President Obama promised his healthcare law would bring Americans ‘more choice’, ‘more competition’, and offer them ‘real health care security’. Despite the President’s assurances, Obamacare has delivered nothing more than higher premiums and less choices – with millions of Americans having even fewer choices in 2017, and some counties being left with no insurance providers at all. This is true in Nevada where 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 a bill I introduced this week, along with Congressmen Heck and Hardy, ensures they won’t have to. Click here to learn more about our legislation and how it will give people being forced into an Obamacare monopoly much needed relief.
Washington visitors
Kimmie Candy
Back in May, Reno’s Kimmie Candy received an ‘E’ Award from the Department of Commerce, the highest honor any American exporter can receive from the U.S. Government. I had the opportunity to congratulate its representatives in person when they stopped by my Washington office for a meeting this week. Achieving this honor makes Kimmie Candy the first candy company to receive the ‘E’ Award since its inception in 1960. By exporting quality, American made products, Kimmie Candy has made significant contributions to our economy, all while creating good-paying jobs here at home. Keep up the good work.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
I had a great meeting this week with Nevada representatives from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to discuss the important issues associated with cancer research and prevention programs. Thanks for stopping by.
Nevada National Guard Association
I recently had the opportunity to visit with members of the Nevada National Guard Association during their trip to Washington last week to discuss the Work for Warriors program and the work I'm doing in Congress to support our veterans.
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Finally, I also met with representatives from the University of Nevada Las Vegas this week regarding UNLV’s veterans and small business outreach efforts. Thanks for stopping by.
Washington Wrap-Up
This week, the House passed several important measures to prevent tax increases on the middle class, protect our nation against emerging threats, and hold federal agencies accountable. Below are a few of the bills that may be of interest to you:
H.R. 5351 Prohibiting the Transfer of Any Individual Detained at U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay
As you may know, certain restrictions passed in 2009, which have been renewed annually ever since, make it illegal for the President to transfer Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) detainees to American soil. It’s important to note, however, that these restrictions do nothing to prevent the President from rushing to transfer detainees to other countries. In fact, his Administration has already approved 20 of the remaining 61 detainees at Gitmo for release.
Information from intelligence officials suggests that nearly one-third of released terrorists return to the battlefield, meaning the President continues to put our nation at greater risk by emptying cells at Gitmo. This is why the House took action this week to pass legislation to prohibit the transfer of any Gitmo detainee. While the President continues to play politics with the security of the American people, the House remains committed to doing everything possible to protect our homeland against enemies foreign and domestic.
H.R. 3590, the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act
Before Obamacare, individuals with high health care costs were allowed to deduct certain out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceeded 7.5 percent of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). In 2013, Obamacare increased the AGI floor from 7.5 percent to 10 percent of AGI – lowering how much can be deducted at the end of the year and increasing how much individuals pay in taxes. While this increase hit most Americans in 2013, taxpayers aged 65 and older could continue to use the 7.5 percentage floor through 2016. A majority of Americans have already been impacted, and beginning in 2017, seniors will be hit with this looming tax increase.
This bill would not only stop this looming tax hike before seniors have to face it, but the bill would also reverse the tax increase already impacting Americans under 65. This bill will provide much needed relief to people across the country who have been hit with rising premiums and health care costs as a result of Obamacare’s failed policies.
H.R. 5226 the regulatory Integrity Act of 2016
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 over social media 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 this process. In light of the EPA’s illegal lobbying methods during the public rulemaking process, the House introduced H.R. 5226, the Regulatory integrity Act of 2016. This bill 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, forcing them to be more open and transparent in the future so the concerns of those affected by their overreaching regulations are not ignored.
Learn more here.
H.R. 5620 the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016
This week, the House passed a reform bill that will bring meaningful improvements to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016, will strengthen whistleblower protections, reform the VA’s disability benefits appeals process, and provide additional authority to the Secretary to remove employees for performance or misconduct. These are common sense reforms that are long overdue. By taking action this week to hold the VA accountable, House Republicans have kept their commitment to ensuring our veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve.
Supporting America's Small Businesses
I was honored to receive the Small Business Guardian Award from the National Federation of Independent Businesses this week for my unwavering support of our nation’s small business owners. I will continue to work for pro-growth policies that ensure these key drivers of economic development can continue to succeed.
Nevada News
NevCal Trucking
In honor of National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week, I went out to NevCal Trucking to tour their facility and discuss the work I’m doing in the House to advance issues that are important to truck drivers in Nevada and across the country. Thanks for showing me around.
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 2
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