Letter to Senators Ricketts and Fischer
I am writing as a deeply concerned constituent who believes it is time for Congress to show real courage. Yesterday a federal judge issued an order blocking the deployment of troops to Portland. Today President Trump ignored that order and sent National Guard forces from California anyway.
That is a direct violation of the rule of law. The courts spoke, and the President defied them. No one, not even the President of the United States, is above the law.
This is not politics; it is a test of constitutional integrity. If Congress fails to act now, we are normalizing authoritarian behavior that our democracy may never recover from.
I urge you to stand up publicly and unequivocally against this abuse of power. Use your position to demand accountability and defend the independence of the judiciary.
It is also time to begin an honest discussion about invoking the 25th Amendment. The President’s erratic actions and open defiance of lawful orders raise serious questions about his capacity to faithfully execute his duties. We cannot simply ignore or “86” his excesses; we must 25-47 him, confronting his instability with the constitutional remedy our founders provided.
History is watching. You swore an oath to defend the Constitution, not to serve any one man or political party. This moment will separate those who stand for their country from those who stand for their careers. The courage you show, or fail to show, today will define your legacy forever.
Concerned Constituent
Response from Senator Pete Ricketts
Thank you for contacting my office regarding our system of checks and balances.
The idea of America was revolutionary. Our Constitution established three separate but equal branches of government. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches must remain coequal and actively exercise their oversight responsibilities to ensure that each branch is held accountable to the powers and limitations outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Historically, the different branches have always tried to expand their authority. It’s part of the system of checks and balances. I will always uphold the Constitution.
My primary mission as your United States Senator is to make government work with proven Nebraska solutions that are ready for America. To better inform my decision-making, it is important that I hear the ideas, concerns, and opinions of all Nebraskans. I appreciate the time and effort you took to provide input on this and will keep it in mind.
If you have any other concerns or need help with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact my office through the following ways:
· Phone: (202) 224-4224 or (402) 550-8040
· Website: ricketts.senate.gov/contact
· Kearney Office: 4111 4thAvenue, Suite 26, Kearney, NE 68845
· Lincoln Office: 1248 ‘O’ Street, Suite 1000, Lincoln, NE 68508
· Omaha Office: 304 N. 168th Circle, Suite 213, Omaha, NE 68118
· Scottsbluff Office: 115 Railway Street, Suite C102, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
· Washington, D.C. Office: 139 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
It is an honor to serve as your Senator for the great state of Nebraska.
Sincerely,
Pete Ricketts
United States Senator