This week, the House took action to pass an energy and natural resources package which included my National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act (H.R. 1937).
In Nevada, we understand first-hand how duplicative regulations and bureaucratic inefficiency threaten our local economy. This is especially true when it comes to mining strategic and critical minerals in America. These minerals are essential to the technologies that make our daily lives and economy work. From military technology, such as aircraft and missiles used to defend our country, to the cars, smartphones and televisions we use every day, they all require critical and strategic minerals.
Nevada is rich in strategic and critical minerals, but since the 1990’s, mineral exploration has stagnated or declined because of burdensome regulatory changes made to the permitting process. Currently, the average permit approval process takes seven to ten years. Permitting delays pose the most significant risk to mining projects and stand in the way of good-paying jobs and revenue for local, often rural, communities.
My bill resolves this issue by streamlining the permitting process to leverage our nation’s vast mineral resources, while paying respect to economic, national security and environmental concerns. By simply asking federal land managers to collaborate with all stakeholders in an effort to expedite the process in two-and-a-half years, as opposed to indefinite timelines, my legislation would not change any environmental regulations, protections or opportunity for public input.
I look forward to the Senate joining the House to solve this important issue as they go to conference on this legislation.
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Washington Visitors
Nevada Afterschool Alliance
National Retail Federation
Nevada Rural Housing Authority
National Utility Contractor Association of Las Vegas
Committee Work
The House Appropriations Committee, on which I serve, marked up a number of funding bills this week. Below are a few that may be of interest to you:
Commerce, Justice and Science Funding Bill
This legislation ensures our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to keep Americans safe from both international threats and domestic crime. I also voted in favor of a provision included in the bill that would support Native American crime victims and provide solutions to the challenges Native communities face. By limiting federal overreach while maintaining strong accountability and oversight, this bill promotes and protects the fundamental rights of all Americans.
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Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Funding Bill
By prioritizing important programs and projects, this bill provides critical funding for our nation’s transportation infrastructure to help the traveling public move as safely and efficiently as possible. Additionally, this bill also ensures we appropriately meet our nation’s housing needs, making the most responsible use of every taxpayer dollar.
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Interior and Environment Funding Bill
This legislation promotes the responsible use of our natural resources by providing critical funding to combat devastating wildfires, improve forest health, and promote clean air and water. This bill also ensures our Native American communities have access to proper medical care and facilities. I will continue to be an advocate for Nevada’s tribes as I fulfill my role in Congress.
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Financial Services Funding Bill
Federal agencies and Congress have a responsibility and obligation to provide necessary funding to programs we need to grow our economy and enforce our laws. This bill reins in wasteful spending and holds federal agencies accountable so that we can better serve American taxpayers.
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Washington Wrap-Up
House Agrees to go to Conference on Energy & Natural Resources Package
S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, is an energy and natural resources package that passed the House this week with my support. The House also agreed to go to conference with the Senate on this important legislation which includes many policies to strengthen rural America. From advancing energy infrastructure development, to promoting enhanced land management policies, this bill offers meaningful solutions to the challenges facing Western states. I commend my colleagues in the House for coming together to advance this critical, bipartisan piece of legislation that allows for true, responsible multiple use of Western land and resources.
In the Second District
Stewart Indian School
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with students and faculty at the Stewart Indian School in Carson City. We discussed the importance of preserving the school and its significance to Nevada. Thanks for having me.
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.
