With only five of the 23 Obamacare co-ops remaining, many Americans – particularly in rural areas – have been left with fewer choices. In fact, residents in 10 counties throughout Nevada, seven of these located in CD-2, only have one insurance provider to choose from this year. Not only has Obamacare left these Nevadans with no alternative, but it adds insult to injury by inflicting a penalty on residents who do not purchase the coverage Washington says is right for them. This is why I reintroduced the Protection from Insurance Exchange Monopolies Act (H.R. 521) today, legislation that will provide much-needed relief by exempting residents who live in a county with less than two providers from this unfair tax.
In our continued efforts to help those who have been hurt by the President’s damaging law, Congress took an important first step this week by passing the FY 2017 Budget Resolution. The American people deserve a healthcare system that is affordable, stable, and provides freedom and flexibility. This legislation will pave the way for a steady transition toward patient-centered solutions that will finally increase people’s access to quality and affordable care.
Click here to learn more about the FY 17 Budget Resolution.
Washington Wrap-Up:
The House accomplished a lot this past week, continuing to cut down on burdensome regulations and government-knows-best policies, and working to bring people back to the center of their government. Below are a few bills that may be of interest to you:
H.R. 79 - Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act
It’s no secret that small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy. This is especially true for startup companies that are at the forefront of innovation and have created millions of jobs nationwide. When these key drivers of economic development are able to focus on job creation – our economy works better for everyone. Unfortunately, excessive regulations from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are making it increasingly difficult for startup companies to connect with Angels, or potential investors, at showcase events – known as “demo-days”. The HALOS Act will remove restrictions, making it easier for startups to attract investors without having to navigate through bureaucratic red-tape.
H.R. 78 - the SEC Regulatory Accountability Act
Excessive regulations are making it harder for our economy to grow, for jobs to be created, and for people to acquire economic security. The American people deserve an economy that creates opportunities instead of hindering them. To achieve this, we must ensure Washington regulators take into account the costs of the regulations they want, and that the benefits outweigh the costs. While the SEC has some existing cost-benefit-related requirements, H.R. 78 would strengthen those provisions by requiring the SEC to follow enhanced economic analysis requirements and review existing regulations.
H.R. 321 – the INSPIRE Women Act:
The INSPIRE Women Act is legislation that will encourage women to pursue careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields – fields in which women are underrepresented. As the proud father of a daughter who pursued a career in engineering, I realize firsthand the importance of encouraging girls at an early age to attain STEM skills and become leaders in these fields. As STEM opportunities continue to grow in Nevada and across our country, this bill will ensure young girls and women who aspire to succeed as scientists, engineers, astronauts, and mathematicians, have the resources to do so. You may be interested to know that Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) has taken up this bill in the Senate.
Washington Visitors:
Purple Heart Veterans
I had the opportunity to meet with Cole Azare, a constituent of mine, and several other Purple Heart veterans this week to discuss international issues. Thanks for stopping by.
Briefing with the Department of Defense (DOD)
My staff and I also met with the Department of Defense (DOD) this week to follow up on concerns raised by constituents at our TRICARE town hall meeting this past October. We specifically met with retired Air Force Brigadier General Pat Lewis, who currently serves as the Director of TRICARE Regional Offices. Our office will continue to work with the DOD to ensure Nevada’s guardsmen, reservists, retirees, and veterans have access to the care they have earned and deserve.
Voting Record:
Percentage of votes made this 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.
