As 2016 comes to an end, I wanted to take a minute to reflect on what the House has accomplished this year that’s important for Nevada, and what remains to be done.
In the final days of the 114th Congress, four bipartisan initiatives critical to Nevada’s CD-2 were passed in the House. Achieving just one of these measures before the end of the 114th was considered unlikely, so the fact that all four of these bills were embraced by House Leadership and their Committees of Jurisdiction, and then also passed in the House before Congress adjourned, was tremendous news for Nevada.
Congress sent to the President’s desk, S. 612, a bill recognizing Lake Tahoe as a national priority, and H.R. 875, legislation to streamline international travel at the Reno-Tahoe Airport. Each of these bills has since been signed into law. In addition, the House advanced H.R. 6303, which would create a new zip code for residents of Storey County, and a veterans’ affairs bill I introduced, H.R. 4298, to properly recognize a deserving group of veterans who account for nearly ten percent of all Vietnam casualties. The significance of House-passage is the basis for optimism and quick treatment next year.
Learn more about these bills here.
Another Nevada priority signed into law this year was the Nevada Native Nations Land Act, a bill I introduced that will transfer more than 70,000 acres of Nevada public lands back into tribal control – empowering those tribal governments to control their land use destinies. Our delegation’s willingness to work together to get things done in Washington has allowed Nevada to enjoy unique success in both the 113th and 114th Congresses – compared to other western states – in terms of passing lands bills. I’m hopeful this enthusiasm will continue in the 115th.
Finally, the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that will make significant reforms to our nation’s mental health system and increase people’s access to lifesaving treatments, was also signed into law. Specifically, this bill emphasizes telehealth programs which are especially critical to Nevada and other rural areas that lack access to sufficient healthcare services. I’m a proud supporter of this bill, and pleased to see it signed into law.
I thank my colleagues for working hard to champion these Nevada-centric measures through Congress. While there is still much work to be done, I’m especially pleased to be going into 2017 knowing that several priorities important to Nevadans have become law.
Come January, I plan to hit the ground running, working hard on Nevada’s behalf to move three lands bills requested by Washoe, Douglas, and Pershing Counties, and pass much needed reforms in regards to healthcare, immigration, and the economy.
This week, my Reno staff and I were happy to welcome Jerry Reynolds of Elko to our office for a replacement Medal of Honor Ceremony. Jerry is the grandson of Private Robert Smith, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery displayed while serving in action at Slim Buttes, Dakota Territory on Sept. 9, 1876 – but never knew of the award before passing away on Jan. 5, 1930. As Smith’s closest surviving relative, Jerry accepted the replacement Medal on behalf of their family.
Click here to learn more.
Also this week, I hosted an Immigration Town Hall in Reno. Immigration reform and border security are complex, emotional debates, with passionate opinions on all sides. However, if there’s one thing we can all agree on in regards to this issue, it’s that our current immigration system needs reform. Thank you to everyone who came out to receive an update on post-election discussions in the House Republican Conference, and to address the anxieties created by several national media outlets after this year’s election.
During the holidays, I’ll be in Nevada, spending time with friends and family. I hope that you and your family have an enjoyable holiday season.
As always, thank you for subscribing to the Amodei Report. In 2017, I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date on the issues you care about most.
