Nebraska Panhandle News

Senator Pete Ricketts, who represents Nebraska in the U.S. Senate, used his social media platform on September 30, 2025, to address concerns over a potential government shutdown and funding for rural healthcare. In a series of posts, Ricketts attributed the risk of a shutdown to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic lawmakers.

In his first post at 14:32 UTC, Ricketts stated: "Chuck Schumer is recklessly threatening to shut down the government. He wants Nebraska taxpayers to foot the bill for his partisan projects.  @SenateGOP wants to pass a clean funding bill. @SenateDems want to repeal a $50 billion investment in rural healthcare. That harms".

Later that day at 19:43 UTC, he added: "The OBBB provided rural hospitals with an additional $50 billion in funding. Now, Chuck Schumer and @SenateDems are threatening to shut down the government and rollback this major win for rural communities. They’re doing this to score partisan points."

By 21:42 UTC, Senator Ricketts reiterated his position on government funding votes: "I am voting for a clean CR to avoid a shutdown. Nebraskans’ services and salaries shouldn't be held hostage by Chuck Schumer. Nebraskans deserve a government that works for them."

The debate over federal funding has become increasingly contentious as deadlines approach for passing appropriations bills or continuing resolutions (CRs) necessary to keep the government operational. Disagreements between Republican and Democratic senators have focused particularly on issues such as investments in rural healthcare programs—like the referenced $50 billion allocation from the OBBB—and broader spending priorities.

A government shutdown would affect federal services and employee salaries across states including Nebraska, where constituents rely heavily on stable access to both public sector employment and federally funded health resources.