Amodei Report: Washington Edition

This week is National Police Week, a time to honor our brave men and women in blue who work hard each day to keep our communities safe and secure. Earlier this month, my office attended the 30th annual James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony in Reno to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. With their service comes great risk and sacrifice, and I ask that you join me in recognizing all of Nevada’s current, former, and fallen officers – our communities are extremely grateful for your service.

Washington Wrap-Up

In light of National Police Week, the House passed several bills this week pertaining to our nation’s law enforcement personnel.

Find out more about these bills below:

H.R. 115 - Thin Blue Line Act

The number of shooting-related police officer deaths increased by more than 50 percent in 2016. To ensure our officers are protected against criminals seeking to inflict harm, this bill would amend the federal criminal code to make the murder or attempted murder of a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder an aggravating factor in Federal death penalty determinations. As a cosponsor of this bill, I’m pleased to see it pass the House and will continue to support our law enforcement officials across the country.  

H.R. 1892 - Honoring Hometown Heroes Act

First responders put themselves on the front lines each day to protect our communities. In the unfortunate times where they make the ultimate sacrifice, they deserve to be honored for their service. The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act would amend Title 4 of the U.S. Flag Code, allowing governors and the mayor of the District of Columbia to declare the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in recognition of a first responder who has fallen in the line of duty.

Committee Work

I also had several House Appropriations Subcommittee hearings this week for the Legislative Branch, Interior, and Financial Services. With the recent approval of the 2017 Consolidated Omnibus Appropriations bill, I look forward to continued work on the FY 2018 Appropriations process. 

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I take the responsibility of being a good steward of taxpayers’ dollars very seriously. I will continue to conduct vigorous oversight for the legislative and executive branch agencies affecting businesses and families in Nevada. I will also continue to do all that I can to eliminate wasteful spending, while still protecting important benefits for federal employees, servicemen, veterans, and seniors.

Silver State Snapshot

While traveling across Nevada during the May District Work Period, I had several opportunities to hear directly from constituents, local businesses, and federal agencies throughout CD-2.

Below are some highlights from the work period:

Northern Nevada Health Underwriters

I originally met with the Northern Nevada chapter of the Health Underwriters in February during their trip to Washington. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with members of their organization again while speaking at their annual meeting in Reno. We discussed the American Health Care Act (AHCA) and its prospects as it moves along to the Senate. While I realize anything to do with health care is incredibly controversial, we must continue the process of improving our current health care system. Advancing the AHCA in the House is the start of that newest work chapter, while attempting to protect Nevadan’s healthcare interests.

Click here to go to my website and view my latest analysis of the AHCA.

American Public Transportation Conference

While in Reno, I also spoke at the American Public Transportation Conference about the importance of investing in quality infrastructure – especially in a state as economically diverse and expansive as ours. Investment in our nation’s infrastructure should be a top priority in the United States. I will continue to look at reasonable methods to respect the autonomy of communities to receive funding for important priorities.

Hispanic Breakfast  Meeting

At my recent Hispanic breakfast meeting in Reno, I met with several members of the community to discuss the work I’m doing in Washington as it relates to immigration and border security issues. These quarterly meetings are a great way to get folks together with local leaders and business owners to discuss real solutions for moving forward on the issues affecting Nevada’s Hispanic community. Thank you to everyone who came out.

Big Dig Ceremony

As the result of several winter storms, high temperatures, and heavy rainfall, Northern Nevada has experienced extreme flooding this year. To keep flood waters from damaging homes in anticipation of the Sierra snowmelt, workers recently completed a flood prevention project known as the “Big Dig”. The project is a 16-mile long, 60-foot wide, and 15-foot deep ditch that funnels water from Carson Lake to the Carson Sink. Completed in just six weeks, the “Big Dig” is the result of a coordinated effort between city and county workers, local volunteers, and state and federal agencies, working around the clock to get this done for the City of Fallon. Several farmers in the area also contributed their time and resources to the project – earning the nickname, the “Farmers Brigade”.

I traveled out to the Lahontan Valley last week to view the completed project and commend everyone on a job well done. The swift completion of the “Big Dig” is proof of what can be accomplished when communities, federal, state, and local agencies come together in a dedicated and coordinated effort. I consider the Big Dig a huge success and thank everyone involved for their hard work. Way to go Churchill County!

Editorial Board Meeting

Finally, I stopped by the Reno Gazette-Journal on Monday to provide a Washington update. I touched on an array of issues including: health care, public lands, tax reform, and national security.

Click here to view my full remarks.  

Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca Grand Opening

The Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca has officially opened its doors to members of the community. My staff had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony this Wednesday for the new 36,000 square foot building located at 1973 Witworth Way in Winnemucca. The new facility includes areas for teen and youth education, STEM classrooms, computer labs, recreation rooms, art rooms, a recording studio, a cafeteria and multipurpose room, and a two-court gymnasium. Additionally, the facility offers a fitness center that is open to the public. I’m thankful for the Boys and Girls Club and other organizations that serve to bring members of the community together while positively impacting the lives of our youth and teens. 

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.