LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) — Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts held his usual press call Wednesday afternoon where state media had the opportunity to ask questions about the government shutdown and efforts to end it.

Wednesday marked day 36 of the shutdown — now officially the longest in history.

Ricketts called Democrats “complete hypocrites” by not voting to reopen the government, reiterating the party line that if Democrats want to discuss the expiration of ACA healthcare credits, they can — after the government reopens.

The expiration of these credits is the central priority of Senate Democrats. Without an extension, premiums for millions on Marketplace plans will increase drastically — in some cases by more than $1,000 a month.

Ricketts said he won’t discuss anything until after the shutdow

See Full Page