Ricketts Issues Statement on Charges Against Chinese National for Photographing Offutt AFB

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after the release of court documents detailing the arrest and subsequent charging of a Chinese national for photographing the military installation Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska:

"I want to thank and praise the security forces at Offutt Air Force Base and the FBI special agents in Omaha for their work on this case. Offutt is home to U.S. Strategic Command, as well as critical aircraft like the RC-135 and E-4B. It is one of the most sensitive military installations in the country.

"The threat of Communist China's spying efforts on sensitive American military sites is real and persistent. I've made fighting against it my priority with bills like the AFIDA Improvements Act and the PLOT Act. These make sure foreign adversaries can't own American agricultural land.

"I am glad that justice is being served. I will continue the fight to protect Nebraska servicemembers and America's security."