Dear Friend,
Happy Holidays, Northern Nevada! I wish you and your families a safe and peaceful Christmas and Hanukkah season and a prosperous New Year. It is an incredible honor to continue serving you in Nevada’s Second Congressional District.
While this year has presented its challenges, we have achieved so much together, and I am filled with optimism for all that lies ahead in the coming year. As always, my office is here to serve you. Whether you have thoughts to share, concerns to voice, questions to ask, or need assistance with federal agencies, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Below is a snapshot of our accomplishments in 2024:
RETURNING TO HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
I am excited to announce that I will serve on the House Committee on Natural Resources, in addition to continuing my regular duties as the Homeland Security Appropriations Chair in the 119th Congress.
Although it’s rare for a subcommittee chair like me to hold multiple committee assignments, I was granted a waiver to join the Natural Resources Committee. Nevada is the heart of the West and is therefore deeply impacted by the actions of the Department of the Interior.
I’m grateful to have a seat at this table which will allow me to advocate more effectively for our state. My priority on this committee is clear: I will be a steadfast and relentless voice for the needs and concerns of Nevada, fighting against federal land lockups and pushing for comprehensive Lands Bills to unlock new opportunities and spur growth across our state.
Read my full press release here.
WRAPPING UP THE 118th CONGRESS
American Relief Act, 2025
In November, the people’s voice rang resoundingly clear: the time for change is now. With Republicans holding a trifecta majority in the 119th Congress, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to turn a new leaf and develop long-term solutions to curb wasteful Washington spending.
I am not naïve to the frustrations of continuing resolutions, but a government shutdown, which would only exacerbate any unforeseen challenges for the incoming administration, is not the right approach to achieving positive change. Moreover, victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton are in desperate need of federal funding to launch a meaningful relief effort, and this bill delivers that support. We have never let Americans suffer at the hands of disasters, and we have no intention of leaving them in the dust now.
I voted in favor of this bill because it extends relief to disaster victims, strengthens our farming industry, and sets up the next administration for success.
Read my press release here.
Lands Bills
As you know, one of my highest priorities of the 118th Congress has been passing Northern Nevada’s lands bills for our district. I have long believed that the best approach to lands legislation is to empower the local communities to identify the lands that they need and decide for themselves how to manage these lands.
Last year, I reintroduced H.R. 3173, the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, which was marked up by the House Natural Resources Committee in November. At the time, negotiations were underway for a larger, nation-wide natural resources package, that would be considered by the end of the year.
Unfortunately, negotiations on this package fell apart after Senate Democrats sent and unrealistic docket of bills they wanted to be included, for a much more modest request by House Republicans. As such, no new natural resources bills will be moving for the remainder of the 118th Congress.
It is my intention to reintroduce the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act at the beginning of the 119th Congress, and receive a hearing and a markup of the bill shortly thereafter. I will also push for the bill to be considered on the House floor, so that the Senate will have ample time to review the bill in its entirety.
NDAA
The House and Senate passed the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act allocating $883.7 billion to strengthen our national security, bolster our defense capabilities, and improve quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. Below is a breakdown of the bill:
Topline
• $849.9 billion for DOD programs
• $33.3 billion for national security programs at DOE and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
• $512.4 million for other defense-related activities
Nevada Specific Wins
• $25 million for the Nevada National Security Site’s PULSE project, $18 million for military construction at the Hawthorne Army Depot, and measures to evaluate quality-of-life improvements at Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases
• Includes funding to modernize military allowances, including raising the Basic Needs Allowance threshold to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and improving the Basic Allowance for Subsistence
Prioritizing our Servicemembers
• Delivers a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5% pay raise for all other service members
• Boosts funding for housing; expands access to medical providers; supports programs that provide employment support to military spouses; and improves access to childcare
Enhancing our Dominance at Home and Abroad
• Bolsters U.S. support for Israel as it defends itself against Iran and its terrorist proxies
• Raises funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific; supports the continued modernization of our nuclear deterrent; revitalizes our defense industrial base; and expedites the fielding of innovative technologies
• Restores the focus of our military on lethality by prohibiting funding for Critical Race Theory and the politically biased Countering Extremism Working Group
UPDATE ON THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
I, along with FSGG Chairman Dave Joyce requested GAO to review the United States Postal Service’s Mail Processing Facility Reviews (MPFR). GAO’s report will review the proposed consolidations and changes to mail processing facilities. This report was requested due to the roll out of USPS’s Delivering for America plan which included a total network overhaul and consolidations of numerous USPS facilities. For all MPFR’s, USPS is required to give public notice of the proposed changes and provide information on how the changes will affect the costs, employees, and mail service performance.
GAO’s report examines USPS’s process for reviewing proposed consolidations to mail processing facilities and how they align with GAO’s best practices and savings analysis.
GAO reviewed USPS’s MPFR policies and guidance as well as additional USPS documents such as press releases and USPS’s10-year strategic plan. GAO assessed USPS’s MPFR cost and savings analysis against GAO’s best practices for cost estimates. GAO interviewed USPS officials and relevant employee union leadership.
This report is scheduled for public release in late January of 2025. I will keep you informed of any updates as they become available.
THANKING OUR SERVICEMEMBERS ABROAD DURING THE HOLIDAYS
I am always thankful to our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms, but during the holiday season especially. These brave men and women are away from their loved ones right now so we can enjoy time with ours.
Watch the video here.
LOOKING AHEAD
The first 100 days will be a sprint to the finish line. A key priority will be the funding of President Trump’s Homeland Security initiatives, so you can expect more appropriations updates on this starting on day one. I am also eager to join the Committee on Natural Resources in the 119th Congress to push forward legislative victories, such as lands bills, that directly benefit Nevada. As we move into 2025, Republicans will hold a strong majority, presenting us with a clearer path to deliver relief and prosperity for Americans.
IN THE MEDIA
The Nevada Globe: Congressman Amodei Assigned to Serve on Natural Resources Committee
E&ENews by POLITICO: What’s in, what’s out of the year-end funding deal
The Nevada Independent: D.C. Download: Mark Amodei sees infrastructural challenges for mass deportation
The Hill: Lawmakers edge closer to deal on government funding
The Nevada Current: Mark Amodei, Nevada’s only Republican in Congress, has some choices to make
KEEP 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.
Happy Holidays, Northern Nevada! I wish you and your families a safe and peaceful Christmas and Hanukkah season and a prosperous New Year. It is an incredible honor to continue serving you in Nevada’s Second Congressional District.
While this year has presented its challenges, we have achieved so much together, and I am filled with optimism for all that lies ahead in the coming year. As always, my office is here to serve you. Whether you have thoughts to share, concerns to voice, questions to ask, or need assistance with federal agencies, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Below is a snapshot of our accomplishments in 2024:
RETURNING TO HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
I am excited to announce that I will serve on the House Committee on Natural Resources, in addition to continuing my regular duties as the Homeland Security Appropriations Chair in the 119th Congress.
Although it’s rare for a subcommittee chair like me to hold multiple committee assignments, I was granted a waiver to join the Natural Resources Committee. Nevada is the heart of the West and is therefore deeply impacted by the actions of the Department of the Interior.
I’m grateful to have a seat at this table which will allow me to advocate more effectively for our state. My priority on this committee is clear: I will be a steadfast and relentless voice for the needs and concerns of Nevada, fighting against federal land lockups and pushing for comprehensive Lands Bills to unlock new opportunities and spur growth across our state.
Read my full press release here.
WRAPPING UP THE 118th CONGRESS
American Relief Act, 2025
In November, the people’s voice rang resoundingly clear: the time for change is now. With Republicans holding a trifecta majority in the 119th Congress, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to turn a new leaf and develop long-term solutions to curb wasteful Washington spending.
I am not naïve to the frustrations of continuing resolutions, but a government shutdown, which would only exacerbate any unforeseen challenges for the incoming administration, is not the right approach to achieving positive change. Moreover, victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton are in desperate need of federal funding to launch a meaningful relief effort, and this bill delivers that support. We have never let Americans suffer at the hands of disasters, and we have no intention of leaving them in the dust now.
I voted in favor of this bill because it extends relief to disaster victims, strengthens our farming industry, and sets up the next administration for success.
Read my press release here.
Lands Bills
As you know, one of my highest priorities of the 118th Congress has been passing Northern Nevada’s lands bills for our district. I have long believed that the best approach to lands legislation is to empower the local communities to identify the lands that they need and decide for themselves how to manage these lands.
Last year, I reintroduced H.R. 3173, the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, which was marked up by the House Natural Resources Committee in November. At the time, negotiations were underway for a larger, nation-wide natural resources package, that would be considered by the end of the year.
Unfortunately, negotiations on this package fell apart after Senate Democrats sent and unrealistic docket of bills they wanted to be included, for a much more modest request by House Republicans. As such, no new natural resources bills will be moving for the remainder of the 118th Congress.
It is my intention to reintroduce the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act at the beginning of the 119th Congress, and receive a hearing and a markup of the bill shortly thereafter. I will also push for the bill to be considered on the House floor, so that the Senate will have ample time to review the bill in its entirety.
NDAA
The House and Senate passed the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act allocating $883.7 billion to strengthen our national security, bolster our defense capabilities, and improve quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. Below is a breakdown of the bill:
Topline
• $849.9 billion for DOD programs
• $33.3 billion for national security programs at DOE and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
• $512.4 million for other defense-related activities
Nevada Specific Wins
• $25 million for the Nevada National Security Site’s PULSE project, $18 million for military construction at the Hawthorne Army Depot, and measures to evaluate quality-of-life improvements at Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases
• Includes funding to modernize military allowances, including raising the Basic Needs Allowance threshold to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and improving the Basic Allowance for Subsistence
Prioritizing our Servicemembers
• Delivers a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5% pay raise for all other service members
• Boosts funding for housing; expands access to medical providers; supports programs that provide employment support to military spouses; and improves access to childcare
Enhancing our Dominance at Home and Abroad
• Bolsters U.S. support for Israel as it defends itself against Iran and its terrorist proxies
• Raises funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific; supports the continued modernization of our nuclear deterrent; revitalizes our defense industrial base; and expedites the fielding of innovative technologies
• Restores the focus of our military on lethality by prohibiting funding for Critical Race Theory and the politically biased Countering Extremism Working Group
UPDATE ON THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
I, along with FSGG Chairman Dave Joyce requested GAO to review the United States Postal Service’s Mail Processing Facility Reviews (MPFR). GAO’s report will review the proposed consolidations and changes to mail processing facilities. This report was requested due to the roll out of USPS’s Delivering for America plan which included a total network overhaul and consolidations of numerous USPS facilities. For all MPFR’s, USPS is required to give public notice of the proposed changes and provide information on how the changes will affect the costs, employees, and mail service performance.
GAO’s report examines USPS’s process for reviewing proposed consolidations to mail processing facilities and how they align with GAO’s best practices and savings analysis.
GAO reviewed USPS’s MPFR policies and guidance as well as additional USPS documents such as press releases and USPS’s10-year strategic plan. GAO assessed USPS’s MPFR cost and savings analysis against GAO’s best practices for cost estimates. GAO interviewed USPS officials and relevant employee union leadership.
This report is scheduled for public release in late January of 2025. I will keep you informed of any updates as they become available.
THANKING OUR SERVICEMEMBERS ABROAD DURING THE HOLIDAYS
I am always thankful to our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms, but during the holiday season especially. These brave men and women are away from their loved ones right now so we can enjoy time with ours.
Watch the video here.
LOOKING AHEAD
The first 100 days will be a sprint to the finish line. A key priority will be the funding of President Trump’s Homeland Security initiatives, so you can expect more appropriations updates on this starting on day one. I am also eager to join the Committee on Natural Resources in the 119th Congress to push forward legislative victories, such as lands bills, that directly benefit Nevada. As we move into 2025, Republicans will hold a strong majority, presenting us with a clearer path to deliver relief and prosperity for Americans.
IN THE MEDIA
The Nevada Globe: Congressman Amodei Assigned to Serve on Natural Resources Committee
E&ENews by POLITICO: What’s in, what’s out of the year-end funding deal
The Nevada Independent: D.C. Download: Mark Amodei sees infrastructural challenges for mass deportation
The Hill: Lawmakers edge closer to deal on government funding
The Nevada Current: Mark Amodei, Nevada’s only Republican in Congress, has some choices to make
KEEP 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.
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