In 2015, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) submitted a proposal for a monument to be placed in Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) to honor of the nearly 5,000 pilots and crew members killed in action while serving in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, the Secretary of the Army declined the proposal, instead granting the VHPA a tree marker – which has never been used to recognize a joint sacrifice of this magnitude. Once the proposal was denied, a course of legislative action to honor these veterans became necessary.
After meeting with the VHPA, and learning of its efforts, I was proud to support this group of veterans by introducing the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Memorial Act on their behalf. This legislation passed the House, but was not taken up in the Senate before the end of the 114th Congress. In February 2017, I reintroduced this bill as the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Monument Act (H.R. 877).
Shortly after I introduced H.R. 877, my office learned the VHPA had reached a compromise with ANC on a monument. Measuring 22 inches high, 21 inches deep, and 32 inches wide, the monument contains all design elements of the original Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crew Member Monument first proposed to the Secretary of the Army and currently found within the bill text of H.R. 877.
This week, I had the opportunity to attend a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to witness the unveiling of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crew Member Monument. I was humbled to have the opportunity to speak before 3,400 Vietnam helicopter pilots and crewmembers, their families, members of the VHPA, and the many others who worked tirelessly over the last three years to properly recognize this tremendous joint-sacrifice. In the history of America’s Profession of Arms, these veterans represented their generations in a way that is second to none. They combined cutting edge technology, the warrior-spirit, patriotism, and bravery in the face of enemy fire in a way that is uniquely American and merits the honor they are receiving today.
I would like to thank everyone involved in this effort for teaming up with me to support such a deserving group of veterans, particularly Mr. William Dennison, a constituent of mine, who first alerted my office in April 2015 to the efforts of the VHPA and the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Association (VHCMA) to place a commemorative monument in ANC. I would also like to recognize Congressman Ralph Abraham, who is a Member of the House Committee on Armed Services, a pilot, and someone who was instrumental in helping advance this issue through the House during the 114th Congress. Another special thanks to my former Veterans’ Affairs Legislative Assistant, Ms. Lauren Billman, for all of her hard work on this issue, and to Ms. Kelly Dixon, Director of Legislative Operations for Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, for working alongside my office last Congress to get this effort moving. Together, we were able to successfully shine the spotlight on a group of true American heroes.
Finally, I would like to thank Ms. Karen Durham-Aguilera, Executive Director of Army National Cemeteries, and the staff at ANC for making this a priority and arriving at a favorable and appropriate decision. Not only does this monument properly recognize these deserving veterans, but it creates a commemorative space that will allow the memories of those lost to live on for generations.
Washington Wrap-Up
As you know, Tuesday, April 17th was Tax Day. Unlike the last 32 years, this year, we have many reasons to celebrate. For one, this is the last year Americans will have to file their taxes under a complicated tax code that has placed an undue burden on hardworking individuals, families, and small businesses for over three decades.
While the full economic impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is yet to be fully realized since its passage just four months ago, some businesses and Nevadans in CD-2 are already reporting positive effects as the economy continues to grow.
We’re also celebrating because next year, we won’t have to report to the IRS if we have health care or not because Americans will now have the freedom to choose a plan that works best for them and their families, because next year, families will be able to take advantage of an increased child tax credit, and because next year, everyone will see the standard deduction nearly double.
This week, I caught up with KOLO's Peter Zampa to discuss some of the positive impacts I’ve seen back home in Nevada as a direct result of this new law. Click here or on the video below to catch our full conversation:
Legislative Achievements
In light of Tax Day, this week the House took action to increase transparency and accountability at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by passing numerous bills that will eliminate fraud and abuse and increase proper oversight so the agency is able to work as effectively as possible for the taxpayers it serves. Learn more about these bills below:
H.R. 5444 - Taxpayer First Act: This bill makes numerous changes to reorganize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in an attempt to focus the agencies efforts more on taxpayer service.
H.R. 5445 - 21st Century IRS Act: This bill improves cyber security and taxpayer identity protection and modernizes the information technology at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
H.R. 2905 - Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2018: This bill will require the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to report to Congress on efforts to combat identity theft, including by persons purporting to be acting on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service.
Next week, the House is expected to focus on providing funding for our nation’s aviation community by taking up H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
House Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on Financial Services & General Government
At Wednesday’s Financial Services Subcommittee hearing on the President’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2019, I questioned the Director of the Office of Management Budget, Mick Mulvaney, about the Department of Interior, its influence on Nevada’s public lands priorities, and how this money can be spent in the most responsible way moving forward. Click here or on the video below to view my full questioning:
Reno's 150th Birthday
As may know, on May 9th, the City of Reno is turning 150 years old. In celebration of the Reno 150 Sesquicentennial, The City of Reno and the Reno Aces will be co-hosting "The Biggest Little Birthday" at the Greater Nevada Field on Wednesday, May 9. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public outside of the stadium.
The Goals of the Reno 150 Celebration are to:
- Enhance civic pride through a celebration of the city’s history.
- Strengthen the role of Reno’s heritage as a part of its cultural identity for residents and tourists.
- Enhance long-term public appreciation of Reno’s heritage.
- Increase awareness of Reno’s historic buildings, structures, landscapes, and people.
- Involve greater numbers of people in history and preservation-related efforts.
This week, I submitted remarks for the Official Record congratulating the City of Reno. Click here or on the video below to view my remarks:
To learn more about the celebration, click here: City of Reno.
Western Caucus
I also had the opportunity this week to hear from the United States Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner, Brenda Burman, at our Member lunch. We specifically talked about water storage solutions, infrastructure issues, and the Endangered Species Act.
Washington Visitors:
It’s always nice to see familiar faces while I’m in Washington. Below are some of the Nevadans I’ve recently met with. Thanks for stopping by!
St. Baldrick’s Foundation
American Council of Engineering Companies
Nevada 4-H
Nevada System of Higher Education: Hispanic Serving Institutions
Nevada Cattleman’s Association
As always, thank you for subscribing to the Amodei Report. I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date on the issues you care about most.
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.
