happened. And Senator Grassley now is digging into this. It's a violation of our liberty, it's a violation of our privacy, and I'm looking forward to continuing to find out what happened and really to hold those who were responsible for this accountable.\u201d\n\nOn Democrats Prioritizing Political Theater Over Reopening Government:\n\n\u201cThis is the Schumer shutdown. I was looking through my press clips earlier this morning, and I saw one where Senator Schumer said, \u2018Every day gets better for us.\u2019\n\n\u201cIf that's how the Democrats think that, that it gets better, that our military is not paid, that it gets better when we're looking at people who are worried about being furloughed, who are worried about getting their paychecks, that just shows their arrogance. That just shows that they view this as politics and nothing but political theater.\n\n\u201cWhat we want to do is open the government \u2026 we [Republicans] have a clean CR and we're just saying \u2026 open the government and then we can take up those appropriations bills, which have already been negotiated in the Appropriations Committee. Leader Thune has eight of them on the floor. We've passed three of those and that's transparency. That's accountability that the American people deserve in how we prioritize programs here in Washington and how we are spending taxpayer money.\n\n\u201cBut the Democrats, like I said, I was appalled that he would make a statement like that, that every day gets better for us as Democrats \u2026 They think it's a good day. Hey, get a clue. This is not a good day. Open up the government.\u201d\n\nOn Middle East Peace Deal with Israel and Hamas:\n\n\u201cWell, it's wonderful news and deep thanks to President Trump for being focused on this and making a commitment to see it through. Senator Fetterman has been very strong in his support for Israel during these horrible times when they are fighting Hamas, the terrorist group. When they are trying to get their people back that are still alive. I think he does speak for many of us, and I commend him on his comments. It is good news ... And we hope that Hamas follows through, and that we do see peace in the region.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=FCAF68ED-C647-4298-9B62-F41925155A5B", "Fischer Praises Senate Passage of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "FY26 NDAA includes Fischer\u2019s provisions to protect defense spectrum, support service members, and invest in U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nU.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cRight now, our adversaries are sharing weapons, resources, and a common goal: to weaken the United States and dismantle our influence around the globe. I\u2019m proud that this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act meets this moment by investing in deterrence and our brave men and women in uniform.\n\n\u201cI successfully fought to secure important provisions to boost our nuclear deterrence, protect defense spectrum, strengthen our missile defense systems, and improve responses to mass casualty events. I\u2019m also pleased to have delivered critical investments for Nebraska. Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha plays a crucial role in defending our nation, which is why I used my role as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to secure wins for U.S. Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency\u2014all located at Offutt.\n\n\u201cThe first duty of Congress is to defend the nation. With the passage of this bill, Congress is doing its part to equip our troops with the tools and resources they need to carry out their mission.\u201d\n\nClick here to see key provisions secured by Fischer in the FY 2026 NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-statement-on-middle-east-peace-deal/", "Ricketts Statement on Middle East Peace Deal", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump ran on restoring peace at home and abroad. As of tonight, the Middle East is approaching peace,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cNow, Hamas must release all the hostages without delay. It\u2019s been two long years these hostages have been held inhumanely by terrorists. It\u2019s past time they came home. It\u2019s equally important that the remains of those hostages that were killed in Gaza, including two Israeli-Americans, Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, are returned to their families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-on-the-schumer-shutdown-senate-democrats-want-to-hold-rural-nebraskans-healthcare-hostage/", "VIDEO: Ricketts on the Schumer Shutdown: \u201cSenate Democrats Want to Hold Rural Nebraskans\u2019 Healthcare Hostage.\u201d", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) slammed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for shutting down the federal government to score political points and appease his radical left base. Ricketts made the comments during his regular conference call with Nebraska media.\n\nWatch the video here.\n\n\u201cFor the 8th day, the government is shutdown,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cGovernment services have diminished or stopped. Senate Democrats want to hold rural Nebraskans\u2019 healthcare hostage. Important programs like telehealth have lapsed. This is what a Schumer Shutdown looks like.\u201d\n\n\u201cSchumer and his Senate Minority say their \u2018fight\u2019 is about healthcare. That\u2019s not the case. This is about partisan games,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cDemocrats claim to be fighting for healthcare. The reality is that their policies would harm it. Because of this shutdown, veterans\u2019 services are impacted. Telehealth programs that rural and elderly Nebraskans rely on have lapsed. Hospital-at-home and home-based medicine programs have ended. Women and children can\u2019t apply for WIC. Without a funding solution, WIC will soon run out of money. Those are the costs of this Schumer Shutdown.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\n\u201cFor the 8th day, the government is shutdown.\n\n\u201cGovernment services have diminished or stopped.\n\n\u201cSenate Democrats want to hold rural Nebraskans\u2019 healthcare hostage.\n\n\u201cImportant programs like telehealth have lapsed.\n\n\u201cThis is what a Schumer Shutdown looks like.\n\n\u201cThe Schumer Shutdown doesn\u2019t have to continue any longer.\n\n\u201cRepublicans are ready to pass a clean Continuing Resolution.\n\n\u201cThat means government spending continues at current levels.\n\n\u201cThe same spending levels President Biden signed into law.\n\n\u201cThat is the Republican position.\n\n\u201cIt is also a bipartisan position.\n\n\u201cSo far, three Senate Democrats have joined us in voting for it.\n\n\u201cExtending current, bipartisan spending levels would secure more time to complete the regular appropriations process.\n\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t new.\n\n\u201cSenate Democrats passed Continuing Resolutions 13 times during the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cNearly 100% of Democrats voted for these specific spending levels four times in the last 18 months.\n\n\u201cThat includes Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who voted yes\u2014all four times.\n\n\u201cFolks, this is hypocrisy.\n\n\u201cSchumer and the Democrats are holding government services hostage.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re playing political games with people\u2019s lives.\n\n\u201cThis is a Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cIt needs to end now.\n\n\u201cSchumer used to say that holding funding bills hostage was wrong.\n\n\u201cIn 2013, he said: \u2018What if I persuaded my caucus to say:\n\n\u201c\u2019\u2018I\u2019m going to shut the government down.\n\n\u201c\u2018I\u2019m going to not pay our bills unless I get my way.?\n\n\u201c\u2019It\u2019s a politics of idiocy, of confrontation, of paralysis.\u2019\n\n\u201cBy shutting down the government, Schumer and the Democrats are engaged in the very policy that Schumer previously described as idiocy.\n\n\u201cSchumer and his Senate Minority say their \u201cfight\u201d is about healthcare.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s not the case.\n\n\u201cThis is about partisan games.\n\n\u201cDemocrats are demanding radical, far-left policies that will hurt Nebraskans\u2019 healthcare and raise costs.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re demanding over $1 trillion of partisan spending in exchange for keeping the government open for four weeks.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re demanding free healthcare for illegal aliens.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re demanding that we eliminate the $50 billion Rural Healthcare fund that will directly support healthcare for Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cThey also want to restore a burdensome staffing rule that would force the closing of rural nursing homes in Nebraska.\n\n\u201cDemocrats claim to be fighting for healthcare.\n\n\u201cThe reality is that their policies would harm it.\n\n\u201cBecause of this shutdown, veterans\u2019 services are impacted.\n\n\u201cTelehealth programs that rural and elderly Nebraskans rely on have lapsed.\n\n\u201cHospital-at-home and home-based medicine programs have ended.\n\n\u201cWomen and children can\u2019t apply for WIC.\n\n\u201cWithout a funding solution, WIC will soon run out of money.\n\n\u201cThose are the costs of this Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cServices will continue to be impacted until more sensible Democrats reverse course and re-open the government.\n\n\u201cIf Chuck Schumer really wanted to improve healthcare for Americans, he would keep the government open.\n\n\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t delay healthcare and increase wait times for veterans, families, or rural communities.\n\n\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t cut funding that supports care in rural Nebraska.\n\n\u201cAs the Schumer Shutdown continues, services are going to be harder to access.\n\n\u201cSchumer and the Democrats need to end their hypocrisy.\n\n\u201cThey need to stop harming rural healthcare.\n\n\u201cThey need to open the government.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-denounces-communist-chinas-actions-in-indo-pacific-illegal-coercive-aggressive-and-deceptive/", "Ricketts Denounces Communist China\u2019s Actions in Indo-Pacific: \u201cIllegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive\u201d", "2025-10-08", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, denounced Communist China\u2019s Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive (ICAD) actions in the Indo-Pacific.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s hearing is on an egregious and continuing problem: Communist China\u2019s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions, also known as ICAD, in the Indo-Pacific,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cYou\u2019ll first notice the deliberate use of ICAD, coined by our Filipino friends, rather than \u2018grey zone.\u2019 This isn\u2019t just semantics. \u2019Grey zone\u2019 allows Communist China to muddy the waters with regard to its intention and its involvement. It\u2019s trying to hide what it\u2019s trying to do and \u2018grey zone\u2019 allows them to be able to do that. ICAD dispels this ambiguity and allows for more appropriate responses. It\u2019s time to call out Beijing\u2019s behavior for what it actually is. It\u2019s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive.\u201d\n\nRicketts praised America\u2019s allies and partners in the region for \u201cbravely confronting Beijing\u2019s ICAD behavior.\u201d Ricketts also called on Congress to do more to combat Communist China and deter future conflicts.\n\n\u201cThe United States must do more to even the scales and strengthen their resilience. Ranking Member Coons and I are working together to do just that,\u201d closed Senator Ricketts. \u201cWe introduced the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act, which would facilitate increased American LNG exports to Taiwan; encourage cooperation with Taiwan on nuclear energy use; and ensure commerce with Taiwan continues in a contingency. We also introduced the PORCUPINE Act, which would make it easier to quickly send arms that are critical for Taiwan to respond to and deter some of Communist China\u2019s ICAD activities. And finally, we recently introduced a resolution honoring the 74th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to ensure Communist China knows that the United States will continue to stand by our ally. But more needs to be done.\u201d\n\nWatch the video here\n\nHearing witnesses included:\n\nMr. Craig Singleton, China Program Senior Director and Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies\n\nMr. Raymond Powell, Executive Director, SeaLight Foundation\n\nDr. Ely Ratner, Principal, The Marathon Initiative\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cToday\u2019s hearing is on an egregious and continuing problem: Communist China\u2019s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions, also known as ICAD, in the Indo-Pacific.\n\n\u201cYou\u2019ll first notice the deliberate use of ICAD, coined by our Filipino friends, rather than \u201cgrey zone.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t just semantics.\n\n\u201c\u2019Grey zone\u2019 allows Communist China to muddy the waters with regard to its intention and its involvement.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s trying to hide what it\u2019s trying to do and \u2018grey zone\u2019 allows them to be able to do that.\n\n\u201cICAD dispels this ambiguity and allows for more appropriate responses.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to call out Beijing\u2019s behavior for what it actually is. It\u2019s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive.\n\n\u201cIn April, as Senator Coons mentioned, he and I, and Senator Budd, saw Beijing\u2019s firsthand ICAD conduct on full display on a CODEL that we took to the Philippines and Taiwan.\n\n\u201cOn a P-8 overflight of the West Philippine Sea, we witnessed firsthand the sheer scope of Chinese illegal violations of the Philippines\u2019 exclusive economic zone.\n\n\u201cCommunist China utilizes the full spectrum of ICAD measures to try to turn the West Philippine Sea into a Chinese lake within Beijing\u2019s illegitimate and illegal Nine-Dash Line and undermining the Philippine people\u2019s will to resist.\n\n\u201cXi Jinping has referred to this as the \u2018smokeless battlefield\u2019 that will allow Communist China to win without fighting.\n\n\u201cThanks to the tireless work of the Philippines, this hostility has been publicly documented, making it impossible for Communist China to deny, or for the world to ignore.\n\n\u201cHowever, despite the reputational costs, Communist China\u2019s dangerous aggression continues.\n\n\u201cIn August, we saw two Chinese vessels collide as they belligerently tried to ram a Philippine Coast Guard ship near the Scarborough Shoal.\n\n\u201cWhile this was a reckless and embarrassing event for Xi Jinping, it could have been much worse, particularly if there was a fatal collision with the Filipino vessel.\n\n\u201cThis could have triggered our mutual defense treaty with the Philippines and started a war.\n\n\u201cRather than appreciating the severe risks of its aggression, Communist China has instead doubled-down.\n\n\u201cIn addition to continuing to ram ships and shoot water cannons, Communist China has resorted to political lawfare, recently declaring Scarborough reef as a nature reserve.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s be clear \u2013 this is in the Philippines EEZ, not Communist China\u2019s!\n\n\u201cIn Taiwan, the story isn\u2019t any better, as my colleague just highlighted.\n\n\u201cTaiwan continues to endure disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, blockades of Taiwanese food exports, undersea cable cutting, violations of its airspace and Exclusive Economic Zone, and increasingly larger military exercises simulating quarantines, blockades, and invasion.\n\n\u201cUnder President Lai, Taiwan has taken critical steps to strengthen its resilience to Communist China\u2019s ICAD behavior, including increasing national-level planning and conducting civil defense exercises.\n\n\u201cBut Taiwan still remains particularly vulnerable to coercion.\n\n\u201cThis was evident in a tabletop exercise that Senator Coons and I held with Mr. Singleton earlier this year simulating a Chinese pressure campaign targeting Taiwan\u2019s energy.\n\n\u201cWhile Taiwanese and U.S.defense planners are right to prepare for a PLA invasion, a more immediate risk might be that Communist China will use ICAD tactics to destroy Taiwan\u2019s ability to push back.\n\n\u201cIf we are to successfully neutralize Chinese ICAD tactics targeting Taiwan, it is clear that more needs to be done to bolster Taiwan\u2019s whole-of-society resilience, military preparedness, and level of international support.\n\n\u201cConcerningly, Beijing\u2019s ICAD playbook is not confined to the West Philippine Sea or Taiwan Strait, but is now being used throughout the region.\n\n\u201cIn February, Chinese warships sailed through the Tasman Sea and circumvented Australia\u2019s coastline for more than three weeks.\n\n\u201cThey staged unprecedented live-fire drills in a show of force meant to intimidate and stress test Australia\u2019s ability to respond.\n\n\u201cCommunist China is also increasingly militarizing the Yellow Sea, installing dual-purpose platforms in disputed territory with South Korea.\n\n\u201cSimilarly, Beijing has stepped up construction of drilling rigs and other platforms along the median line with Japan in the East China Sea, while it conducts a record number of Coast Guard patrols around the Senkaku Islands.\n\n\u201cSo why does all of this matter?\n\n\u201cTo steal from Mr. Powell \u2013 as Sun Tzu said: \u2018Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy\u2019s resistance without fighting.\u2019\n\n\u201cThis is right out of Sun Tzu\u2019s playbook to be able to win.\n\n\u201cThe greatest general never fights a battle, but defeats his enemy beforehand.\n\n\u201cUltimately, Communist China would rather act as a python, slowing squeezing countries\u2019 will to resist rather than acting as a cobra and striking quickly.\n\n\u201cCommunist China\u2019s ICAD tactics are central to this effort, or at the very least, they could provoke a kinetic response and give Beijing a pretext for \u2018self-defensive\u2019 military action.\n\n\u201cThe good news is that we have allies and partners who are bravely confronting Beijing\u2019s ICAD behavior.\n\n\u201cBut they are currently out-matched.\n\n\u201cThe United States must do more to even the scales and strengthen their resilience.\n\n\u201cRanking Member Coons and I are working together to do just that.\n\n\u201cWe introduced the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act, which would facilitate increased American LNG exports to Taiwan; encourage cooperation with Taiwan on nuclear energy use; and ensure commerce with Taiwan continues in a contingency.\n\n\u201cWe also introduced the PORCUPINE Act, which would make it easier to quickly send arms that are critical for Taiwan to respond to and deter some of Communist China\u2019s ICAD activities.\n\n\u201cAnd finally, we recently introduced a resolution honoring the 74th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to ensure Communist China knows that the United States will continue to stand by our ally.\n\n\u201cBut more needs to be done.\n\n\u201cAnd I look forward to hearing from our witnesses to understand the evolution of Communist China\u2019s use of ICAD tactics, and what the U.S., and, specifically, Congress, can do to combat them.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1494E900-2C79-462B-B0DF-215BEEBE7ED2", "Fischer, Wicker in The Wall Street Journal: Pacific Allies Need U.S. Support", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "In case you missed it: U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, penned an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal recounting their recent travels to the Indo-Pacific, including meetings held with leaders in Taiwan, the Philippines, and Palau.\n\nRead the op-ed here or below.\n\nWe set out across the Indo-Pacific in August to assess U.S. military readiness and consult with allies. In the Philippines, Palau and Taiwan, we found partners determined to resist Chinese coercion and willing to share the burden.\n\nIn Taiwan we spoke with President Lai Ching-tse and senior officials. They understand the gravity of the threat and are responding with urgency to meet it. Mr. Lai has committed to increasing defense spending and mobilizing the public behind a resilience plan.\n\nIn Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has placed restoring the alliance with the U.S. at the center of his foreign policy and deepened cooperation with Japan, Australia and Taiwan. With a fleet that dwarfs the Philippine navy, China has tried to use its muscle to dominate the South China Sea. Manila has stood firm.\n\nIn Palau, China is working to undermine the government of President Surangel Whipps Jr. by exporting criminal elements and applying economic pressure. Palau is allied with the U.S., and Mr. Whipps refuses to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing.\n\nOur allies are resolute and determined to resist China, and the U.S. is indispensable to that mission. Our military presence in Guam, Palau, Hawaii and the Philippines forms the kind of logistics chain that wins wars. Tougher infrastructure, backup communication cables and stockpiled supplies are crucial to victory.\n\nOver the past few years, we have worked closely with Adm. Samuel Paparo, who commands U.S. forces in the Pacific. We have sought to understand his requirements and cut through the bureaucracy that has for years prevented key investments in the Western Pacific. The defense investments in this year\u2019s reconciliation law are designed to deliver capabilities relevant to the China fight, focusing on space capabilities, logistics systems, and low-cost weapons. The legislation expands munitions lines and will lead to more than a dozen new weapons production lines.\n\nThe new law also strengthens our ability to operate from Guam and accelerates construction projects in Palau and at the Filipino military bases from which U.S. forces operate. These investments are complemented by historic new funding for strategic economic competition with China, including the creation of an Economic Defense Unit and supercharging the Office of Strategic Capital.\n\nA strategy based on peace through strength is the best approach for deterring China, Russia and Iran\u2014the axis of aggression. It requires sustained defense spending that equals 5% of gross domestic product.\n\nSome have said this is too costly\u2014but we can\u2019t afford an underresourced military. We don\u2019t get to pick the threats we face, only how to respond. The axis requires a comprehensive strategy that accounts for the contributions of our partners and is backed by the resources necessary to execute it.\n\nMr. Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Ms. Fischer, a Republican, is a U.S. senator from Nebraska.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=73008523-8D56-4514-95CA-6B822A09A5D6", "Fischer Statement on Second Anniversary of October 7 Attack", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "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 on the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel:\n\n\u201cAs we mark two years since Hamas\u2019 cold-blooded attack on Israel, we honor the memory of those brutally murdered on October 7, 2023, including the hostages killed by this terrorist group. We continue to pray for the safe return of all those still in captivity. I stand firmly with Israel against Hamas\u2019 heinous disregard for human life. Lasting peace demands the return of every hostage, the end of this devastating war, and the complete defeat of Hamas.\u201d\n\nToday, Fischer also cosponsored a resolution condemning the October 7th attack and supporting the outcome that ensures the survival of Israel, the complete denial of Hamas\u2019 ability to reconstitute in the region, and the release of all remaining hostages from the Gaza Strip\u2014including two United States citizens.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/10/fischer-statement-on-second-anniversary-of-october-7-attack", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=7C39861E-AEB6-4B7F-9D7B-4FF68D7B22FA", "Fischer on Senate Floor: Ag Producers Urgently Need Lasting, Long-term Solutions", "2025-10-06", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, during a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) addressed the economic crisis facing ag producers in Nebraska and across America, emphasizing that time is running out to produce strong, positive results for farmers and ranchers.\n\nFischer also highlighted that, in addition to assistance for farmers and securing strong trade deals, Congress must work to build new markets through the year-round, nationwide sale of E15. This would be made possible by Fischer\u2019s Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which has strong bipartisan support.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Fischer\u2019s remarks.\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nM. President,\n\nFor all ag producers, the word \u201ctariff\u201d makes us nervous. But earlier this year, I took a step back to look at the bigger economic picture. I became one of the first members of Congress to support the administration\u2019s effort to level the playing field on trade.\n\nI\u2019ve said many times that the administration deserves time to secure strong trade deals that benefit Americans. However, the reality is this: farmers are targeted by other countries like China. I\u2019ve seen it firsthand back home in Nebraska.\n\nProducers of corn, soybeans, and other top commodities are under crushing pressure. Rising input costs and uncertainty have driven farm finances to levels reminiscent of the 1980s crisis, which bankrupted thousands and hollowed out rural communities. Since 2020, seed costs have jumped 18%. Fuel and oil are up 32%. Fertilizer has spiked 37%. And interest expenses have surged an alarming 73%.\n\nOur soybean producers are projected to lose about $100 an acre this year. On top of that, storage costs for soybeans and corn have risen steeply. For everyone, this is crippling \u2014 and it\u2019s happening during one of the largest harvests in memory.\n\nM. President, time is running out. We need to turn this around. We need a strong, positive action.\n\nEnsuring our farmers can weather tough economic times must be a national priority. It\u2019s clear farm aid is needed at this time.\n\nCongress has taken some steps toward this goal. We passed $10 billion in farm aid last December and included a major boost for producers in July\u2019s reconciliation law. However, that money won\u2019t reach farmers until next fall. Producers need relief now.\n\nBut here\u2019s the challenge: we also need lasting, long-term solutions that help provide stability and real opportunity for ag producers.\n\nThat\u2019s why one of the fastest ways we can deliver results is by unlocking year-round access to E15 \u2014 a clean, American-made biofuel. Permanent nationwide access would increase corn demand by 2.5 billion bushels a year. It would lower gas prices for families. And it would drive new revenue into rural communities. President Trump\u2019s Day 1 order to promote E15 through his National Energy Emergency Declaration was a strong start, but temporary fixes won\u2019t cut it.\n\nThat\u2019s why I reintroduced my Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act earlier this year. When I first introduced this bill nearly a decade ago, it felt like an uphill climb.\n\nToday, momentum is finally on our side. We have strong bipartisan support. We have new industry partners, including members of the oil and refining sector at the table. This is a key piece of Republicans\u2019 plan to lower energy costs, to strengthen American production, and to give consumers more choices at the pump.\n\nTrade is the other half of the equation. Former President Biden\u2019s lack of a clear trade agenda left America with a $49 billion trade deficit, undercutting farmers in Nebraska and across the country. President Trump: you can help reverse that deficit by holding China accountable and ensuring American-grown soybeans have access to global markets \u2014 a lifeline for farmers facing losses this harvest season.\n\nPresident Trump has already made progress on this trade front. Take beef: Australia has sold nearly $29 billion worth of beef to U.S. consumers, while American ranchers have been locked out of their market. Now we need the same kind of breakthrough for soybeans, corn, and every other American crop.\n\nAt the end of the day, farmers and ranchers want programs that work and markets to sell their products.\n\nM. President \u2013 simply put, they just want a fair shot.\n\nBy securing strong trade deals and building new markets through year-round E15, we can revitalize the farm economy, bolster U.S. energy security, and ensure America\u2019s producers can keep feeding and fueling this nation for generations to come.\n\nThank you, M. President. I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-slams-schumer-democrats-shutdown-hypocrisy-on-the-senate-floor/", "Ricketts Slams Schumer, Democrats\u2019 Shutdown Hypocrisy on the Senate Floor", "2025-10-02", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On the second day of the government shutdown, during a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) called out the hypocrisy of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and the Democrats in voting to shut down the federal government.\n\n\u201cThe government is shut down today, and responsibility lies squarely on the Minority Leader and the Democrats,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cIn fact, you could call it his shutdown. Republicans have offered a clean continuing resolution that would keep government open to allow us to continue working on the appropriations process. And my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have called foul.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Minority Leader himself voted for this very continuing resolution four times in a row before this case,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cHypocrisy! They are putting these unreasonable radical left demands in front of us instead of keeping government open.\u201d\n\nRicketts called on Senate Democrats to vote to end the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cThe Democrats should do what they have done 13 times in the Biden administration. Vote for a continuing resolution,\u201d closed Senator Ricketts. \u201cHelp us continue our work on appropriations, because that\u2019s the way the system is supposed to work. We\u2019ve already passed three bipartisan appropriation bills. The Appropriations Committee has more bipartisan bills ready to work on. This could all be over if the Democrats will simply vote for a continuing resolution that they have already voted yes on four times over the last 18 months and 13 times during the Biden administration. If the American public is looking for answers, they have to look no further than the Democrats to find out who is responsible for this.\u201d\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cThe government is shut down today, and responsibility lies squarely on the Minority Leader and the Democrats.\n\n\u201cIn fact, you could call it his shutdown.\n\n\u201cRepublicans have offered a clean continuing resolution that would keep government open to allow us to continue working on the appropriations process.\n\n\u201cAnd my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have called foul.\n\n\u201cSomehow, this is unfair.\n\n\u201cThat we ought to have a negotiation.\n\n\u201cIn fact, they are demanding more than a trillion dollars in new spending to be able to keep government open for just seven weeks.\n\n\u201cThey want money for illegal immigrants to get health care.\n\n\u201cThey want more subsidies for the pandemic era insurance.\n\n\u201cThey want to end the Rural Health Care Fund that Republicans put in place for our rural hospitals.\n\n\u201cThey demand all of this saying the clean continuing resolution that we\u2019ve offered is not sufficient.\n\n\u201cHypocrisy!\n\n\u201cThis is hypocrisy.\n\n\u201c13 times in the Biden administration, Democrats voted for a continuing resolution.\n\n\u201cFour times they have voted for this exact level of spending, this budget, four times in the last 18 months.\n\n\u201cIn fact, I\u2019ve got a chart here that shows the percentage of Democrat senators who supported these continuing resolutions.\n\n\u201cAnd you can see the numbers are almost 100% all the way across.\n\n\u201cAnd when it\u2019s not 100% it\u2019s 98%.\n\n\u201cThe Minority Leader himself voted for this very continuing resolution four times in a row before this case.\n\n\u201cHypocrisy!\n\n\u201cThey are putting these unreasonable radical left demands in front of us instead of keeping government open.\n\n\u201cLet me share with you a quote from our minority leader.\n\n\u201cIn 2013, he said, \u201cWhat if I persuaded my caucus to say I\u2019m not going to pay our bills unless I get my way? It\u2019s a politics of idiocy, of confrontation, of paralysis.\u201d\n\n\u201cFurther, the Minority Leader said in January 2024, \u201cPassing the CR, of course, will prevent a harmful and unnecessary government shutdown. No reasonable member on either side, Democrat or Republican, wants a government shutdown. Both sides recognize that a government shutdown would mean crushing delays to veterans programs, delays to nutrition programs for women, infants and children, delayed benefits for our military and so much more.\u201d\n\n\u201cNow, as I mentioned, the Democrats have said this is about health care, but let me read you a quote from the junior Senator from Connecticut.\n\n\u201cHe said, when talking about health care, that \u201cthere is a time and a place to debate health care, but not when the funding of the federal government and all the lives that are impacted by it hang in the balance.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe hypocrisy of the minority leader and the Democrats is breathtaking.\n\nIt\u2019s stunning.\n\n\u201cDuring the Biden administration, they were happy to pass continuing resolutions, happy to, and in fact, when given the very same continuing resolution, they voted yes on four times in a row.\n\n\u201cNow they say no for partisan political reasons driven by their radical left wing.\n\n\u201cAnd again, they say they want to make this about health care. How disingenuous.\n\n\u201cFirst of all, let\u2019s examine the COVID subsidies that they want.\n\n\u201cFirst of all, they\u2019re the COVID subsidies.\n\n\u201cThese are pandemic subsidies meant for a pandemic.\n\n\u201cFolks, news flash, the pandemic has been over for four years.\n\n\u201cThe Democrats were the ones who set the expiration date on it, and the Democrats, if they were so concerned about this, had all of last year to bring it up and address it and extend it once again.\n\n\u201cIf they had chosen to, they chose not to.\n\n\u201cAll of a sudden, crying about these subsidies now just smacks of hypocrisy.\n\n\u201cAnd as I just read you the junior senator from Connecticut\u2019s remark, when it suited them before they didn\u2019t want to talk about health care when they were talking about continuing resolutions and government shutdowns.\n\n\u201cFolks, this shutdown does mean that folks in my home state of Nebraska could see services diminished.\n\n\u201cIt could mean that, for example, Social Security offices may be understaffed.\n\n\u201cSocial Security checks are going to go out, but services may be diminished.\n\n\u201cWomen and children will not be able to enroll in the WIC program.\n\n\u201cThe person who\u2019s supposed to help with IRS questions is not available.\n\n\u201cNational Parks may be closed.\n\n\u201cAll these services may be degraded, and all because the Democrats are holding the American public and Nebraskans in my state hostage for their radical left demands.\n\n\u201cThe Democrats should do what they have done 13 times in the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cVote for a continuing resolution.\n\n\u201cHelp us continue our work on appropriations, because that\u2019s the way the system is supposed to work.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve already passed three bipartisan appropriation bills.\n\n\u201cThe Appropriations Committee has more bipartisan bills ready to work on.\n\n\u201cThis could all be over if the Democrats will simply vote for a continuing resolution that they have already voted yes on four times over the last 18 months and 13 times during the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cIf the American public is looking for answers, they have to look no further than the Democrats to find out who is responsible for this.\n\n\u201cRepublicans have offered this continuing resolution and have voted for it.\n\n\u201cAnd in fact, three Democrats have voted for the continuing resolution, including an independent who caucuses with the Democrats.\n\n\u201cSo we will continue to do our part by voting for this continuing resolution and continuing to put it up to give the Democrats a chance to get government back open so we can continue the people\u2019s business and work on these appropriation bills, which is what we are supposed to be doing.\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. President. I yield back my time.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-on-the-schumer-shutdown-the-hypocrisy-from-schumer-and-the-democrats-isbreathtaking/", "VIDEO: Ricketts on the Schumer Shutdown:\u00a0\u201cThe Hypocrisy from Schumer and the Democrats is Breathtaking.\u201d", "2025-10-02", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) slammed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for shutting down the federal government to score political points and appease his radical left base. Ricketts made the comments during his regular conference call with Nebraska media.\n\nWatch the video here.\n\n\u201cThis is a Schumer Shutdown,\u201dRicketts said. \u201cNebraskans\u2019 services will be limited under this Schumer Shutdown. Chuck Schumer and the Democrats are directly responsible for creating this.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m fighting to end this Schumer Shutdown and responsibly fund the government,\u201d continued Ricketts. Republicans offered Chuck Schumer and Democrats a clean extension of the current bipartisan spending deal. Democrats voted it down. They are hypocrites.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe hypocrisy of Schumer and the Democrats is breathtaking,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cChuck Schumer demanded $1 trillion of partisan spending in exchange for keeping the government open for seven weeks. He demanded free healthcare for illegal aliens. He demanded that we eliminate the $50 billion Rural Healthcare fund that Nebraskans will rely on. He also wants to restore a burdensome staffing rule that would force the closing of rural nursing homes in Nebraska. Chuck Schumer\u2019s demands aren\u2019t reasonable. These radical policies will hurt Nebraskans.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: The federal government is currently shut down.\n\n\u201cThis is a Schumer shutdown.\n\n\u201cNebraskan\u2019s services will be limited under the Schumer shutdown.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer and the Democrats are directly responsible for creating this.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m fighting to end this Schumer shutdown and responsibly fund the government.\n\n\u201cRepublicans offered Chuck Schumer and the Democrats a clean extension of the current bipartisan spending deal.\n\n\u201cDemocrats voted it down.\n\n\u201cThey are hypocrites.\n\n\u201cThey voted for 13 continuing resolutions under Joe Biden that includes voting for this very budget.\n\n\u201cIn fact, these are the same funding levels they voted for four times in the last 18 months.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer voted for it all four times.\n\n\u201cYes, Chuck Schumer voted for these spending levels four times in a row.\n\n\u201cBut now, to appease the far-left activists, he\u2019s chosen to shut down.\n\n\u201cWhat a hypocrite.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s the height of hypocrisy.\n\n\u201cHere\u2019s what Chuck Schumer specifically said about these shutdowns.\n\n\u201cBack in 2013 Chuck Schumer said in an interview:\n\n\u201c\u2019What if I persuaded my caucus to say I\u2019m going to shut down the government.\n\n\u201c\u2019I\u2019m not going to pay our bills unless I get my way.\n\n\u201c\u2019It\u2019s the politics of idiocy, of confrontation, of paralysis.\u2019\n\n\u201cIn January 2024 he said:\n\n\u201c\u2019Passing the CR, of course, will avert a harmful and unnecessary government shutdown.\n\n\u201c\u2019No reasonable member on either side, Democrat or Republican, wants a government shutdown.\n\n\u201c\u2019Both sides recognized that a government shutdown would mean crushing delays to veterans programs, delays to nutrition programs for Women, Infants and Children, delayed benefits for our military and so much more.\u2019\n\n\u201cHere\u2019s what Schumer also said in January 2024:\n\n\u201c\u2019Avoiding a shutdown is very good news for the country, for our veterans, for parents and children, for farmers and small businesses, all of whom would have felt the sting had the government shut down.\u2019\n\n\u201cSchumer said:\n\n\u201c\u2019If the government shuts down, it will be the average American who suffers most.\n\n\u201c\u2018A government shutdown means seniors who rely on Social Security will be thrown in chaos.\n\n\u201c\u2018Veterans could see regional VA offices shut down and support services put on hold.\n\n\u201c\u2018Some of our military service members could be forced to work without pay.\u2019\n\n\u201cNow here\u2019s what Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy said in 2013 talking about the need for a funding bill that avoids partisan debates on health care.\n\n\u2018There is a time and a place to debate health care, but not when the funding of the federal government and all the lives impacted by it hang in the balance.\u2019\n\n\u201cThe hypocrisy of Schumer and the Democrats is breathtaking.\n\n\u201cNow Schumer is holding the federal government and hard-working Nebraskans hostage.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer demanded a trillion dollars, $1 trillion of partisan spending in exchange for keeping the government open for just seven weeks.\n\n\u201cHe demanded free health care for illegal aliens.\n\n\u201cHe demanded that we eliminate the $50 billion Rural Health Care Fund that Nebraskans will rely on.\n\n\u201cHe also wants to restore the burdensome staffing level rule that would force the closing of rural nursing homes in Nebraska.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer\u2019s demands aren\u2019t reasonable.\n\n\u201cThese are radical policies that will hurt Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, my Republican colleagues and I are working to responsibly fund the government.\n\n\u201cWe continue to advocate for a clean continuing resolution.\n\n\u201cThis extension would give the Congress more time to work through the regular appropriations process.\n\n\u201cWe passed three bipartisan appropriations bills before the August state work period.\n\n\u201cThe Appropriations Committee has more bipartisan appropriation bills ready for consideration.\n\n\u201cSenate Republicans want to pass appropriation bills through the regular process.\n\n\u201cA clean continuing resolution means extending the current bipartisan spending deal.\n\n\u201cPassing a clean CR is what we as Republicans are fighting to do.\n\n\u201cIt was also a position of three Senate Democrats, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto and independent Angus King, who caucuses with the Democrats, all voted for a clean CR last night.\n\n\u201cInstead of being reasonable, pro shutdown Democrats are playing political games.\n\n\u201cThis is harming all hard-working Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cWhen the federal government runs out of funding, service levels decline.\n\n\u201cSome programs stop.\n\n\u201cFor example, women and children cannot enroll in the WIC program.\n\n\u201cWhile Social Security checks will continue to go out, Social Security\u2019s customer service could be disrupted.\n\n\u201cVeterans and their families could face delays in accessing benefits.\n\n\u201cNational Parks might close.\n\n\u201cThe Taxpayer Advocate will be unavailable to help with IRS questions.\n\n\u201cMy Republican colleagues and I will continue working to pass a clean funding bill.\n\n\u201cThat way, essential services will be protected.\n\n\u201cWe will continue working through to complete the regular appropriations process and responsibly fund government.\n\n\u201cI am fighting to support Nebraska seniors, service members, veterans, workers, families and everyone who interacts with the federal government.\n\n\u201cThey deserve a government that works.\n\n\u201cSchumer must end this Schumer shutdown.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-announces-postponement-of-mobile-office-hours-due-to-government-shutdown/", "Ricketts Announces Postponement of Mobile Office Hours Due to Government Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced his constituent casework staff will be postponing Mobile Office Hours due to the government shutdown. Mobile Office Hours will be postponed throughout the duration of the shutdown.\n\nWhen the government re-opens, Ricketts\u2019 staff will announce new times for Mobile Office Hours across the state. While Mobile Office Hours are paused, Senator Ricketts\u2019 offices in Scottsbluff, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and Washington D.C. will remain open to serve constituents.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-my-office-is-open-available-to-help-nebraskans-navigate-the-schumer-shutdown/", "Ricketts: My Office is Open, Available to Help Nebraskans Navigate the Schumer Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "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", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement amid the Schumer Shutdown:\n\n\u201cMy offices across the state remain open. My team remains available to help Nebraskans. I will keep fighting to end this Schumer Shutdown and restore essential services,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cRepublicans offered Chuck Schumer and Democrats a clean extension of the current bipartisan spending deal. Democrats voted it down. I\u2019m fighting to end this Schumer Shutdown and responsibly fund the government.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F740721A-E1D3-4D0F-9C63-DA2D4A7AD322", "Fischer Votes to Keep Government Open", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "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.) released the following statement after voting in favor of keeping the federal government open:\n\n\u201cToday, I voted for a clean funding resolution that keeps the government open so Congress can continue working on our full-year funding bills. The Democrats, instead, voted for a $1 trillion increase in new spending and to eliminate the $50 billion Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund. Let me be clear: Americans deserve a transparent and accountable process as we fund government \u2013 not a Schumer shutdown filled with political theater. As we work toward a solution, my staff and I will continue to work for Nebraska, and my offices will remain open for the duration of a government shutdown.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/9/fischer-votes-to-keep-government-open", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-ahead-of-government-funding-expiration/", "Ricketts Issues Statement Ahead of Government Funding Expiration", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "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) released the following statement as Senate Democrats threaten to shutdown the federal government at midnight tonight:\n\n\u201cThe Democrats just voted to shutdown government. They voted against a clean continuing resolution (CR) that would have funded government for seven weeks. Previously, they had voted for this exact budget. In fact, Democrats voted for a clean CR 13 times under Joe Biden. This Schumer Shutdown is the height of hypocrisy. Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats know this. Yet they continue to hold the nation hostage. Senate Republicans will continue working to responsibly fund the government. This is a Schumer Shutdown.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6A9ADE3D-3E65-4D0B-A856-6BB3A83D130B", "ICYMI from Fischer in Lincoln Journal Star: Finding Bipartisan Child Care Solutions for Nebraska Families", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "In case you missed it: U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) penned an op-ed in the Lincoln Journal Star on her bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act and how it will help provide quality, affordable child care to America\u2019s working families.\n\nRead Fischer\u2019s op-ed here or below.\n\nIn Nebraska, we take pride in rolling up our sleeves, working hard, and taking care of our families. But for too many parents, one question looms large: Who will watch the kids, and how can we possibly afford it?\n\nI heard this firsthand across the state during the August work period. In Brown County, I toured the Ainsworth Child Development Center, a nonprofit that opened their doors in March 2024. In Chadron, I met with the Northwest Community Action Partnership, which runs early childhood education programs that serve Box Butte, Cherry, Dawes, and Sheridan counties.\n\nLast year, I celebrated the launch of the Knowledge Network for Early Childhood Education Workforce (KNEW) project at the University of Nebraska at Kearney after securing $2 million in federal funding to boost recruitment and retention of rural early childhood educators. I also celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Bansal Family Home for Head Start in Lincoln, which expanded access to high quality care for infants, toddlers, and families in Lancaster County.\n\nThese visits underscored a deep truth: when parents have reliable care, families thrive, employers have a steady workforce, and communities grow stronger. For towns across Nebraska, access to quality child care can mean the difference between families putting down roots or moving elsewhere.\n\nBut child care is no longer just a family issue. It\u2019s a workforce issue, an economic issue, and a community issue. More than 40% of American families can\u2019t access affordable child care. In Nebraska, costs can consume more than 10% of a family\u2019s income. That\u2019s unsustainable for parents trying to get ahead.\n\nProviders are struggling, too. Child care workers in Nebraska earn about $29,000 a year \u2014 far below the state\u2019s average salary of $63,800. Providers often operate on razor-thin margins, especially in rural areas. Families can\u2019t afford to pay more, but providers can\u2019t survive on what they earn now.\n\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019m leading a bipartisan group to introduce the Child Care Modernization Act, a commonsense plan to update the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). This program, the backbone of federal child care assistance for over 30 years, hasn\u2019t been updated in over a decade. My bill would strengthen it in three key ways.\n\nFirst, it would strengthen child care services. States would transition to cost estimation models to ensure reimbursement rates reflect the real cost of care, including staff salaries, training, and compliance. That means providers would be fairly compensated, helping to retain quality workers and expand supply.\n\nSecond, it would increase the child care supply. By creating a new grant program within the CCDBG, funds could go directly to providers to open new facilities or expand existing ones. This is especially important here in Nebraska, where child care deserts \u2014 places with little to no available providers \u2014 stretch across rural counties.\n\nThird, it would improve state plans to better support families and communities. The bill emphasizes parental choice and flexibility. That means funding can support center-based programs, faith-based programs, home-based care, or in-home care \u2014 because every community has unique needs.\n\nThe bill also calls for greater support of in-home providers, who make up nearly 40% of child care in rural America. These small businesses need technical assistance to navigate regulations and access shared services like provider networks. By making sure rural providers have the tools they need, we can expand care options for families from Omaha to Scottsbluff.\n\nFor parents, the impact of CCDBG is already clear. A Nebraska family receiving a subsidy pays about $61 to $73 per month out of pocket. Without it, parents in Adams County pay an average of $900 per month for center-based infant care, and in Lancaster County costs top $1,100 monthly. Expanding and improving this program means more families can breathe easier, knowing child care won\u2019t break the bank.\n\nThe status quo is failing. Parents are stressed. Providers are stretched. Nebraska\u2019s workforce is held back when parents who want to pursue their careers are forced to stay home because child care is too expensive or unavailable.\n\nThe CCDBG has been a lifeline for low-income working parents for decades. Now it\u2019s time to reauthorize and strengthen it with reforms that reflect the reality families and providers face today.\n\nThis isn\u2019t a partisan issue. Child care affects Democrats and Republicans, urban and rural families alike. For Nebraska communities, the Child Care Modernization Act represents hope that parents can keep working, providers can keep their doors open, and children can get the quality care they deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=42CCF6DA-05B0-4069-A487-DB3B5638FB35", "What They Are Saying: Support for Fischer\u2019s Child Care Modernization Act", "2025-09-22", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "A wide range of organizations and groups have endorsed Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-NE) Child Care Modernization Act. Last week, Fischer introduced the bipartisan bill alongside Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). NBC reported first on Fischer\u2019s legislation here.\n\nThe Child Care Modernization Act will reauthorize, for the first time in over a decade, the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to help provide quality, affordable child care to America\u2019s working families.\n\nWhat they are saying:\n\n\u201cAccess to affordable, reliable child care is one of the biggest challenges facing working families. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is a vital part of facing that challenge head on. We\u2019re grateful to Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Susan Collins (R-ME) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Child Care Modernization Act of 2025. This legislation offers an important opportunity to strengthen and sustain CCDBG while also addressing child care needs in real time. This will help serve more families both now and in the future,\u201d said First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling.\n\n\"Child Care Aware\u00ae of America is pleased to support the Child Care Modernization Act and thanks Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for their leadership updating the Child Care and Development Block Grant, the primary federal program that helps working families afford child care. With the national annual price of child care at an average of $13,128, we know that child care is out of reach for many families across the country. The Child Care Modernization Act recognizes that we must do more to make child care more affordable and more available, and alongside strong investments in our child care system it would move us forward towards that goal,\u201d said Child Care Aware of America CEO Susan Gale Perry.\n\n\u201cBPC Action is proud to endorse the Child Care Modernization Act, which reauthorizes and modernizes the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). CCDBG has long been a bipartisan program that delivers for families, and this legislation strengthens that legacy by helping parents better access affordable, high-quality care while supporting the workforce that provides it. Child care is essential economic infrastructure for working families, and we commend Sens. Fischer (R-NE), Gillibrand (D-NY), Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Collins (R-ME) for their bipartisan leadership in advancing solutions that strengthen children, families, and the economy,\u201d said President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action Michele Stockwell.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill comprehensively addresses foundational challenges in child care, with common sense policies and solutions that are informed by the real-world experiences of those who provide early care and education throughout the United States,\u201d said Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska.\n\n\u201cSchool-aged care provided in afterschool programs is a lifeline for working families. 8 in 10 parents report that afterschool programs give them peace of mind and help them keep their jobs. This bipartisan legislation will help increase access to affordable, high quality afterschool and summer programs at a time when programs are out of reach for too many parents,\u201d said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant.\n\n\u201cThe Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) commends Senators Fischer and Gillibrand for the bipartisan introduction of this vital legislation to modernize and reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). CCDBG reauthorization is long overdue, and essential updates are needed to ensure the program meets the needs of today\u2019s families. This bill aims to strengthen CCDBG by expanding access to high-quality, affordable care for working families, providing greater flexibility to states to connect more families to care, ensuring providers are reimbursed for the true cost of care, which includes better wages and benefits for educators, and addressing child care deserts. ECEC appreciates Senators Fischer and Gillibrand\u2019s steadfast commitment to ensuring that American families can go to work knowing their child is in a safe and nurturing environment,\u201d said Early Care and Education Consortium Executive Director Radha Mohan.\n\n\u201cExecutives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) supports the Child Care Modernization Actbecause it strengthens our national workforce, supports economic opportunity, and ensures our country stays globally competitive. This bill takes important steps to provide additional flexibility to states as they seek to address critical child care supply challenges in communities across America while giving working parents choice in how they select care for their children while they participate in the workforce,\u201d said Executives Partnering to Invest in Children President & CEO Nicole M. Riehl.\n\n\u201cIndependent restaurants and bars are powered by working families, and too many of them struggle to find the affordable, reliable child care they need to stay in the workforce. For small businesses with razor-thin margins, this isn\u2019t just a family issue, it\u2019s an economic one. The Child Care Modernization Act will give parents in our industry the support they need to keep showing up for their teams and their communities. We are grateful to Senators Fischer, Gillibrand, Collins, and Hickenlooper for leading this bipartisan effort to make child care more accessible and sustainable for America\u2019s families,\u201d said Independent Restaurant Coalition Executive Director Erika Polmar.\n\n\u201cKinderCare proudly supports the Child Care Modernization Act and applauds Senators Fischer and Gillibrand for their bipartisan leadership. As the cost of raising a family continues to rise, modernizing the nation\u2019s primary child care access and affordability program is both timely and essential. This legislation will strengthen support for families and ensure more children have access to the high-quality care they need to thrive,\u201d said KinderCare Learning Companies Vice President of Government Affairs Patrick Murray.\n\n\"Facilities are an essential program feature often omitted from the discussions about increasing access to affordable, quality care. This legislation is particularly impactful because it incorporates resources for states to address facilities obstacles that inhibit the ability child care operators to provide affordable, quality care. Many child care providers lack the ability to address facilities needs because razor-thin operating margins, unpredictable operating streams, and lack of consistent and effective capital subsidies make it difficult to access to mainstream financial products. This bill will make it possible to better serve children, families, child care professionals and local communities,\u201d said Child Care and Early Learning LISC National Program Director Bevin Parker-Cerkez.\n\n\u201cThe Low Income Investment Fund applauds Senators Gillibrand (D-NY) and Fischer (R-NE) for their bipartisan leadership in addressing the needs of families, child care providers, and communities through the Child Care Modernization Act. By recognizing the critical importance of federal investment in child care facilities, this legislation will help modernize infrastructure, strengthen quality, and ensure the health and safety of our nation\u2019s children while helping expand our workforce,\u201d said Low Income Investment Fund CEO Dan Nissenbaum.\n\n\u201cFor decades, America has treated child care like a personal problem instead of what it really is, an economic imperative. That\u2019s why it matters that Senators Fischer and Gillibrand are reaching across the aisle with the Child Care Modernization Act. Families everywhere are drowning in child care costs, and businesses are losing talent because parents can\u2019t find or afford care. No parent should have to choose between feeding their babies and funding their daycare. This bill takes a critical step by funding the supply of child care we desperately need. This is what real pro-family policy looks like,\u201d said Moms First CEO & Founder Reshma Saujani.\n\n\u201cCounties are essential partners in the nation\u2019s child care system and responsible for administering the Child Care Development Block Grant in eight states. The Child Care Modernization Act will help improve families\u2019 access to affordable, high-quality child care by making much needed updates to CCDBG and expanding the supply and capacity of providers. Counties thank Senators Fischer and Gillibrand for their bipartisan leadership and urge swift passage of this legislation,\u201d said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase.\n\n\u201cAs we recognize foundational business functions like accounting, software, and internet services as essential to success, we must also recognize child care as a critical business support. We commend Senator Fischer for prioritizing solutions that lower child care costs for working families. A bold, nationwide investment in child care is not only a matter of supporting families, but a priority for keeping the strength, resilience, and long-term vibrancy of the women-owned business economy,\u201d said National Association of Women Business Owners CEO Jen Earle.\n\n\u201cAs an organization committed to the infrastructure of child care, NCFN applauds the inclusion of child care facilities funding in the Child Care Modernization Act. Investments in both the workforce and physical infrastructure are critical to building supply of child care that meets the needs of families and builds strong communities,\u201d said NCFN Executive Committee.\n\n\u201cAffordable, reliable child care is vital to helping every child get a strong start and ensuring parents can stay in the workforce. The Child Care Modernization Act will strengthen the Child Care and Development Block Grant by capping costs for families, expanding access to quality options, and giving states flexibility to build a diverse system of providers. This legislation is especially important for rural communities, where families too often face limited choices. Save the Children applauds Senators Fischer, Gillibrand, Collins, and Hickenlooper for championing this effort to modernize and expand access to child care nationwide,\u201d said Save the Children Head of Policy Allison Dembeck.\n\n\u201cThe National Child Care Association is pleased to endorse the Child Care Modernization Act. It is exciting to see another bipartisan bill introduced to support child care. Thank you Senators Fischer, Gillibrand, Collins, and Hickenlooper for working together to propose a viable solution to this essential matter,\u201d said Director of the National Child Care Association Cindy Lehnhoff.\n\n\"Child care is a vital economic development infrastructure. Modernizing child care goes beyond facilities. It's about empowering the workforce, improving quality, and making early learning accessible to every family. When parents can work confidently, knowing their little ones are in the best care, it helps employers recruit and retain top talent. It allows families to fully engage in their work and guarantees children are ready for kindergarten and academic success. This is how we build a stronger future for our country \u2014 one where families are supported, employers thrive, and the next generation has the foundation to reach their absolute potential,\u201d said TOOTRis Founder & CEO Alessandra Lezama.\n\n\u201cChild care programs are critical to fostering the healthy development of children and supporting America\u2019s economic engine. As a leading provider of early childhood and school-age care, and an employer in more than 10,000 communities nationwide, the YMCA supports the bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act, which seeks enhancements to CCDBG that will benefit families, providers and communities,\u201d said YMCA of the USA President & CEO Suzanne McCormick.\n\n\"The Child Care Modernization Act, if funded sufficiently, offers a meaningful opportunity to improve the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Because the bill would invest in the early childhood education workforce, improve how educators are paid, and build the supply of quality child care, NAEYC endorses this legislation, and is particularly appreciative of the bipartisan leadership of Senators Fischer, Gillibrand, Collins, and Hickenlooper to call for the funding necessary to implement it. We look forward to working with these offices and other leaders in Congress to continue to increase support and investment for policies that improve access to a quality child care system that works for children, families, educators, and our economy,\u201d said National Association of the Education of Young Children Chief Policy & Professional Advancement Officer Daniel Hains.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=BD6463B3-0948-49D3-A068-84237564F757", "Fischer Applauds $41 Million Grant to Lincoln Airport", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "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-NE) today applauded the Department of Transportation\u2019s announcement that the Lincoln Airport will receive a $41 million grant through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). This funding will support the final phase and reconstruction of Runway 18/36 at the airport.\n\nDue to the significant length of Runway 18/36, the Department of Defense uses the runway for unique military missions, which are primarily carried out by the Nebraska National Guard to support both state and national defense activities.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased that, after much steady advocacy, the Lincoln Airport will receive the funds necessary to complete the refurbishment of one of its runways that plays a crucial role in the operations of our Nebraska National Guard and other national security missions. This has been many years in the making, and I look forward to seeing this project come to a final completion,\u201d Fischer said.\n\nFischer\u2019s advocacy for the Lincoln Airport:\n\nFischer has long championed the Lincoln Airport runway rebuild project. Recently, Fischer met with Bryan Bedford, President Trump\u2019s FAA Administrator, to advocate for the Lincoln Airport\u2019s runway refurbishment.\n\nIn 2022, Fischer announced a commitment from the National Guard Bureau to use available funding to cover a portion of the cost to fully rebuild the runway.\n\nFischer also secured language in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to highlight the important role installations like the Lincoln Air National Guard Base at the Lincoln Airport play in supporting STRATCOM missions, including nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) missions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-statement-on-democrats-vote-against-funding-the-government/", "Ricketts Statement on Democrats\u2019 Vote Against Funding the Government", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "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) released the following statement after voting to keep the government open until November 21:\n\n\u201cRepublicans offered Chuck Schumer a clean extension of the current bipartisan spending deal. A clean extension would allow us the time to complete the regular appropriations process. Instead of good faith negotiations and ensuring American servicemembers are paid, Schumer demanded over $1 trillion of partisan spending. He demanded the elimination of the $50 billion Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund. He also demanded the addition of a burdensome staffing rule that would close rural nursing homes. Chuck Schumer is recklessly threatening to shut down the government unless Nebraska taxpayers foot the bill for his partisan projects.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=517D4236-C0FE-47BB-B5CE-A85DE07A651D", "ICYMI: Fischer Joins The Hugh Hewitt Show", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s interview.\n\nClick here to download audio.\n\nU.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined The Hugh Hewitt Show to discuss the Senate\u2019s nominations rule change, the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and the continued effort to fund the government and pass individual appropriations bills.\n\nOn the Nominations Blockade:\n\nFischer: \u201cYou know, we're going to be taking those votes soon. We'll get it done this week. It's really ridiculous what the Democrats are doing. Some numbers that are out there: President Obama in his first 100 days, he had 292 nominees confirmed by voice vote. President Trump, he's had 135 nominees confirmed, but do you know how many by voice vote? Zero. That's going to change this week.\u201d\n\nOn Passing the NDAA:\n\nFischer: \u201cEveryone knows this is the main responsibility of a federal government is to provide for our common defense. We've passed this bill for over 60 years. We had a strong vote out of committee, only one no vote by Elizabeth Warren, so it came out strong out of the committee. And now we have Chuck Schumer who, through all indications that I've seen so far, I doubt that he's going to get on it, but we'll see. John Thune, Leader Thune, is doing a good job; he's pressing Schumer. But you know the Democrats \u2026 they need to press their own leader. They need to talk to Senator Schumer and tell him to do his job. We need to get on that bill and provide for our men and women in the military. Give them the resources that they need.\u201d\n\nOn Providing Support for U.S. Nuclear Deterrence:\n\nFischer: \u201cI think they\u2019re vital [B-21 Bombers] for deterrence and the safety of this country. We were able to see as a people in this country how important they are. You know, General Cotton, who is the Combatant Commander at STRATCOM, he has emphasized that he thinks we need 200 of the B-21s in order to be able to maintain the strength of this country, the strength of our deterrence. We don't want to have to use them, but we want to be able to have what we need to protect this country. So, I am a strong supporter, \u2026 Hugh, of our nuclear deterrent, of the triad, to make sure that we have what we need for our homeland, to protect it, but also as an umbrella for our allies.\n\nOn Funding the Government and Passing Individual Appropriations Bills:\n\nFischer: \u201cYou know, we're watching the House now working on a CR, short term CR, to get over here to the Senate, and we have already seen no indication that we're going to have any kind of [bipartisan] support and bipartisan work on not just passing the CR, but also to move ahead then on appropriations bills. I don't know why the Democrats put up with him [Chuck Schumer] as a Leader. You know, he didn't have one appropriations bill on the floor last year. And in committee, we passed out 11 of the 12 bills.\n\n\u201cAnd Hugh, I can tell you, in our leadership discussions, John Thune promised that he would take up on the floor the Senate appropriations bills if we got them out of committee. We've already passed three on the Floor: MILCON VA, Ag, and Leg Branch. And we have five more out of committee \u2026 And John Thune is a man of his word, and he's going to do it. You know, Chuck Schumer would talk about stuff, but he, to be blunt, he never had, I guess the wherewithal or the courage or the pressure from his members to put the appropriations bills on the floor. Let's be transparent. Let's be accountable to our voters and justify the votes that we take.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F263E0DD-533B-4FBE-9182-9B42D98E7D38", "ICYMI From NBC News: Bipartisan Senate Group Releases Bill to Help Increase Affordable Child Care", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "In case you missed it: NBC News reported on U.S. Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-NE) legislation she introduced this week, the Child Care Modernization Act. Fischer\u2019s bill will reauthorize and improve the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to help provide quality, affordable child care to America\u2019s working families.\n\nSens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) joined Fischer in introducing the bipartisan legislation.\n\nRead the NBC story here or below.\n\nAmid intense polarization, alleviating the rising cost of child care for millions of American families is an area Republicans and Democrats in Washington believe they can find common ground.\n\nA bipartisan group of senators is unveiling a new bill Wednesday, shared first with NBC News, that would expand a key grant program for child care that hasn\u2019t been touched in more than a decade.\n\n\u201cThis is something that we need to work on together,\u201d Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., said in an interview in the Capitol. \u201cWe can\u2019t just have one party or another try to take control, try to push something that won\u2019t work in other parts of the nation.\u201d\n\nFischer joined forces with Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, to update the Child Care and Development Block Grant to strengthen child care services and help increase the supply of providers at a time when costs are significantly growing for parents.\n\nMore than 40% of families in the U.S. can\u2019t access affordable child care, according to a recent report from the Economic Policy Institute, which also shows that child care for just one infant costs more than rent in 17 states. It\u2019s why the bill would give states the opportunity to help families above the current income eligibility (85% of the state\u2019s average income) through a waiver process.\n\nAnd, critically, the legislation provides funding for states to help address significant provider shortages nationwide, as more and more working parents are finding it difficult to locate quality child care. By modernizing the grant, states will have greater flexibility in reimbursing child care workers for providing quality care to families that are eligible, its authors say.\n\nIt would also provide support for in-home child care providers, who make up nearly 40% of formal care for babies and children up to 4 years old in rural areas. The assistance would include technical assistance for developing shared services, like provider networks, according to Fischer\u2019s office.\n\nFischer said she hears from families in Nebraska constantly, and the same is true for her colleagues around the country and across the aisle. \u201cThere is a lot of stress in families when you\u2019re trying to balance everything: taking care of your children, being able to advance your career \u2014 and, a lot of times, that stress has consequences for families,\u201d she told NBC News.\n\n\u201cSo we\u2019re trying to say, yes, you can keep working, providing for your family, and still be able to have good quality child care and make a decision that fits your family needs,\u201d she added.\n\nWith the new bill, states would consult parents, providers and employers to develop child care plans, particularly in areas where there are currently child care deserts and a high percentage of children with disabilities.\n\nThe bill has the support of the First Five Years Fund, an advocacy organization working to build bipartisan support for affordable and high-quality early learning and child care.\n\n\u201cThis issue touches families in every single congressional district, and that\u2019s why it is one of the few that hasn\u2019t been politicized,\u201d Sarah Rittling, the group\u2019s executive director, told NBC News. \u201cAccess to affordable, reliable child care is one of the biggest challenges facing working families.\u201d\n\nRittling also highlighted significant new spending on child care previously passed by Republicans and signed into law by President Donald Trump as part of the \u201cbig, beautiful bill\u201d \u2014 which also made unpopular cuts to Medicaid and other programs.\n\nThat child care provision, which infuses $16 billion into multiple federal credit programs for working parents not touched in decades, was backed by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., (who voted against the overall package, with all Democrats).\n\nIt was the biggest investment in child care in years, and Rittling said this new effort by Fischer and her colleagues to expand the block grant and make additional reforms to the industry is proof that the issue of access to affordable child care has momentum.\n\n\u201cBecause of the support, it\u2019s starting a conversation about where we go from here and what we are doing at the federal government. We know there is broad support, lawmakers constantly hear about it back home. It\u2019s an issue in desperate need of solution,\u201d Rittling added.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-colleagues-applaud-e3-snapback-sanctions-on-iran-encourage-maintaining-pressure/", "Ricketts, Colleagues Applaud E3 Snapback Sanctions on Iran, Encourage Maintaining Pressure", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "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 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined 49 Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Jean-No\u00ebl Barrot, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs; Johann Wadephul, German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Yvette Cooper, British Secretary of State. The letter thanked them for initiating snapback sanctions on Iran and encouraged them to maintain pressure until Iran permanently dismantles its nuclear program. The letter was led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID).\n\n\u201cWhile we back diplomatic efforts to restore Iran\u2019s compliance with its International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) commitments, the international community should not allow hollow gestures and threats from Tehran to stop the snapback process,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThe regime has abused diplomatic processes for years to avoid penalties. Sanctions relief should only be negotiated after the snapback is fully implemented. The regime must fully and verifiably dismantle its nuclear program, restore full IAEA access, terminate its support for international terror proxies, and end its ballistic missile program \u2014 at a minimum.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn light of the soon-returning international sanctions, we need joint interdiction efforts to prevent Iranian proliferation and acquisition of military, missile, and nuclear goods, technologies, and components,\u201d The lawmakers continued. \u201cIn line with returning UN obligations, we hope you will help us fully shutter Iran\u2019s banking sector abroad, including by closing all branches in Europe.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore pressure is necessary to ultimately bring Iran back to meaningful and serious diplomatic engagement on the full spectrum of its malign activities,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nAdditional signers included Senate Republican Leader John Thune (R-SD), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Barrasso (R-WY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Curtis (R-UT), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Boozman (R-AR), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Todd Young (R-IN), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK.), Ted Budd (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jim Banks (R-IN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Jim Justice (R-WV), Jon Husted (R-OH), and Ashley Moody (R-FL).\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Minister Barrot, Minister Wadephul, and Secretary Cooper:\n\nWe write to applaud the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for initiating the snapback process to return international sanctions on Iran at the United Nations Security Council. This action was necessary in light of the Iranian regime\u2019s persistent acts of nuclear extortion. We commend your leadership and support the successful reimposition of international sanctions and restrictions targeting the Iranian arms industry, its nuclear and missile programs, and its terror and proliferation activities.\n\nWhile we back diplomatic efforts to restore Iran\u2019s compliance with its International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) commitments, the international community should not allow hollow gestures and cynical threats from Tehran to stop the snapback process. The regime has abused diplomatic processes for years to avoid penalties. Sanctions relief should only be negotiated after snapback is fully implemented. The regime must fully and verifiably dismantle its nuclear program, restore full IAEA access, terminate its support for international terror proxies, and end its ballistic missile program \u2014 at a minimum.\n\nIran\u2019s provocative nuclear threats, its reckless attacks with ballistic missile, and its wanton aggression through support for terrorism threaten the entire international community. Once snapback is completed, we look forward to working with you to ensure all UN members states and private actors abide by their renewed obligations and hold Iran accountable.\n\nWe understand your governments\u2019 hope that diplomacy would eventually succeed in ending Iran\u2019s nuclear program, but after decades of the regime\u2019s intransigence, its repeated deceptions, and now its open support for Putin\u2019s war against Ukraine, we will count on your governments to lead the charge and advance a passionate enforcement of sanctions against Iran \u2013 whether at the European Union, in your respective capitals, or in foreign capitals.\n\nWe also remain deeply concerned by the funding mechanism of Iran\u2019s nuclear and ballistic missile program: its oil sales \u2014 particularly to China \u2014 and smuggling operations via third countries. We appreciate the cooperation your governments have already shown in curbing these sales.\n\nIn light of the soon-returning international sanctions, we need joint interdiction efforts to prevent Iranian proliferation and acquisition of military, missile, and nuclear goods, technologies, and components. In line with returning UN obligations, we hope you will help us fully shutter Iran\u2019s banking sector abroad, including by closing all branches in Europe. Closing off the regime\u2019s financial pathways will curb the regime\u2019s aggression. More pressure is necessary to ultimately bring Iran back to meaningful and serious diplomatic engagement on the full spectrum of its malign activities.Thank you again for your leadership at this pivotal moment. We look forward to continued cooperation to ensure the full reimposition of sanctions on Iran and to achieve our shared objective: a permanent dismantlement of Iran\u2019s nuclear program, the elimination of its uranium enrichment capability, the termination of its support for international terror proxies, and the end of its ballistic missile program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-coons-resolution-celebrates-the-74thanniversary-of-our-mutual-defense-treaty-with-the-philippines/", "Ricketts, Coons Resolution Celebrates the 74th Anniversary of Our Mutual Defense Treaty with the\u00a0Philippines", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "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. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, announced a resolution celebrating the 74th 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.\n\n\u201cI have seen firsthand Communist China\u2019s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions against the Philippines,\u201d said SenatorRicketts. \u201cLast month, a China Coast Guard vessel recklessly collided with a PLAN destroyer. Last week, Communist China made a sham declaration of a \u2018national nature reserve\u2019 at Scarborough Reef. These are just two recent examples of Communist China\u2019s malign behavior. It\u2019s clear Communist China knows no limits to imposing its illegitimate, territorial claims. This resolution is a reminder to all that the United States will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Filipino allies. We will continue to honor the mutual security commitments that have anchored our alliance for 74 years.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor nearly three-quarters of a century, the Philippines has been a steadfast ally and one of our staunchest partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, \u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cWhen Senator Ricketts and I traveled there earlier this year, we saw not only China\u2019s growing aggression, but also a nation excited to strengthen our partnership. The Philippines has a million new workers a year ready to help us create the kind of defenses, manufacturing, and resilient supply chains that will make both our countries stronger. It has never been more urgent that we support each other and expand our security and economic relationship.\u201d\n\nThe resolution:\n\nCelebrates the 74th 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\nAppreciates 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\nAcknowledges the determination of the Philippine people and their armed forces to resist PRC coercion;\n\nCondemns the PRC\u2019s unprovoked aggression and political lawfare in the South China Sea to enforce its unlawful territorial and sovereignty claims;\n\nRejects the People\u2019s Republic of China\u2019s coercive and destabilizing plans to establish a so-called \u201cnational nature reserve\u201d at Scarborough Reef;\n\nReaffirms 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\nConsiders PRC aggression in the Philippines\u2019 internationally-recognized exclusive economic zone to be a direct assault on its sovereignty and territorial integrity;\n\nUrges the President to continue to take appropriate and necessary actions in response to escalatory PRC behavior to restore deterrence and help the Philippines defend itself;\n\nSupports 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\nSupports other nations growing their political and security partnerships with the Philippines;\n\nCommits to advance cooperation among the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia;\n\nReaffirms 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.\n\nCo-sponsors of the resolution include U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-discusses-2019-floods-water-management-with-army-corps-of-engineers/", "Ricketts Discusses 2019 Floods, Water Management with Army Corps of Engineers", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "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 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, discussed the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 need to prioritize river management practices that protect lives and support industries that depend on the river for commerce.\n\n\u201cWhen I was Governor in 2019, Nebraska and the Midwest experienced a devastating flood that affected many of our rivers and the Missouri River in particular,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cFour people lost their lives. Farmers lost $400 million in corn and soybeans. Ranchers lost $400 million in cattle. Federal authorities estimate the damage to Nebraska alone cost $2.6 billion. I worked closely with the Corps to push for action.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt that time, the relationship with the Corps was rocky,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cToo often, Nebraskans\u2019 concerns were met with only explanations of why something couldn\u2019t be done\u2026 At times, I saw the Corps as more of an obstacle than a partner, and one that failed to put people first in its decision-making. Today is a new opportunity though, with Secretary Telle and Lieutenant General Graham leading the change.\u201d\n\nRicketts also discussed the Corps\u2019 delays in realigning their mission priorities. He criticized a 2004 amendment to the Corps\u2019 flood control water management practices that raised environmental compliance to the same level of importance as the protection of human life and property.\n\n\u201cThe $3 million dollar 3-year Planning Assistance Study has now taken more than 5 years and has cost more than $10 million,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThis is a similar refrain to what we\u2019ve heard from other people: projects taking longer and costing more. Still, it hasn\u2019t changed the way the Corps conducts business. The study has yet to be finalized but it\u2019s not clear there\u2019s going to be any concrete, actionable steps in this plan for improvement.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe roots of the problem go back to 2004, when an amendment to the 1979 Manual reversed the Corps\u2019 historical flood control water management practices,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThat shift fundamentally scrambled the Corps\u2019 priorities for basin management. The amendment made environmental compliance equally as important as the protection of human life and property through flood mitigation. The Corps must refocus its management of the river on the agencies\u2019 core values which is water management for the benefit of those who rely on it for commerce. And protecting people.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch the video.\n\nThe Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing was entitled Oversight of the US Army Corps of Engineers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 376, "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": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 376, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2025&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 376, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NE&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "NE", "label": "NE", "count": 376, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 376, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-09-18,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ericketts~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fricketts-discusses-2019-floods-water-management-with-army-corps-of-engineers~2F", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2025&_next=2025-09-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ericketts~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fricketts-discusses-2019-floods-water-management-with-army-corps-of-engineers~2F&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 156.22554579749703, "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"}