Nebraska Panhandle News

Senator Pete Ricketts, representing Nebraska in the U.S. Senate, used his social media platform to criticize Democratic leadership and federal agencies in a series of posts on October 7 and 8, 2025. The tweets focus on government spending negotiations, alleged partisan actions by the FBI, and healthcare policy impacts.

On October 7, Ricketts claimed that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made excessive demands during budget negotiations. He wrote, "Chuck Schumer demanded over $1 trillion of partisan spending in exchange for keeping the government open. He demanded free healthcare for illegal aliens. Chuck Schumer's demands are unreasonable."

Later that day, Ricketts alleged that the FBI targeted Republican lawmakers and affiliates under President Joe Biden’s administration. In his words, "Under Joe Biden, the FBI spied on at least nine Republican lawmakers. They also placed 92 linked Republican individuals and groups on their list. They did this under false assumptions of “election conspiracy.” The weaponization of a government agency for partisan points is a"

The following day, Ricketts returned to the topic of government funding and healthcare access. He posted, "If Chuck Schumer really wanted to improve healthcare for Americans, he would keep the government open.  He wouldn’t delay healthcare and increase wait times for veterans, families, or rural communities.  He wouldn’t try to cut funding that supports care in rural Nebraska."

These comments come amid ongoing disputes in Congress over federal budget appropriations and potential government shutdowns. Disagreements between party leaders have previously led to last-minute negotiations and temporary funding measures. The debate over healthcare access—particularly for vulnerable populations such as veterans and residents of rural areas—has been a recurring point of contention in recent years.

Ricketts’ statements reflect broader partisan tensions regarding the scope of federal spending and the oversight roles of agencies like the FBI. The senator’s remarks align with longstanding Republican concerns about what they characterize as partisan overreach by both legislative leaders and executive branch institutions.