Congress is an interesting place. We can never fully check a box nor have celebratory parties for the work we’ve accomplished. The needs of the American people are everchanging and the true secret to success is being transparent, adaptable, and personable.
Some of my colleagues would rather appear on a TV screen in your living room than sit down with members to negotiate their priorities – the keyword being “negotiate”. We must not let perfect stand in the way of good. Through negotiations, Congress managed to pass another funding bill allowing the federal government and related agencies to serve the American people. Jeopardizing our national security, bailing on the most vulnerable members of our society, and risking the integrity of the upcoming election would all be at stake if the government’s lights turned off.
On the topic of productivity, I worked across the aisle with my colleagues to secure instrumental funding and care that will benefit Nevadans. The House and Senate passed the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act, which prioritizes improving the environment and community around Lake Tahoe. I also introduced the Presumption for Radiation or Toxin Exposure Coverage for Troops Act, the PROTECT Act, which ensures our veterans receive the quality medical care they deserve for their service to our country.
As the needs of the American people evolve, so must our approach. I look forward to returning to the district this month to continue our work as Nevadans.
GROUNDHOG DAYAs you know, Congress recently passed another continuing resolution. While it is not the silver bullet we are holding our breath for, it averted us from a shutdown, which, despite a small minority’s clamor, is a positive thing.
I sound like a broken record – government shutdowns are an irresponsible, ineffective, and reckless tool for negotiation that wastes taxpayer dollars, places an undue burden on servicemembers, and leaves the U.S. more vulnerable to our adversaries.
As Chairman of the House Homeland Appropriations Subcommittee, I was proud to have a direct hand in negotiating an additional $231 million for the Secret Service to support protective operations for the Presidential and Vice-Presidential nominees in the 2024 campaign.
Given the hand we’ve been dealt in this divided Congress, I voted for the lesser of two evils.
Read my press release here.
UPDATE ON THE APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS
I wanted to give you all a quick update on the status of the appropriations process:
I am proud of the work my appropriations committee colleagues have accomplished thus far. We passed all 12 appropriations bills through the committee, with 5 already passed on the House floor, representing 71% of all discretionary spending. However, not to point blame at my counterparts in the Senate, but they have yet to advance a single bill.
While the Appropriations Committee often garners a lot of attention, it is important to recognize that discretionary spending, about 28% of the total federal budget, falls under our jurisdiction. Of that, nearly half is directed towards defense priorities, including supporting our border patrol officers amid the out-of-control border crisis and ensuring our military is well-equipped to protect our national security.
The facts show a clear trend - mandatory spending, such as Medicare, Social Security, and interest - has grown by 4.6% as a percentage of GDP, while discretionary spending has declined by 3.4%. Not to mention, interest on our debt alone has surpassed defense spending.
While I am fully aware of the authority we hold, the real issue lies in addressing Washington’s mandatory spending mindset that money grows on trees. We need real solutions that protect these programs and create a more balanced budget.
WASHINGTON WINS
The Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act
The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act was established following the 1997 Lake Tahoe Summit, which garnered national attention to the importance of preserving one of America’s most unique natural treasures.
In 2000, Congress passed the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, which provided $300 million for various environmental projects aimed at restoring the Lake Tahoe Basin. Building on this success, in 2016, an additional $415 million was allocated towards efforts to restore, research, and mitigate hazardous threats to the lake and its surrounding areas. The 2016 version also requires an annual report to be sent to Congress to ensure oversight and accountability of progress in productivity.
Recognizing the ongoing importance of these efforts, I introduced the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act in 2021, extending the $415 million in funding through September 2034. This initiative focuses on reducing wildfire risks, improving water clarity, combating invasive species, and restoring the surrounding environment. Last year, I reintroduced the bill, with Senator Cortez Masto leading the effort in the Senate.
I’m happy to report the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act has passed through both chambers and is now headed to the President’s desk where we expect him to sign off on it.
It is our responsibility to leave our environments in as good or better shape than we found them. I am grateful for the long history of bipartisan, bicameral, and bi-state efforts to ensure Lake Tahoe remains a miraculous place for our children and grandchildren to visit.
Read my press release here.
The PROTECT Act
Upon my return to Washington, one of my top priorities was introducing a crucial piece of legislation to ensure that the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much in defense of our nation receive the quality medical care they deserve.
This bill offers critical assistance to veterans exposed to radiation and other hazardous toxins at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), establishing a presumption of exposure for veterans stationed there since 1972.
We’ve long spoken about our gratitude to veterans for their service—now it’s time to back those words with action. They made immense sacrifices to defend our freedoms and ensure our safety; it’s only right that we do the same for them.
I’m proud to champion this bipartisan effort alongside Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) to demonstrate our unwavering support for our veterans.
Read my press release here.
Meeting with the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association
I recently met with the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association to discuss the challenges that material suppliers across the country are facing.
Nevada leads the nation in mineral production and serves as a significant contributor to our state's economy and workforce.
I will continue to work with local, state, and federal leaders to guarantee Nevada suppliers have the resources they need to thrive.
Meeting with the Patient Access Network Foundation
I appreciate the folks from the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) for stopping by my office to discuss initiatives to lower healthcare costs, invest in medical research, and improve access to care.
Through education and advocacy, the PAN Foundation walks alongside individuals living with chronic and rare diseases. They offer crucial assistance to those who, despite having insurance coverage, require additional support.
THE ROAD AGAIN
Throughout October, I will be home and traveling across our district to connect with all of you. The best part of my job is being in Nevada focusing on what matters most -understanding your needs and concerns so together we can achieve our goals at the federal level.
If our paths don't cross during my travels this month, my staff in our Reno and Washington, D.C. offices are ready to serve and assist you. You can find their contact information below.
EEP IN TOUCH
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 call my Washington office: (202) 225-6155, Reno office: (775) 686-5760, or Elko phone: (775) 777-7705 or visit my website at Amodei.house.gov.
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