Ricketts Comments on Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting for a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through March 14 and extend the Farm Bill by one year.

“This bill avoids a government shutdown and supports Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. It gives them the certainty and assistance they need to make crucial decisions. I’m committed to working with President Trump and my colleagues to pass a comprehensive, five-year farm bill next year.”

Ricketts Announces New Committee Assignments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced his committee assignments for the 119th Congress. Ricketts will serve on four committees. He will continue to serve on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He will also join the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget.

“After four years of overregulation, an appeasement-first foreign policy, and reckless spending, it’s time to get our country back on track,” Ricketts said. “On the Environment and Public Works Committee I’ll fight to give Nebraska families relief, not regulation. On the Foreign Relations Committee I’ll help President Trump restore American strength on the world stage. Only through strength can we deter our adversaries and prevent future conflicts.”

“I’m honored by the opportunity to use my business experience on the Budget and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committees,” Ricketts continued. “These committees will play an important role in extending the Trump tax cuts, controlling our spending, and providing regulatory relief to job-creators. I’m excited to work with President Trump and my colleagues to deliver conservative solutions for Nebraskans.”

BACKGROUND
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works is responsible for legislation and oversight of the natural and built environment and for studying matters concerning environmental protection and resource conservation and utilization. This includes oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is instrumental in developing, influencing, and overseeing U.S. foreign policy. The Committee considers, debates, and reports important treaties and legislation involving everything from foreign aid to arms sales to international organizations like the United Nations. It overseas the U.S. State Department and holds jurisdiction over all diplomatic nominations, including the U.S. Secretary of State. Ricketts will be the second highest ranking Republican on the Committee.

U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget is responsible for drafting budget plans for Congress. It also monitors and enforces rules surrounding spending, revenue, and the federal budget. The Committee’s primary responsibility is to develop a concurrent resolution on the budget to serve as the framework for congressional action on spending, revenue, and debt-limit legislation. This includes jurisdiction over the budget reconciliation process. The Committee also has oversight of the president’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is responsible for matters related to banks and banking, price controls, deposit insurance, foreign trade promotion, export promotion and controls, and federal monetary policy. It has jurisdiction over financial exchanges, markets, and derivates, financial aid to commerce and industry, issuance of redemption of notes, and currency and coinage issues. Additionally, the Committee is responsible for public and private housing, urban development, mass transit, and government contracts. This includes oversight of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Export-Import Bank, and the Federal Housing Administration.