Amodei Report: Washington Edition

Washoe County 

Currently, we have more than one million regulatory restrictions on the books, and federal agencies are adding nearly 12,000 new regulations each year. These costly, excessive, and duplicative regulations continue to place undue burdens on our nation’s best job creators and stifle economic growth. The SCRUB Act will pave the way for effective regulatory reform by establishing a commission to assist Congress in pulling back the layers of regulatory accumulation. By determining which bureaucratic blockages are hindering growth, the SCRUB act will cut down on government-knows-best policies and bring people back to the center of their government.

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The Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) was enacted in 1980 to provide relief to veterans, retirees, small businesses, and other individuals who are incapable of seeking redress against the government for a grievance. Under the EAJA, federal agencies are required to reimburse plaintiffs for any legal fees incurred through suits in which the agency pursued an unjustified position. However, since 1995, federal agencies have not been required to maintain records of EAJA reimbursements or the legal reasoning behind the rulings. This means that the public has no way of knowing exactly how much agencies are paying out, or if these payments are appropriately justified.

The government has a duty to operate like an open book, especially when using hard earned taxpayer dollars. By requiring the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) to maintain an online database that makes EAJA data available to the public, this bill will restore transparency and allow citizens to hold executive agencies accountable.  As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to conduct vigorous oversight to ensure the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars. 

The House also successfully passed a bill to codify the role of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to ensure that regulations are properly vetted and reviewed. H.R. 1009 will ensure Congress maintains appropriate oversight over the regulatory process to keep our system accountable to the people. This bill will increase regulatory transparency, making sure regulations are thoughtful, well-crafted, and cost-effective.

In 2015, it was reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took to social media to promote its proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, a regulation greatly expanding the definition of a ‘navigable waterway’ under the Clean Water Act. During the public comment period, the EPA urged the public to flood the agency with positive comments to counter the opposition, and eventually, the EPA moved forward with finalizing its rule. 

Federal agencies are not supposed to be partisan advocates of policy during the public comment process. So in response to the EPA’s illegal lobbying methods, the House introduced the Regulatory Integrity Act last Congress. This bill successfully passed out of the House during the 114th Congress and again this week. H.R. 1004 will prohibit the EPA and other federal agencies from actively soliciting support for what should be considered a proposal to the public for regulatory action. This will force agencies to be more transparent in the future so the concerns of those affected by overreaching regulations are not ignored– like they were in the case of WOTUS. 

Speaking of WOTUS, I welcomed President Trump’s decision this week to review and reconsider this sweeping regulation that has caused detrimental consequences for landowners in the West. This is great news for Nevada’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers whose rights have been significantly undermined because of WOTUS. I hope to finally see this flawed regulation eliminated and replaced with a reasonable measure that allows America’s landowners to do their jobs as effectively and responsibly as possible. 

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.

Recently, I've made stops in Carson, Reno, Winnemucca, Fallon, Lovelock, Battle Mountain, Elko, and Virginia City. During this time, I had several constituent meetings, hosted a listening session, visited with local veterans, and surveyed flood damage in CD-2. Below are some highlights from my recent travels:

Veterans’ Town Hall:

I’d like to thank everyone who came out to the veterans’ town hall in Winnemucca last month. It was thoughtful and productive. If you were unable to attend this town hall, and are in need of assistance, I encourage you to contact Tracy Soliday, our Military & Veterans Constituent Service Representative in Reno. She may be reached at: 775-686-5760. 

Natural Resources Breakfast:

While in Reno, I hosted a listening session for several natural resources organizations to discuss public lands issues and hear their concerns. This was a great opportunity to have a transparent conversation with a diverse group of individuals. When it comes to the issues that affect us all, collaborative meetings like these are necessary in our efforts to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for all stakeholders. 

I recently went out to Elko and Humboldt Counties to meet with local officials, evaluate the flood damage, and receive updates on cleanup efforts. It’s my understanding that water has receded in Elko County, but that the level of the Humboldt River is still high. Both Humboldt and Elko Counties have started damage assessments and cleanup and repairs are ongoing.

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Nevada Department of Emergency Management, and Humboldt local officials flew out to areas in Humboldt County this week to do assessments on areas that cannot be reached by vehicle. They will be doing the same assessments with Elko County officials and a ground team will be doing assessments at the flooded houses in the City of Elko. My office will continue monitoring these situations as flooding is expected to continue in Northern Nevada as the weather warms. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in either Elko or Humboldt County, please do not hesitate to call my Reno office at: 775-686-5760, my Elko office at: (775) 777-7705, or visit my website for up to date information. We’re happy to assist in any way possible.

Carson Chamber Event

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who came out to last week’s lunch at the Carson City Chamber. I always welcome direct input from Nevadans, so I was happy to see this event turn into an open and honest discussion. I realize last week's event was well attended and that a number of constituents were unable to participate, so I look forward to continuing this conversation at my upcoming town hall in Reno. I will continue making myself as available as possible throughout CD-2, because staying in direct contact with Nevadans is the primary purpose of my job.