Ricketts Responds to Fauci’s Silence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement following Dr. Anthony Fauci’s failure to provide any answers during a Senate hearing on the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, invoking his Fifth Amendment right more than 100 times.

“Fauci’s mishandling of Covid was terrible for America. While millions of Americans suffered, Anthony Fauci was concerned with increasing his celebrity status. The American people deserve answers from the man who recommended these horrible policies.

“When I was Governor, we refused to give in to Dr. Fauci’s hysteria campaign and Soviet-style mandates. We trusted Nebraskans to act responsibly and care for their neighbors. We allowed schools to be open and businesses to operate. As a result, Nebraska led the nation in pandemic response efforts.”

“Dr. Fauci’s failed leadership damaged the American people’s trust in our institutions. He had the opportunity to share the truth and take accountability but refused. His selfish silence is a disgrace to National Institutes of Health.”

Under Governor Ricketts’ leadership, Nebraska led the nation in Covid response efforts and was ranked as “the most effective and balanced Covid responses in the United States,” by POLITICO. Nebraska had one of the best economic performances during the pandemic, contracted less, and rebounded faster than many other states, including the nation as a whole. Nebraska was a leader in keeping students in schools and providing aid to small businesses.