by U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts
Our country faces many threats. Communist China is our greatest external threat. Our $36 trillion national debt is our greatest domestic threat. Over the past two weeks, I’ve focused on both of those issues on behalf of Nebraskans.
Before Easter, I visited the Philippines and Taiwan. I met with leaders in both countries. We discussed ways to push back on Communist China’s aggression.
Xi Jinping has said he wants to be the world’s dominating power by 2049. Communist China’s dramatic military buildup and increasingly provocative actions are designed to force everyone to bend to its will. Just this week, it took over an island in the West Philippine Sea. They steal intellectual property. They manipulate or disregard rules to gain advantages that risk our security. That threatens our security and threatens the security of many of our allies and partners.
Another focus of my trip was expanding trade opportunities for American producers. There is a lot of interest in signing new trade deals. For example, Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao expressed an interest in buying more of our soybeans instead of 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 cut a trade deal.
Last week, I also held public events in the Western, Central, and Eastern parts of our state. I hosted three town halls in Scottsbluff, Valentine, and Kearney. At these town halls, I shared updates on my work in Washington. I gave an update on how I’m fighting to control our spending. I shared how I’m working with President Trump to secure the southern border, protect the 2017 tax cuts, and support Nebraska agriculture. I also heard feedback and answered questions directly from Nebraskans. These conversations help me stay connected to the priorities and values of my constituents.
In addition to the townhalls, I spoke to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. I gave a legislative update and answered questions about taxes, tariffs, and other topics.
In Lincoln, I partnered with Nebraska Farm Bureau to call for making the Trump tax cuts permanent. If the tax cuts expire, Americans would see a $4 trillion tax increase. That would hurt Nebraska families, farmers, and small businesses. The child tax credit will be cut by $1,000. The standard deduction will be cut in half. A family of four making $80,000 would pay $1,700 more in taxes. And the deduction for the Death Tax would also be cut in half, putting our Nebraska family farms and ranches at risk. Farmers and ranchers would face higher taxes when trying to pass on the family operation. I want to see Nebraskans’ taxes cut, not raised.
Throughout the week, I held several important roundtable meetings. In Grand Island, I heard directly from local Chambers of Commerce. They shared some innovative strategies for economic development and revitalization. I heard about the Kearney sportsplex, which is attracting events from all over the region. The sportsplex is fully booked, having only two open weeks until 2029. That’s huge for central Nebraska.
In Scottsbluff, I sat down with agriculture leaders. 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.
While in western Nebraska, I took part in a cattle branding in Sioux County. Branding is a part of the western way of life. It’s tough, honest work that brings families and communities together. Nebraska is the Beef State because of the grit demonstrated every day by our ranchers. I’ll always advocate for Nebraska agriculture.
Nebraskans expect leaders who travel the state. My public events are opportunities to hear from Nebraskans. My team and I will also continue hosting Mobile Office Hours in all 93 counties. And I’ll continue fighting every day to make sure Nebraskans’ voices are heard in Washington. Nebraskans deserve nothing less.
My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224. You can also view my website at www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.
