VIDEO: Ricketts Highlights Nebraska Wins from theState of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed President Trump's State of the Union Address. He highlighted wins the President and Senate Republicans are delivering for Nebraska.

"Nebraskans elected this Administration and Senate Republicans to make streets safer and put more money in your pockets," said Senator Ricketts. "One year in, and we are delivering on these promises for Nebraskans and the country. We are on the path to a stronger Union. We are strengthening the Good Life."

"One of 2025's landmark achievements was the Working Families Tax Cuts. We avoided a $2,400 tax hike on the average Nebraskan. Instead, we delivered tax savings. CBS reports that the average American's refund check will be $1,000 higher than last year," said Senator Ricketts.

Watch the video here.

TRANSCRIPT:

Senator Ricketts: "This week, President Trump gave a State of the Union address.

"Under President Biden, illegal border crossings and crime surged.

"President Biden oversaw 40-year-high inflation.

"President Trump is working to fix four years of failed leadership.

"Nebraskans elected this administration and Senate Republicans to make streets safer and put more money back in your pockets.

"One year in, we are delivering on these promises for Nebraskans and the country.

"We are on a path to a stronger union.

"We are strengthening the good life.

"We promised to end illegal immigration.

"We're delivering and making Nebraska streets safer.

"Congress provided funding to complete the border wall and train more federal immigration officers.

"We authorized more immigration judges to address the backlog of cases.

"Under President Trump, daily illegal border crossings are down an average of 95%.

"For nine consecutive months, not a single illegal immigrant has been released by immigration officers at the border.

"That's the first time this has happened in American history.

"In his inaugural address, President Trump promised that our safety will be restored.

"Now Nebraska's streets are safer.

"President Trump nominated Leslie Woods to be the U.S. Attorney for Nebraska.

"Senate Republicans confirmed her, and she has been working hard at prosecuting crimes in Nebraska.

"In August, she announced the arrest of five individuals for sex and human trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering.

"These individuals trafficked minors and illegal immigrants in hotels and salons that they owned.

"All five are present in the country illegally.

"In December, U.S. Attorney Woods announced a Nebraska grand jury indictment of 54 defendants.

"They were involved in a massive fraud scheme that stole millions of dollars on behalf of the Venezuelan terrorist cartel Tren de Aragua.

"Throughout 2025, U.S. Attorney Woods also announced arrests of hitmen and leaders of the violent MS-13 cartel.

"That includes one drug kingpin who is a top most-wanted fugitive from El Salvador.

"We are fighting against the crime caused by Biden's open borders.

"One of 2025's landmark achievements was the Working Families Tax Cuts.

"We avoided a $2,400 tax hike on the average Nebraskan.

"Instead, we delivered tax savings.

"CBS reports that the average American's refund check will be $1,000 higher this year versus last year.

"We secured no tax on tips and no tax on overtime.

"We lowered taxes for families, helping them to focus on their education and care for their children.

"88% of seniors will no longer pay federal income taxes on Social Security.

"Think about that: a couple on Social Security will see a $12,000 deduction in addition to their normal deductions on Social Security.

"We increased the death tax exemption and made it permanent.

"We rolled back wasteful Biden-era renewable subsidies and cut red tape.

"This unleashes American energy dominance, strengthening Nebraska producers and lowering the cost of gasoline.

"We entered 2026 with the lowest gasoline prices in years, all thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut.

"It puts more money in the pockets of Nebraskans.

"It will bring more jobs and higher wages for years to come.

"We're making our streets safer and putting more money in your pocket.

"We are getting back on track by lowering taxes and securing the border.

"After four years of record-high inflation under Joe Biden, we're working to get our economy back on track.

"This Republican majority is fighting to improve the lives of the American people.

"I am committed to improving the lives of Nebraskans.

"I also want to thank the women and men of the Nebraska National Guard.

"They're about to begin a tour of duty in Washington, D.C.

"Here they will keep the streets of our nation's capital safe during our 250th anniversary.

"Major General Craig Strong, Adjutant General for Nebraska National Guard, was my guest at the State of the Union.

"These dedicated Nebraskans deserve our gratitude.

"They will be a friendly face for all who visit the Capitol to celebrate the semiquincentennial."