Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska has publicly endorsed Senator Marco Rubio for the position of U.S. Secretary of State, following Rubio's nomination hearing. Ricketts voiced his support during a conference call with Nebraska media, emphasizing the importance of countering Communist China as a primary foreign policy goal.

Ricketts stated, "Combatting Communist China must be our top foreign policy priority. To achieve that will require even more than an all-of-government approach. It will require a whole-of-society approach. That will take real leadership."

He further praised Rubio's qualifications for the role, asserting, "Today’s confirmation hearing reinforced why Marco Rubio is the right person to serve as our next Secretary of State. He knows that a CCP-led world order would mean coercion instead of choice, tyranny instead of liberty, and dictatorship instead of democracy. He will help President Trump restore American strength and deter our adversaries."

Ricketts criticized current foreign policy under President Biden's administration, referencing comments by Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to President Biden: "On Sunday, Jake Sullivan said quote: 'The American people are safer and the country is better off than we were four years ago.' I don’t know who believes that."

Ricketts argued against this view by highlighting issues such as high inflation and what he described as an appeasement-first foreign policy over the past four years. He cited several international incidents and conflicts to support his claims.

"President Biden is handing President Trump the most dangerous threat environment our country has faced since World War Two," Ricketts remarked.

He specifically pointed out actions taken by China in recent months, including hacking incidents and military maneuvers in various regions.

In conclusion, Ricketts reiterated his commitment to ensuring Rubio's confirmation on "Day One" of a potential new Trump administration.