VIDEO: Securing America’s Next 250 Years

On Wednesday, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed his efforts to help secure the next 250 years of American safety and prosperity. This includes attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singaporewhere he had conversations about deterring Communist China.

"Our values have inspired generations of Americans and secured our role as the global technology, economic, and military leader. We have a lot to celebrate. We also need to consider what it will take to secure the next 250 years," said Ricketts. "One of the most important tasks will be deterring Communist China. China is without a doubt the greatest existential threat to America and Nebraska. Communist China seeks to infiltrate our country and undermine our people, values, and way of life. We cannot let this happen if we want our nation and the world to thrive for centuries to come."

Ricketts also highlighted the importance of funding Border Patrol and ICE to protect Nebraskans and our national security. This morning, the Senate passed the Secure America Act, legislation to fund Border Patrol and ICE. Ricketts' statement on the vote can be found here.

Watch the video here.

TRANSCRIPT:

Senator Ricketts: "Last week, I had the privilege to attend a ceremony to honor those who gave their last full measure of devotion to our great nation.

"I'm grateful to American Legion Post One in Omaha for hosting the Memorial Day ceremony to honor our fallen at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

"Memorial Day this year was special, as we also celebrate America's 250th birthday.

"Throughout our country's history, Nebraskans have laid down their lives to defend our freedoms.

"We honor all of our heroic Nebraskans who lost their lives in service to our country.

"We also express our gratitude to their loved ones for their sacrifice.

"We are the home of the free because of the brave.

"As we celebrate America's birthday, we reflect on what has led to 250 years of success.

"From our founding, we've affirmed that our people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

"We've created a country where any American, regardless of who they are, can achieve the American dream through hard work and determination.

"Our values have inspired generations of Americans and secured our role as the global technology, economic, and military leader.

"We have a lot to celebrate.

"We also need to consider what it will take to secure the next 250 years.

"One of the most important tasks will be deterring Communist China.

"China is without a doubt the greatest existential threat to America and Nebraska.

"Communist China seeks to infiltrate our country and undermine our people, values, and way of life.

"We cannot let this happen if we want our nation and the world to thrive for centuries to come.

"That's why I've made it a priority to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore the last couple of years.

"This conference brings together leaders from North America, the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and beyond to discuss important security issues.

"I attended again this year and had important conversations about deterring Communist China and bolstering our national security.

"Let me share a few takeaways.

"First, we need to strengthen our military cooperation with allies and partners in the region.

"This includes shoring up our own defense industrial base, ensuring our warfighters, as well as those of our allies and partners, have the capabilities they need to counter and deter Communist China.

"It's absolutely critical.

"We also need to recommit our support for allies and partners who have fallen victim to Communist China's malign aggression and economic coercion.

"Peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific are good for America.

"We need to secure this.

"I also had a few conversations about improving trade relations.

"We know that China is not a good trade partner.

"Identifying new opportunities in the Indo-Pacific will reduce our reliance on Communist China and expand market access for our farmers and ranchers.

"I've also introduced the MARKET Act, which I've shared before, to identify new markets for our ag community.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for Nebraskans, both in the Senate and on the world stage, and I remain committed to doing my part to ensure future generations can celebrate the America we all know and love.

"This brings me to the work that needs to be done on the Senate floor today.

"To protect Americans and our national security, we must fund Border Patrol and ICE.

"Senate Republicans have a narrow bill to do this.

"Our bill only funds Border Patrol and ICE.

"Senate Democrats refuse to vote for it, putting every American at risk.

"Their refusal is a clear threat to our national security.

"The Democrats stood by while President Biden and his open-border policies allowed every state to become a border state, putting communities across America, including in Nebraska, at risk.

"They released at least 99 illegal aliens on the terrorist watchlist into American communities, including three with potential ISIS ties.

"They have prioritized the care of illegal immigrants over Americans.

"Let me give you two examples.

"When Laken Riley, a 22-year-old college student, was murdered by an illegal immigrant, Republicans introduced legislation to make sure no other families have to live through that same tragedy as Laken's family had to live through.

"The legislation was common sense, too - if an illegal immigrant breaks the law, they will be held accountable.

"A majority of Democrats refused to support this common-sense solution.

"When our brave troops successfully captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, Democrats were more concerned about the operation than national security.

"Maduro is a narco-terrorist responsible for the deaths of countless Americans.

"He was a puppet of our adversaries, including Communist China, Russia, and Iran.

"Simply put, he was a threat to our national security.

"Capturing him was a win for Americans and our national security.

"However, Democrats didn't see it this way.

"The reality, though, is that President Trump campaigned on securing our border.

"He won an overwhelming majority of votes from Americans.

"The American people voted for stronger national security.

"Republicans have worked with this administration to secure our border and deliver that for the American people.

"To maintain this strong national security, we need to fund ICE and Border Patrol.

"I'm ready to vote with my Senate Republican colleagues today.

"Democrats cannot delay this vote any longer.

"We must get this done for the American people.

"Everything else is a distraction."