Re: Congress Must Uphold the Rule of Law

Email from US Senator Pete Ricketts.

January 16, 2026

Dear Mr. Dawes,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the situation in Venezuela.

The Maduro regime is a corrupt and oppressive dictatorship that has brought hardship to the Venezuelan people and instability to the region. Under Nicolás Maduro’s illegitimate rule after stealing the election, Venezuela has become a hub for narcoterrorist organizations and drug traffickers who profit from spreading cocaine and other deadly narcotics across our hemisphere. Drug overdose has taken far too many American lives and devastated families and communities across our country. It is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. Over 100,000 of our people die every year.

We must remain steadfast in defending our homeland from these threats. Protecting Americans from the flow of drugs, crime, and corruption that originate from criminal regimes and cartels is essential to our national security. The administration has declared cartels operating with Venezuelan government support as narcoterrorists, and they must be treated like other terrorist organizations. I support the administration's effort to stop this foreign government-supported drug activity. The safety of our citizens must always come first.

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 share your thoughts on this important issue.

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