1st Sky OMA

Nebraska Congressional lawmakers discuss conflict with Iran after Bellevue soldier’s death

The U.S. Senate voted down an attempt to limit President Donald Trump's strikes against Iran. Members of Nebraska's federal delegation shared why they think action is needed, as they also paid respects to the fallen heroes.

Read the full article on KETV 7

image

The U.S. Senate voted down an attempt to limit President Donald Trump’s strikes against Iran. Members of Nebraska’s federal delegation shared why they think action is needed, as they also paid respects to the fallen heroes. Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens of Bellevue was one of the soldiers the Pentagon said was killed in a strike in Kuwait. READ MORE: Nebraska service member killed in Iran amid ongoing conflictOn Wednesday, Sen. Deb Fischer took a moment of “solemn gratitude” on the Senate floor to honor Tietjens. “He gave two decades of his life to this country. Deployed to Kuwait in 2009 and again in 2019,” Fischer said. “Always answering the call, always showing up. His record of service speaks for itself. Sergeant Tietjens earned the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commandant Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal. The Global War on Terrorism, Expeditionary and Service medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ‘M’ device. Each ribbon and each medal marks a chapter of life poured out in service to something larger than himself. We honor Sergeant Tietjens today, and we hold his family, his unit, and all who loved him in our hearts.”Sen. Pete Ricketts shared his respects as well Wednesday. “Noah was one of those brave patriots that from a young man, when he joined the army, was willing to serve and protect his nation and ultimately gave the last full measure of his devotion to protect this country,” Ricketts said. “And we want to honor and remember those patriots who are willing to defend us and who give their lives in that cause.”Congressman Mike Flood said Tietjens’ death is a sobering reminder of the sacrifice American troops make every day. “The news of Sergeant Noah Tietjens’ death is heartbreaking,” Flood said. “It’s a sobering reminder that our troops are putting their lives on the line as America tries to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power. A 12-year-old son and today a mother without her husband and her son’s father. This is tragic, and it’s difficult.”In a statement, Congressman Don Bacon said he and his wife were heartbroken to hear the news of Tietjens’ death. “A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss. Angie and I are praying for their healing and comfort in the days ahead. We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady. These four soldiers are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten,” Bacon wrote.RELATED COVERAGE: Nebraska, Iowa leaders offer prayers and condolences after Pentagon identifies soldiers killed in KuwaitFlood said Congress has been briefed on the ongoing conflict in Iran, and he said action was necessary.”President Trump made a bold move,” Flood said. “Diplomacy is over. You either get with the program, or you will not be running a regime that is built to destroy America.”Ricketts also supports the action in Iran. “We know that Iran is a nation that is willing to kill its own citizens in the thousands and chants, death to America. That is a very, very dangerous combination to have that sort of mentality and missiles and a nuclear weapon,” Ricketts said.Fischer said it’s a critical time to fund the Department of Homeland Security again. “This agency was created on September 11th, 2001, for one purpose, to make sure that we never again suffer a catastrophic attack on our homeland,” Fischer said. Bacon said he also believes President Trump did the right thing in taking action. He said if conflict in Iran continues beyond 60 days, the President should go to Congress for authorization in line with the War Powers Resolution. Bacon said he would support it. Rep. Adrian Smith asked the community to join him in prayer for Tietjens and his family.”I am heartbroken to learn of the death Sgt. First Class Noah Tietjens, who was killed in the line of duty over the weekend. This is a devastating loss for his family, friends, fellow service members, and for our entire state. Sgt. First Class Noah Tietjens answered the call to serve with courage and selflessness. He gave his life in defense of the freedoms we cherish, and we will forever be grateful for his service. Please join me in keeping his loves ones in your prayers. May they feel the strength, support, and gratitude of a community that mourns with them and honors his service.”Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

The U.S. Senate voted down an attempt to limit President Donald Trump’s strikes against Iran. Members of Nebraska’s federal delegation shared why they think action is needed, as they also paid respects to the fallen heroes.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens of Bellevue was one of the soldiers the Pentagon said was killed in a strike in Kuwait.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Nebraska service member killed in Iran amid ongoing conflict

On Wednesday, Sen. Deb Fischer took a moment of “solemn gratitude” on the Senate floor to honor Tietjens.

“He gave two decades of his life to this country. Deployed to Kuwait in 2009 and again in 2019,” Fischer said. “Always answering the call, always showing up. His record of service speaks for itself. Sergeant Tietjens earned the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commandant Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal. The Global War on Terrorism, Expeditionary and Service medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ‘M’ device. Each ribbon and each medal marks a chapter of life poured out in service to something larger than himself. We honor Sergeant Tietjens today, and we hold his family, his unit, and all who loved him in our hearts.”

Sen. Pete Ricketts shared his respects as well Wednesday.

“Noah was one of those brave patriots that from a young man, when he joined the army, was willing to serve and protect his nation and ultimately gave the last full measure of his devotion to protect this country,” Ricketts said. “And we want to honor and remember those patriots who are willing to defend us and who give their lives in that cause.”

Congressman Mike Flood said Tietjens’ death is a sobering reminder of the sacrifice American troops make every day.

“The news of Sergeant Noah Tietjens’ death is heartbreaking,” Flood said. “It’s a sobering reminder that our troops are putting their lives on the line as America tries to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power. A 12-year-old son and today a mother without her husband and her son’s father. This is tragic, and it’s difficult.”

In a statement, Congressman Don Bacon said he and his wife were heartbroken to hear the news of Tietjens’ death.

“A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss. Angie and I are praying for their healing and comfort in the days ahead. We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady. These four soldiers are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten,” Bacon wrote.

RELATED COVERAGE: Nebraska, Iowa leaders offer prayers and condolences after Pentagon identifies soldiers killed in Kuwait

Flood said Congress has been briefed on the ongoing conflict in Iran, and he said action was necessary.

“President Trump made a bold move,” Flood said. “Diplomacy is over. You either get with the program, or you will not be running a regime that is built to destroy America.”

Ricketts also supports the action in Iran.

“We know that Iran is a nation that is willing to kill its own citizens in the thousands and chants, death to America. That is a very, very dangerous combination to have that sort of mentality and missiles and a nuclear weapon,” Ricketts said.

Fischer said it’s a critical time to fund the Department of Homeland Security again.

“This agency was created on September 11th, 2001, for one purpose, to make sure that we never again suffer a catastrophic attack on our homeland,” Fischer said.

Bacon said he also believes President Trump did the right thing in taking action. He said if conflict in Iran continues beyond 60 days, the President should go to Congress for authorization in line with the War Powers Resolution. Bacon said he would support it.

Rep. Adrian Smith asked the community to join him in prayer for Tietjens and his family.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the death Sgt. First Class Noah Tietjens, who was killed in the line of duty over the weekend. This is a devastating loss for his family, friends, fellow service members, and for our entire state. Sgt. First Class Noah Tietjens answered the call to serve with courage and selflessness. He gave his life in defense of the freedoms we cherish, and we will forever be grateful for his service. Please join me in keeping his loves ones in your prayers. May they feel the strength, support, and gratitude of a community that mourns with them and honors his service.”

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.

NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

loader-image
Omaha, US
5:51 am, Mar 19, 2026
temperature icon 50°F
broken clouds
65 %
1014 mb
7 mph
Wind Gust 6 mph
Clouds 60%
Visibility 6 mi
Sunrise 7:28 am
Sunset 7:34 pm

MORE newsNEWS