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Amodei Report: Washington Wrap-Up, CR, PPP, ICYMI, Covid Update

September 25, 2020
E-Newsletter
Congressman Mark Amodei, representing the 2nd District of Nevada
 
 
 
 
 

Dear Friend,

This week, the country mourned the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Members of Congress had the opportunity to pay our respects to Justice Ginsburg today as she became the first woman to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol building. I was honored to have been asked tolead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance today during this historic moment.

My thoughts are with Justice Ginsburg’s family during this difficult time. While we didn’t always see eye to eye on policy debates, Justice Ginsburg’s nearly three decades of distinguished service on our nation’s highest court and her record of accomplishments are impressive and have inspired many. Her friendship with the late Justice Antonin Scalia showed America that we should always strive to reach common ground through civilized discourse and respect for one another regardless of our ideological disagreements. As we continue striving to instill generic respect in our processes and institutions, I believe their friendship is one we can all learn something from.

WASHINGTON WRAP-UP

House Passes Short Term Bill to Fund the Federal Government 

This week, with my support, the House passedH.R. 8337, a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to continue funding the federal government through December 11, 2020 and extend various expiring provisions. 

Prior to the House passing H.R. 8337, Appropriators spent weeks engaged in bipartisan negotiations to reach an agreement on outstanding policy issues in order to avoid a government shutdown. After reaching an agreement in principle last Friday to include assistance for our farmers and ranchers through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and a nutrition program for low-income students, Speaker Pelosi initially went back on the agreement in an effort to push a bill through for political purposes. 

Following Speaker Pelosi’s decision to unilaterally remove the bipartisan CCC provision and the provisions to provide nutritious meals for low income families, House and Senate Republicans called the Speaker out for ignoring support for our farmers, ranchers, and students when they need it most. Ultimately, the Speaker reversed course and the final agreement includes both of these important provisions that will give our farmers and ranchers a safety net during this time of multiple natural disasters and the ongoing pandemic, and also allow low income children and families to purchase nutritious meals. This legislation contains the additional bipartisan provisions:
 
  • Continues vital transportation programs by extending the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act;
  • Enables the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue the safe operation of the airways;
  • Extends the National Flood Insurance Program;
  • Supports faster rates of spending for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan Program during a time of unprecedented hurricanes, tropical storms, wildfires, and other natural disasters;
  • Prevents delays in the Navy’s Colombia Class Submarine program to support our nation’s nuclear deterrent;
  • Ensures there will be no delays with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) electronic health record system;
  • Extends the authority of agencies to pay contractors with existing appropriations if employees are restricted from government worksites due to the public health emergency and cannot perform their jobs remotely;
  • Gives the State Department and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services additional authorities to continue the secure processing of passport, visa, and naturalization applications;
  • Extends authorizations for important health programs, such as community health centers (CHCs) and the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program; and
  • Continues all existing pro-life protections carried in fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills.

The Senate is expected to consider this legislation Tuesday.

Democrats Block Consideration of Bill to Extend PPP for Small Businesses

It’s been nearly 50 days since the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) shut down, preventing small businesses from applying for PPP funding provided through the CARES Act. When it comes to this issue, it’s important to remember that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, employing nearly half of our nation’s workforce.

Additionally, this week is National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions made by America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. In light of National Small Business Week, Rep. Steve Chabot spoke in support of his bill, H.R. 8265, legislation I’m a co-sponsor of that would provide targeted assistance to small businesses that truly need the federal government’s help. On Wednesday, House Democrats had an opportunity to join Republicans in a vote against the previous question, which would have allowed the House to immediately vote on Rep. Chabot’s bill. Unfortunately, House Democrats decided to block consideration of this bill by advancing the previous question, leaving America’s 30 million small businesses with continued uncertainty …and of all weeks, House Democrats chose to do so during National Small Business Week. 
 
In response to Speaker Pelosi blocking critical assistance from reaching small businesses, Rep. Herrera Beutler decided to use a legislative maneuver, known as a discharge petition, to go around the Speaker’s unwillingness to make the PPP a priority. Rep. Herrera Beutler filed the petition today. Should it receive 218 signatures, Speaker Pelosi's control of the Floor will be circumvented, and Rep. Chabot's bill will receive consideration. 
 
It’s a shame that we must employ a rarely used legislative maneuver just to do the right thing on behalf of the American people. However, House Democrats will now have a choice to make: will they continue to support the Speaker's efforts to block relief for Americans who need it, or will they sign this discharge petition to give small businesses a fighting chance? I have chosen the latter and signed onto the discharge petition today before the House adjourned. Under House Rules, discharge petitions may only be signed in person by a Member while the House is in session.
 
Click here to view the most updated list of signatures.   
 

H.R. 4447 – House Democrats’ Partisan Energy Package

Finally, the House also voted onH.R. 4447 this week, legislation that would cost taxpayers billions of dollars, while failing to prioritize affordable and reliable energy for all Americans, even though Republicans have proposed alternatives that would actually make a positive difference for the American people. H.R. 4447 is nothing more than House Democrats’ latest attempt to claim bipartisanship in an effort to reshape our economy and expand the role of government, while largely leaving Republicans out of the process. The bill’s many faults include:

  • A massive authorization of additional taxpayer funds in the amount of $135 billion;
  • No regulatory reforms or other improvements to the permitting and approval process for energy infrastructure projects;
  • An effective moratorium on new pipeline construction and necessary improvements to our electric grid;
  • Programs that favor cities over rural communities, which would be especially burdensome in districts like CD-2;  
  • A green energy bank that lays the foundation to the Green New Deal;  
  • Burdensome and expensive building code mandates;
  • Workforce training that excludes the fossil fuels, nuclear industry and advanced manufacturing; and
  • New private rights of action for environmental justice lawsuits that will only benefit trial lawyers.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Amodei In The News

Reno Gazette Journal: UNR Plans to Decontaminate Empty Facilities Building of Radium-226

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Interior announced it will award $12 million to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to decontaminate its Facilities Services Building (FSB) which was previously occupied by the U.S. Bureau of Mines from 1920 to 1954. After testing confirmed the FSB’s contamination by Radium-226 in 2016, the building was vacated, and its occupants were relocated. Since learning of this issue, securing the funding needed for the remediation of this building has been a top priority of ours. It’s encouraging to see our efforts pay off and to know the students and faculty who will soon utilize this historic facility will be able to do so safely.

Read more about this effort in this story from the RGJ and click here for my official press release.

Washington Post: Members of Congress are specializing less often. That makes them less effective. Here’s how to encourage more expertise.

Having served Nevadans for more than two decades, I’ve seen the progress we can make as a nation when we place the issues ahead of the politics. In today’s political climate, more and more we’re seeing political energy going into what people are against, rather than what they are for. Well, how about being “for” dealing with the issues and leaving the politics at the door?

When it comes to policy priorities, our office’s willingness to use a fact-based approach has allowed us to successfully deliver for Nevada across several issue areas including public lands, veterans, the economy, and most recently, to provide an unprecedented amount of coronavirus relief funding for Nevada to combat the pandemic.

Recently, the Washington Post published an article as part of their “Rethinking Our Democracy” series, which found that legislators who acquire expertise on the facts surrounding specific policy issues are better positioned to improve their effectiveness in Congress to overcome partisan gridlock. Below are excerpts from the article:  

“Building on the words of 7th century B.C. Greek mercenary-poet Archilochus, 20th-century philosopher Isaiah Berlin drew a distinction between specialists, who he denoted as “hedgehogs,” and generalists, who he labeled “foxes.” In turn, we refer to a Member of Congress as a fox if she dedicates no more than a quarter of her legislative agenda to any specific policy. A hedgehog, in contrast, dedicates at least half of her agenda to the policy in which she seeks (or already has) expertise.”

“Reps. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.) and Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) emerge as hedgehogs in the House…We found that in general, hedgehogs are more effective than foxes. The most effective members of the House dedicate about 60 percent of their lawmaking portfolios to a single policy area and limit their portfolio to no more than four issue areas.”

As your Representative, I will continue focusing on the issues that are most important to Nevadans and the people of CD-2. Please click here to read the full article.  

News 4 Reno: Regional Transportation Commission Receives $23 Million Grant for Pyramid Highway Project

On September 10th, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the Washoe Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) would receive a $23 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for its Pyramid Highway Project. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Chao for continuing to make Nevada a priority and securing funding for this much-needed project. This funding builds upon numerous other successes Washoe RTC has achieved in CD-2 and will provide the Commission with the additional resources it needs to make further improvements to our transportation systems. Ultimately, this investment will help traveling Nevadans move as safely and efficiently as possible, and I thank the Trump Administration for its continued support.

Click here to read News 4’s full story and here for my official statement.

Washoe Regional Transportation Commission: Welcome Back to Midtown!

Speaking of Washoe RTC, last month, the Commission announced the Midtown segment of the Virginia Street Project was substantially complete, officially reopening Virginia Street to two-way traffic. The modernization of this area has vastly improved accessibility for everyone in our community. It has been a privilege to work with the RTC and the Federal Transit Administration to secure the critical funding needed for this project. I had the opportunity to join them last summer at the groundbreaking and met up with the RTC again recently in the new and improved Midtown to congratulate them on a job well done.

Check out the transformation videohere.

Fernley Reporter: Battery Recycling Company Breaks Ground on Fernley Facility

A few weeks ago, American Battery Metals Corporation, an American-owned lithium-ion battery recycling and advanced extraction technology company with valuable mineral resources in Nevada, hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking celebration in Fernley. I had the opportunity to attend the ceremony along with Mayor Roy Edgington and officials from the City of Fernley and Lyon County. Thanks for having me!

Click here to learn more about American Battery Metals Co. and their new plant in CD-2. 

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES & COMMUNITY NEWS

COVID Funding Negotiations Update

Before August, Congress began negotiations on another coronavirus relief package. However, discussions stalled over the issue of unemployment insurance. Republicans came to the table with a plan that would have extended federal unemployment benefits in a way that would help Americans who needed it, while not discouraging people from going back to work. However, Senate Minority Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi blocked it.

Last week, Speaker Pelosi said the House would not leave for the October district work period without acting on an additional coronavirus relief bill. However, the Speaker has refused to offer up workable legislation or come to the table with Republicans and Members of her own Conference to craft something up. In fact, the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus, which I serve on with 24 other Republicans and 25 Democrats, offered a $1.5 trillion compromise last week to provide relief and break a stalemate between House Democrats, the White House, and the Senate. The package provides money for testing, small businesses, state and local governments, lawsuit liability protections, election support and unemployment assistance.

Unfortunately, Democrat leadership signaled the bill would not come up for a vote, but the White House said it could help provide a basis for future negotiations. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said the bill "provides a foundation" for a potential deal and that combined with Pelosi's promise to keep the House in session until a deal is reached, left him "encouraged" that an agreement might come to fruition. In the meantime, I will be sure to keep you updated on any action taken on this issue.

Unemployment Update

According to the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s (DETR) August 2020 economic report, Nevada added 6,500 jobs, extending the recovery to a fourth month. In CD-2 the Reno Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had an increase of 1,900 jobs, with the government sector growing the most by 900 jobs. The Carson City MSA experienced an increase of 300 jobs with the trade, transportation, and utilities sector growing the most by 200 jobs.

CD-2 Coronavirus Cases Update

In some positive news, Nevada has come far over the last few months. According to the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Nevada has transitioned from the “red” to the “yellow” zone in terms of new cases per 100,000 people and test positivity rate. Additionally, no Nevada counties or municipalities remain in the “red” zone. To further highlight our progress, the Nevada COVID-19 Mitigation and Management Task Force recently approved the reopening of bars, pubs, wineries, and other alcohol-serving establishments in all Nevada counties.

Let’s take a look at the numbers: Nevada has seen noticeable improvement in the rate of new cases, the seven-day average of daily test positivity rate (dropping by nearly half from August 1st to September 24th), and the rate of hospitalizations. Statewide, since August 1st, COVID hospitalizations have declined from 1,144 patients to 468. Additionally, Intensive Care Unit patients have also declined from 339 patients on August 1st to 137 people on September 24th. While we cannot yet say “mission accomplished” with regard to eradicating COVID-19, Nevada is definitely moving in the right direction and I thank you for doing your part.

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, TwitterInstagram, and YouTube.

Sincerely,

Mark E. Amodei

 

OFFICE LOCATIONS:

Washington, DC Office
104 Cannon House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6155 | Fax: (202) 225-5679

Reno Office
5310 Kietzke Lane, Suite 103
Reno, NV 89511
Phone: (775) 686-5760
Fax: (775) 686-5711
Elko Office
905 Railroad Street, Suite 104 D
Elko, NV 89801
Office: (775) 777-7705
Fax: (775) 753-9984

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