This week, 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.
Earlier this month, when Nevada BLM Director John Ruhs asked agency leaders in Washington for funding to conduct gathers in regions where grazing has already been curtailed, he was told they currently have no plans for roundups in Nevada this year.
It’s irresponsible that the BLM has known about the horse numbers, and instead of taking action to alleviate the problem, the agency waited until ranchers are about to turn out their cows to make an announcement – leaving them with no time to find alternatives.
Hearing this news, it’s hard to believe the BLM office in Washington is doing everything in its power to help Nevadans. These grazing reductions won’t just affect livestock producers, but they will also negatively impact jobs, our local economy and potentially sage hen habitat.
Nevada cannot continue to pay the price because of the Government’s inability to manage this issue. This is why I have taken immediate action to reach out to the director of the BLM’s wild horse and burro program in Washington to discuss the allotment closures in Elko County and specifically find out why Director Ruhs’ gather request was denied.
In addition, I have consistently requested the Nevada BLM State Office inform me each time their district offices conduct a site assessment or allotment tour. My staff and I have already accompanied the BLM on several of these tours to conduct vigorous oversight. I have also taken action this month to personally meet with the BLM offices in Winnemucca, Elko, Battle Mountain, and Carson City to receive updates and discuss responsible solutions for managing Nevada’s wild horse population.
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 hold the BLM accountable and ensure these lands are protected for Nevadans.
Washington Visitors
Austin High School Close-Up Students
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with students from Austin High School to discuss education and domestic policy issues. Thanks for stopping by.
Washington Wrap-Up:
House votes to protect the Savings of Hardworking Americans
The Obama Administration is in the final stages of implementing its so-called fiduciary rule – a burdensome regulation that will make it increasingly difficult for low and middle-income Americans to save for retirement. This week, I joined my colleagues in the House to pass important legislation (H.J.Res.88) that would nullify this rule, and require financial advisors to act in the best interests of their clients – ensuring every American has access to quality, affordable retirement advice.
Taking Action to Protect Your Emails from Snooping Federal Agencies
Law enforcement officials can legally search through our emails and text messages because of privacy laws that have remained largely unchanged since 1986. I was proud to see H.R. 699, the Email Privacy Act, pass the House this week with my support. This bill will protect our privacy concerns by modernizing the laws governing electronic communications.
Federal Land Action Group
The Federal Land Action Group held a forum this week to examine my bill, H.R. 1484, the Honor the Nevada Enabling Act of 1864 Act. My legislation will transfer land currently managed by the federal government to the state of Nevada. Witnesses at the forum included Nevada Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison and Elko County Commissioner Demar Dahl. To view a video of the forum and listen to my full remarks, click here or on the photo below.
In Case You Missed It:
Appropriations Committee Markup of Agriculture and Energy & Water Funding Bills
Last week, I attended a full Committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2017 funding bills for Agriculture and Energy and Water. The Agriculture Funding Bill ensures that our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need and every American has access to safe and healthy food. We also took action to pass a responsible piece of legislation that supports important infrastructure projects and energy research, which in turn will spur economic growth across the country. Click here to learn more about the Energy and Water Funding Bill and here to learn more about the Agriculture Funding Bill.
Fiscal Year 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Markup
Last week, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch marked up a Fiscal Year 2017 funding bill focused on essential health and safety improvements to the Capitol’s buildings and grounds. Additionally, this legislation provides additional officers for the Capitol Police and freezes pay for Members of Congress. These improvements will eliminate wasteful spending while ensuring Members, staff, and visitors are protected. Click here to learn more.
Spanish Springs' Justice Best Wins StudentCam for Wild Horse Management Video
Congratulations to Justice Best of Spanish Springs High School in Sparks for being named a winner of StudentCam – C-SPAN’s nationwide competition. This year, C-SPAN had 2,887 entries and over 6,000 participants. Students were asked to make a 5-7 minute video discussing an issue they would like to see the 2016 presidential candidates discuss. Justice’s video highlights the importance of managing our wild horse and burro populations. Watch her documentary, "Wild Horse Management" here or by clicking on the video below.
In the 2nd District
Veterans' Town Hall
I will be holding a veterans’ town hall meeting in Fallon on Monday, May 2, from 10 AM PT – 12 PM PT at the Fallon City Council Chambers located at 55 W Williams Ave. This veterans’ town hall in Fallon continues our efforts across Nevada to meet with and listen to veterans regarding the issues and challenges they face.
Click here to learn more.
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.
