This week in Washington… the media's narratives and political messaging continued. While there is still plenty of time to focus on the facts regarding the whistleblower complaint, until something changes, what’s currently taking place behind closed doors on Capitol Hill reminds me of the same evolutions we went through with the Mueller report or the unverified dossier – just a few of the dozens of “smoking guns” that have been debunked.
Meanwhile, the phone call to Ukraine continues to soak up all of the oxygen in Washington, taking attention away from the issues that matter most to Americans. With this week’s vote, House Democrats have ratified their “proud” process, used for the past five weeks, by passing a resolution which you may view here. Click this link to read my full statement on that resolution and learn why I voted against validating the Speaker's last ditch attempt to legitimize an unprecedented process which really has nothing to do with the whistleblower anymore.
While yesterday's vote was just the latest move in a highly partisan obsession to oust the President, I’m growing increasingly concerned that we’re 11 months into the 116th Congress, and the new majority in the House has failed to pass any substantive pieces of legislation with any chance of Senate passage. Clearly, politics are being placed ahead of the issues that matter. In fact, instead of passing the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, the House majority has instead voted to ratify partisan impeachment procedures. The same can be said for repeated inaction on surprise medical billing, lowering prescription drug costs, immigration reform, border security, and transportation and infrastructure.
This same time last Congress, when Republicans held the majority in the House, we had already made significant reforms to our nation’s mental health system through the 21st Century Cures Act, authorized critical funding for projects related to America’s water infrastructure, passed legislation to help Americans hurt by Obamacare co-op failures, and upheld commitments made to our nation’s heroes by making meaningful improvements to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA).
Washington Visitors
Had a great meeting with Mary Beth Sewald and the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce this week to discuss a number of federal issues that are important to employers and employees in Nevada. Thanks for stopping by!
Washington Wrap-Up
This week, the House also voted on three job-killing lands bills: H.R. 1373, the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act, H.R. 2181, the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2019, and H.R. 823, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act. Not only do none of these bills have a chance of being signed into law, but if they ever were enacted, they would negatively impact local communities in the West, increase our dependence on foreign sources of energy, hamper critical military training, and eliminate key revenue sources for future public investments. Quite frankly, I’m unaware that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process was ever broken, so why are these bills choosing to shun the NEPA process by favoring massive land grabs that would prevent the established environmental review process from even being considered? Simply put, these bills are pushing a political agenda that completely ignores the will of local communities and our unique regional needs.
Nevada News
Happy birthday, Nevada! Yesterday, we celebrated 155 years of Nevada’s statehood. Following Nevada’s admission to the Union as America’s 36th state on October 31, 1864, the first known observance of Nevada Day was during the 1870's.
While serving in the Nevada State Assembly, I introduced legislation to observe Nevada Day as the last Friday of October to ensure every hardworking Nevadan had an opportunity to celebrate our state's rich heritage. I always have such an enjoyable time with everyone who comes out to the Nevada Day parade in Carson. It's nice to see familiar faces and catch up with all of you as we celebrate Nevada's statehood together.
Info for Students
I’m currently seeking highly motivated college students and recent graduates to participate in a paid internship in my Washington office for the SPRING 2020 semester which includes January through May. Qualified candidates should possess an interest in the legislative process, excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills, and a willingness to work on a variety of projects. Responsibilities include: answering phones, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, attending committee hearings, and performing various other tasks based on interests and skills. Nevada ties are a plus, but not required. Interested candidates should send their cover letter and resume to: Madison.Merschel@mail.house.gov. APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 9th. Visit the internship section of my website for additional details: https://amodei.house.gov/internships/
Looking Ahead
It’s really been a nasty few weeks in Washington with respect to the civility-atmosphere around here, so it was nice to attend the National Italian American Foundation dinner last night. I had a wonderful visit with former Justice Scalia’s widow, Maureen Scalia, as well as the Italian Ambassador to the United States, Armando Varricchio, and Senior Counselor to the President, Kellyanne Conway. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to discuss legislative policy with the President’s staff this afternoon and tomorrow morning at Camp David before heading back home to Nevada for the November district work period.
Click here for photos from last night’s event.
As always, thank you for subscribing to the Amodei Report. I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date on the issues you care about most. For additional information, please visit my website at amodei.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-6155, Reno office: (775) 686-5760, or Elko office: (775) 777-7705. To receive updates on what I am doing in Washington and in Nevada’s 2nd District follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.