We know it’s been some time since our last update, and that’s not by accident. The political landscape in Washington has been shifting whichever way the wind blows. Rather than flood your inbox with outdated information, we’ve waited until we could give you the clearest, most accurate snapshot of where things stand right now. These are the latest developments on the issues that matter most to you, but remember, the next shift could be just around the corner.
ISRAEL / IRAN
Tensions between Iran have continued to intensify with each step Iran takes toward acquiring a nuclear weapon, and based on recent reports, they were dangerously close. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any U.S. involvement, we all unite to echo our appreciation to Israel for taking decisive action to disrupt Iran’s nuclear ambitions, an effort that prevents devasting consequences not only for the Middle East, but across the globe.
Although the Trump Administration pursued negotiations in good faith, it’s now clear that Iran was never truly interested in a reasonable agreement. As a nation, we have a duty to stand with our greatest ally, Israel, and defend its right to protect itself from hostile regimes that threaten the safety of all free nations. My thoughts are with the people of Israel, civilians throughout both regions, and the brave U.S. troops serving on the ground.
TARIFFS
Good faith negotiations have been ongoing and are proving to be successful.
Just days after the tariffs were enacted, more than 50 countries came to the table to engage in fair trade discussions. The Trump Administration made it clear that the United States will no longer tolerate the status quo of unfair trade practices.
Most notably, we reached a strong agreement with China. The deal sets U.S. tariffs at 55%, keeps China’s at 10%, and eliminates Chinese export restrictions on rare earth minerals.
It’s also worth noting that, despite initial panic on Liberation Day, the markets have largely rebounded. Many of the same voices that claimed they had lost everything have now regained much, if not all of it. One last point on this: since the tariffs were put in place, inflation has come in below economists’ expectations month after month.
Given the sensitivity of the situation, this process should not be rushed to meet an arbitrary deadline. So, we expect the current July 8 deadline to be extended.
ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT
Over the past few weeks, Washington has been moving at full speed to fulfill our commitment to the reconciliation process. We’re now approaching the final stages that will bring meaningful relief to hard working Americans.
Despite efforts to invoke fear and confusion, this budget reconciliation bill is delivering on the promises Americans voted for. It puts taxpayer dollars to work for American taxpayers, makes historic investments in our national defense and security, unleashes American energy dominance, and targets waste and abuse head on.
Republicans remain committed to protecting the mandatory programs that millions of Americans rely on. Through this process, we’re working to strengthen these programs, ensuring they operate more effectively and continue serving the people they were designed to support.
While we expect some changes to the bill following the Senate’s review, we’re confident that the final legislation will reflect what 77 million Americans voted for last November.
Updates on Federal Lands Amendment
Members across the Republican Party had drawn red lines and demanded negotiations to secure their support for the reconciliation bill. This was not surprising, given the bill spanned over 1000 pages and our party has historically struggled to pass any major legislation with full unity.
Unfortunately, a few members, who neither represent Nevada nor fully grasp the challenges we face as a state with over 80% of our land federally owned, had drawn a red line over my amendment. They had threatened to oppose the entire bill based on a Nevada-specific provision, revealing their short-sighted, anti-growth stance.
Thankfully, we have an ally in Senator Mike Lee of Utah, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. He recently released draft legislation that, if adopted by the Senate, could be included in the final reconciliation package. The proposal empowers city council members and local leaders to identify federally managed lands within their jurisdictions that are suitable for disposal and potential development.
I’ll continue to keep you updated as this process unfolds. It’s important to remember that reconciliation is just one path forward. If this priority isn’t included in the final package, we’ll continue pursuing alternative solutions to advance meaningful legislation, striking a smart balance between conservation and growth to keep Nevada prepared for the future.
Read my statement here.
Ways and Means
After a 17-hour markup, the House Ways and Means Committee passed their directives for the reconciliation process. The most important priority that members of the committee were able to include was the extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will save American taxpayers from a $1,700 tax increase. Instead, because of this extension, small businesses, working families, American manufacturers, and farmers throughout our nation will feel relief and support through new investments and job creation.
The legislation also delivers:
- An additional $1,300 tax cut for the average American family.
- No tax on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors.
- Child Tax Credit for more than 40 million families and provides additional tax relief for American families.
- Makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to 23% - creating over 1 million new Main Street small business jobs annually and generating $750 billion in economic growth for American small businesses.
We need sustainable policies that stand the test of time, and I will continue to support initiatives that have delivered positive results for Nevada. I am personally cheering it on to be included in the Senate version of the reconciliation bill.
For more information and fact sheets, visit the Ways and Means website here.
Energy and Commerce
Recently, some have taken it upon themselves to spread lies and promote fear that Republicans would be cutting Medicaid. These claims are completely false. The truth is, annual Medicaid spending has ballooned at twice the rate of inflation in just a few years, between 2018 to 2023.
A report from the Congressional Budget Office to the Energy and Commerce Committee found:
- 1.4 million illegal immigrants are receiving Medicaid.
- 4.8 million able-bodied adults who refuse to work are receiving Medicaid.
- 1.2 million ineligible recipients are receiving Medicaid.
In order to make these critical programs and services sustainable for future generations, we must address the abuse the system has allowed to persist for far too long. By taking responsible steps to strengthen eligibility requirements and close existing loopholes, we can preserve the longevity and quality of Medicaid for those it was intended to serve: pregnant women, children, disabled individuals, low-income seniors, the most vulnerable Americans, and low-income families.
Over the past few months, we have kept in constant contact with some of the largest healthcare providers in both northern and southern Nevada regarding potential Medicaid proposals from the E&C Committee. In mid-March, I hosted a roundtable with all the major hospitals in the state, which included health staff from the E&C Committee as well as representatives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to discuss the current proposals and the potential impacts on the state of Nevada.
Since then, we have followed up multiple times to ensure they have the most up-to-date information and ample opportunity to share feedback and suggestions. We will continue to keep that line of communication open should they wish to further the discussion.
For more information and fact sheets, visit the Energy and Commerce Committee website here.
SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING
Last week, I decided to stand with the Corporation of Public Broadcasting and vote against stripping their funding. Listen, I definitely do not think some stations across Nevada are part of the Amodei Fan Club, but I see them as a part of the media infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
Without a plan to continue service or ensure access to news and lifesaving emergency updates for folks back home, I could not in good conscience vote to rescind already appropriated funds.
Read my statement here
APPROPRIATIONS
My, what a difference 12 months can make. The change in leadership has prompted a swift realignment with the Department of Homeland Security’s core mission: keeping Americans safe. We are no longer being forced to fund an agency that neglected its duties and drifted from its purpose. Instead, the Department is reclaiming its role as an enforcer of the law and a defender of our national security.
Today, U.S. Customs and Border Protection holds firm authority at our southern border, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is rigorously pursuing its mission throughout the interior of our country. Across the Department, outdated equipment is being modernized, the U.S. Coast Guard is once again a priority, the Secret Service is refining its mission, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is sharpening its focus in the ongoing battle against enemies who seek to do us harm in the cyber arena.
Last week, the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Bill cleared through subcommittee, with full committee consideration expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Appropriations Committee has already advanced 2 of the 12 annual funding bills, putting us on a strong path forward. You can never say mission accomplished in this business, but the mission is off to a strong start.
Homeland Security Subcommittee Hearings
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve held numerous oversight hearings featuring testimony from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Acting Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Bridget Bean, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, United States Coast Guard Acting Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Patrol Pete Flores, and Transportation Security Administration Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill.
Our authorizing colleagues are working on reconciliation bills that will provide significant investments in the President’s immigration and border security agenda, including funding to the Coast Guard to secure our maritime border.
I want to sincerely thank the selfless agents and officers who are working tirelessly to remove dangerous criminals, individuals on the terrorist watch list, and illicit drugs that should never have made it into our country in the first place. Their efforts, guided by the commonsense directives from the Trump Administration, are helping make American communities safer.
I emphasized the importance of keeping an open and honest line of communication between DHS and Congress. It is our job as members of the Appropriations Committee to make sure the Department is appropriately spending the money Congress provides, as well as to ensure the Department has the resources it needs to execute its mission on an annual basis.
Oversight Hearing with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Oversight Hearing with Acting Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Bridget Bean
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.
Sincerely,
Mark E. Amodei
Member of Congress