While traveling across Nevada during the August district work period, I had many opportunities to discuss the work I’m doing in Washington and hear directly from Nevadans on the issues they find important. I spent last week in Virginia City, Lovelock, Elko, Winnemucca, and Fallon, participating in the Labor Day parades and visiting with folks who came out to celebrate the contributions of hardworking Americans. Thanks to everyone who joined me in honoring the workers in Nevada, and across the country, who make up the backbone of our nation's economy.
As I traveled back to Washington this week, I remained focused on the thoughts and concerns of Nevadans, specifically focusing on pro-growth measures that will spur job creation, increasing Americans' access to quality and affordable healthcare, and finding meaningful solutions to the challenges facing the West. Below are some of the highlights from the district work period:
UNR Freshman Honors Students
I recently met with 53 freshman honors students from UNR. I received a number of great questions and had the opportunity to discuss some of the education issues that are affecting college students. It’s always nice to visit with young people who are engaged in government and civic participation. Thanks for having me.
Women in Mining Coalition
I traveled to Elko last week to meet with members of the Women in Mining Coalition. We discussed a number of important issues, specifically an overreaching EPA regulation that would send mining investments and jobs overseas. You may be interested to know that my office included language in the FY17 Interior Appropriations bill that would block this burdensome rule in order to keep these good-paying jobs here at home. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to conduct vigorous oversight to ensure the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Washington Wrap-Up
Fighting for Proper Recognition of Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and Crew Killed in Action
I testified before the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee this week in support of H.R. 4298, the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Memorial Act, a bill I introduced which would honor the nearly 5,000 pilots and crew members who died in combat missions while serving in the Vietnam War by placing a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery (ANC).
These pilots and crew members touched every aspect of efforts during the war, serving as transportation for soldiers and civilians, and providing critical battlefield support. However, there is currently no national memorial honoring their common sacrifice. The Secretary of the Army declined the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association’s (VHPA) proposal for a memorial and instead granted the VHPA a tree marker – which has never been used to honor a common sacrifice of this magnitude – citing the necessity of using available land for grave space.
This joint sacrifice is worthy of proper recognition, but the process has failed these veterans. A working standard that doesn’t allow a worthy application to make that grade, is a working standard, quite frankly, that needs a little bit of help.
H.R. 4298 seeks to honor these veterans by placing a memorial in ANC which properly recognizes their common act of valor and sacrifice. The memorial will be at no cost to the taxpayer and will be fully funded by the VHPA. While this legislation may not change the process, it would ensure that a group of American heroes, who are more than worthy of a memorial, receive the recognition they deserve.
Click here or on the photo below to learn more and view my testimony.
This week, the House took action to pass a number of bills that will effectively address the frustrations we’re hearing from the American people. Below are a few of the measures that may be of interest to you:
Growing America’s Small Businesses
H.R. 2357, the Accelerating Access to Capital Act, will alleviate unfair burdens felt by our nation's best job creators so they can focus on investing in their employees and increasing productivity.
Click
here to learn more...
Halting Executive Abuse and Overreach
As you may know, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is overthrowing Congress’ budget authority by taking money from settling defendants and donating it to left-wing activists. H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act, will stop the abuse of power at the DOJ in order to provide much-needed transparency and accountability.
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here to learn more...
Accelerating Private Sector Innovation
The Investment Advisers Act (IAA) of 1940 is a 76 year-old act that includes duplicative burdens that drive up the cost for funds and investors – hindering economic growth. H.R. 5424, the Investment Advisers Modernization Act of 2016, is legislation that will modernize the outdated IAA by removing the unnecessary regulations that impose an undue burden on our nation’s small businesses.
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here to learn more...
Team Amodei Achievements
Congratulations to my Financial Services Legislative Assistant, Stephanie Walker, on recently receiving her Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. I’m always proud to see my staff invest in their formal education because it strengthens our team as a whole, and in doing so, strengthens our service to the people of CD-2. Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nevada Reno.
