Last week, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) voted to accept the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) management board’s proposal to place a monument within ANC, honoring the nearly 5,000 helicopter pilots and crewmembers killed in action while serving in Vietnam.
The VHPA originally submitted their proposal for a monument in 2015, the year of the 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War. However, the Secretary of the Army declined their proposal and instead granted the VHPA a tree marker – which has never been used to honor a common sacrifice of this magnitude. Since first learning the process had failed these veterans, I’ve been committed to working alongside the VHPA to advance their effort.
The compromise reached between the VHPA and the Executive Director of Army National Cemeteries is for a monument measuring 22 inches high, 21 inches deep, and 32 inches wide, and containing all the design elements of the original Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument first proposed to the Secretary of the Army in 2015.
I extend my thanks to the staff at ANC for making this a priority and arriving at a favorable and appropriate decision. Not only does this monument properly recognize the tremendous joint sacrifice made by these veterans, but it creates a commemorative space that will allow the memories of those lost to live on for years.
Click here to learn more.
Washington Visitors:
Christina Moore (Fallon), Association of Career and Technical Education
American Chiropractic Association
Washington Wrap-Up:
Holding the Department of Veterans' Affairs Accountable
It's unacceptable that after years of problems at the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), our veterans are still not receiving the care they need. While the Obama Administration failed to hold the VA accountable, the House remains committed to fixing the problems at the VA by continuing to pass meaningful reforms. With my support last week, the House passed several bills that will implement necessary reforms to ensure our Nevada veterans receive the prompt and proper care they have earned and deserve. Learn more about some of these bills below:
H.R. 1367 – a bill to improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire and retain physicians and other employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
By streamlining the VA’s ability to identify staffing shortages, recruit and retain strong employees, and quickly on-board new hires, this bill will ensure our veterans are being cared for by the highest quality medical professionals.
Click
here to learn more.
H.R. 1259 - VA Accountability First Act of 2017.
This bill would institute necessary reforms at the VA by providing the Secretary of the VA with the authority to expeditiously remove, demote, or suspend any VA employee, including Senior Executive Service (SES) employees, for performance or misconduct. These are commonsense reforms that will ensure our veterans receive the quality care they deserve.
Click
here to learn more.
American Health Care Act
I also joined MSNBC’s Ali Velshi last week to discuss the recent health care proposal. Catch our entire conversation by clicking
here or on the video below:
Silver State Snapshot
It’s important to me that I return home to Nevada each weekend and make the most efficient use of my time while I’m there. As I travel across CD-2, I hear directly from Nevadans, listening to your concerns and gaining 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.
While I was in Carson recently, I had the opportunity to address the State Legislature, provide a Washington Update to several local agencies, and meet with students at Eagle Valley Middle School. Below are some highlights:
Nevada State Legislature
Last Monday, I addressed the State Legislature in Carson. I touched on the recent health care proposal and what it means for Nevadans. If you were unable to catch my speech, you may listen to my full remarks here.
Nevada Department of Transportation Board Meeting
I also met with the Nevada Department of Transportation last Monday to discuss the future of Interstate 11 and the importance of the route selection process. Thanks for having me.
Voting Record:
Percentage of votes made last week – 100%
For more information on what the House accomplished, click here.
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.
