Nebraska Panhandle News

Senator Pete Ricketts Shares Views on Government Shutdown, Nebraska Sports, and Veterans Day

Senator Pete Ricketts, U.S. Senator representing Nebraska, posted a series of messages on November 5, 2025, addressing the ongoing government shutdown, expressing support for local sports teams, and reflecting on the upcoming Veterans Day.

In a post from November 5 at 16:37 UTC, Ricketts commented on the length of the current government shutdown and attributed responsibility to Senate Democrats. He wrote, "This is the 36th day of the Schumer Shutdown. This is the longest government shutdown in history. Chuck Schumer and @SenateDems are still to blame.

I’m committed to doing the business of governing – even if the Democrats aren’t. I have voted every single time to keep government".

Later that day at 18:26 UTC, Ricketts turned his attention to sports in Nebraska. He stated, "What a great week to be a Nebraska sports fan! @BluejayMBB tip off tonight against South Dakota. Good luck, Jays! https://t.co/pRJ6RuTUHY".

In an evening post at 20:52 UTC, he reflected on Veterans Day and quoted President John F. Kennedy: "President John F. Kennedy once said, 'A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.'

As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day next week, I’m reflecting on the stories of Nebraskans who served our country."

The ongoing government shutdown referenced by Senator Ricketts marks its thirty-sixth day as of his post and has become notable as the longest such event in U.S. history. The term "Schumer Shutdown" refers to Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who serves as Senate Majority Leader and has been named by some Republican lawmakers as responsible for impasses over funding bills that led to this closure.

Veterans Day is observed annually in November across the United States to honor military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.