Nebraska Panhandle News

During the recent state work period, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) emphasized his dedication to Nebraska's priorities through a series of public events and discussions. Ricketts, who traveled with a bipartisan delegation to the Philippines and Taiwan, highlighted efforts to counteract Communist China's influence and discussed potential trade opportunities. "Before Easter, I visited the Philippines and Taiwan,” said Ricketts. “We discussed ways to push back on Communist China’s aggression. Communist China is our greatest external threat.”

Ricketts noted the interest in expanding trade deals beneficial to Nebraska agriculture. “There is a lot of interest in signing new trade deals,” he stated. “For example, Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao expressed an interest in buying more of our soybeans instead of buying them from Brazil. Others expressed interest in buying more of our natural gas. They know Communist China is a bad trading partner. They want to work with us. There’s a lot of opportunity. We need to start cutting these trade deals.”

While touring Nebraska, Ricketts held town halls in Scottsbluff, Valentine, and Kearney, as well as other public engagements. “I shared how I’m working with President Trump to secure the southern border, protect the 2017 tax cuts, and support Nebraska agriculture,” Ricketts remarked. He also discussed national concerns. “I gave an update on how I’m fighting to address our $36 trillion national debt – which is our greatest domestic threat. I also heard feedback and answered questions directly from Nebraskans. These conversations help me stay connected to the priorities and values of my constituents.”

Ricketts also spoke with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and partnered with the Nebraska Farm Bureau in Lincoln. He focused on making President Trump's tax cuts permanent. “If the tax cuts expire, Americans would see a $4 trillion tax increase,” Ricketts warned. He mentioned the potential impacts on Nebraska families, highlighting issues such as the child tax credit and deductions related to the Death Tax that could affect family-owned farms and ranches.

“In Scottsbluff, I sat down with agriculture leaders,” Ricketts continued, “They shared with me the challenges facing rural communities. Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers feed the world. I’m committed to passing a comprehensive farm bill that delivers the tools they need to succeed.”

Ricketts concluded by affirming his ongoing commitment to representing Nebraska's interests. “And I’ll continue fighting every day to make sure Nebraskans’ voices are heard in Washington. Nebraskans deserve nothing less.”