Update: Sen. Pete Ricketts issued the following statement regarding the failure of the Shutdown Fairness Act.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement after Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and 43 Senate Democrats voted against the Shutdown Fairness Act:

 

“Because of the Schumer Shutdown, federal law enforcement officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol agents are working without pay. The Shutdown Fairness Act would have ensured they are paid for this critical work. This fair, simple, and common sense solution should have passed unanimously. All but three Democrats blocked it. I’ll continue fighting to end the Schumer Shutdown and support our federal workers who are keeping us safe.”

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska says he and his Republican colleagues continue to work to end the government shutdown prior to Thursday’s failure of the Senate to advance the Shutdown Fairness Act.

Ricketts said he has voted nearly a dozen times to reopen the government, but there have not been enough votes. The Shutdown Fairness Act needed 60 votes to advance, but the vote was 54 to 45 with three Democrats in favor.

Ricketts’ press release does not mention what work specifically is being done to gain more votes, but says “we’re giving Chuck Schumer and the Democrats another chance.”

The chance was the 12th time the Senate failed to advance a House-passed funding bill. A 13th vote is scheduled for today.

An alternative bill, called the True Shutdown Fairness Act, would have paid some federal workers but would have blocked President Trump from implementing more layoffs during the lapse in funding.

Ricketts says he supports legislation that will pay air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers during the shutdown, which is in its 24th calendar day. The longest of the four most recent shutdowns was 34 days.

 

Here is Sen. Ricketts' press release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) expressed his support for the Shutdown Fairness Act.  The common-sense legislation would pay federal law enforcement officers, military servicemembers, and other on-duty federal officers until the Schumer Shutdown ends. Ricketts made the comments during his regular conference call with Nebraska media.

“Our law enforcement officers work hard to prevent crime and protect families.  They face danger, act fast, and serve with courage,” said Ricketts.  “But because of the Schumer Shutdown, federal officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and Border Patrol agents are all working without pay.  These federal officers and their families shouldn’t have to pay the price for Chuck Schumer’s political games. Their paychecks shouldn’t be held hostage by Chuck Schumer.  I continue to work with my Republican colleagues to end the Schumer Shutdown and support our law enforcement officers.”

 “Republicans are working to ensure our law enforcement and all federal workers on duty don’t continue to go unpaid,” said Ricketts.  “Tomorrow, we will be voting on the Shutdown Fairness Act.  This solution makes sure that the people who are showing up for work every day get paid.  This includes air traffic controllers, military servicemembers, federal officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and Border Patrol agents.  The Shutdown Fairness Act is simple. It’s common sense. And it needs to pass.”

 TRANSCRIPT:

 “Recently, Nebraska State Police seized 130 pounds of meth outside of Omaha.  

 “Multiple times this year, Nebraska officers have arrested criminal members of the violent MS-13 gang.  

 “In August, U.S. Attorney for Nebraska Lesley Woods announced the arrest of five individuals for sex and human trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering.  

 “These individuals trafficked minors and illegal immigrants across hotels and salons that they owned.  

 “All five are present in the country illegally. 

 “Earlier this month, an Omaha Police officer was shot in the head while arresting a suspect at a gas station. 

 “We continue to pray for his complete recovery. 

 “Our law enforcement officers work hard to prevent crime and protect families.  

 “They face danger, act fast, and serve with courage.  

 “But because of the Schumer Shutdown, federal officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and Border Patrol agents are all working without pay.  

 “These federal officers and their families shouldn’t have to pay the price for Chuck Schumer’s political games.  

 “Their paychecks shouldn’t be held hostage by Chuck Schumer. 

 “I continue to work with my Republican colleagues to end the Schumer Shutdown and support our law enforcement officers. 

 “I’ve voted nearly a dozen times to reopen the government with a clean continuing resolution. 

 “Chuck Schumer and the Democrats continue to block it. 

 “That hurts our heroic law enforcement officers. 

 “Republicans are working to ensure our law enforcement and all federal workers on duty don’t continue to go unpaid. 

 “Tomorrow, we will be voting on the Shutdown Fairness Act. 

 “This solution makes sure that the people who are showing up for work every day get paid. 

 “This includes air traffic controllers, military servicemembers, federal officers, U.S. Attorneys, TSA agents, and Border Patrol agents. 

 “The Shutdown Fairness Act is simple. It’s common sense. And it needs to pass. 

 “We’re giving Chuck Schumer and the Democrats another chance to vote to support the women and men who take drugs off our streets. 

 “Another chance to support the ones who fight against the scourge of human and sex trafficking. 

 “Another chance to support all the federal workers who keep us safe. 

 “I’m going to stand up for our law enforcement officers. I urge Chuck Schumer to do the same.”