Great news for Nevada this week. Another lands transfer bill that received strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, the Nevada Native Nations Land Act (H.R. 2733), is now headed to the White House to be signed into law. Our delegation’s willingness to work together to get things done in Washington has allowed Nevada to enjoy unique success in the 113th and 114th Congresses – compared to other western states – in terms of passing lands bills.
Specifically, this bill will transfer more than 70,000 acres of Nevada public lands back into tribal control – empowering those tribal governments to control their land use destinies. By carefully balancing the unique needs of our Nevada tribal nations with those of local ranchers, land owners, and businesses, this legislation will allow Nevadans to chart brighter futures for their communities, while preserving their cultural heritage and traditions. Congratulations to Nevada’s original natives, you have been patient to say the least, and your resilience has paid off. Due to the fact that the Administration signaled support for the bill during the legislative process, we expect it to be signed into law shortly.
Click here to learn more.
Washington Visitors
Battle Mountain Band
Nevada Credit Union League
Washington Wrap-Up
This week, the House took action to pass several important measures. Below are a few that may be of interest to you:
H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016
By authorizing critical funding for projects related to America’s water infrastructure, and supporting effective measures to target flood control, drought, and water supply conservation, this bill represents Congress’s return to regular order. This bipartisan legislation will specifically boost our nation’s economic competitiveness by addressing the needs of our ports, waterways, lock and dam systems, and other infrastructure.
Of importance to Nevada, this bill will also address our nation’s inland waterway system. Nevada’s agriculture industry is strong, serving as a significant contributor to the economies of rural communities and to the state as a whole, and strengthening America’s inland waterways to ensure they remain a reliable and efficient mode of transporting agricultural products, will contribute to U.S. economic growth, jobs, and global competitiveness. I commend my colleagues in the House for taking action to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure so we can remain competitive for generations to come.
H.R. 6094 - Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act
As you may know, the Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed an overtime rule which, without Congressional action, will soon result in harmful consequences for workers in Nevada and across the country, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities. This is why the House advanced critical legislation this week to delay the effective date of the DOL’s overtime rule for six months so we can come up with a more reasonable consensus that will modernize the overtime rule in ways that will grow opportunities -- instead of limiting them.
Click
here to learn more.
H.R. 5162 - the Vet Connect Act of 2016, H.R. 5392 - the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, & H.R. 3216 - the VET Act
The House once again upheld its commitment to our veterans this week by advancing three pieces of legislation that will ensure our servicemembers receive the care they have earned and deserve in a timely fashion.
Click
here to learn more about H.R. 5162
Click
here to learn more about H.R. 5392
Click
here to learn more about H.R. 3216
H.R. 954 - CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016
Thousands of Americans have lost their health insurance as a consequence of the President’s flawed healthcare law. Americans deserve the time and freedom to choose a plan that works best for them and their families, especially at a time when many families face fewer coverage options in the coming months. The CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016, will help Americans hurt by Obamacare co-op failures, by temporarily exempting individuals whose coverage under a plan offered by a qualified nonprofit health insurance issuer was terminated or otherwise discontinued from Obamacare's individual mandate.
You may be interested to know that I have recently introduced legislation, along with Reps. Heck and Hardy, that will also provide relief to those affected by the President’s healthcare law. In Nevada, folks in 10 counties across our state will soon be left with only one choice – choose what Washington says is right for them – or pay the penalty. Nevadans shouldn’t have to foot the bill for the President’s failures, and our bill ensures they won’t have to.
Click
here to learn more about H.R. 954 and
here to learn more about the Protection from Insurance Exchange Monopolies Act.
Overriding the President's Veto of JASTA
For the first time in President Obama's tenure, Congress successfully voted to override a presidential veto of legislation that would allow victims of 9/11 to sue the Saudi Arabian government for their involvement in the attacks. S.2040, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, is designed to help Americans who have suffered at the hands of terrorists, by allowing them to sue foreign entities that fund terrorism. The vote passed with overwhelming support in both chambers, with a vote of 97-1 in the Senate and 348-77 in the House. I’m pleased to have supported this important measure that will deliver long-overdue justice to 9/11 victims and their families, and ensure that hate-filled organizations, like ISIS and Hamas, are held accountable for their horrific acts of violence.
Click
here to learn more.
In Case You Missed It:
Last week, I met with Roll Call to show them around my Capitol Hill office. My door is always open, so please don't hesitate to stop by if you’re ever in Washington. Check it out below:
