Site last updated: Friday, August 14, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Neb. senator moonlights as weekend Uber driver

Ben Sasse

WASHINGTON — A Republican senator helped his constituents get around this weekend by moonlighting as a driver for the ride-sharing service Uber.

In a series of tweets, Ben Sasse of Nebraska explained his decision to get behind the wheel by saying he works “alongside and for” the people of the Cornhusker state.

He said the money he earned is going to charity. As a senator, he’s not allowed to make any money outside his congressional service.

Sasse worked late Saturday night and found that at least a few of his fares had been partying a little too much. He said they were “three sheets to the wind,” according to one tweet.

“If you throw up in an Uber, the surcharge can be substantial,” he quipped. But the risk has rewards. He says it’s a “market incentive to get drivers to agree to” Saturday night shifts.

Sasse emerged as one of Donald Trump’s harshest critics before the election. After Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton last week, Sasse congratulated Trump and said he and his family will pray that the billionaire businessman will lead “wisely and faithfully keep his oath to a Constitution of limited government.”

But the senator also said he will do everything he can to hold Trump to promises he made during the campaign.

Sasse, who does not face re-election until 2020, acknowledged earlier this year that his anti-Trump stance would be unpopular in his strongly Republican state.

More in National News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS