Nebraska Panhandle News

Senator Pete Ricketts, who represents Nebraska in the U.S. Senate, recently used his social media platform to highlight local efforts supporting federal workers, address ongoing partisan disputes in Congress, and discuss student-led initiatives on mental health.

On November 6, 2025, Senator Ricketts expressed gratitude for community action at Omaha’s airport. He posted: "A big thank you to Mike Scofield of Omaha for organizing food deliveries to our hardworking TSA agents at Eppley Airfield! Nebraskans always look out for each other. Our TSA agents are still working without pay. It’s time to stop the partisan games and get back to the business".

Later that day, Ricketts addressed the government shutdown debate and attributed responsibility to Democratic colleagues in the Senate. On November 6, 2025, he wrote: "My Democrat colleagues in the Senate think the consequences of the Schumer Shutdown are just “leverage.” Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island said this shutdown is “the only lever we have.” Democrat Ruben Gallego of Arizona said: “I’d just go back and shut it down again” https://t.co/JnzLlb8LHt".

In a separate post on November 6, 2025, Ricketts shared details about a meeting with young leaders focused on school wellness. He stated: "Met with members of the National Student Council, which includes two upstanding Nebraskans from Millard South High School! We discussed ways to improve mental health and wellness in schools. We also discussed their innovative efforts to support their peers in need. It’s great to https://t.co/32JYkpuFaP".

The mention of TSA agents working without pay refers to an ongoing federal government shutdown affecting agency operations and employee compensation across several departments.

Shutdowns such as this have occurred periodically when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills or continuing resolutions necessary for funding federal agencies. These lapses can lead to furloughs or unpaid work for essential personnel like Transportation Security Administration staff.

The senator’s comments about partisan divisions reflect broader debates within Congress regarding budget negotiations and government funding measures.