Dear Friend,

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.

​To receive updates on what I am doing in Washington and Nevada’s 2nd District follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

 
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 which extends government funding at current levels through December 20, 2024:

“I have learned from experience over the years that shutting the federal government down not only fails to force a given policy result, but also results in a significant amount of financial and operational destruction at the federal agency level," said Rep. Mark Amodei.

“While it may sound sexy or tough to talk of shut down, without out a plan for what specifically that policy objective is, and a plan for how reopen the shuttered federal government, it looks like a political temper tantrum. So, on balance a shutdown that negatively impacts border patrol agents from handling the crisis at our southern borders, servicemen and women from receiving the care they deserve, and communities devasted by natural disasters from receiving the relief they need to name a few, and which further would occur on the eve of a significant federal election, hardly sounds like a good idea.

“Everyone knows there is plenty of room for improvement, but a shutdown at this point brings nothing resembling improvement.

“On the continuing resolution — I voted yes.”

Background

​This legislation delivers funds to strengthen Secret Service’s Presidential protection efforts, allows respective federal agencies to continue addressing the needs of our veterans and seniors, and keeps the doors open of programs that support communities who have been devastated by natural disasters:

• Provides an additional $231 million for the Secret Service for protective operations for National Special Security Events and subjects additional money to existing funding caps.
• Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through the duration of the CR.
• Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to continue providing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits during the duration of the CR.
• Extends programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure our veterans continue to receive the care and benefits they have earned.
• Extends expiring health care programs, including priority review vouchers for rare pediatric diseases, autism support activities, and Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands.

 

 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) issued the following statement following the House passage of S.612, the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act (LTRA), the Senate companion bill of his bill H.R. 1274, which reauthorizes program funding through September 30, 2034. The bill will now move to the President’s desk.

“It is our responsibility to keep the environment around beautiful Lake Tahoe in quality shape for future generations to enjoy,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “The reauthorization of  the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act will continue to provide the resources and oversight to do just that. I was proud to lead the effort in the House and am grateful to Senator Cortez Masto for her bicameral partnership in securing this sufficient funding which properly lays out program strategies to restore healthy water conditions, reduce wildfire threats and extract invasive species threatening the Lake Tahoe Basin and its surrounding community.”

"The Lake Tahoe Region is grateful to Congress for their leadership in passing this critical piece of legislation to continue the collaborative work to protect and restore Lake Tahoe," said Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Executive Director Julie Regan. "Extending the federal investment in the EIP will leverage millions of dollars in state and local funding to implement the top priority projects for the lake and our communities."

Background:
 
In 2023, Rep. Mark Amodei reintroduced the LTRA Reauthorization, originally introduced in 2021, along with the support of cosponsors Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), and Rep. John Garamendi (CA-08).

This bipartisan legislation extends $415 million in funding through September 30, 2034. By building on previous success, this reauthorization provides sufficient funding to environmental projects that restore healthy water levels, mitigate the risk of wildfires, control invasive species, and maintain quality environmental standards in the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

Due to the significance of the situation, companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA).

With the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act set to expire on September 30, 2024, the House diligently worked to pass the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act in this Congress which reauthorizes the $415 million in funding through September 2034. 
​
Read my press release on the reintroduction of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act here.

Dear Friend,
 
Every August, Congress is out of session and Members head back to their respective districts. For many, the word “recess” signals a break, a chance to escape, but for my staff and me it was anything but. Last month, I drove over 1,500 miles across Nevada’s Second Congressional District for the chance to hear about the issues that matter most to everyone at home, and to discuss what we have accomplished in the House of Representatives this year.
 
DAVIS FIRE UPDATE

 First and foremost, I know the Davis fire is at the top of many of our minds. First responders on the front lines are working tirelessly to keep our community safe, and I can’t thank them enough for their efforts. I will continue to be in direct contact with local, state, and federal officials to offer support and will do everything in my power to make sure the necessary resources are in place for those affected by the fire.

Northern Nevadans know all too well that the late-summer and fall are fire season, and we must always be vigilant of the threats wildfires pose to our community. After the Davis Fire broke out in Washoe Valley on September 7, my staff and I have been keeping in regular contact with representatives from the local, state, and federal agencies fighting the fire. On Friday, September 13, I joined the morning briefing for all fire crews and ground operations, followed by a survey of the burn areas and perimeter with Governor Lombardo.
At the time of this posting, the Davis Fire has currently burned 5,824 acres and is 92% contained. FEMA also approved the State of Nevada’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on the day of ignition, which provides a 75% federal cost share to the state and local agencies in fighting the fire. After Nevada had previously been disproportionately declined FMAG declarations in the past, I was proud to lead the effort to ensure our state and local agencies have the tools they need to submit qualified applications, and that FEMA gives a full and fair consideration of each request for assistance.

As Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee, I continue to make sure this is the case. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Davis Fire and needs assistance, please contact the Red Cross of Northern Nevada (1-800-733-2767) for shelter and essential services. You can also track the fire through the websites PerimeterMap and AlertWildfire. Additionally, please do not hesitate to call my Reno office at 775-686-5760 if there are resources you cannot find or need further assistance.
 
DISTRICT WORK PERIOD
 
During this August district work period, I spent time in every corner of CD-02 and the state as a whole meeting with Nevadans, visiting with local businesses, and engaging with federal agencies. Our mission is to ensure we are doing all that we can to improve the lives of Nevadans. Thank you to those in Winnemucca, Elko, Ely, McGill, Eureka, Fallon, Reno, Carson City, Minden, Hawthorne, Silver Peak, etcetera—great to see you all again.
 
At my direction, the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee staff also joined me in Nevada to ensure they have the firsthand knowledge of agencies’ jurisdiction and impact in Nevada. These agencies include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The discussions were informative and will lead to firsthand experience right here at home that will improve an over $60 billion bill under my jurisdiction.
 
I was glad to welcome Transportation Security Administrator, David Pekoske, to the Reno Airport. It was an honor to have him at my home airport. We discussed the impending deployment of advanced technology across the nation to further their mission of keeping the Homeland safe.
 
Further, I led a roundtable discussion with the CISA Director Jen Easterly to discuss the changing risk landscape posed by China to American cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. China remains the most persistent threat to America’s critical infrastructure, and disruptive cyberattacks are a growing threat to our national security. These potential attacks can affect government agencies, global corporations, and small businesses through direct or cascading risks. It’s crucial to understand when, where, and how these attacks may occur, and how cybersecurity teams can get ahead of future threats. In addition to discussing the risk dynamic and best practices to protect against China’s threats, representatives from CISA’s Region 9 presented available cyber and physical security service to companies in the region to test their readiness and resilience. This roundtable was also attended by several business and agency leaders in Nevada, including the Adjutant General of the National Guard, the Chief of the Nevada Division of Emergency Management, the Clark and Washoe County Sheriffs, leadership from the Reno-Tahoe and Las Vegas airports, the CEO of NV Energy, and leaders from other public utilities and major industries in our state.
 
SOUTHERN BORDER TRIP
 
In early August, I concluded a trip to our southern border to get a sense firsthand of the crisis at our feet. Though Nevada doesn’t touch Mexico, every state has become a border state under the Biden Administration.
 
I heard directly from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers as active crossings were attempted. One thing was clear: the border wall is working where it is complete. Now more than ever, we need to invest in its finalization.
 
As the flow of fentanyl into the country explodes, officers must be more vigilant than ever as they expose the methods of delivery into the country. This drug tunnel was heavily trafficked before discovery and highlighted the need for more resources on the ground immediately.


CBP is also responsible for monitoring the U.S – Mexico southwest maritime border, in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard. In an average year, Sector San Diego seizes approximately $2.5 million worth of narcotics and apprehends 1,200 illegal migrants.
All this to say, my bill, H.R. 8752, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which passed the House on June 26, will prioritize investments in combating these issues. Unfortunately, neither the Senate nor White House has shown any interest in moving the ball forward. The bill: 

• Provides $600 million for construction of the southern border wall and $300 million for border security technology, a record level of funding; 
• Forces construction of physical barriers immediately; and
• Supports counterdrug activities to slow the flow of fentanyl.

 
ACCOUNTABILITY

 Now with two assassination attempts on Former President Trump, it’s evident that there is a clear and present danger to his life. I look forward to the rigorous oversight the Secret Service will go through in the coming months to ensure this never happens again.
Before breaking for the August district work period, the House voted unanimously to establish a bipartisan congressional task force to investigate the attempted assassination of President Trump. This task force will have subpoena power and will attempt to answer myriad questions about what went wrong on the day of the attempted assassination, including how a breakdown in communications and security allowed a gunman to open fire from a rooftop right on the security perimeter.
 
We must ensure accountability and prevent another security failure going forward. The resignation of Kimberly Cheatle as Secret Service Director is a step in the right direction, but how can it be that no one who was on the ground making decisions that day in Butler, Pennsylvania has been fired? Who made the decision to not have someone on the roof where the gunman was ultimately killed? Who managed radio communications? How was it that more than 25 minutes passed between the time the shooter was identified as a suspicious person and the time shots were fired? Who failed to keep President Trump from taking the stage that day? There must be individual accountability.

 
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
 
The House Appropriations Committee has approved all 12 funding bills, five of which have already passed the full House: Defense; Homeland Security; Interior and Environment; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.
 
The most recent House-passed appropriations bills, the FY25 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, reigns in bureaucratic overreach, unleashes American energy and mineral production, and combats devastating wildfires. This legislation:

• Prioritizes funding for Wildland Fire Management and includes a permanent pay fix for wildland firefighter pay.
• Expands access to critical minerals, reducing our domestic reliance on the Chinese supply chain.
• Protects access to our public lands by limiting weaponization of the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers.
• Fully funds the Indian Health Service.

 
I am proud that the House has passed 75% of government funding for the upcoming fiscal year and look forward to continuing to responsibly fund the government before the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2024.
 
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 phone: (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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark Amodei (R-NV-02) issued the following statement after introducing H.R.9511, the PROTECT Act, the Presumption for Radiation or Toxin Exposure Coverage for Troops Act with Representative Susie Lee (D-NV-03), which would ensure comprehensive medical care to veterans exposed to radiation and other toxins at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) by establishing a presumption of exposure to radiation and toxins at NTTR beginning in 1972.

Of this legislation, Amodei stated, “A quick look at the facts shows that this group of veterans were in serious need of additional support as a result of their service. As with every veteran, those serving at NTTR during the determined time frame are entitled to care for illness and injury sustained in the line of service to our nation. I’m glad to lead the charge on this and will continue to push until this change is actualized.”

 "Our men and women in uniform make countless sacrifices to keep our nation safe, so it’s our duty to ensure that we take care of them and protect them from invisible enemies like toxic radiation exposure,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “I helped pass the bipartisan PACT Act last Congress to do just that, and I’m proud to continue that work to get these veterans the long overdue care they deserve. This law will help save lives and bring justice to thousands of veterans who proudly served in Nevada.”

“I’m so happy to see our years of hard work are starting to pay off,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of The Invisible Enemy, the non-profit organization advocating for the legislation. “I want to thank Congressman Amodei for introducing H.R.9511, and everyone who helped us move the mountain. This bill will help thousands of veterans, civilian DOD employees and their families to finally receive benefits, care and justice that’s decades overdue.”
​
The legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for further consideration in the 118th Congress.

Dear Friend,
 
First and foremost, thank God President Trump is okay after Saturday’s assassination attempt. I am grateful the Secret Service was able to protect President Trump from further harm and quickly neutralize the shooter. Unfortunately, one rally attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured, and I am thinking of them and their families during this unimaginable time.
 
The seriousness of this moment cannot be understated. Let’s be clear – the gunman aimed to subvert our democratic process and kill the former President of the United States. Political conflict belongs in speeches and ballot boxes, not acts of violence.

Congress will conduct a thorough investigation of Saturday’s tragic events to determine how this happened, where there were lapses in security, and what steps are being taken to ensure it never happens again. The House Committees on Oversight and Homeland Security have already requested briefings and testimony from Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from the Department of Homeland Security and FBI. A review of the Secret Service’s funding for the next fiscal year has already been completed, and the House has appropriated everything they asked for and then some. Therefore, none of the forthcoming investigations will be focused on if they have enough resources. In fact, their allocated resources are set to exceed their initial requests. The American people deserve answers, and the House is committed to ensuring thorough oversight is conducted.

 
ACHIEVING REGULAR ORDER
 
Appropriations season is in full swing, and the House Appropriations Committee has been busy. Regular order – individual consideration and full passage of all 12 appropriations bills – is the ideal version of the congressional budget and appropriations process that breaks the federal budget into more manageable pieces and facilitates greater transparency and oversight. This process begins in the twelve Appropriations Subcommittees, which send individual bills to the full Committee for markup where Members of the Committee debate and amend the bills before they determine whether they should be recommended to the House Floor for a vote.
 
I am proud the House Appropriations Committee has approved all 12 appropriations bills, four of which have already passed the full House, including the Homeland Security bill that I oversaw. All 12 of these bills contain conservative victories. These wins:
 

• Target funding to counter China and enhance U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Make long overdue investments in our servicemembers’ quality of life, including pay raises, housing improvements, and access to health care.
• Prioritize funding to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the U.S.
• Invest in next-generation weaponry and technology, as well as modernize the nuclear triad.
• Prohibit taxpayer dollars from funding the terrorist-sympathizing United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
• Fully fund veterans’ health care and benefits.
• Expand access to and encourage domestic production of critical and rare earth minerals.
• Provide $3.6 billion for wildfire activities and permanently address wildland firefighter pay and capacity.

 
As Chairman of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee and author of the Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, I am particularly proud of the investments made in this bill to protect Americans and the homeland. It’s imperative we strengthen and maintain America’s national security posture, especially with the ongoing policy disasters of the Biden Administration. Following the horrific attempted assassination of President Trump this past weekend, I am proud to note this legislation includes $3.158 billion for the Secret Service, a $70.3 million increase over last year, and $219.7 million more than what the Biden Administration requested. In addition, this bill:
 

• Provides $2.9 billion more than the Fiscal Year 2024 funding level.
• Includes a record $300 million for border security technology.
• Prioritizes funding for the transportation and connected removal of illegal aliens.
• Secures more than $3 billion to fund a detention bed level of 50,000, which is 16,000 above President Biden’s request.
• Invests $305 million in fentanyl detection equipment at our nation’s ports of entry.
• Allocates $22.7 billion for major disaster response and recovery.
• Prioritizes $600 million in funding for physical barriers along the southern border.

 
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
 
In addition to focusing on passing appropriations bills that rein in wasteful spending while ensuring our nation is safe and secure, House Republicans have passed legislation to restore confidence in our elections. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 8281) requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and provides states with access to existing federal databases so they can clean up their voter registration rolls and remove noncitizens from the rolls.
 
It seems like a no-brainer that only American citizens should vote in American elections, but lax voter registration laws make it possible for noncitizens to register and vote in federal elections. The National Voter Registration Act (P.L. 103-31) currently requires States to give voter registration forms to everyone who receives a driver’s license, regardless of citizenship. Th SAVE Act would require States to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering an individual to vote in a federal election, as well as require States to set up a program to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls.

I was proud to vote in favor of this bill to enhance election security, minimize the risk of foreign interference, and restore Americans’ confidence in U.S. elections. Proof of citizenship as a requirement to vote in our elections should not be controversial – it’s our responsibility to protect our elections and restore faith in the system. 

 
HOLDING THE POSTAL SERVICE ACCOUNTABLE
 
The United States Postal Service’s (USPS) decision to transfer some mail processing operations from the Reno Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to West Sacramento, California is far from resolved. In addition to the U.S Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) ongoing investigation into the plan, I introduced legislation to prevent the closure, consolidation, or downsizing of a P&DC if: USPS has already failed to meet its on-time delivery standards, as it has in Reno; the proposed changes would leave a state without a P&DC; or if the proposal would leave no P&DCs within 125 of the affected P&DC, which would be the case in Reno.
 
This legislation would only allow changes to proceed if USPS receives an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission that finds proposed changes would not negatively impact service standards and performance measures for mail delivery, taking factors like geography into account, including mountain passes like Donner Pass on Interstate 80. This bill would also allow the public to appeal proposed closures, consolidations, and downsizing, and prevent such decisions from moving forward until the appeal is heard and resolved.

I was proud to introduce this bill to prevent the Postal Service from making sweeping changes to mail processing without objective transparency and communication. This legislation, in tandem with the GAO’s ongoing audit of the proposed changes, is a positive step towards holding USPS leadership accountable and reversing this ill-advised decision.
  
LOOKING AHEAD

It’s been a hectic time on Capitol Hill, and there are only a few more weeks until the August district work period. While some like to refer to this time as a “recess,” for my staff and me it is anything but. Next month, I will drive thousands of miles across Nevada’s Second Congressional District for the chance to hear about the issues that matter most to everyone at home, and to discuss what we have accomplished in the House of Representatives this year. At my direction, the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee staff will also be joining me in Nevada to ensure they have firsthand knowledge of agencies’ jurisdiction and impact in Nevada. These agencies include the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Security Administration. 

 
THE BOTTOM LINE

 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 phone: (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.

 

Dear Friend,

The House considered six additional appropriations bills last week: Department of Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Legislative Branch; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. These bills included multiple hard-fought conservative victories, specifically when it comes to securing the border and ending the political agenda being pushed in our military. These are just some of the House Republican-secured wins:

• Represents the first overall cut to non-defense, non-Veterans Affairs spending in almost a decade.
• Gives our troops the largest pay increase in four decades.
• Funds an additional 22,000 border agents and 8,000 ICE detention beds, as well as provide a 25% increase in border security technology.
• Guts elements of the Pentagon’s DEI bureaucracy and the Department of Defense’s woke climate programs.
• Prohibits taxpayer dollars from funding the terrorist-sympathizing United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
• Maintains the Hyde Amendment, which bans the use of any federal funds for abortion.
• Implements a $10.2 billion cut to the IRS.

It’s well past time we close out government funding work for the current fiscal year, especially considering we’re already five months in. These bills include significant, consequential wins that House Republicans fought tooth and nail for during negotiations with the Biden Administration and Democrat-controlled Senate. So, for those with a standard of perfection – I welcome you to the complexity of reality. Republicans only control one chamber of one branch of government, and we were still able to achieve significant conservative policy wins. 
MAINTAINING A STRONG NATIONAL DEFENSE
The FY24 Department of Defense Appropriations Act includes victories for national security, military families, and military readiness. This legislation:

• Funds the largest increase in basic military pay in more than 20 years.
• Invests in next-generation fighter aircraft, helicopters, tactical combat vehicles, and submarines.
• Cuts $50.5 million for diversity and inclusion programs in President Biden’s budget request.
• Prohibits President Biden from closing the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility or transferring detainees to the U.S.

We are living in an increasingly dangerous world. China is modernizing, Russia is waging war, Hamas is trying to wipe Israel off the map, and countries like Iran and North Korea are continuing their pursuit of long-range ballistic missiles. I was proud to support this bill to ensure our servicemembers are fully equipped to keep our nation safe and deter our adversaries. This bill sends a clear message that the U.S. military is ready for combat.  
SUPPORTING AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESSES
The FY24 Financial Services and General Government Act prioritizes programs critical to enforcing laws, maintaining an effective judiciary system, and helping small businesses, while targeting programs and agencies with a proven track record of mismanagement and misconduct. This legislation:

• Pulls back $10.2 billion from the Biden Administration, and partially defunds President Biden’s army of IRS agents set on targeting Americans and their families.
• Claws back more than $2 billion in unused COVID-19 funding.
• Prohibits the Administration from reducing consumer choice and banning gas stoves.

Congress has an obligation to provide proper oversight of the management of taxpayer dollars, and this legislation reins in wasteful spending and holds federal agencies accountable. 
SECURING THE BORDER
The FY24 Homeland Security Appropriations Act provides funding to secure our border, remove dangerous criminals, and bolster our national security. This legislation:

• Increases funding for new border security technology and invests in cutting-edge technology.
• Provides funding for 22,000 new Border Patrol Agents and provides $125 million for Border Patrol overtime pay.
• Funds a detention bed level of 41,500, more than 16,000 above President Biden’s budget request.
• Maintains the prohibition on the hiring of illegal immigrants.

The Biden Administration’s crisis at the southern border is an abject failure. I was proud to support this legislation that invests in resources to secure the border and prevent the flow of illicit drugs and dangerous criminals into our communities. 
IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION
The FY24 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Act provides support to improve education and healthcare services, as well as protect health, labor, and safety standards. This legislation:

• Delivers targeted resources to rural communities, including vital telehealth and opioid response resources.
• Supports biomedical research investigating cures for cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic and rare diseases.
• Maintains the Hyde Amendment, which ensures no federal funding can be used for abortion.
• Provides protections so that no individuals, like nurses and doctors, can be forced to perform or participate in abortion services.

In addition to making proper investments in our rural communities and prioritizing medical research, this bill promotes American values and protects life. 
MAKING CONGRESS MORE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT
As the Chairman of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, I was proud to negotiate the FY24 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. This legislation:

• Maintains critical funding for the House of Representatives so it can hold the Biden Administration accountable and conduct vigorous oversight of the Executive Branch.
• Ensures adequate resources for Members to effectively serve their constituents.
• Requires unspent amounts from Members’ Representational Allowances (MRA) to be used for debt and deficit reduction. I believe in leading by example, which is why I have returned more than $2 million in MRA funds to the U.S. Treasury.

We must ensure Congress remains open and working for the American people. As we continue to hear more about the alleged abuses of power committed by President Biden and his family, it’s more important than ever that the House of Representatives can conduct oversight of the Administration. 
COUNTERING CHINESE AGGRESSION
The FY24 State, Foreign Operation, and Related Programs Act provides support for American foreign policy programs around the world. This legislation:

• Cuts overall spending by 6%, slashing wasteful funding the Biden Administration can use on controversial programs that have nothing to do with U.S. national security.
• Priorities funding to counter Chinese aggression.
• Prohibits any taxpayer funding from going to the Hamas apologists at UNRWA.
• Implements conditions on any assistance to Gaza and prevents diversion to Hamas or terrorist entities and requires third-party monitoring.

At a time when China is becoming more aggressive and Hamas is propagating dangerous lies, we must continue to support our national security interests and allies across the globe. 
HONORING OUR NATION'S HEROES
The FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act prioritizes our nation’s heroes and honors their sacrifice. This legislation:

• Fully funds veterans’ health care programs.
• Fully funds veterans’ benefits and VA programs.
• Protects veteran’s Second Amendment rights.
• Improves and maintains housing for servicemembers and their families.
• Secures an additional $2 billion above the President’s request for defense spending.

This bill provides support for critical housing, infrastructure, and facilities for U.S. servicemembers and their families, as well as increased funding for veterans’ health care and benefits. As an Army veteran, and father of a Navy veteran, I am proud to ensure that our veterans get the medical treatment and benefits they deserve. 
JUST GETTING STARTED
I am proud of the wins we were able to secure during the FY24 appropriations process. House Republicans are just getting started when it comes to delivering on our promise to change the trajectory of federal spending and reign in budgetary waste, all without shortchanging investments in national security and our servicemembers. By strategically increasing defense spending, rescinding wasteful Democrat wish list spending, and making targeted cuts to bloated non-defense programs, we took the first step towards achieving what we set out to do.

I know that there is plenty of media and online chatter regarding this funding measure, and I know that there is no shortage of diversity of views when it comes to the issues addressed in the measure. This is neither shocking nor new. I also know that we are living through clearly turbulent times, and sometimes it’s necessary to put country before personal political stature. You can’t just decide to sit out when you don’t like the cards you’ve been dealt – in this case a Democratic-controlled White House and Senate. There is still a deficit to be dealt with, global allies and interests to protect, a border to secure, troops to be paid, and national security to strengthen. Without Republicans at the negotiating table, the Biden Administration would have attempted to increase federal spending by billions of dollars, doubled tax rates, and exploded the deficit. There are some things that are just plainly more important than scoring political brownie points.

President Biden has officially run out of excuses. Now that Congress has approved a record amount of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the impetus falls squarely on the Biden Administration to effectively utilize these unprecedented resources to secure the border and bring an end to the humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border. 
LOOKING AHEAD
Fiscal Year 2025 is just kicking off and I look forward to continuing put an end to federal waste and fund the programs and agencies Americans rely on. 
THE BOTTOM LINE
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 phone: (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.

Sincerely,

Dear Friend,
 
When dealing with some of the greatest challenges of our time – unprecedented conditions at our southern border, war raging abroad, egregious executive overreach – legislative limbo is the last place we want to find ourselves. Unfortunately, mutual exclusivity, collective amnesia, and political posturing seem to plague Washington, hindering our ability to break free from the cycle of inaction and move forward in addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation. 
 
WHY NOT BOTH?

Last week, the Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid package. Following months of negotiations on a legislative solution that would have provided aid to our allies abroad, while also fortifying our border, all border security provisions were abandoned in favor of a standalone foreign aid bill. This is where we run into the fallacy of mutual exclusivity. Why can’t we secure our border and provide aid to our allies abroad? Why can’t these objectives be pursued simultaneously?
 
I believe foreign aid is an investment in America’s security and standing on the world stage, and I also believe that the crisis at our southern border has reached a fever pitch, and we must take back control. In today’s world, these things are often viewed as conflicting priorities, but that’s just not true. In fact, these two objectives each serve distinct but complementary purposes in advancing national interests and global stability. Simply put, they can – and should – go hand in hand.
 
What is happening at our southern border is dangerous, inhumane, and untenable and deserves to be immediately addressed. Securing our border is crucial for safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting citizens. That means implementing a top-down approach, including border patrols, surveillance technologies, and physical barriers to deter illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other national security threats. Simultaneously, providing aid to our allies strengthens their defense capabilities and capacity to deter mutual adversaries.
 
Unfortunately, we cannot responsibly guarantee security abroad if we continue to fail to guarantee security at home. The foundation of this issue lies within our own borders, and it must be addressed. Securing the border and supporting our allies are complementary components of a comprehensive national security strategy. Falling short in either area ultimately leaves our nation less secure, both domestically and internationally.
 
HOW EASILY SOME FORGET

The Israeli people are still reeling from the horrors of October 7th of last year when Hamas terrorists brutally tortured and murdered more than 1,400 people in Israel and took more than 240 people hostage. Since that horrible day, it seems a collective amnesia has taken hold and a double standard is hard at work: Hamas terrorists spent years planning the attacks of October 7th, and Hamas terrorists continue to hold captives, including Americans, while indiscriminately shelling Israel with rocket fire. Yet, Israel is being shamed to exercise self-restraint.
 
This interpretation of the ongoing conflict is completely backwards. Members of Hamas call its October 7th crime against humanity “just the first time,” and claim there will be a second, third, and fourth. By their own admission, Hamas will not stop until Israel is annihilated. A ceasefire now would equal Israel ceasing to exist.
 
We cannot leave one of our greatest allies hanging in the wind, which is why I have repeatedly voted in favor of military assistance for Israel. Last week, the House voted on the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriation Act (H.R. 7217), which I proudly cosponsored. This legislation appropriates $17.6 billion to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities and ensure U.S. military readiness in the Middle East. This package provides:

• $4 billion for Iron Dome and David Sling defense systems.
• $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system to counter short-range rockets and mortar threats.
• $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services.
• $1 billion to enhance production and development of artillery and critical munitions.
• $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Israel.
• $3.3 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to the October 7th attack.

 
Earlier this month, I was proud to vote in favor of H.R. 7217. Unfortunately, a majority of my Democrat colleagues rejected this legislation, and the House was unable to pass aid for our troops and allies in Israel. Last November, when the House passed a separate security supplemental that included financial offsets, Democrats asserted they wanted a clean bill. Well, that’s exactly what H.R. 7217 is. Although I’m disappointed, this setback only strengthens my resolve. My support for Israel and its right to defend itself remains steadfast, and I am hopeful the House will consider this critical legislation again soon. 
 
POSTURING FOR PUTIN
 
We are lucky to live in a nation with abundant natural resources that can meet not just our energy needs but increase the energy security of our allies around the world. Unfortunately, President Biden has taken every opportunity to undermine domestic energy producers and appease foreign adversaries. Make no mistake, the Biden Administration’s energy policies put politics over people.
 
President Biden’s recent decision to kowtow to his radical base and implement a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export ban comes at the expense of American energy and national security. This will only succeed to stifle domestic energy production, embolden bad actors like Russia, China, and Iran and jeopardize U.S. national security. In effect, he chose to please climate activists at the expense of national security and the energy industry.
 
Around the globe, American LNG supports the energy security of our friends and allies. If they’re importing American energy, they don’t have to worry about some rogue dictator – we’re looking at you, Putin – cutting off the gas with a moment’s notice. In December 2023, 87% of American LNG exports went to the European Union, United Kingdom, or Asian markets. Our allies are desperately seeking to eliminate their dependence on Russian natural gas, and President Biden just handed Vladimir Putin a victory on a silver platter. In addition to countering the weaponization of energy across the globe, increasing American LNG exports could add as much as $73 billion to the U.S economy and upwards of 453,000 American jobs in the next two decades. This decision by President Biden isn’t a climate victory, it isn’t an economic victory, and it certainly isn’t a victory for our security.
 
Last week, I was proud to vote in favor of the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024 (H.R. 7176), which would immediately reverse President Biden’s ill-informed ban on American LNG exports. If the Biden Administration is serious about its climate-first agenda and not just climate wokeism, it would embrace the production and export of clean, affordable, and reliable American LNG, which has helped the U.S. reduce emissions more than any other nation. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to immediately act on this legislation so we can put people over politics and ensure American energy leadership and security. 
 
LOOKING AHEAD
 
It’s a hectic time here on Capitol Hill. Despite the typical overly politicized issues taking up most of the air in the room, my office has continued to multi-task and is always working to advance priorities for Nevada. I look forward to providing a full rundown of all that work in my next newsletter. 
 
THE BOTTOM LINE

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 phone: (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.
 
Sincerely,

 Mark E. Amodei
Member of Congress