Last week was National Police Week, a time for honoring the brave men and women who fight each day to protect our communities. At a time when the dignity of police officers is under attack, we must never forget that the vast majority of law enforcement officials are heroes – putting themselves on the front lines to track down criminals and keep us safe and secure.
With their service comes great risk and sacrifice, and I was and am proud to recognize all of Nevada’s officers who have fallen in the line of duty and those that continue to serve. This year, Nevada remembers Carson City Deputy Sheriff Carl Howell, who tragically lost his life while responding to a domestic violence call in August 2015. He leaves behind his wife, Rachel, and their children. I had the privilege of honoring Deputy Howell at the Nevada Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Commission on the Capitol Grounds in Carson City and I thank Deputy Howell, and all of Nevada’s current, former and fallen officers – our communities are inherently grateful for your service.
Washington Visitors
Carson City Law Enforcement Officials Lunch
In light of National Police Week, I hosted a lunch for the Carson City firemen and police officers who were in town for the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. I was honored to have the opportunity to visit with Nevada’s law enforcement officials and thank them for their dedicated service.
Washington Wrap-Up
House Provides Funding to Combat America’s Opioid Addiction
America’s opioid epidemic is widespread and continuing to grow at an alarming rate. With my support last week, the House took important action to combat our opioid epidemic by passing H.R. 5046, the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act. The House has already passed numerous bills to combat this devastating epidemic, and H.R. 5046 serves to strengthen those efforts by offering additional support to affected communities across the country. I applaud my colleagues in both the House and the Senate for taking swift action to combat this important issue.
Meeting with the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Director
Recently, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced cattle grazing will likely be reduced in Elko County this summer because of wild horse overpopulation. The agency confirmed it plans to close down several allotments, and will soon be notifying permittees about grazing reductions. In April, Nevada BLM Director John Ruhs asked BLM leaders in Washington for funding to conduct gathers in regions where grazing has already been curtailed, and he was told the agency has no plans for roundups in Nevada this year.
This is why I took action last week to meet with the Director of BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro program to discuss the allotment closures in Elko County and specifically find out why Director Ruhs’ gather request was denied. I will continue to work closely with the BLM, both nationally and regionally, and through the House Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations, on which I serve, to move toward a meaningful policy, regarding the resources challenges exacerbated by unstable horse populations.
In the Second District:
Congressional Art Competition Winner: Erin O'Brien, Edward C. Reed High School - "Spirit of Nevada"
I’m incredibly proud of all of the talented young artists that participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Congratulations to Erin O'Brien who was selected as our 2016 winner for her piece entitled “Spirit of Nevada”. This year’s work was outstanding and I commend all participants on a job well done.
The following Students were the 2016 runners up:
Second Place: Julia Nai, The Davidson Academy - "Miners"
Third Place Tie:
Diana Finley, Elko High School - "Through the Looking Tree"
ReeAnna Coats, Elko High School - "Dark is Day"
National History Day Competition State Winner
Congratulations to Ally Cohen of Pine Middle School in Reno on winning first place in the state competition for National History Day. Ally will now compete in the national competition at the University of Maryland in June. I’m always pleased to see students in the Second District engaging in the humanities and learning about the importance of history. I wish Ally the best of luck as she moves on to compete against students from across the country. Keep up the good work!
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.
