This week, the House successfully passed the FY 2017 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill (H.R. 1301), legislation that funds national security needs and supports our men and women in uniform. As our world becomes increasingly dangerous, we must ensure our troops have the tools they need to protect our nation against unpredictable threats. H.R. 1301 accomplishes these priorities by recognizing the critical need for increased funding of military equipment, readiness and training programs, and health and quality-of-life programs for troops and their families.
Our troops have earned their benefits, and Congress has a duty to support those who put themselves in harm’s way in defense of this nation. By providing essential funding to the Defense Health Program, this legislation upholds our commitment to military personnel and their families by ensuring they have access to important programs like TRICARE, a health care program of the Department of Defense Military Health System.
Additionally, this bill equips the Nevada National Guard with the resources and equipment it needs to effectively deliver when Governor Sandoval or the President call. I actually had the opportunity to meet with General Burks and other members of the Nevada National Guard this week in Washington to discuss this legislation and hear their feedback.
This bill passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 371-48. I thank my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee for their work on this legislation and applaud the House for coming together to fund critical national security needs.
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Washington Visitors:
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Nevada Humanities
Washoe Housing Authority
National Council of Social Security Management Associations
National Hemophilia Association
Washington Wrap-Up:
Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act
I teamed up with Rep. Curbelo this week to introduce a bill that will provide a path to legal status for immigrants brought to the United States as children. When it comes to immigration, I’d rather be criticized for attempting to move an issue toward a solution than criticized for repeated inaction. I think we can all agree our nation’s immigration system is in desperate need of repair. Even with passionate opinions on all sides of this issue, I believe this bill puts us one step closer to fixing our broken system. I’m pleased to be working with Rep. Curbelo and several of my other colleagues in the House to advance this initiative.
BLM Planning 2.0
With my support, the House recently voted to roll back the BLM's Resource Management Planning Rule, also known as Planning 2.0. This sweeping regulation impacts all future BLM Resource Management Plans, taking power away from the county commissioners and state field officers who know best how to manage these lands. The resolution to repeal the Planning 2.0 rule will return power to the local communities most affected by federal land management decisions. I was pleased to see the Senate pass this important legislation this week and expect President Trump to sign this resolution into law in the coming weeks.
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.
Last week, I spent time in Carson, Reno, Tahoe, and Winnemucca. Below are a few highlights from my recent travels:
Winnemucca Sportsmen’s Lunch
While in Winnemucca, I met with a range of sportsman groups to hear their thoughts on how to best protect our natural resources and manage our public lands. It’s always great to hear from local officials and stakeholders to gain input on the issues important to Nevadans.
Winnemucca BLM Meeting
I also had the opportunity to meet with the incoming Winnemucca District Manager, Justin Drew, to discuss several issues important to Humboldt County, such as BLM land management issues and sage hen habitat conservation and restoration. I look forward to working closely with the BLM, both nationally and regionally, to ensure our lands are protected for Nevadans.
In Case You Missed It
International Women’s Day
During this week in Nevada history, Clara Crowell was sworn in as Lander County’s first woman Sheriff. Clara was sworn in only months before the 19th Amendment was passed through Congress, a powerful and memorable moment in the women’s rights movement.
As the proud father of two strong women, one who pursued a career in engineering and served our nation in the U.S. Navy and the other who is a certified nurse, I realize firsthand the importance of encouraging girls at an early age to become leaders in our communities and in the workplace. In fact, a majority the top paying positions on my staff are filled by women and the majority of my 14 employees are also women. As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, I ask that you join me in honoring the incredible contributions made by women across the world.
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.
