I recently traveled to Las Vegas to meet with the victims and first responders involved in the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Fest. During my visit, I was incredibly encouraged by the outpouring of support I witnessed by those on the ground, lending a hand to help their fellow Americans in any way possible. Nevada-resilience is truly humbling.
I’m pleased to learn that in response to this ongoing investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will provide the city of Las Vegas a $1 million grant to assist with the overtime costs for the local officials who are working tirelessly to deliver answers to the community. I will continue to closely monitor this investigation and share new details as I receive them. Even in the worst situations, America continues to prove it is a strong nation, coming together in the face of unfathomable evil to help one another.
In case you missed it, I joined FOX News’s Bill Hemmer a few weeks ago to discuss my visit to Las Vegas and some of the gun control measures that have been introduced in the House following this attack. Click here or on the video below to watch my full interview.
Washington Wrap-Up
Over the last several weeks, the House has worked to improve the lives of families in at-risk communities, protect our community health centers, and provide relief to areas torn apart by natural disasters. We also took the first steps toward simplifying our complicated tax code.
Learn more about these efforts below:
H.R. 2824, the Increasing Opportunity and Success for Children and Parents through Evidence-Based Home Visiting Act
This bill reauthorizes current levels of funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program which gives at-risk pregnant women and their families the resources and skills they need to raise healthy children. This legislation improves upon the program by requiring states to continue demonstrating progress in preventing child abuse, improving newborn health, and reducing crime and domestic violence. H.R. 2824 successfully passed the House on September 26.
Protecting Community Health Centers
The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently took action to extend funding for Community Health Centers (CHCs) for two years. In CD-2, we have 17 CHCs. These facilities give patients access to general health and wellness screenings, well-woman exams, contraception management, primary care services, dental care, and pediatric care. CHCs provide care throughout Northern Nevada in: Reno, Carson City, Virginia City, Austin, Carlin, Crescent Valley, Elko, Eureka, Jackpot, and Wendover. CHCs play a critical role in increasing access to care – especially for Nevadans living in rural parts of CD-2 who wouldn’t otherwise have access to these types of services. I’m incredibly pleased the House Energy and Commerce Committee has made this a top priority. Please know that I will continue working with my colleagues in the House to protect funding for these important health care providers.
Supplemental Disaster Funding Bill
Last week, the House successfully passed a $36.5 billion emergency funding bill in response to the devastating wildfires in Northern California, and to also provide relief to the Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Just like the response we saw with Hurricane Harvey, I’m equally thankful to our national guard, military, first responders, volunteers, and local law enforcement officials for continuing to help affected communities recover.
Moving Forward on Tax Reform
Earlier this month, the House passed a FY 2018 budget resolution that responsibly balances in ten years, strengthens our national defense, and reins in wasteful spending. In addition to the above components, the successful passage of this resolution paves the way for the House to consider comprehensive tax reform. As with any complicated issue, I would like to see a real commitment to regular order. We must have hearings and get relevant stakeholders on the record because this is how stronger work products are created. With that said, my plan is to take a deep dive into the framework recently introduced by House Leadership and determine what this might mean for our economy should a bill come before the full House for a vote.
Washington Visitors
Betteridge Family
I had the opportunity to visit with the Betteridge Family from Winnemucca before their tour of the U.S. Capitol this week. Thanks for stopping by the office! If you’re planning a trip to Washington in the future, remember to fill out the tour request form on my website. We’re happy to show you around!
In Case You Missed It
Public Lands Update
Recently, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced they are cancelling the proposed 10-million-acre mineral withdrawal in six Western states and taking action to overturn restrictive Sage Grouse regulations implemented by the Obama Administration.
In the coming weeks, my office plans to meet with the DOI, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the BLM, and Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) to debrief on what this means in terms of where we are at the moment, and what the timeline is for potential changes in resource management plans, administration of the minerals program, and the continued monitoring of Sage Hen habitat and populations. We additionally intend to drill deeper into what this means for our local stakeholders, which include: the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the Nevada Farm Bureau, the Nevada Cattlemen's Association, State BLM and Forest Service officials, and conservation groups. If the bottom line is that local conservation, recreation, agribusiness, and minerals communities get to have a meaningful say in what we do about Sage Hen habitat and population in Nevada – then thank you Mr. President and thank you Mr. Secretary.
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots to Receive Memorial in 2018
In 2015, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) submitted a proposal for a monument to be placed in Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) to honor the nearly 5,000 pilots and crewmembers killed in action while serving in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, the Secretary of the Army declined the proposal, instead granting the VHPA a tree marker – which has never been used to recognize a joint sacrifice of this magnitude. Once the proposal was denied, a course of legislative action to honor these veterans became necessary.
After meeting with the VHPA, and learning of its efforts, I was proud to support this group of veterans by introducing the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Memorial Act on their behalf. This legislation passed the House, but was not taken up in the Senate before the end of the 114th Congress. In February, I reintroduced this bill as the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Monument Act (H.R. 877).
Shortly after I introduced H.R. 877, my office learned the VHPA had reached a compromise with the Executive Director of Army National Cemeteries, Ms. Karen Durham-Aguilera. The monument agreed to will be similar to the design outlined in the bill text of H.R. 877.
I would like to thank everyone involved in this effort for working with me to support such a deserving group of veterans – particularly the VHPA. I would also like to recognize Congressman Ralph Abraham (pictured below), who is a Member of the House Committee on Armed Services, a helicopter pilot who served in the U.S. Military, and someone who was instrumental in helping advance this legislation through the House. Finally, I would like to thank the staff at ANC for making this a priority and arriving at a favorable and appropriate decision. Together, we were able to successfully shine the spotlight on a group of true American heroes.
The monument is expected to be dedicated in April 2018. It will be located near the same space where the VHPA was dedicated a tree in August 2015.
Connect to Congress Series
I recently joined KRNV News 4 from Washington to provide an update on tax reform, health care, and digital security. Click here or on the video above to hear what else we discussed.
Nevada Public Radio Interview
In case you missed my interview with Nevada Public Radio, regarding the latest on health care, you may listen to the full conversation by clicking here.
Silver State Snapshot
Returning home to Nevada each weekend to be with the people I work for is one of my top priorities. As I travel across CD-2, I get to hear directly from Nevadans, gaining your input before I return to Washington. I also use this time to meet with federal agencies, conduct oversight, receive updates, and discuss meaningful solutions to the challenges facing the West. Staying in close contact with people in every corner of our district is the best way for me to ensure I’m always putting my best foot forward for you in Washington.
Below are some highlights from my recent travels:
Hispanic Heritage Month
At the end of September, my staff and I attended the Hispanic Heritage Month Dinner in Carson City. I’ve always been proud to celebrate this month and recognize the contributions made by Hispanic Americans, a population that is such an integral part of Nevada’s history and culture.
Youth Build at Children’s Cabinet
While I was home in Nevada, I also had the opportunity to tour the Children’s Cabinet Galetti Campus and learn about the YouthBuild program. YouthBuild allows students to gain their high school credentials in an individualized context. Additionally, the program allows students to obtain job skills and earn wages through building affordable and green housing for homeless and low income individuals. Thanks for having me!
Nevada Hospital Association
Last month, my staff attended the annual Nevada Hospital Association meeting to present Certificates of Congressional Recognition to the Trustee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and to recognize the nursing essay winners. I thank everyone honored for working hard each day to serve the citizens of Nevada.
As always, thank you for subscribing to the Amodei Report. I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date on important health care updates in addition to 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.
