I was back in Washington this week for the start of the 115th Congress. As we enter the New Year, my colleagues and I are ready to get to work, restoring accountability within the federal government, and advancing real change. I’m honored to serve the people of CD-2, and look forward to working together this Congress to accomplish several priorities important to Nevada. Some of those being: three lands bills requested by Washoe, Douglas, and Pershing Counties, and focusing on much needed reforms in regards to healthcare, immigration, jobs and the economy. Additionally, my service on the House Appropriations Committee will allow me to continue serving as a strong voice for Western issues and national spending priorities, while upholding a strong oversight commitment over all executive branch operations.
What priorities would you like to see the 115th Congress tackle? Click here to send me an email and let me know.
Washington Wrap-Up
This week, I partnered with Senator Heller (R-NV) to reintroduce the Nevada Land Sovereignty Act (H.R. 243, S. 22). Our bill will address the abuse of executive power by ensuring Congress and local officials are not bypassed before the designation or expansion of national monuments in the state of Nevada. President Obama has placed restrictions on over one million acres of public land in Nevada via the American Antiquities Act of 1906. In fact, he has utilized this executive action more than any other president in American history.
As recently as last week, the President locked-up 300,000 acres of land in Nevada, making this the second time in less than six months Nevada has been subject to a major land grab. I continue to be amazed by the fact that some people hug unilateral, non-transparent monument designations, while at the same time, protesting vehemently over the introduction and public discussion of Congressional lands bills proposals. In contrast to the last eight years of this Administration’s one-sided approach on major land management decisions in Nevada, our bill simply ensures local stakeholders have a seat at the table going forward.
Click here to learn more about our bill.
Washington Visitors
Public Lands Council
Also this week, I met with the Public Lands Council’s new leadership team. I had the opportunity to provide an update on the public lands issues that are critical to Nevada and also discuss meaningful solutions to the challenges facing the West.
Photo: Rancher JJ Goicoechea on his family’s ranch in Eureka County. Click here to view Goicoechea’s rancher profile by the Public Lands Council.
The House accomplished a lot this past week, working to advance several important measures. Here are a few bills that may be of interest to you:
Curbing Unnecessary Major Regulations
With my support this week, the House passed the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, legislation to curb unnecessary major regulations from unaccountable bureaucrats. The problem resides in the fact that federal bureaucrats have gone wild, issuing an avalanche of job-crushing regulations. The REINS Act will serve as an additional check against these regulations by requiring agencies to submit any major regulation to Congress for approval.
Advancing Measure to Reject the Anti-Israel UN Resolution
The United States has a longstanding policy to veto one-sided or anti-Israel resolutions to the United Nations Security Council, including resolutions that put binding parameters on the peace process or final status issues. The United States has vetoed 42 anti-Israel resolutions since 1972. We’ve long recognized that a solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict can only materialize through direct, bilateral negotiations between the two parties. This is why the House took action this week to pass H.Res.11, a measure calling for the repeal of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which effectively states that the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem and the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site, are “occupied territory.” As a cosponsor of this resolution, I’m proud to see the House take swift action to advance it to the Senate and will continue to support future measures that combat anti-Israel resolutions to the U.N. Security Council.
Increasing Oversight to Prevent the Onslaught of Burdensome Midnight Rules
As presidents prepare to leave office, they will sometimes issue several new rules and regulations during their final days to protect their legacy. These regulations – known as “Midnight Rules” – are usually high-cost or politically-driven, establishing a defeated agenda through controversial regulations by the “stroke of midnight”. The problem with these rules is they defy the will of the voters and give no time for sound analysis, often imposing rushed decisions. The Midnight Rules Relief Act will enhance oversight on the overreaching regulations issued during a president’s final months in office, ensuring the president is held accountable until the president-elect assumes office.
Voting Record:
Percentage of votes made this week – 100%
For more information on what the House accomplished, click here.
In Case You Missed It
Welcome Back Breakfast
I had the opportunity to join former Congressman Jon Porter and representatives from the Las Vegas Chamber earlier this week at a “Welcome Back to DC” breakfast. Thanks for having me.
Quick Questions with Kilmer
Recently, I sat down with Rep. Kilmer (WA-06), my friend and Bipartisan Working Group colleague, to be interviewed for his new podcast series. Some of the topics we touched on were Nevada’s Second Congressional District and the reason I decided to come to Washington. Click here to tune in and learn more about me, including what my favorite movie is and what I would change about Congress.
Serving Nevada
Planning a visit to Washington this winter? Let us show you around! Schedule a personalized U.S. Capitol tour or request a tour of the White House through my website: amodei.house.gov/tour-request-form. It’s important to note that increased security procedures enacted since September 11, 2001, make it very difficult to get tickets to tour the White House and slots are extremely limited. Tour requests should be made at least three months in advance, and requests are considered on a first come first serve basis. Additionally, the White House does not inform groups about the status of their tour requests until about two weeks before the requested tour date. Please do not hesitate to contact my Washington office with any questions or concerns at: 202-225-6155. We’re happy to assist!
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.
