{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"NV\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E8FCA0E-4438-4DAD-9AF7-571BBEBD7C9C", "A Year of Progress: Record-Breaking Number of Circuit Court Judges Confirmed in 2017 with Hellers Support", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  In 2017, with help and support from U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), the U.S. Senate delivered on President Trumps promise to the American public by confirming a number of conservative judges to the federal bench. Among the total 19 conservative judges confirmed this year is Justice Neil Gorsuch, who filled the vacant U.S. Supreme Court seat of Justice Antonin Scalia following his death. Additionally, the U.S. Senate confirmed more circuit court judge nominees under President Trump than any other President in modern history has had confirmed during their first year in office. Under the leadership of President Trump and the Senate Judiciary Committee, this year the Senate confirmed a remarkable number of well-qualified conservative judges to the federal bench, said Heller. As a strong believer in the U.S. Constitution, I know that it matters who serves on these courts. The Constitution should drive all the decisions we make in this body, and the Constitution should be the focus of the judges on our federal courts. Im incredibly proud that in addition to putting Justice Neil Gorsuch on the Supreme Court, the Senate also broke a record for the number of circuit court judge nominees confirmed during the first year of President Trumps Administration. This is exactly what the American people sent us to do  to deliver results  and thats why I look forward to working with my colleagues in the New Year to maintain this pace and fill the numerous judicial vacancies. In October, Heller pushed his colleagues to work full-time, 24/7 for the remainder of the year to combat Democrat obstruction and get results for the American people. At the time, the Senate had confirmed only seven judges. Since Hellers call to speed up the number of confirmations, the Senate has confirmed an additional 12 judges.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=45CA3448-AC0D-42D6-A7FC-828F5DCBC6E5", "A Year of Progress: President Signs into Law 15 Heller Bills", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONIn 2017, President Trump signed into law a total of 15 bills that U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) authored or helped introduce and move over the finish line. Of the more than 400 bills that the U.S. Senate passed, the President has currently signed into law 97of them. From legislation that holds the VA accountable to a bill that encourages women entrepreneurship, Im proud that the president signed more than a dozen bills that I helped introduce and pass,said Heller.As a senior member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I have worked to move legislation that improves care and strengthens education benefits for Nevadas veteran population. In 2017, we certainly made progress, but we have a lot of work to do next year and I look forward to continue fighting for solutions that will help Nevadans get ahead. The majority of Hellers bills that are now law are focused on helping the more than 300,000 veterans who live in Nevada. That includes legislation to expand veterans GI Bill education benefits and ensure veterans continued access to life-saving surgeries. The President signed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, legislation that Heller authored to give veterans more options when appealing their disability claims, in Reno, NV. Heller is the author or original cosponsor of the following bills that were signed into law in 2017:\r\n \r\nS. 1362, Guard and Reservists Education Improvement Act(authored by Heller): Restructures the G.I. bill eligibility tiers for certain Guardsmen and Reservists. Public Law 115-48 with H.R.3218 as the legislative vehicle.\r\nS.1024, Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017(Heller original cosponsor of the Senate substitute amendment to H.R.2288 that ended up becoming law): Reformed the VA appeals process for disability claims.Public Law 115-126, with H.R.2288 as the legislative vehicle for the final legislation.\r\n \r\n \r\nS.1094, Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (Heller original cosponsor): Provides the VA expedited firing authority for bad VA employees.Public Law 115-41.\r\nS.1598, Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Heller original cosponsor): Provides comprehensive reform of the Post9/11G.I. educational assistance program and includes three of Hellers provisions. Public Law 115-48 with H.R.3218 as the legislative vehicle.\r\nS. 42, INSPIRE Women Act(Authored by Heller): Directs NASA to encourage women to study STEM and pursue aerospace careers. Public Law 115-7 with H.R.321 as the legislative vehicle.\r\nS.114, VA Choice and Quality Employment Act(Heller bill used as vehicle):Provides $2.1 billion in funding to continue the Veterans Choice Program. Public Law 115-46.\r\nS.83, Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship(Heller a co-author):Authorizes the National Science Foundation to encourage its entrepreneurial programs to recruit and support women to extend their focus beyond the laboratory and into the commercial world. Became Public Law 115-6 through H.R.255.\r\nS. 1489, Veterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act Guard and Reservists Education Improvement Act (Heller original cosponsor): Ensures veterans who suffer a permanent school closure are able to have their G.I. bill benefits reinstated. Included in Public Law 115-48, with H.R.3218 as the legislative vehicle for the final legislation.\r\nS. 1277, VET TEC Act (Heller original cosponsor):Establishes pilot program to allow veterans to enroll in non-traditional courses related to technology careers like coding. Included in Public Law 115-48 with H.R.3218 as the legislative vehicle for the final legislation.\r\nS.327, Fair Access to Investment Research Act (authored by Heller):Would give investors access to more research and information on Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).Public Law 115-66.\r\nS. 3152, Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act (co-authored by Heller): Promotes employee ownership through stock options in privately held businesses. Public Law 115-97 with H.R.1 as the legislative vehicle.\r\nS 784, The Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017 (Heller original cosponsor): Increases veterans disability benefits based on rising costs of living. Public Law 115-75 with H.R.1329 as the legislative vehicle.\r\nS. 583, The American Law Enforcement Heroes Act of 2017 (Heller original cosponsor): Amends federal law to allow Community Oriented Policing Services grantees to use grant funds to hire veterans as law enforcement officers. Public Law 115-37.\r\nS.782, PROTECT Our Children Act of 2017 (Heller original cosponsor): Reauthorizes the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program, a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing 4,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies that combat online child exploitation across the country. Public Law 115-82.\r\nS.2183, CHIP Stability Act (authored by Heller): Provided states with certainty for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for December 2017. Public Law 115-90 with H.J. Res. 123 as the legislative vehicle.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C809C506-5D7A-4646-8164-3BEABBC93C6C", "A Year of Progress: Heller Helps Cut Washington Red Tape", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONIn 2017, U.S. SenatorDean Heller (R-NV) joined his colleagues and the Administration in repealing 15 Obama-era regulations, which has beendescribedas the most ambitious regulatory rollback since the Reagan Administration.Ive always said that we need less of Washington in Nevada, and thats why I've fought to cut bureaucratic red tape that inhibits our job creators and the success of our communities, said Heller.By reducing Obama-era bureaucratic red tape, we rejected the failed Washington-knows-best approach that has led to stagnant wages, slow economic growth, and too many Nevadans living paycheck to paycheck. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues and the Administration to achieve historic regulatory reform, and I'll continue to push for solutions that will empower Nevadans - not Washington bureaucrats. Under the previous Administration, the average annual growth for the past eight years was less than two percent. Heller has attributed this anemic rate of economic growth to job-crushing federal regulations, Washington red tape, and a broken tax code, which he has said led to stagnant wages, stifled job creation, and Nevadans bringing home $7,000 less than they were 10 years ago. Through the Congressional Review Act, however, Heller and his colleagues in the U.S. Senate have been able to reverse course. In addition to the economy growing by more than 3 percent since he assumed office, President Trumppointedto the success in the stock market and companies moving back to the United States as signs of economic recovery during remarks in December. We are now reducing the size, scope, and cost of federal regulations for the first time in decades, and we are already seeing the incredible results,said President Trump.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home?ContentRecord_id=56FA8C6B-C9F3-4931-821B-8DF8D325DD28", "At Interior Department with Secretary Zinke for Signing of Secretarial Order", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded President Trump for signing into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost j...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke as he signed a secretarial order directing the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history in order to ultimately r...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined President Trump, officials from the Administration, and members of the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives at the White House following todays congressional approval of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Ac...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined several of his colleagues who also serve on the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee in applauding the U.S. Senates passage of legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of the conference report on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost job c...", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home?ContentRecord_id=9BF2B0B8-8A24-4886-BC0D-A5A3052D5E83", "Heller Speaks at Press Conference Immediately Following Passage of Tax Relief Bill", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded President Trump for signing into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost j...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke as he signed a secretarial order directing the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history in order to ultimately r...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined President Trump, officials from the Administration, and members of the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives at the White House following todays congressional approval of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Ac...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined several of his colleagues who also serve on the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee in applauding the U.S. Senates passage of legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of the conference report on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost job c...", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home?ContentRecord_id=D064E514-2818-4746-A29A-31F779C9F3C7", "Heller Joins the President After Passing Tax Cuts for the Middle Class", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded President Trump for signing into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost j...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke as he signed a secretarial order directing the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history in order to ultimately r...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined President Trump, officials from the Administration, and members of the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives at the White House following todays congressional approval of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Ac...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined several of his colleagues who also serve on the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee in applauding the U.S. Senates passage of legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas...\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of the conference report on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost job c...", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BA866358-7F63-4C5E-B72E-57616EBBBA0C", "Heller on Presidents Move to Sign Tax Relief Bill Into Law: Today is a Good Day for Nevadans and Americans Everywhere", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded President Trump for signing into lawthe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost job creation, and spur economic growth in our communities.It also eliminates Obamacares individual mandate tax penalty, which will help the tens of thousands of Nevadans who would otherwise be forced to pay the fine.\r\nAccording to theindependentTax Foundation, this legislation is expected to give a typical Nevada family of four a tax cut of approximately $2,200. Additionally, the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed thatevery income category of Nevadas roughly 1.4 million individual tax return filers will receive a tax cut.\r\nI applaud the President for acting swiftly to sign into law tax relief legislation that will take effectJanuary 1, 2018because Nevadans cant wait any longer for tax cuts,said Heller. Americans are already feeling the positive impact of this bill given that immediately after its passage, several companies announced they plan to increase wages and give their employees bonuses.This bill will provide much-needed tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, and I encourage all Nevadans to compare your paychecks today to the ones you'll receive in February; theyre going to be bigger because our bill allows you to keep more of your hard-earned money. This is particularly important at a time when nearly 8 in 10 Americans who work full-time are living paycheck to paycheck, Nevadans real median household income is down $7,000 from 10 years ago, and at a time when the cost of housing and childcare expenses continue to skyrocket.\r\n\r\nThe legislation includes an amendment that Heller filed with Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) toincrease the child tax credit to $2,000,or double it from current law.It also includes Hellers measure to makeiteasier for startups andbusinessesto give employees an ownership stake in their companys successby awarding stock options. Additionally, Heller was able to protect the tax exemption for stadium bonds, which is critical to preserving the influx of business and growth associated with the construction of the Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, NV.\r\nHeller added,Nevadans have been waiting for a break, and this is it. For example, this bill includes my provision to double the child tax credit from current law, reduces rates on lower-income and middle-class families, and provides relief to tens of thousands of Nevadans by eliminating Obamacares individual mandate tax penalty.From bringing Secretary Mnuchin to Nevada to hear directly from my constituents to working closely with Ivanka Trump to increase the child tax credit, Ive made sure that Nevadans voices were heard by the Administration and my colleagues as we worked with the White House to put together and pass the first tax relief package in more than 30 years.Today is a good day for Nevadans and Americans everywhere.\r\nInthe belowvideo,Heller highlights how the tax relief legislation will benefit Nevadans. You may watch the video by clickingHEREor on the below image.\r\n\r\n[Click HERE or on the above image to view the video]\r\nTranscript:\r\nHi, Im Senator Dean Heller, and Im proud to report that with my help, Congress just sent a tax relief bill to the Presidents desk for the first time in more than 30 years.\r\nWhether its the single mother in Gardnerville who works full-time or the ambitious entrepreneur in Reno who started a business while going to school, Nevadans throughout the state will benefit from the passage of this historic legislation.\r\nThis bill will provide much-needed tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, jumpstart job creation, and drive growth in communities throughout our state.\r\nThis is particularly important at a time when nearly 8 in 10 Americans who work full-time are living paycheck to paycheck.\r\nAt a time when Nevadans real median household income is down $7,000 from 10 years ago.\r\nAnd at a time when the cost of housing and childcare expenses continue to skyrocket.\r\nThats why Im proud that this bill includes my provision to double the child tax credit from current law.\r\nIt also reduces rates on lower-income and middle-class families.\r\nAnd it eliminates Obamacares individual mandate tax penalty.\r\nThis will give tens of thousands of Nevadans the break that they deserve after Washington bureaucrats forced them to pay a fine for not buying a product that they likely couldnt afford.\r\nThe bottom line is this: our bill will allow you to keep more of your paycheck.\r\nIn fact, every income category of Nevadas roughly 1.4 million individual tax return filers will receive a tax cut.\r\nTo put that into perspective, this bill is expected to give a typical Nevada family of four a tax cut of about $2,200.\r\nAs the son of a school cook and an auto mechanic, I was told that if you work hard and play by the rules then anything is possible.\r\nBut the problem today is that too many people think that isnt the case anymore.\r\nThis bill changes that by empowering families and restoring their faith in the American dream, and Im proud to have worked with my colleagues on the tax-writing committee, the White House, and Administration officials to get it over the finish line.\r\nNevadans and Americans around this country will be better off because of it.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CEB7C2F0-9BE2-438E-ACC7-4E2508D3D536", "Heller-Backed Bill to Fight Nationwide Rape Kit Backlog Heads to Presidents Desk", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced that the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act, legislation that he introduced along with Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Michael Bennet (D-CO), is now heading to the Presidents desk for his expected signature following its approval by the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation reauthorizes, strengthens, and extends the SAFER program in an effort to reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog. In addition to reauthorizing this program, the legislation highlights the importance of and need for pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners in responding to children suffering from abuse.\r\nIm pleased this legislation to deliver victims of sexual assault swift justice is now headed to the Presidents desk for his signature, said Heller. This bill will help Nevada law enforcement reduce the backlog of untested rape kits and ensure critical evidence isnt left uncovered. Im proud to partner with Senator Cornyn on this legislation and see it receive wide, bipartisan support. As a strong supporter and author of proposals to crack down on these horrific crimes and empower victims, I look forward to seeing the President sign this legislation into law.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D8AE9896-F078-4C9F-B129-4E5027AC9B67", "In Case You Missed It: Following President Trumps Executive Order, Heller Joins Secretary Zinke As He Initiates National Survey of Critical Minerals", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FollowingPresident Trumps executive orderto break our nations dependence on foreign nations for critical minerals, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke as he signed asecretarialorderdirecting the first nationwide geological and topographical survey. For years, Heller has said that we need to reduce Americas reliance on foreign countries for minerals that are abundant in Nevada. He has pushed to cut the regulatory red tape that inhibits mineral exploration and mine development projects, and authoredlegislation, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act, that would do just that.\r\nBelow you will find coverage from theLas Vegas Review Journaland theElko Daily Free Pressof Secretary Zinkes action to initiate the first-ever national survey of critical minerals.\r\nHeller joins Zinke as he initiates minerals survey\r\nElko Daily Free Press\r\nDecember 21, 2017\r\nhttp://bit.ly/2ziDx7a\r\nU.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke as he signed a secretarial orderThursdaydirecting the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history in order to ultimately reduce Americas reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals.\r\n\r\nThe order follows a U.S. Geological Survey report that found the United States depends on China to source 20 out of 23 critical minerals from foreign nations.\r\n\r\nHeller has authored legislation  the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act  that would allow the United States to more efficiently develop hard rock minerals by streamlining the permitting process for mineral exploration and mine development projects and reducing regulatory red tape.\r\n\r\nI applaud Secretary Zinke for initiating a review of the outdated, job-crushing policies that inhibit our ability to utilize our own mineral resources, said Heller. Nevada is one of the most mineral rich locations on earth, and hard rock mining contributes to thousands of jobs in our state. In order to harness our nations true mineral potential and end our reliance on foreign production, we need to streamline and update these policies, and thats why I authored legislation that would do just that. I thank Secretary Zinke for his leadership on this issue and his work to help allow Nevada and this country to enact a strategy to fully maximize our nations mineral potential.\r\nFeds aim to find deposits of critical minerals in Nevada, other states\r\nBy Gary Martin\r\nLas Vegas Review Journal\r\nDecember 21, 2017\r\nhttp://bit.ly/2BYcymC\r\nInterior Secretary Ryan Zinke launched a campaignThursdayto identify deposits of critical minerals in Nevada and other states to break dependence on foreign supplies of raw materials needed for military equipment and consumer goods like cellphones and computers.\r\nZinke said the campaign would focus on a mapping, much of it aerial, to find the minerals, increase geological data, and streamline the application process to expedite domestic mining and production.\r\nRight now, the United States is almost completely reliant on foreign adversaries and competitors for many of the minerals that are deemed critical for our national and economic security, Zinke said at a ceremony at the Department of Interior.\r\nZinke signed a directive to implement a presidential order to create a federal strategy to ensure and secure reliable sources of 23 critical minerals.\r\nThe directive signed by Zinke calls for the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Geological Survey to determine the cost to map the country to find the location of critical minerals. A report on the scope and cost of the project will be presented to Congress.\r\nHe also wants to streamline the application process to cut the time needed for mines to begin production. Heller said the application process takes up to seven to 10 years in the United States. In Australia and Canada, the process takes two years.\r\nHeller said mining is a $11 billion industry in Nevada, with 30,000 jobs with an average salary of $90,000 per year.\r\nThose are good-paying jobs, Heller said.\r\nBut the permitting process is broken, he said.\r\nWhat the secretary is saying is we need certainty in the mining industry, Heller said.\r\nHe said electric-carmaker Tesla chose to place itsGigafactory inNevada, not just because of a $1.2 billion tax incentive package, but because of the location of lithium mines that produce raw materials for the companyslithium-ion batteriesfor its cars.\r\nWere talking about economic development in my state, Heller said. Nevada is entrenched in mineral development.\r\nAttending the Zinke signing ceremony were representatives of Newmont Mining and Couer Mining Inc. of Nevada.\r\nRep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., the chairman of the House Natural Resources subcommittee on energy and minerals, and head of the Western Caucus, said Congress is currently reviewing changes in law to expedite production of minerals.\r\nRep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., said bipartisan measures have passed in previous years and could do so again.\r\nI am committed to encouraging environmentally sound development in the mining industry and believe Congress should have a say on change made to our nations mineral policies, Titus said.\r\nOn Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order instructing the Interior and Defense departments to develop a strategy to reduce the nations vulnerability to disruptions in the distribution of critical minerals.\r\nThe order was signed after Interior and the USGS released a report identifying 23 minerals needed for manufacturing of equipment used by the military and the production of batteries and computer chips.\r\nZinkes directiveon Thursdayorders the USGS and BLM to identify new sources of the critical minerals. It also orders those agencies to provide recommendations to streamline permitting, developing leases and increasing critical mineral discovery, production and domestic refining.\r\nHeller said he was thrilled with Zinkes directive because Nevada and other Western states are so critical to mineral production.\r\nWe produce 20 minerals that are essential to our everyday lives, including copper, lithium and aggregates, he said. We use those minerals to help us do things like build roads and electric cars.\r\nZinke said critical mineral deposits also are located in states in the middle of the country.\r\nHe said Canadian mapping has shown deposits in that country that are likely to extend into the United States, which has never conducted extensive research to identify the location of the resources.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1410", "Trump Administration Acts to Reduce Dependence on Foreign Critical Minerals and Strengthen National Security", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressional Western Caucus Vice-Chairman for Policy & Appropriations Rep.Mark Amodei (NV-02),ChairmanPaul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04), Vice-Chairman for Indian Affairs and OceansDon Young (AK-At Large),Chief Infrastructure and Forestry OfficerBruce Westerman (AR-04),House Committee on Natural Resources ChairmanRob Bishop (UT-01),and Western Caucus MembersMike Johnson (LA-04),Doug Lamborn (CO-05),Doug LaMalfa (CA-01),Adrian Smith (NE-03),Jason Smith (MO-08),Greg Gianforte (MT-At Large),Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Tom Emmer (MN-06)issued the following statements following President Donald J. Trump'sexecutive orderto break America's dependence on foreign minerals and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke'ssecretarialorderto begin work on identifying immediate domestic sources for critical minerals:  Congressman Amodeistated, Having introduced critical minerals legislation that has passed out of the House the last three Congresses in a row  and watching that bill run straight into Senate paralysis  I appreciate the fact that the Administration has taken the lead on this issue and is moving the ball toward the goal line.  Chairman Gosarsaid, Our reliance on foreign nations of questionable stability and demonstrated hostile intentions towards the United States for critical minerals constitutes a serious security threat. This situation has come about even though the United States could readily procure the vast majority of the 23 minerals identified in the USGS Report domestically and sustainably, were we only to choose to greenlight development of our bounty of mineral resources.At a recent hearing of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee which I chair, I emphasized the extent to which arbitrary mineral withdrawals and a federal bureaucracy loathe to authorize mineral projects have brought us to this precarious juncture.But there is a way forward. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Zinke for taking action to advance American energy dominance and strengthen our national security.  The unique and resource rich geology in Alaska makes the state an excellent candidate for finding critical minerals, saidCongressman Don Young.This strategic decision by President Trump will ensure that the U.S. is more self-sufficient and that our military can operate without risk of losing access to these crucial minerals while helping create jobs and boost both the Alaskan and national economy.  Congressman Westermanstated, Americas dependence on foreign sources of materials for manufacturing has been a concern among leaders in Congress, the executive branch, and industry for many decades. President Trumps action addresses those concerns and puts America on the road to mineral independence. I appreciate the President and Secretary Zinkes leadership in addressing this important security and economic challenge.  Tapping into our abundant domestic supply of critical minerals is good defense policy that has the added bonus of creating jobs and economic growth. These actions underscore President Trumps commitment to responsibly develop more of our own resources and reverse Americas dependency on foreign sources. I look forward to continuing our work with the administration to achieve this shared objective, saidCongressman Rob Bishop. Congressman Mike Johnsonstated, The presidents decision marks an important turning point in prioritizing our nations sovereignty and security. Americas mineral resources are among our greatest assets and our independence in this area is key to strengthening our national defense. Once again, President Trump and Secretary Zinke have shown real leadership in reducing U.S. dependence on foreign resources.  Congressman Lambornsaid, \"Today less than half the minerals American manufacturers need come from our own soil. That fosters dependence on foreign aid and poses a significant problem for national security. While serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources for six years, this is an issue I worked on intensively. President Trump's Executive Order changes course for the better. We will no longer rely on foreign competitors for vital minerals needed to keep our country safe. Secretary Zinke's order backs the president's decision by increasing American mineral production. The new administration is putting America first and making American security the top priority. Putting critical mineral control back in the hands of domestic companies ensures a safer, better tomorrow.\" Americas reliance on foreign nations for important minerals and resources that our military needs puts our national security in jeopardy. We must make it easier to identify and produce these minerals so that everything our armed forces need can be made right here on our soil. I support the Presidents decision to issue this Executive Order that will create jobs as well as streamline and safeguard our supply lines,Congressman LaMalfaremarked.  Congressman Adrian Smithstated,New efforts to mine rare earth minerals in places like Elk Creek, Nebraska, demonstrate we are capable of mining and refining these critical inputs for 21st century technology at home. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Zinke for recognizing the need to grow our economy by utilizing resources which already exist within our borders.  The number one responsibility of your government is to keep you and your loved ones safe. Energy security  knowing we can do everything from building the best equipment for our military to putting gas in our cars and heating our homes  is a major part of that safety and security.But for too long, the government has been dependent on foreign countries supplying us with these critical resources when we have them right here in southeast Missouri. President Trumps action to change this will make us less reliant on countries like Russia and China who dont have our best interests at heart and willsecure Americas energy independence while bringing jobs back to the United States, saidCongressmanJason Smith.  Congressman Gianfortestated, Montana is home to the only platinum and palladium production in North America. Rare earth elements and platinum metals are integral parts of high-tech components, from batteries to computer chips to display screens to engines, that are vital for our economy and national defense. With Russia controlling much of the worlds platinum group production and China controlling nearly 80 percent of rare earth production, greater domestic production of these materials would protect us from relying on other nations. Opening a mine in the U.S. is difficult, and this order will improve the process. I applaud the efforts of the president and look forward to making it easier to create high-paying mining jobs in Montana.  By increasing exploration and production of key minerals in the United States, President Trump has kept his promise to prioritize our national strategic interests. Arizonans will see expanded job growth and trade opportunities. I applaud this administration for protecting our affairs, saidCongressman Biggs. Like so many states across this great nation, Minnesota is fully prepared to step up and help unleash Americas full mining potential, concludedCongressmanEmmerwhoseMINER Act, which reverses the misguided, last-minute actions of the Obama Administration to stop any exploration of one of the most valuable precious metal deposits in the world, passed the House last month. This will add jobs and bring economic prosperity; improve national security and decrease our reliance on foreign countries like Russia and China; and enhance the lives of every American. Further, our current environmental regulations ensure that we can secure critical minerals while protecting our nations big, beautiful landscape. I am glad this administration agrees sound economic, environmental, and security policy can and should coexist. I commend Secretary Zinke and the President for their work to support our miners, streamline the permitting and review process, and enhance our national defense with this important order today.  Background:  Courtesy of the White House Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump signed anExecutive Orderto reverse the decades-long trend of increasing dependence on foreign imports of critical minerals that are essential to American prosperity and national security.  The comprehensive order aims to identify new sources of critical minerals, ensure miners and producers have access to the best data, and streamline the leasing and permitting process to expedite production, reprocessing and recycling of minerals at all levels of the supply chain.  Courtesy of the Department of the Interior:  Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke signed asecretarialorderdirecting the initial steps to producing the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history. The order also directs Interior bureaus to begin work on identifying immediate domestic sources for critical minerals.  Earlier this week, the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Surveyreleased a reportthat detailed the extent to which the United States is fully, majorly, or partially dependent upon foreign competitors and even adversaries for our supply of \"critical minerals.\" The report identified 23 of the minerals that are most-needed to sustain our national defense and economy and are used in manufacturing everything from batteries and computer chips to equipment used by our military. The report shows a troubling trend of foreign dependency. ClickHEREandHEREto read DOIs press releases on these matters.  Courtesy of the Western Caucus On December 12, 2017,the House Committee on Natural ResourcesSubcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resourcesheld an oversight hearingon the arduous and uncertain regulatory scheme governing domestic mineral development and resulting impacts on Americas economic and national security. Panel members discussed Americas reliance on foreign minerals and the benefits of increasing domestic production.  Each of the last three Congresses, theHouse has passedVice-Chairman Amodeis National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act. This legislation sought to address delays in the permitting of American mining projects, which can currently take seven to ten years or longer. This bill required the lead permitting agency to identify a project lead to coordinate with all involved, set and adhere to deadlines, establish clear goals, and track progress. It also streamlined judicial review and litigation.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/trump-administration-acts-reduce-dependence-foreign-critical-minerals-and-strengthen", "Trump Administration Acts to Reduce Dependence on Foreign Critical Minerals and Strengthen National Security", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressional Western Caucus Vice-Chairman for Policy & Appropriations Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02),Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04), Vice-Chairman for Indian Affairs and Oceans Don Young (AK-At Large), Chief Infrastructure and Forestry Officer Bruce Westerman (AR-04), House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01), and Western Caucus Members Mike Johnson (LA-04), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Jason Smith (MO-08), Greg Gianforte (MT-At Large), Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following statements following President Donald J. Trump's executive order to break America's dependence on foreign minerals and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke's secretarial order to begin work on identifying immediate domestic sources for critical minerals:\n\nCongressman Amodei stated, \u201cHaving introduced critical minerals legislation that has passed out of the House the last three Congresses in a row \u2013 and watching that bill run straight into Senate paralysis \u2013 I appreciate the fact that the Administration has taken the lead on this issue and is moving the ball toward the goal line.\u201d\n\nChairman Gosar said, \u201cOur reliance on foreign nations of questionable stability and demonstrated hostile intentions towards the United States for critical minerals constitutes a serious security threat. This situation has come about even though the United States could readily procure the vast majority of the 23 minerals identified in the USGS Report domestically and sustainably, were we only to choose to greenlight development of our bounty of mineral resources. At a recent hearing of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee which I chair, I emphasized the extent to which arbitrary mineral withdrawals and a federal bureaucracy loathe to authorize mineral projects have brought us to this precarious juncture. But there is a way forward. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Zinke for taking action to advance American energy dominance and strengthen our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe unique and resource rich geology in Alaska makes the state an excellent candidate for finding critical minerals,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cThis strategic decision by President Trump will ensure that the U.S. is more self-sufficient and that our military can operate without risk of losing access to these crucial minerals while helping create jobs and boost both the Alaskan and national economy.\u201d\n\nCongressman Westerman stated, \u201cAmerica\u2019s dependence on foreign sources of materials for manufacturing has been a concern among leaders in Congress, the executive branch, and industry for many decades. President Trump\u2019s action addresses those concerns and puts America on the road to mineral independence. I appreciate the President and Secretary Zinke\u2019s leadership in addressing this important security and economic challenge.\u201d\n\n\u201cTapping into our abundant domestic supply of critical minerals is good defense policy that has the added bonus of creating jobs and economic growth. These actions underscore President Trump\u2019s commitment to responsibly develop more of our own resources and reverse America\u2019s dependency on foreign sources. I look forward to continuing our work with the administration to achieve this shared objective,\u201d said Congressman Rob Bishop.\n\nCongressman Mike Johnson stated, \u201cThe president\u2019s decision marks an important turning point in prioritizing our nation\u2019s sovereignty and security. America\u2019s mineral resources are among our greatest assets and our independence in this area is key to strengthening our national defense. Once again, President Trump and Secretary Zinke have shown real leadership in reducing U.S. dependence on foreign resources.\u201d\n\nCongressman Lamborn said, \"Today less than half the minerals American manufacturers need come from our own soil. That fosters dependence on foreign aid and poses a significant problem for national security. While serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources for six years, this is an issue I worked on intensively. President Trump's Executive Order changes course for the better. We will no longer rely on foreign competitors for vital minerals needed to keep our country safe. Secretary Zinke's order backs the president's decision by increasing American mineral production. The new administration is putting America first and making American security the top priority. Putting critical mineral control back in the hands of domestic companies ensures a safer, better tomorrow.\"\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s reliance on foreign nations for important minerals and resources that our military needs puts our national security in jeopardy. We must make it easier to identify and produce these minerals so that everything our armed forces need can be made right here on our soil. I support the President\u2019s decision to issue this Executive Order that will create jobs as well as streamline and safeguard our supply lines,\u201d Congressman LaMalfa remarked.\n\nCongressman Adrian Smith stated, \u201cNew efforts to mine rare earth minerals in places like Elk Creek, Nebraska, demonstrate we are capable of mining and refining these critical inputs for 21st century technology at home. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Zinke for recognizing the need to grow our economy by utilizing resources which already exist within our borders.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe number one responsibility of your government is to keep you and your loved ones safe. Energy security \u2013 knowing we can do everything from building the best equipment for our military to putting gas in our cars and heating our homes \u2013 is a major part of that safety and security. But for too long, the government has been dependent on foreign countries supplying us with these critical resources when we have them right here in southeast Missouri. President Trump\u2019s action to change this will make us less reliant on countries like Russia and China who don\u2019t have our best interests at heart and will secure America\u2019s energy independence while bringing jobs back to the United States,\u201d said Congressman Jason Smith.\n\nCongressman Gianforte stated, \u201cMontana is home to the only platinum and palladium production in North America. Rare earth elements and platinum metals are integral parts of high-tech components, from batteries to computer chips to display screens to engines, that are vital for our economy and national defense. With Russia controlling much of the world\u2019s platinum group production and China controlling nearly 80 percent of rare earth production, greater domestic production of these materials would protect us from relying on other nations. Opening a mine in the U.S. is difficult, and this order will improve the process. I applaud the efforts of the president and look forward to making it easier to create high-paying mining jobs in Montana.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy increasing exploration and production of key minerals in the United States, President Trump has kept his promise to prioritize our national strategic interests. Arizonans will see expanded job growth and trade opportunities. I applaud this administration for protecting our affairs,\u201d said Congressman Biggs.\n\n\u201cLike so many states across this great nation, Minnesota is fully prepared to step up and help unleash America\u2019s full mining potential,\u201d concluded Congressman Emmer whose MINER Act, which reverses the misguided, last-minute actions of the Obama Administration to stop any exploration of one of the most valuable precious metal deposits in the world, passed the House last month. \u201cThis will add jobs and bring economic prosperity; improve national security and decrease our reliance on foreign countries like Russia and China; and enhance the lives of every American. Further, our current environmental regulations ensure that we can secure critical minerals while protecting our nation\u2019s big, beautiful landscape. I am glad this administration agrees sound economic, environmental, and security policy can and should coexist. I commend Secretary Zinke and the President for their work to support our miners, streamline the permitting and review process, and enhance our national defense with this important order today.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nCourtesy of the White House\n\nYesterday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to reverse the decades-long trend of increasing dependence on foreign imports of critical minerals that are essential to American prosperity and national security.\n\nThe comprehensive order aims to identify new sources of critical minerals, ensure miners and producers have access to the best data, and streamline the leasing and permitting process to expedite production, reprocessing and recycling of minerals at all levels of the supply chain.\n\nCourtesy of the Department of the Interior:\n\nToday, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke signed a secretarial order directing the initial steps to producing the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history. The order also directs Interior bureaus to begin work on identifying immediate domestic sources for critical minerals.\n\nEarlier this week, the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey released a report that detailed the extent to which the United States is fully, majorly, or partially dependent upon foreign competitors and even adversaries for our supply of \"critical minerals.\" The report identified 23 of the minerals that are most-needed to sustain our national defense and economy and are used in manufacturing everything from batteries and computer chips to equipment used by our military. The report shows a troubling trend of foreign dependency.\n\nClick HERE and HERE to read DOI\u2019s press releases on these matters.\n\nCourtesy of the Western Caucus\n\nOn December 12, 2017, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing on the arduous and uncertain regulatory scheme governing domestic mineral development and resulting impacts on America\u2019s economic and national security. Panel members discussed America\u2019s reliance on foreign minerals and the benefits of increasing domestic production.\n\nEach of the last three Congresses, the House has passed Vice-Chairman Amodei\u2019s National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act. This legislation sought to address delays in the permitting of American mining projects, which can currently take seven to ten years or longer. This bill required the lead permitting agency to identify a project lead to coordinate with all involved, set and adhere to deadlines, establish clear goals, and track progress. It also streamlined judicial review and litigation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=20424E7F-4234-4F13-A4B9-2BC266A866EE", "Two Heller-Backed Bills to Stop Human Trafficking Sent to Presidents Desk", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that two bills he cosponsored to help fight human trafficking are now on their way to the Presidents desk for his expected signature after the U.S. House of Representatives passed both measures. The No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Actand theCombatting Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act passed the U.S. Senate earlier this year with Hellers strong support. Nevada ranks 11th in the U.S for the highest number of reported human trafficking cases. Since coming to the U.S. Senate, Heller has worked to safeguard Nevadans from human trafficking and put a stop to the industry. Congress took an important step today in the fight against human trafficking by approving two pieces of legislation that will help stop this vile crime in Nevada and across the country. As a long-time champion of supporting and authoring proposals to combat human trafficking in Nevada, Im hopeful the President will swiftly sign these proposals into law, said Heller. These bills will help stem this form of modern day slavery by strengthening prevention efforts at the federal level. We must not forget that combating human trafficking is a crime that is all too often hidden in plain sight, and thats why working together at the local, federal and state level is critical to preventing future victims. The No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act, S. 1532,prevents individuals who have been convicted of human trafficking from obtaining a commercial drivers license by adding this particular felony to the list of disqualifying offenses. TheCombatting Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, S. 1536,requires the Secretary of Transportation to designate an individual tasked with coordinating human trafficking prevention efforts within the federal agency and further increases support to educate commercial drivers on how to recognize and prevent humantrafficking. This past summer, the HERO Improvements Act, legislation he authored to help train disabled military veterans to fight cybercrime,unanimously passed the U.S. Senate as part of a larger anti-human trafficking proposal, the bipartisan Abolish Human Trafficking Act. In 2016 Hellers legislation to require air carriers to help train flight attendants recognize cases of human trafficking was included in the FAA Reauthorization Act. And in 2015, he supported the landmark Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, signed into law by President Obama, which included his amendment to ensure DHS personnel are prepared to better identify victims and perpetrators of human trafficking.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=328D20BE-A759-4E0E-977A-E8D8AF3279EF", "Heller Joins Secretary Zinke As He Initiates First-Ever National Survey of Critical Minerals", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke as he signed a secretarialorderdirecting the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history in order to ultimately reduce Americas reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals that are found in Nevada. Todays secretarial order follows a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report that found our country depends on China to source 20 out of 23 critical minerals foreign nations for critical minerals and President Trumps executive order to break our nations dependence on them. Heller has authored the legislation, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act, that would allow the United States to more efficiently develop our nation's hard rock minerals by streamlining the permitting process for mineral exploration and mine development projects and reducing regulatory red tape. The U.S. permitting process is so broken that it takes on average seven to 10 years to begin operations, whereas in countries like Canada and Australia it only takes about two years to get a permit.\r\nHeller delivering remarks at todays signing ceremony at the Department of Interior.*Media has permission to use image. \r\nI applaud Secretary Zinke for initiating a review of the outdated, job-crushing policies that inhibit our ability to utilize our own mineral resources,said Heller. Nevada is one of the most mineral rich locations on earth, and hard rockmining contributes to thousands of jobs in our state. In order to harness our nation's true mineral potential and end our reliance on foreign production, we need to streamline and update these policies, and that's why I authored legislation that would do just that. I thank Secretary Zinke for his leadership on this issue and his work to help allow Nevada and this country to enact a strategy to fully maximize our nations mineral potential. Right now the United States is almost completely reliant on foreign adversaries and competitors for many of the minerals that are deemed critical for our national and economic security. As both a former military commander and geologist, I know the risk this presents to our nation,said Secretary Ryan Zinke.The problem is we can't fix the problem if we don't know where the minerals are within our own boarders. Other nations are far ahead of us with mapping of their mineral resources, leading to private sector investment overseas rather than right here at home. Drafting a complete topographical and geographic survey of the United States is exactly the kind of task the USGS was created to do. Nevada is one of the worlds largest sources of rare earth minerals, producing 20 minerals that are essential to our everyday lives. In addition to producing minerals like copper and lithium that we use to do things like build roads and electric cars, Nevada is responsible for nearly 80 percent of the gold mined domestically and is the 2nd largest producer of silver in the country. According to the Nevada Mining Association, the industry contributes more than $11 billion to Nevadas economy and accounts for almost 30,000 jobs with an average salary of more than $90,000.\r\nSecretary Zinke signing the secretarial order.*Media has permission to use image.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/v-deos?ContentRecord_id=0C49CD32-A128-4AF2-8049-0C56E7E7873F", "Heller Highlights Benefits of Tax Relief Bill for Nevadans", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bruce Thompson Federal Building  400 S. Virginia Street, Suite 738  Reno, NV 89501  Phone: 775-686-5770  Fax: 775- 686-5729", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=C98AB085-6F4E-4D74-8279-32EB8502D059", "Heller Highlights Benefits of Tax Relief Bill for Nevadans", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bruce Thompson Federal Building  400 S. Virginia Street, Suite 738  Reno, NV 89501  Phone: 775-686-5770  Fax: 775- 686-5729", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1409", "Amodei Statement on House Passage of Comprehensive Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) today released the following statement after the House agreed to a procedural motion to successfully pass the House-Senate conference committee reportfor the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act(H.R. 1), landmark legislation that will reform our nations tax system:\r\n\r\n\tMuch to my surprise, the conferencing process with the Senate resulted in the overall improvement of this bill in several areas. Based on the average incomes in CD-2, and the percentage of taxpayers currently taking the standard deduction versus those who itemize, all of the data I have evaluated on both sides of this argument leads me to believe this bill will result in widespread tax relief for Nevadans. These improvements will not only put more money back into the pockets of Nevada taxpayers, but they will also simplify the filing process while giving our nations job creators significant potential for reinvestment and growth.\r\n\r\n\tFinally, for the newborn deficit hawks, you either believe that more money circulating in the private sector increases tax collections  or you dont. Based on my research, and the history lessons weve learned from the Kennedy and Reagan Administrations, I believe it. While only time will tell, Ive never been a fan of anyones predictions regarding the state of our economy a decade from now.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-statement-house-passage-comprehensive-tax-reform-bill", "Amodei Statement on House Passage of Comprehensive Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) today released the following statement after the House agreed to a procedural motion to successfully pass the House-Senate conference committee reportfor the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), landmark legislation that will reform our nation\u2019s tax system:\n\n\u201cMuch to my surprise, the conferencing process with the Senate resulted in the overall improvement of this bill in several areas. Based on the average incomes in CD-2, and the percentage of taxpayers currently taking the standard deduction versus those who itemize, all of the data I have evaluated on both sides of this argument leads me to believe this bill will result in widespread tax relief for Nevadans. These improvements will not only put more money back into the pockets of Nevada taxpayers, but they will also simplify the filing process while giving our nation\u2019s job creators significant potential for reinvestment and growth.\n\n\u201cFinally, for the newborn deficit hawks, you either believe that more money circulating in the private sector increases tax collections \u2013 or you don\u2019t. Based on my research, and the history lessons we\u2019ve learned from the Kennedy and Reagan Administrations, I believe it. While only time will tell, I\u2019ve never been a fan of anyone\u2019s predictions regarding the state of our economy a decade from now.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=58716B50-47EA-4224-AC7E-A0304B716AEB", "Heller Joins President Trump, Colleagues at White House After Congress Passes Historic Tax Relief Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined President Trump, officials from the Administration, and members of the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives at the White House following todays congressional approval of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost job creation, and spur economic growth in communities across the state. It also eliminates Obamacares individual mandate tax penalty, which will provide relief to tens of thousands of Nevadans. The legislation will now go to President Trumps desk, and he is expected to sign the legislation into law as early as next week according to the White House. It was an honor to join President Trump, Administration officials, and my colleagues today at the White House to highlight this once-in-a-generation tax relief bill that will give hardworking families in Nevada the tax cuts that theyve been waiting for. From bringing Secretary Mnuchin to Nevada to hear directly from my constituents to working closely with Ivanka Trump to increase the child tax credit, Ive made sure that Nevadans voices were heard by the Administration as we worked with the White House to put together and pass the first tax relief package in more than 30 years, said Heller. Whether its the dad in Las Vegas who is worried about how hell afford to send his daughters to daycare next year or the small business owner who wants to grow and hire more workers, Nevadans will have more opportunities to get ahead and work toward a brighter future because of the passage of this legislation. I was proud to work with Senator Scott to secure a provision that doubles the child tax credit from current law, and Im proud of our work on the Senate Finance Committee to move this bill across the finish line. This bill lowers rates for middle-class families and eliminates Obamacares onerous individual mandate tax penalty to provide tax relief to tens of thousands of Nevadans who otherwise would be forced to pay a fine that they likely cannot afford. Nevadans win and Americans around this country win when the President signs these critical tax cuts into law.\r\nHeller at the White House event with President Trump and members of the Senate and House. \r\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes an amendment that Heller filed with Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) toincrease the child tax credit to $2,000, or double it from current law.It also includes Hellers measure to make it easier for startups and businessesto give employees an ownership stake in their companys successby awarding stock options. Additionally, Heller was able to protect the tax exemption for stadium bonds, which is critical to preserving the influx of business and growth associated with the construction of the Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, NV.\r\nThe bill also eliminates Obamacares individual mandate tax penalty, which will help the tens of thousands of Nevadans who would otherwise be forced to pay the fine. According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, this legislation is expected to give a typical Nevada family of four a tax cut of approximately $2,200. Additionally, the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed thatevery income category of Nevadas roughly 1.4 million individual tax return filers will receive a tax cut. Yesterday, Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor about why tax relief is needed. He cited that in Nevada, real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago after years of historically low economic growth. He also pointed to reports that nearly eight in 10 Americans who work full-time are living paycheck to paycheck and went on to state that Nevadans are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck that Americans living elsewhere. In Nevada, housing costs are reported to consume nearly a quarter of Nevadans paychecks and childcare expenses are skyrocketing. In fact, it has been reported that the average single parent living in Nevada may have to spend as much as 36 percent of his or her annual income to send an infant to center-based care. Heller also highlighted that not only are Americans struggling to get by, they are struggling to plan for their futures. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans have nothing set aside to cover an unexpected emergency, while nearly 1 in 3 Americans dont have at least $500 to cover an unexpected emergency expense.\r\nBackground on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n \r\nWill lead to a 1.7 percent increase in GDP over the long term and 1.5 percent higher wages (Source: Tax Foundation).\r\nIncreases the child tax credit for families in Nevada by 100 percent  changing current law of $1,000 to $2,000. This is a Heller provision.\r\nEliminates Obamacare's individual mandate tax penalty to provide relief to tens of thousands of Nevadans.\r\nReduces rates on lower- and middle-income individuals and families.\r\nPreserves and temporarily expands the medical expense deduction.\r\nPreserves the mortgage interest deduction.\r\nPreserves the treatment of student loan interest or tuition forgiveness.\r\nPreserves the 2015 PATH Act deal on wind and solar.\r\nMaintains the deduction for state and local taxes, including sales and property taxes, up to $10,000.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=63AC2459-BEB1-4D5A-9484-82F0718AB08F", "VIDEO: Heller Joins Colleagues on Tax-Writing Committee Following Passage of Historic Tax Relief Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined several of his colleagues who also serve on the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee in applauding the U.S. Senates passage of legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost job creation, and spur economic growth in our communities. It also eliminates Obamacares individual mandate tax penalty, which will help the tens of thousands of Nevadans who would otherwise be forced to pay the fine. Immediately following the U.S. Senates vote on the conference report on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Heller stated that this is a historic moment: December 20th, 2017 because this bill will bring relief to Nevada families and American families across this nation. Click HERE or on the below image to view the video. The legislation includes an amendment that Heller filed with Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) toincrease the child tax credit to $2,000, or double it from current law.It also includes Hellers measure to make it easier for startups and businessesto give employees an ownership stake in their companys successby awarding stock options. Additionally, Heller was able to protect the tax exemption for stadium bonds, which is critical to preserving the influx of business and growth associated with the construction of the Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, NV.\r\n  [Click HERE or on the below image to view the video.]\r\nAccording to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, this legislation is expected to give a typical Nevada family of four a tax cut of approximately $2,200. Additionally, the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed thatevery income category of Nevadas roughly 1.4 million individual tax return filers will receive a tax cut. Yesterday, Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor about why tax relief is needed. He cited that in Nevada, real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago after years of historically low economic growth. He also pointed to reports that nearly 8 in 10 Americans who work full-time are living paycheck to paycheck and went on to state that Nevadans are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck that Americans living elsewhere. In Nevada, housing costs are reported to consume nearly a quarter of Nevadans paychecks and childcare expenses are skyrocketing. In fact, it has been reported that the average single parent living in Nevada may have to spend as much as 36 percent of his or her annual income to send an infant to center-based care. Heller also highlighted that not only are Americans struggling to get by, they are struggling to plan for their futures. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans have nothing set aside to cover an unexpected emergency, while nearly 1 in 3 Americans dont have at least $500 to cover an unexpected emergency expense.\r\nBackground on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n \r\nWill lead to a 1.7 percent increase in GDP over the long term and 1.5 percent higher wages (Source: Tax Foundation).\r\nIncreases the child tax credit for families in Nevada by 100 percent  changing current law of $1,000 to $2,000. This is a Heller provision.\r\nEliminates Obamacare's individual mandate tax penalty to provide relief to tens of thousands of Nevadans.\r\nReduces rates on lower- and middle-income individuals and families.\r\nPreserves and temporarily expands the medical expense deduction.\r\nPreserves the mortgage interest deduction.\r\nPreserves the treatment of student loan interest or tuition forgiveness.\r\nPreserves the 2015 PATH Act deal on wind and solar.\r\nMaintains the deduction for state and local taxes, including sales and property taxes, up to $10,000.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=EC6775F3-F785-45B2-9BA2-1AE559B7D4F0", "Heller Applauds U.S. Senates Passage of Tax Cuts for Nevadas Middle-Class Families", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of the conference report on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that will provide critically important tax cuts to Nevadas middle-class families, boost job creation, and spur economic growth in our communities. According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, this legislation is expected to give a typical Nevada family of four a tax cut of approximately $2,200. Additionally, the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed thatevery income category of Nevadas roughly 1.4 million individual tax return filers will receive a tax cut.\r\nEarlier today, Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor about why tax relief is needed. He cited that in Nevada, real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago after years of historically low economic growth. He also pointed to reports that nearly 8 in 10 Americans who work full-time are living paycheck to paycheck and went on to state that Nevadans are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck that Americans living elsewhere. In Nevada, housing costs are reported to consume nearly a quarter of Nevadans paychecks and childcare expenses are skyrocketing. In fact, it has been reported that the average single parent living in Nevada may have to spend as much as 36 percent of his or her annual income to send an infant to center-based care. Heller also highlighted that not only are Americans struggling to get by, they are struggling to plan for their futures. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans have nothing set aside to cover an unexpected emergency, while almost one-third of Americans dont have at least $500 to cover an unexpected emergency expense.\r\nWhether its the single mother in Gardnerville who works full-time or the ambitious entrepreneur in Reno who started a business while going to school, Nevadans throughout the state will benefit from the passage of this historic legislation. This bill will provide much-needed tax relief to Nevadas middle-class families, jumpstart job creation, and drive growth in our communities throughout the state. From my provision to double the child tax credit from current law to lowering rates on middle-class families, our legislation finally gives Nevadans the break that they deserve by allowing them to keep more of their paychecks, said Heller. As a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I thank Chairman Hatch for his leadership and Im incredibly proud of our work to move tax reform legislation for the first time in more than 30 years. As the son of a school cook and an auto mechanic, I was told that if you work hard and play by the rules then anything is possible, but the problem today is that too many people think that isnt the case anymore. This bill will change that by empowering families and restoring their faith in the American dream, and I look forward to seeing this legislation sent to the Presidents desk later this week.\r\nThe legislation includes an amendment that Heller filed with Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) toincrease the child tax credit to $2,000, or double it from current law.It also includes Hellers measure to make it easier for startups and businessesto give employees an ownership stake in their companys successby awarding stock options. Additionally, Heller was able to protect the tax exemption for stadium bonds, which is critical to preserving the influx of business and growth associated with the construction of the Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, NV.\r\nBackground on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n \r\nWill lead to a 1.7 percent increase in GDP over the long term and 1.5 percent higher wages (Source: Tax Foundation).\r\nIncreases the child tax credit for families in Nevada by 100 percent  changing current law of $1,000 to $2,000. This is a Heller provision.\r\nReduces rates on lower and middle-income individuals and families.\r\nEliminates Obamacare's individual mandate penalty tax to provide relief to tens of thousands of Nevadans.\r\nPreserves and temporarily expands the medical expense deduction.\r\nPreserves the mortgage interest deduction.\r\nPreserves the treatment of student loan interest or tuition forgiveness.\r\nPreserves the 2015 PATH Act deal on wind and solar.\r\nMaintains the deduction for state and local taxes, including sales and property taxes, up to $10,000.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=34EDFE7B-9A1E-44EF-934C-62D1611D970C", "VIDEO: Heller Joins Colleagues on Tax-Writing Committee Following Passage of Historic Tax Relief Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bruce Thompson Federal Building  400 S. Virginia Street, Suite 738  Reno, NV 89501  Phone: 775-686-5770  Fax: 775- 686-5729", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=B1F586DD-A8AC-4944-811B-0D840653D6D8", "Heller Joins Colleagues on Tax-Writing Committee Following Passage of Historic Tax Relief Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bruce Thompson Federal Building  400 S. Virginia Street, Suite 738  Reno, NV 89501  Phone: 775-686-5770  Fax: 775- 686-5729", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E084CB3A-8D9D-4515-A513-080B6D417348", "A Prime Opportunity to Provide Real Tax Relief", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  In a speech delivered on the U.S. Senate floor this afternoon, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) discussed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, historic legislation that will deliver tax relief to hardworking Nevadansandboost gross domestic product and workers wages in the long term.  Click HERE to watch the video. We are now at a crossroads. We have a chance to change course. We have the opportunity to pass meaningful tax cuts that will lift middle-class families, our communities, and our economy, said Heller. If you are against this bill, you are satisfied with the anemic 2-percent economic growth ushered in by the Obama Administration. You accept this dismal growth as the new normal. But I will never accept this new normal. I think we can do better, and I know we can do better. We already have seen improvement since President Trump took office. Heller continued, Today, we have a prime opportunity to provide real tax relief to Nevadans and others Americans who have been waiting for a fairer, simpler tax code. Real relief that lets the middle class keep more of their hard-earned money and makes our tax code easy to understand. Less paperwork and more money in peoples back pockets. Real relief that also produces more quality jobs, higher wages, and growth in our communities. This tax relief bill is a positive step toward restoring Nevadans faith in the American dream by providing tax cuts for middle-class families and jumpstarting job creation, higher wages, and economic growth. I will continue to work with my colleagues in both chambers to ensure this desperately needed legislation makes it across the finish line and to the Presidents desk before the end of the week.\r\n  [Click here or the above image to watch]\r\nThe conference report includes an amendment Hellerand U.S. Senator Tim Scott(R-SC) secured in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that wouldincrease the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000, or double it from current law.In Nevada,median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago,andNevadans are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living in nearly every other state. At the same time, childcare expenses have skyrocketed,averaging nearly $10,000 a year for an infant in Nevada. This is why an enhanced child tax credit is so important to helping families begin to confront the rising costs of raising their children,which is now more than $230,000. In addition to Hellers provision to increase the child tax credit, this legislation includes Hellers measure to make it easier for startups and businessesto give employees an ownership stake in their companys successby awarding stock options. Heller was also able to protect the tax exemption for stadium bonds, which is critical to preserving the influx of business and growth associated with the construction of the Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, NV.\r\nBelow is Hellers speech as prepared for delivery:\r\nMister President This week were nearing the finish line on providing Nevadans and the American people with the real tax relief they deserve. And as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Ive been fighting every day for the Senate to stay in Washington until we get the job done. Thats because I know just how critical middle-class tax relief is for the people of Nevada. Let me tell you why. The majority of Americans are not only struggling to get ahead, they are struggling to just get by. Its been reported that nearly 8 in 10 Americans who work full-time are living paycheck to paycheck. Thats a slight increase from the previous year. If you live in Nevada, youre more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than if you lived in most other states. To put that into perspective -- housing costs are reported to consume nearly a quarter of Nevadans paychecks. In fact, one report suggests that after the cost of living expenses are taken out of their paychecks, the average Nevadan has a little more than $700 left. During a recent telephone town hall, I heard from a teacher in Las Vegas who spoke about stagnant wages. This teacher, like most Americans, had not seen a meaningful pay raise in years. But right now for many Nevadans, its not so much about getting a raise as it is about getting back to where you once were. In Nevada, real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was in 2007. Mr. President, let me say that again: in Nevada, real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was in 2007. At the same time, childcare expenses have skyrocketed. In this country, the average cost for an infant in center-based care can be as high as $17,082 per year. Thats more than a semester at UNLV! In Nevada, that means that the average single parent would have to spend 36 percent of his or her annual income to send an infant to center-based care. Given rising housing and childcare expenses alone, middle-class families in Nevada and around this country are having a hard time covering day-to-day expenses and planning for their futures. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans have nothing set aside to cover an unexpected emergency, while nearly 1 in 3 Americans dont have at least $500 to cover an unexpected emergency expense. So its fair to say that  in Nevada at least  the recession has never really ended. Under the failed economic policies of the Obama Administration, Nevadans suffered through eight years of historically low economic growth. Think about this: in those eight years, the average economic growth was less than 2 percent. As a result, wages and workers suffered. Job creation suffered. And middle-class Americans suffered. We are now at a crossroads. We have a chance to change course. We have the opportunity to pass meaningful tax cuts that will lift middle-class families, our communities, and our economy. If you are against this bill, you are satisfied with the anemic 2-percent economic growth ushered in by the Obama Administration. You accept this dismal growth as the new normal. But I will never accept this new normal. I think we can do better, and I know we can do better. We already have seen improvement since President Trump took office. If you are against this bill, you are against giving small businesses the chance to actually get off the ground and hire workers. Youre against giving them a better opportunity to expand, invest, increase wages, and hire more workers. But I know that our small businesses employ nearly half of all U.S. workers, and I know that this bill will make it easier for them to continue doing what they do best: and that is creating jobs. Lastly, if you are against this bill, you are against tax cuts for the middle class because that is what this bill is all about. And if you know that nearly one third of Americans dont have $500 to cover an emergency expense, then you know just how important a few hundred extra dollars are to them. I do, and thats why I have been fighting to get this bill to the Presidents desk. Earlier today I was pleased to see the House pass the conference report reconciling our two tax reform bills. And I look forward to soon having the opportunity to vote in support of this pro-growth package that delivers critically important tax relief to Americas middle class and small businesses. A pro-growth package that will help boost jobs, increase wages, and drive growth in our local communities. A pro-growth package that gives a Nevada family of four making $85,000 a tax cut of $2,254 (or 20%), according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. Today, our small businesses and middle class suffer under an outdated and unfair tax code that crushes job creation and makes it harder for Nevadans and people all across this country to get ahead. The simple fact is, after 30 years of disrepair and neglect, our current tax system needs to be fixed. Everybody knows it doesnt work, that its rigged against our job creators, and that it should be overhauled. And these are the very problems our tax relief package helps address. I also recently spoke with an ambitious and hardworking Nevadan, an entrepreneur who started his own business while going to school full time. This young job creator brought up the enormous amount of money he is paying in taxes as well as how complicated it is to navigate our system. He also spoke of an uneven playing field that tipped the system in favor of his foreign competitors. He wanted to know when Congress would deliver on reforms to boost the competitiveness of all American job creators. Lastly, just this past weekend I ran into a small business owner who said he paid $160,000 in taxes last year. He said that $160,000 amounted to two pieces of machinery that he could have installed at his small manufacturing facility. Machines that would have necessitated the creation of two more high-paying jobs, jobs that would have been created but for our unfair tax system. From their perspective and from mine, Nevadans have been waiting for a fairer, simpler tax code for too long. Nevadans, like most Americans, know how important passing this tax relief package is to our countrys economy. Nevadans have seen the increased level of economic growth under the new Administration and know that this tax relief bill will add to it. So lets talk about what this tax bill does and does not do. This tax bill lowers individual tax rates across the board and lets taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money. This tax bill roughly doubles the standard deduction used by most taxpayers, giving a massive tax cut to the roughly 90 percent of Nevadans expected to use it. This tax bill includes my amendment to double the child tax credit, an increase of $1000 per child over current law, which will go a long way toward addressing the skyrocketing cost of child care in my state and across the country. This tax bill also includes my amendment to make it easier for startups and businesses to give lower-level employees an ownership stake in their companys success by awarding stock options. This tax bill protects and expands the medical expense deduction for our nations most vulnerable, as well as preserves popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts. This tax bill does not change the tax treatment of student loan interest, graduate tuition waivers, employer-paid tuition, or the teacher deduction. It preserves the tax exemption for private activity bonds used to finance private projects with a public benefit. These bonds benefit a wide array of individuals and organizations, such as charter schools, and are of great importance to the homeschool community. Overall, this tax bill accomplishes my three major goals of creating more jobs, increasing wages, and boosting American competitiveness. Regardless of the tales my friends from across the aisle want to tell you, this bill not only cuts taxes, but will also increase wages. Today, we have a prime opportunity to provide real tax relief to Nevadans and others Americans who have been waiting for a fairer, simpler tax code. Real relief that lets the middle class keep more of their hard-earned money and makes our tax code easy to understand. Less paperwork and more money in peoples back pockets. Real relief that also produces more quality jobs, higher wages, and growth in our communities. This tax relief bill is a positive step toward restoring Nevadans faith in the American dream by providing tax cuts for middle-class families and jumpstarting job creation, higher wages, and economic growth. I will continue to work with my colleagues in both chambers to ensure this desperately needed legislation makes it across the finish line and to the Presidents desk before the end of the week. With that, I yield the floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=5510031E-6192-48DA-9CE8-6A286244648B", "A Prime Opportunity to Provide Real Tax Relief", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bruce Thompson Federal Building  400 S. Virginia Street, Suite 738  Reno, NV 89501  Phone: 775-686-5770  Fax: 775- 686-5729", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AB4D01B1-E047-4C01-89EF-9A88E0F45D57", "Heller on Tax Relief Bill: Middle-Class Families in Nevada Win", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded the conference committees report on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that is expected toboost middle class income in Nevada by nearly $2,500andadd more than 8,300 jobsin the state. According to the independent Tax Foundation, a family of four that lives in Nevada and earns $77,000 annually is likely to see their tax liability reduced by approximately $2,180, or about 22 percent, under this legislation.Additionally,the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed that it is likely that every income category of Nevadas roughly 1.4 million individual tax return filers will receive a tax cut.\r\nThe conference report includes an amendment Hellerand U.S. Senator Tim Scott(R-SC) secured in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that wouldincrease the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000, or double it from current law.In Nevada,median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago,andNevadans are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living in nearly every other state. At the same time, childcare expenses have skyrocketed,averaging nearly $10,000 a year for an infant in Nevada. This is why an enhanced child tax credit is so important to helping families begin to confront the rising costs of raising their children,which is now more than $230,000.\r\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help boost jobs, increase wages, drive growth in our local communities,and provide middle-class families with the relief they desperately need,said Heller.Now, we are one step closer to giving hardworking American taxpayersthebreakthey deserve. Let'snot forget what this is plan is all about  ensuring middle-classfamilies can keep more of their hard-earned money, which is particularly important for the many Nevadans who are living paycheck to paycheck. I'm going to continue fighting on behalf of them and pushing my colleagues towork24/7until we get this done and sent to the President's desk for his signature.\"\r\nIn addition to Heller's provision to increase the child tax credit, this legislation includes Hellers measure to make it easier for startups and businessesto give employees an ownership stake in their companys successby awarding stock options. Heller was also able to protect the tax exemption for stadium bonds, which is critical to preserving the influx of business and growth associated with the construction of the Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, NV.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8385D8E5-0D92-4010-97EE-61747A2DBEAA", "Heller Votes to Confirm Record-Breaking Number of Circuit Court Judges Under President Trump", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today voted to confirm James Ho, the 12th circuit court judge nominated by President Trump to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, marking a new, historic record. The U.S. Senate has now confirmed more circuit court judge nominees under President Trump than any other President has had confirmed during their first year in office. \u201cI\u2019m proud that the U.S. Senate voted to confirm yet another conservative judge, which brings us to a total of 19 confirmed judges this year, including Justice Neil Gorsuch. Today, we also set a new record; the U.S. Senate has now confirmed more circuit court judge nominees during the first year of President Trump\u2019s Administration than any other president in modern history,\u201d said Heller. \u201cEarlier this year, I called on Congress to pick up the pace and now we\u2019ve done exactly that. I\u2019m hopeful that we\u2019ll continue to fill the numerous judicial vacancies and bring tax relief to hardworking Americans. We need to work around the clock until we get the job done.\u201d\u00a0 In October, Heller pushed his colleagues to work full-time, 24/7 for the remainder of the year to combat Democrat obstruction and get results for the American people. At the time, the Senate had confirmed only seven judges. Since Heller\u2019s call to speed up the number of confirmations, the Senate has confirmed an additional 12 judges.\u00a0\u00a0 According to the Federal Judicial Center, the previous record holders for the most confirmed circuit court judges during their first year in office were Presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. The U.S. Senate confirmed 11 federal appeals court nominees during President Kennedy\u2019s and Nixon\u2019s respective first year in office.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CF48BBB6-6BA9-460C-8B30-2DAA9B5BEBED", "In Case You Missed It: December CHIP Funds Secured as Pushed by Heller, Costello, Emmer", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December CHIP funds secured as pushed by Heller, Costello, Emmer\r\nU.S. Sen. Dean Heller\u2019s (R-NV) legislation giving states an interim path to proceed with the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), The Chip Stability Act, was signed into law on Dec. 8 by President Donald Trump. Heller\u2019s legislation was incorporated into H.J. Res. 123, a bill to keep the federal government funded for two weeks. \u201cI applaud the president for signing into law this legislation that ensures there is no gap in funding for CHIP,\u201d said Heller, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over the program. With the funding gap addressed, Congress can consider FY2018 CHIP reauthorization legislation. Heller said it\u2019s vital to keep the program operational because CHIP is a lifeline for thousands of vulnerable children. \u201cThis bill helps ensure states can continue to provide the vital services offered through CHIP as we continue working on a bipartisan, long-term extension of this critical program,\u201d he said, also thanking U.S. Reps. Ryan Costello (R-PA) and Tom Emmer (R-MN) for helping to push the proposal through Congress. Heller also has cosponsored the Keeping Kids\u2019 Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure vulnerable children have health care stability by extending CHIP funding for five years. Heller said the CHIP Stability Act compliments the KIDS Act, which is up for reauthorization that he plans to continue supporting. Costello and Emmer introduced the House version of the CHIP Stability Act, which included language introduced by Emmer in a provision that allows for CHIP funding through the end of 2017. This will \u201cbring certainty and much needed support for thousands of Minnesotans,\u201d Emmer said. The House Energy and Commerce Committee had jurisdiction over the House legislation. \u201cIt\u2019s frustrating to see states forced to rely on this stopgap funding to pay for CHIP when the House passed a fully funded, five-year extension of this essential program last month,\u201d said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Dr. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX). \u201cIn the meantime, bipartisan, bicameral discussions continue so we can swiftly reach an agreement on a broad package to extend funding for CHIP, Medicare extenders that seniors rely on, and other vital public health programs,\u201d the House chairmen said. \u201cPatients have been waiting for far too long. We need to get this done.\u201d Under current law, CHIP uses a redistribution fund that includes unused program funds from the prior two years, enabling states to meet the projected costs of their current program. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) distributes those additional funds based on a state\u2019s percentage of national CHIP allotments. States and territories exhaust their funding at different rates, and some will run out of CHIP funding this month. The Chip Stability Act allows CMS to suspend its statutory formula and use all available redistribution funds to cover exhausted funds, enabling full funding for all states and territories through the end of December.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E24F9930-403B-4AFD-AE14-24D08D74CCC4", "President Signs Hellers CHIP Stability Act into Law", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced today that The Chip Stability Act, legislation he introduced to provide states with certainty for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), has been signed into law by President Donald Trump.\r\n\u201cI applaud the President for signing into law this legislation that ensures there is no gap in funding for CHIP,\u201d said Heller. \u201cCHIP is a lifeline for thousands of vulnerable children, and that\u2019s why it\u2019s vital we keep this program operational. This bill helps ensure states can continue to provide the vital services offered through CHIP as we continue working on a bipartisan, long-term extension of this critical program. I thank Representatives Ryan Costello and Tom Emmer for helping push this proposal through Congress.\u201d\r\nHeller, a member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee which has jurisdiction over CHIP, is also a co-sponsor of the Keeping Kids\u2019 Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure stability for Nevada\u2019s vulnerable children by extending funding for CHIP for five years.\u00a0The CHIP Stability Act is complimentary to the Kids Act, and Senator Heller will continue supporting Chairman Hatch to get CHIP reauthorized this year.\r\nThe CHIP Stability Act was signed into law by President Trump today as part of H.J. Res. 123, a two-week government funding bill.\r\nBackground: The Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) includes a redistribution fund that includes unused CHIP funds from the prior two years and allows states to meet the projected costs of their current program.\u00a0The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) distributes those additional funds based on the state\u2019s percentage of national CHIP allotments.\u00a0As such, some states and territories will run out of CHIP funding during December. To ensure that there is no gap in funding, The Chip Stability Act allows CMS to suspend their statutory formula and use all available redistribution funds based on state need. This will allow all states to be fully funded through the end of December.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=89936C1E-D142-4F37-8C9A-9546F84277D8", "Heller Praises White House Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Capital of Israel, Commitment to Relocate U.S. Embassy", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and its commitment to relocating the American embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that Heller has championed in Congress and repeatedly pushed for by authoring the\u00a0Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act. Heller along with\u00a0Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act to fulfill our commitment to Israel by enacting current law.\u00a0 In 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, legislation that recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Although the bill became law later that year, the U.S. Embassy was not relocated.\u00a0 \u201cAs one of our strongest allies in the fight against terrorism and in promoting peace in the Middle East, America\u2019s support to Israel must be unwavering,\u201d said Heller. \u201cI applaud President Trump for his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I\u2019m also pleased that the Administration committed to developing a plan to relocate the American Embassy to Jerusalem, action that I have repeatedly pushed for because while a law was passed more than 20 years ago to do just that, it has never been enacted. That is why I have authored legislation that demands the United States no longer turns a blind eye to its promise. Today\u2019s decision sends a message to our strongest and oldest ally in the Middle East: the United States Senate stands with Israel.\u201d In May of 2017, Heller also joined with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Marco Rubio (R-FL)\u00a0to introduce a resolution to urge the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel\u00a0and the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.\u200e\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A75B8510-8B92-47A1-BDA9-E51EDA6838F6", "Heller Welcomes Interior Departments Recommended Action on Gold Butte", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today welcomed Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ryan Zinke\u2019s recommendation to the White House to slightly modify the Gold Butte National Monument, which would allow the local community to access water rights that were lost under the Obama Administration. \u201cThe Department of Interior\u2019s decision is welcome news for Nevada as it allows the Valley Water District to access their water rights that were lost under the previous administration,\u201d\u00a0said Heller. \u201cI was proud to work with Secretary Zinke to prioritize local concerns over the opinion of Washington bureaucrats, and I\u2019m pleased with his recommendation to the White House. As this process moves forward, I remain committed to promoting the \u2018Nevada\u2019 model of conservation.\u201d During his last two years in office, President Obama unilaterally placed restrictions on over one million acres of public land in Nevada through the\u00a0American Antiquities Act of 1906.\u00a0Given that nearly 85 percent of Nevada is already owned by the federal government,\u00a0Heller and Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) introduced the\u00a0Nevada Land Sovereignty Act\u00a0,\u00a0a bill that prevents unilateral land grabs by requiring any monument designation to receive Congressional approval. \u201cPublic lands are for public use, and I believe that communities that border public lands, like those in the Virgin Valley, deserve to have their voices heard in land management decisions. I believe that modest changes to Gold Butte will restore the public voice and will allow for critical public access for water rights and infrastructure. I appreciate the input from local stakeholders and Senator Heller throughout this review process,\u201d said Secretary Zinke.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2B11FD8B-49DC-4774-A2DD-FE28B352BD9D", "Heller, Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan Public Lands Bill", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) today introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA). Before it expired in 2011, FLTFA allowed the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service in the western United States to use the proceeds from sales of certain federally designated areas to protect lands of exceptional conservation value.  \u201cThis bipartisan program provides a fiscally responsible way to protect and manage important public lands in Nevada and throughout the West. Not only will it spur economic growth and development, it will also keep conservation at the forefront of the region\u2019s needs,\u201d said Senator Heller. \u201cThis program takes a balanced approach to conservation of public lands in the West, and as a result, it has a long history of bipartisan support,\u201d said Senator Heinrich. \u201cFLTFA is a commonsense program that achieves the dual goals of conservation and economic development. These funds have been used to protect iconic lands in New Mexico including in the Aztec Ruins National Monument, Santa Fe National Forest, and Elk Springs. FLTFA helps our state preserve the places that draw visitors from around the world and sustain outdoor traditions like hunting and fishing for generations to come.\u201d For more than a decade until it expired in 2011, FLTFA allowed the preservation of important sites across the western United States without the use of taxpayer money. The program also assisted in better land management practices by disposing of isolated or difficult to manage parcels identified by the public land management agencies themselves. Additional cosponsors of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act are U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), James Risch (R-ID), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Steve Daines (R-MT).  The legislation is supported by more than 165 groups, including many sportsmen, recreation, conservation, and historic preservation groups, such as The Conservation Fund, The Trust for Public Land, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, and Nevada Land Trust.  \u201cSupporting vibrant economies and safeguarding our environment are both essential to Americans,\u201d said Larry Selzer, president and chief executive officer of The Conservation Fund. \u201cThat is why we applaud Senators Heinrich and Heller for their leadership in recognizing FLTFA as a practical and effective tool that has allowed businesses, ranchers, counties and others to buy land for strategic growth, while enabling public agencies to protect outstanding natural lands for public recreation in the West.\u201d\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=98BDBA81-7D4D-4A8D-9B23-92FFFABA0CDD", "Senate Passes Historic Tax Relief Bill with Hellers Support", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded the U.S. Senate\u2019s passage of the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that will deliver tax relief to hardworking Nevadans,\u00a0boost middle class income by nearly $2,500, and\u00a0add more than 8,300 jobs in Nevada. According to the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation,\u00a0every income category of Nevada\u2019s roughly 1.4 million individual tax return filers will receive a tax cut.\u00a0\r\nIn Nevada,\u00a0median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago\u00a0and\u00a0Nevadans are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living in nearly every other state. At the same time, childcare expenses have skyrocketed,\u00a0averaging nearly $10,000 a year for an infant in Nevada. This is why an enhanced child tax credit is so important to helping families begin to confront the rising costs of raising their children,\u00a0which is now more than $230,000.\r\n\u201cThe U.S. Senate today passed sweeping legislation that will give hardworking Nevadans and Americans throughout the country the break that they deserve,\u201d\u00a0said Heller.\u00a0\u201cWhether it\u2019s the single mother from Gardnerville who doesn\u2019t receive child support and works full-time,\u00a0or the police officer and teacher with two kids living in Las Vegas who say they\u2019re doing the very best that they can to get by, I continue to hear that families in my state are struggling to cover their expenses. That\u2019s why I have been fighting to keep the Senate at work until we pass tax cuts that allow hardworking Americans to keep more of their paychecks, and why I\u2019m proud that my provision to double the child tax credit from current law was included in the final product.\u201d\r\nHeller along with Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) secured a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that would\u00a0increase the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000, or double it from current law.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nHeller added,\u00a0\u201cThink about this: doubling the child tax credit could mean enough money for a family of four to cover\u00a0more than three months\u2019 worth of groceries\u00a0or purchase\u00a0more than 9,000 diapers. The benefits of an enhanced child tax credit, however, extend beyond freeing up money for families to spend on day-to-day costs, it also allows them to better plan for their futures. For example, Sarah, a single mom living in Nevada, said that she used her child tax credit to help her and her four children move out of a family shelter and pay rent for a year in advance.\u201d\r\nThe Senate bill also includes Heller\u2019s provision to make it easier for startups and businesses\u00a0to give employees an ownership stake in their company\u2019s success.\u00a0The Senate bill nearly doubles the standard deduction to $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a couple filing jointly. Now more than 90 percent of Nevadans will not have to itemize their deductions, which will save these taxpayers significant time and energy when it comes time to filing their taxes and they will also see significant savings in their tax liability. Additionally, the legislation increases the deduction of expenses for teachers in Nevada by 100 percent and preserves the medical expense deduction, the mortgage interest deduction, and the treatment of student loan interest or tuition forgiveness.\r\n\u201cMy dad was an auto mechanic and my mom was a school cook, and they told us that if we work hard and play by the rules, then we too can achieve the American dream. But many Americans think that isn\u2019t possible anymore. This is a piece of legislation that will empower American families and help restore faith in the American dream by giving tax cuts to the middle class, creating jobs, and growing our economy. And I\u2019m proud to have played a role in getting it passed,\u201d\u00a0said Heller.\u00a0\r\nBackground on the Senate\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n \r\nAdds more than 8,300 jobs in Nevada and boosts middle class income by nearly $2,500.\r\nNearly doubles the standard deduction to $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a couple filing jointly.\r\nHeller provision: Doubles the child tax credit from current law.\r\nIncreases the deduction of expenses for teachers in Nevada by 100 percent.\r\nHeller provision: Makes it easier for employers to give employees an ownership stake in their company\u2019s success.\r\nPreserves the medical expense deduction.\r\nPreserves the mortgage interest deduction\r\nPreserves the treatment of student loan interest or tuition forgiveness.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=30FB081B-55C5-4A93-9DB6-1F264B44A31C", "Heller Introduces Bill to Fund CHIP through December", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today introduced the CHIP Stability Act, key legislation that will provide much-needed reassurances and federal funding to Nevada and other states for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP, which became law 20 years ago, provides medical coverage and care to vulnerable children in Nevada and across the country who otherwise may not get care. The Nevada Checkup program alone provides health care to more than 27,000 children in Nevada.\u00a0 As current reauthorization funding for CHIP expired on September 30, 2017, Nevada is projected to run out of current funding on December 15, 2017.\u00a0 Nevada recently received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on its request for redistribution funding for December and tentative approval for January. \u201cChildren\u2019s care should not be held hostage by political disputes, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m pushing Congress to take immediate action and pass my proposal that ensures there is no gap in funding for CHIP,\u201d Heller said. \u201cIn states like Nevada, CHIP is a lifeline for thousands of vulnerable children and families. Inaction is not an option. My proposal allows the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to suspend their statutory formula and use all available redistribution funds based on each state\u2019s need so that states are fully-funded through the end of December. I look forward to working with my colleagues to approve this bill quickly so families will have the certainty they need.\u201d Heller, a member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee which has jurisdiction over CHIP, is also a co-sponsor of the Keeping Kids\u2019 Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure stability for Nevada\u2019s vulnerable children by extending funding for CHIP for five years.\u00a0The CHIP Stability Act is complimentary to the Kids Act, and Senator Heller will continue supporting Chairman Hatch to get it reauthorized this year. Background: The Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) includes a redistribution fund that includes unused CHIP funds from the prior two years and allows states to meet the projected costs of their current program.\u00a0The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) distributes those additional funds based on the state\u2019s percentage of national CHIP allotments.\u00a0As such, some states and territories will run out of CHIP funding during December. To ensure that there is no gap in funding, this proposal allows CMS to suspend their statutory formula and use all available redistribution funds based on state need. This will allow all states to be fully funded through the end of December.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DA17F8EF-0CD9-4AE3-8FA1-79CFA37220CC", "Heller Applauds EPA Announcement to Help Nevadas Mining Industry", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) announcement that it will eliminate an Obama-era rule that would have expanded EPA\u2019s authority to unnecessarily burden Nevada\u2019s mining industry.\r\nThe announcement comes after Heller led a July letter with the Senate Western Caucus stressing that the \u201cFinancial Responsibility Requirements Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) for Classes of Facilities in the Hardrock Mining Industry\u201d rule would result in excessive compliance costs and discourage mining companies from investing and providing good-paying jobs to communities that rely on this critical industry.\r\n\u201cThe Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s decision today is a win for Nevada\u2019s mining industry, which helps employ nearly 25,000 workers in our state alone,\u201d said Heller. \u201cThe CERCLA rule would have discouraged investment, development, and job creation in the very communities that rely on this industry. I was proud to have led the congressional effort against this anti-mining, government-overreach rule and I\u2019m thankful Administrator Scott Pruitt recognized its harmful economic impact.\u201d\r\nEarlier this year, Heller also urged the EPA to allow for additional time to review the impact this rule would have on the mining industry. As a result, the EPA extended the comment period from 60 days to 120 days and Heller and his colleagues welcomed the opportunity to express their concerns and encourage their constituents to make their voices heard.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E59AD366-69E9-4DC0-8303-A13D88F9FDE3", "Heller, Cortez Masto Urge Senate Leaders to Take Swift Action in Funding CHIP", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) recently urged Senate leaders to swiftly advance a renewal of federal funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides medical coverage and care to vulnerable children in Nevada and across the country who otherwise may not get care. In a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Heller and Cortez Masto noted the Nevada Checkup program provides health care to more than 27,000 children in Nevada. The Senators stressed their support for the program and\u00a0the critical importance of quickly moving to\u00a0ensure that children and families who rely on the program do not see a lapse in coverage. \u201cAs current reauthorization funding for CHIP expired on September 30, 2017, Nevada was projected to run out of current funding on or around December 15, 2017. While this news was concerning, we are pleased that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced it will provide Nevada with additional redistribution funding in December and January and remain hopeful that Congress will act swiftly to provide stability and certainty for CHIP,\u201d the Senators wrote.\u00a0 \u201cAs you continue working towards a path forward on CHIP reauthorization, we urge you to swiftly advance a renewal of federal funding for this program that will provide children and families in Nevada and across the nation with the certainty they deserve.\u201d\r\nThe letter reads in full:\r\nNovember 30, 2017\r\nThe Honorable Mitch McConnell \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  Majority Leader\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  United States Senate\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   S-230 U.S. Capitol\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   Washington, DC 20510\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Honorable Charles Schumer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   Democratic Leader  United States Senate   S-221 U.S. Capitol  Washington, DC 20510\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDear Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer: We write to you today concerning the vital importance of reauthorizing the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).\u00a0We appreciate your support of this critical program that provides children in Nevada and across the nation with affordable, quality care. The Nevada Checkup program provides health care to more than 27,000 children in our state.\u00a0As strong supporters of this important program, we wish to reiterate our support and desire to ensure children and families who rely on this program do not see a lapse in coverage. As current reauthorization funding for CHIP expired on September 30, 2017, Nevada was projected to run out of current funding on or around December 15, 2017. While this news was concerning, we are pleased that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced it will provide Nevada with additional redistribution funding in December and January and remain hopeful that Congress will act swiftly to provide stability and certainty for CHIP. We are also pleased to see that the Senate Finance Committee has played a critical role in moving forward a long-term reauthorization of CHIP under the leadership of Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden.\u00a0This bipartisan legislation, the Keeping Kids\u2019 Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act (S.1827), was approved by the Finance Committee on October 4, 2017, and would extend funding for CHIP for five years, as well as provide additional protections for low-income children and increase flexibility for states. As you continue working towards a path forward on CHIP reauthorization, we urge you to swiftly advance a renewal of federal funding for this program that will provide children and families in Nevada and across the nation with the certainty they deserve. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.\u00a0We look forward to working with you to provide needed stability for vulnerable children in Nevada and across the nation.\r\nSincerely,\r\nDean Heller\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Catherine Cortez Masto  United States Senator \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United States Senator\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1404", "Amodei Signs Discharge Petition to Vote on DACA by Year's End", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155  WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) today released the following statement after signing the discharge petition relating to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The purpose of the petition is to bypass the traditional legislative committee process, which in Amodei\u2019s opinion, has produced no results for the last 75 months.  \u201cAfter the President issued the Congress a March 5th, 2018 deadline to resolve the DACA issue, I said that Floor action was \u2013 and continues to be \u2013 absolutely necessary after years of coulda\u2019, woulda\u2019, shoulda\u2019. If any of my colleagues believe DACA is the perfect material to insert into an end of the year spending bill, tax reform bill, or other type of major legislation, in view of this week\u2019s chapter in partisan polarization \u2013 I respectfully disagree.  \u201cSigning this discharge petition represents the only tool left to me as an individual Member of Congress to keep my word by doing everything I can to bring the DACA issue to the House Floor for a vote, before the end of this year. Once again, this falls into the category of I\u2019d rather be criticized for attempting to move an issue toward a solution, than watching nothing happen on issues for years. As I have said before, it\u2019s impossible to defend doing nothing in circumstances like this.  \u201cIf successful, the discharge petition would bring the bill (H.Res.508) to the Floor, where amendments may be debated, discussed, and voted on in the Rules Committee and on the House Floor. The last time I checked, that\u2019s called the legislative process, a process which allows people to judge Congress\u2019s work product by virtue of how we voted instead of what we said.\u201d  For additional information with respect to Congressman Amodei\u2019s position on this issue, please click here.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-signs-discharge-petition-vote-daca-years-end", "Amodei Signs Discharge Petition to Vote on DACA by Year's End", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) today released the following statement after signing the discharge petition relating to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The purpose of the petition is to bypass the traditional legislative committee process, which in Amodei\u2019s opinion, has produced no results for the last 75 months.\n\n\u201cAfter the President issued the Congress a March 5th, 2018 deadline to resolve the DACA issue, I said that Floor action was \u2013 and continues to be \u2013 absolutely necessary after years of coulda\u2019, woulda\u2019, shoulda\u2019. If any of my colleagues believe DACA is the perfect material to insert into an end of the year spending bill, tax reform bill, or other type of major legislation, in view of this week\u2019s chapter in partisan polarization \u2013 I respectfully disagree.\n\n\u201cSigning this discharge petition represents the only tool left to me as an individual Member of Congress to keep my word by doing everything I can to bring the DACA issue to the House Floor for a vote, before the end of this year. Once again, this falls into the category of I\u2019d rather be criticized for attempting to move an issue toward a solution, than watching nothing happen on issues for years. As I have said before, it\u2019s impossible to defend doing nothing in circumstances like this.\n\n\u201cIf successful, the discharge petition would bring the bill (H.Res.508) to the Floor, where amendments may be debated, discussed, and voted on in the Rules Committee and on the House Floor. The last time I checked, that\u2019s called the legislative process, a process which allows people to judge Congress\u2019s work product by virtue of how we voted instead of what we said.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1403", "Amodei Statement on the Passing of Dr. Joseph Crowley", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155  Amodei Statement on the Passing of Dr. Joseph Crowley   WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) released the below statement today following the passing of the University of Nevada, Reno\u2019s longest-serving President, Dr. Joseph Crowley:  \u201cI first met Dr. Crowley when I was a freshman and he was working as director of the political science department. During his tenure at UNR, Dr. Crowley served as a professor, department chair, and as acting president before eventually becoming president in 1979. Dr. Crowley brought further stature to UNR while serving as president of the NCAA, from 1993 to 1995, during which time he did groundbreaking work on Title IX programs benefitting women athletes. While Dr. Crowley wore many hats at UNR, he always made sure to put the educational needs of Nevadans first, working hard each day to advance the university\u2019s mission to provide \u2018outstanding learning, discovery, and engagement programs.\u2019 Without a doubt, Dr. Crowley\u2019s strong leadership and dedication has done great things for UNR and Nevada and he will be greatly missed.\u201d  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-statement-passing-dr-joseph-crowley", "Amodei Statement on the Passing of Dr. Joseph Crowley", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) released the below statement today following the passing of the University of Nevada, Reno\u2019s longest-serving President, Dr. Joseph Crowley:\n\n\u201cI first met Dr. Crowley when I was a freshman and he was working as director of the political science department. During his tenure at UNR, Dr. Crowley served as a professor, department chair, and as acting president before eventually becoming president in 1979. Dr. Crowley brought further stature to UNR while serving as president of the NCAA, from 1993 to 1995, during which time he did groundbreaking work on Title IX programs benefitting women athletes. While Dr. Crowley wore many hats at UNR, he always made sure to put the educational needs of Nevadans first, working hard each day to advance the university\u2019s mission to provide \u2018outstanding learning, discovery, and engagement programs.\u2019 Without a doubt, Dr. Crowley\u2019s strong leadership and dedication has done great things for UNR and Nevada and he will be greatly missed.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=005EB0DA-7F44-4906-85CC-1537B115061F", "U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Passes Bill Strengthening Veterans Health Care with Key Heller Provisions", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced today that the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee passed legislation that includes three key provisions he authored to aid veterans in need of transplants, increase accountability for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee bonuses, and bring medical scribes into the VA system.\r\nThe three Heller provisions were approved by the committee as part of the Caring for Our Veterans Act of 2017, a bipartisan bill that streamlines and strengthens veterans\u2019 health care at the VA and in the community to ensure efficient, timely, and quality care.\r\nSpecifically, the legislation includes Heller\u2019s VA Bonus Transparency Act, the VA Transplant Coverage Act, and the Maximizing Efficiency and Improving Access to Providers at the VA Act. \u201cNevada\u2019s 300,000 military veterans deserve the world-class medical care and support that they have rightfully earned as a result of their selfless service to this country, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m pleased the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee today passed the Caring for Our Veterans Act,\u201d said Heller, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cI thank Chairman Isakson for his leadership on this bill, and for including my proposals to boost accountability for taxpayer-funded employee bonuses, aid veterans in need of transplants, and bring medical scribes into the VA system. As the senior U.S. Senator from Nevada, one of my top priorities is to ensure that our nation upholds its solemn responsibility to care for those who put their lives on the line. I look forward to advancing this legislation through Congress and will work to have them signed into law as soon as possible.\u201d\r\nDuring the Committee\u2019s mark-up hearing today, Heller also urged action on his recently-introduced VA Provider Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill he authored with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) that stops the VA from hiding medical mistakes made by VA providers. You can watch his remarks here or by clicking the image below.\r\n\r\n[Click here or on the image above]\r\n  Background:\r\n \r\nVA Bonus Transparency Act - The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs\u00a0(VA) to annually report on the bonuses awarded to critical positions within the VA, including VA Regional Office (VARO) directors, VA hospital\u00a0directors, and Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) directors. \r\nVA Transplant Coverage Act \u2013 The Veterans Transplant Coverage Act would authorize the VA to cover transplants from live donors to a veteran regardless of whether the donor is a veteran. It also ensures that this coverage will\u00a0apply to operations at VA and non-VA facilities.\r\nMaximizing Efficiency and Improving Access to Providers at the VA Act \u2013 This legislation establishes a pilot program for the VA to enter into a contract to hire medical scribes so that doctors spend less time entering medical data and more time with their veteran patients. \r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0E8CDEC2-33C9-4DDD-B296-E8164244B2D8", "Heller Votes to Advance Senate Tax Relief Bill", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today voted in support of advancing debate on the U.S. Senate\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which includes an amendment he filed with Tim Scott (R-SC) that would\u00a0increase the child tax credit to $2,000, or double it from current law.\u00a0After clearing this critical hurdle in the U.S. Senate, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will now be subject to up to 20 hours of debate under the budget reconciliation process.  According to the Tax Foundation, the Senate\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would boost middle class income by nearly $2,500 and add more than 8,300 jobs in Nevada. Additionally, the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed that under the Senate\u2019s tax relief bill,\u00a0every income category of Nevada\u2019s roughly 1.4 million individual tax return filers would receive a tax cut.\u00a0  \u201cThe Senate\u2019s tax relief bill has cleared a critical hurdle and we are now one step closer to providing tax cuts to middle class families in Nevada and around the country,\u201d said Heller. \u201cThis bill will boost middle class income in Nevada, create thousands of jobs in our state, and ultimately drive growth in our communities. By doubling the child tax credit from current law, this legislation will literally put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking Nevadans, allowing them to purchase anything from three months\u2019 worth of groceries to 9,000 diapers. Enhancing the child tax credit is one of my top priorities, and I\u2019m proud that my provision to do just that was included in the Senate\u2019s tax bill.\u201d The Senate bill also includes Heller\u2019s provision to make it easier for startups and businesses\u00a0to give employees an ownership stake in their company\u2019s success, and his Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Act, which helps low-income taxpayers keep more of their money by supporting free tax preparation sites. Additionally, the Senate\u2019s tax bill increases the deduction of expenses for teachers in Nevada by 100 percent and preserves the medical expense deduction, the mortgage interest deduction, and the treatment of student loan interest or tuition forgiveness. Heller added, \u201cAs the son of an auto mechanic and school cook, I grew up watching my parents work hard to provide me and my brothers and sisters a good life. They told us that if we work hard and play by the rules, then we too can achieve the American dream. The problem is that too many people now think that isn\u2019t true, and we need to change that. We have the opportunity to take action on a piece of legislation that will empower American families and help restore faith in the American dream. That\u2019s what this bill is about and that\u2019s why the Senate must work 24/7 to pass it.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1E4723F6-2072-4E1B-8590-D16D6F8C618A", "Heller to Join Colleagues, Senior White House Director, Grassroots Leaders at Tax Event TODAY", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today will join U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), White House Legislative Affairs Director Marc Short, and grassroots leaders at a press event at 7:15 a.m. PT/10:15 a.m. ET in 385 Russell Senate Office Building to highlight the positive impact tax relief will have on American families and the economy. The event will be livestreamed HERE.\r\nThe event comes as the Senate prepares to debate the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which includes an amendment Heller filed with Tim Scott (R-SC) that would increase the child tax credit to $2,000. Heller voted in support of the tax relief bill when it was passed out of the Senate Finance Committee two weeks ago.\r\nDetails:\r\nPress Event Highlighting the Need for Tax Relief\r\nWednesday, November 29, 2017, at 7:15 a.m. PT/10:15 a.m. ET\r\n385 Russell Senate Office Building\r\nLive-stream available HERE\r\nParticipants:\r\n \r\nU.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), David Perdue (R-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and John Cornyn (R-TX)\r\nMarc Short, director, White House Legislative Affairs\r\nTim Phillips, president, Americans for Prosperity\r\nJames Davis, executive vice president, Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce\r\nCarrie Sheffield, executive director, Generation Opportunity\r\nDaniel Garza, president, The LIBRE Initiative\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F2E3FB09-3B0F-4026-BF4B-E5223BF20B1C", "Heller on Senate Tax Relief Bill: We are at a Pivotal Point", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today joined his colleagues, Americans for Prosperity, and grassroots leaders to highlight the positive impact tax relief will have on American families and the economy. Heller specifically focused on the urgency to pass tax cuts for families living in Nevada. \u201cWe are at a pivotal point here in Washington, D.C\u2026 In Nevada, median household income today is $7,000 lower than it was 10 years ago. Think about that. For the average family, that\u2019s $7,000 less in purchasing power than they had 10 years ago,\u201d said Heller. \u201cThere are more Nevadans living paycheck to paycheck today than most other states. These are some of the reasons, and important reasons to me, why tax reform needs to happen.\u201d Heller continued, \u201cAs I was growing up in the state of Nevada, I had five brothers and sisters and my dad was an auto mechanic and my mother was a school cook\u2026they told their children that if you worked hard and played by the rules, you\u2019d be able to succeed. I do believe that the average American after the last 10 years doesn\u2019t believe that that\u2019s true anymore. And that is the goal behind this initiative, that\u2019s the goal behind this tax reform \u2013 to give the kind of relief that the middle-class has been asking for, begging for, for the last generation. And we are going to provide that for them.\u201d This week, the Senate is prepared to debate the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which includes an amendment Heller filed with Tim Scott (R-SC) that would increase the child tax credit to $2,000. Heller voted in support of the tax relief bill when it was passed out of the Senate Finance Committee two weeks ago. Watch Heller\u2019s remarks\u00a0HERE, or click the image below.\r\nClick\u00a0HERE\u00a0or the above image to watch.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DFF565CE-41C0-4014-83FC-504A635792A0", "Heller and Manchin to Congress: Pass Our Bill to Protect Veterans from Dangerous Medical Providers", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Following the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that found the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) failed to report poorly-performing medical providers, U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) today urged the Senate to swiftly take action on their bipartisan legislation that stops the VA from concealing providers\u2019 medical mistakes.\u00a0\r\nAccording to the GAO, the VA failed to report 90 percent of poor-performing medical providers to a national database designed to prevent them from crossing state lines and endangering patients elsewhere. The GAO report\u2019s findings are in line with a USA Today investigation that prompted Heller and Manchin to introduce the VA Provider Accountability Act.\r\nThe VA Provider Accountability Act addresses issues raised in the GAO report by requiring the VA to report major adverse actions to the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards. It will also prohibit the VA from signing settlements with fired or dismissed VA employees that allow the VA to conceal serious medical errors or purge negative records from personnel files.\r\n\u201cThe nonpartisan GAO\u2019s findings are truly shocking, worrisome, and downright reprehensible. America\u2019s military veterans deserve the world-class medical care that they have rightfully earned, and by medical workers who uphold the VA\u2019s mission statement. It is a shame the GAO has found that the VA has not been forthcoming when it comes to reporting poor-performing doctors to the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards, and that\u2019s why Congress must immediately pass the VA Provider Accountability Act,\u201d said\u00a0Heller, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cThis report is further evidence that we must enact my bipartisan legislation that holds the VA\u2019s feet to the fire so that the veterans the agency exists to serve have trust in their caretakers. Congress must now act swiftly to help ensure that our military veterans are not at risk of receiving unsafe care from poor-performing and dangerous medical professionals and ensure these individuals are held accountable outside the VA system.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis GAO report, like the USA Today report that preceded it, is disturbing and shows a pattern of incompetence that could hurt both VA and non-VA patients. While I appreciate that VA is making attempts to correct this on their own, I believe these improvements in accountability measures need to be codified. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to push this important piece of legislation through quickly,\u201d said Manchin. Senators Heller and Manchin introduced the VA Provider and Accountability Act last month after a\u00a0USA Today investigation recently revealed the VA has for years repeatedly buried and concealed poor care and mistakes made by its medical workers. The VA Provider Accountability Act is cosponsored by Senator Cassidy and supported by Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Federation of State Medical Boards.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=92555887-3147-42E5-8842-02CAF56BCEF9", "In Case You Missed It: Senate Bill Delivers Tax Relief for Nevadans", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate bill delivers tax relief for Nevadans  Sen. Dean Heller The Senate\u2019s tax relief bill is good for Nevada\u2019s middle-class families. Here\u2019s why. First, the Senate\u2019s version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes a measure that I proposed that increases the child tax credit to $2,000. The current child tax credit is $1,000, and I successfully fought to double the child tax credit from current law and extend the qualifying age to include children under 18 years old so that more Nevada families can claim the credit. Whether it\u2019s the single mother from Gardnerville who doesn\u2019t receive child support and works full-time, or Andrew in Las Vegas who worries about how he\u2019ll be able to afford day care for his daughters next year, I continue to hear that families in my state are struggling to cover their expenses. In Nevada, median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago and Nevadans are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living in nearly every other state. At the same time, child care expenses have skyrocketed, averaging nearly $10,000 a year for an infant in Nevada. According to the Children\u2019s Cabinet, a single mom living in Clark County would have to spend more than half of her income to send her infant and preschooler to a licensed day care center. This is why an enhanced child tax credit is so important to helping families begin to confront the rising costs of raising their children, which is now more than $230,000, and why I worked closely with Ivanka Trump to make it happen. Think about this: Doubling the child tax credit could mean enough money for a family of four to cover more than three months\u2019 worth of groceries or purchase more than 9,000 diapers. The benefits of expanding the tax credit, however, extend beyond freeing up money for families to spend on day-to-day costs; it also allows them to better plan for their futures. Take Sarah, a single mom living in Nevada, as an example. She told us she used her child tax credit to help her and her four children move out of a family shelter and pay rent for a year in advance. Doubling the child tax credit would benefit Nevada families by allowing them to keep significantly more of their hard-earned money, and that is why I will continue to fight for it as the tax reform debate continues. In addition to an enhanced child tax credit, the Senate\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is good for Nevadans because it would boost middle-class income by nearly $2,500 and add more than 8,300 jobs in Nevada. The bill includes my provision to make it easier for startups and businesses to give employees an ownership stake in their company\u2019s success, and it preserves the medical expense deduction, the mortgage interest deduction and the treatment of student loan interest or tuition forgiveness. By including my Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Act, the Senate bill also helps low-income taxpayers keep more of their money by supporting free tax preparation sites. Finally, increasing the deduction of expenses for teachers in Nevada by 100 percent is another reason why the Senate\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would benefit Nevadans. During a recent telephone town hall meeting, a teacher from Las Vegas spoke about how she\u2019s worried about stagnant wages and I understand her frustration. That\u2019s why I welcome this provision in our bill because it will allow her to keep more of her paycheck. As the son of an auto mechanic and school cook, I grew up watching my parents work hard to provide me and my brothers and sisters a good life. They told us that if we work hard and play by the rules, then we too can achieve the American dream. The problem is that too many people now think that isn\u2019t true. While we still have a long way to go, the Senate\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a positive step toward restoring Nevadans\u2019 faith in the American dream by providing tax cuts for middle-class families and jump-starting job creation, higher wages, and economic growth. Dean Heller is a U.S. senator representing the state of Nevada.\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=43003FA6-8633-4CC9-9B54-6DCDF6AE71BB", "Heller Secures Funding To Protect Lake Tahoe in Senate Appropriations Bill", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced that critical federal funding he requested to help protect Lake Tahoe and detect wildfires in the region has been included in the newly-released fiscal year 2018 appropriations bill for the Interior Department, Environmental Protection Agency, and related agencies.\r\nSpecifically, the appropriations bill includes language directing the U.S. Forest Service to fully implement the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, legislation sponsored by Heller last Congress.\u00a0It also includes $3 million that will go toward wildfire management in Lake Tahoe, and a minimum of $500,000 that will go to organizations that integrate technological advances to fight wildfire, such as AlertTahoe, a camera system that helps firefighters around the Lake Tahoe Area monitor and respond faster to deadly blazes.\r\nThe announcement comes after Heller sent two letters to U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Interior and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in October requesting the Subcommittee include federal resources to help preserve Lake Tahoe and fund technologies to thwart wildfires.\r\n\u201cAs a lifelong Nevadan and an avid outdoorsman, Lake Tahoe remains a source of memories for me and my family, including my four children and two grandchildren,\u201d said Heller. \u201cLake Tahoe\u2019s exceptional beauty offers a unique experience to tourists and countless families like mine, and helps drive our local economy and create jobs. That is why I thank the Senate Appropriations Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Interior and Environment for recognizing the Lake\u2019s importance and including funds that will help preserve this area for generations to come and protect it from wildfires. I\u2019m also very appreciative that this bill directs $500,000 to support AlertTahoe, which helps identify and fight wildfires. As we saw earlier this year across the West and in Nevada, these deadly blazes can spread quickly, and innovative technologies like AlertTahoe can help us better protect our neighbors and friends as soon as tragedy strikes.\u201d\r\nHeller has a long history of introducing and supporting measures to protect Lake Tahoe. His Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, a bipartisan bill he introduced with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to restore the Lake Tahoe Area, was signed into law in December of 2016. The legislation was the product of years of bipartisan collaboration to ensure Lake Tahoe remains a clean, safe, and vibrant outdoor destination for both Nevadans and tourists alike.\r\nHeller has also has fought to protect Nevadans from wildfires. This summer he introduced the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, S. 1752, which would help prevent the spread of wildfires by expediting the review process for prevention projects when risks on public lands pose a threat to critical infrastructure, private land holders, and endangered species habitats. In October he sent a letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), to take immediate action on forest management reform legislation, including his bill, to help prevent future devastation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F600B82D-27AF-4E23-A744-DD013A8B07DB", "Heller Welcomes $2.9 Million USDA Loan for Pershing General Hospital Upgrades", "2017-11-18", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue\u2019s announcement that the agency provided Pershing General Hospital in Lovelock, NV a $2.9 million low-interest loan for renovations. According to the USDA, Pershing General Hospital will use the loan to upgrade heating, air, and fire suppression systems and repave its parking lot and helipad.\u00a0\r\n\"I welcome the Department of Agriculture's announcement that Pershing General hospital will receive a nearly $3 million loan, and appreciate Secretary Perdue's push to invest in rural health care,\"\u00a0said Heller.\u00a0\"Pershing General Hospital will use the loan to finance critical upgrades at the hospital, including updating its air conditioning and heating systems. I will continue to work to ensure that the Nevadans living in rural areas are not overlooked, and champion policies that will improve their access to quality health care.\"\r\n\u201cUSDA invests in a wide range of health care facilities \u2013 such as hospitals, clinics and treatment centers \u2013 to help ensure that rural residents have access to the same state-of-the art care available in urban and metropolitan areas,\u201d\u00a0said Secretary Perdue.\u00a0\"I understand that building a prosperous rural America begins with healthy people. Ensuring that rural communities have access to quality medical care is a top priority for USDA.\u201d\r\nHeller has introduced legislation aimed at improving health care for Nevadans living in rural communities. Earlier this week, Heller along with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced\u00a0the Ensuring Access to Air Ambulance Services Act, bipartisan legislation that will improve access to emergency air medical services. And this past summer, Heller and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced the\u00a0bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, a bill designed to address the growing physician shortage and its strain on the health care system and patients\u2019 access to quality care.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1400", "Amodei Statement on House Passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155   November 16, 2017\u00a0  WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a comprehensive plan to reform our nation\u2019s tax system:  \u201cAfter having devoted almost the entire week with everyone in my Washington office to determine how this bill would affect individual taxpayers, joint filing taxpayers, and businesses, I\u2019ve come to the conclusion that for the vast majority of federal taxpayers in CD-2 this bill results in simplified filing and a tax cut.  \u201cMy conclusion is based on some of the following facts:    \u201cPresently, only 25% of Nevadans itemize, of those 25%, the top three itemized deductions are: the mortgage interest deduction, the charitable giving deduction, and the property tax deduction.  \u201cBy far, the largest itemized deduction is the mortgage interest deduction. The average amount of that deduction in Nevada is about $2,500.  \u201cAs a result of the changes in H.R. 1, which double the standard deduction for individuals from $6,000 to $12,000, the average mortgage deduction is more than exceeded in terms of tax benefit to the filer. Add to that point the fact that the changing of tax brackets results in most taxpayers, with an annual income below $260,000, will be moved to a lower tax bracket.\u00a0\u00a0    \u201cI encourage individual and joint filers to compare last year\u2019s tax return to the new plan by using the increased standard deductions and lower tax brackets to see what their treatment is individually. However, for the average household in CD-2 with an annual income of $65,000, the federal tax cut affect is over $12,000 a year with the new brackets and standard deductions.  \u201cFor those who wish to continue itemizing, the mortgage income deduction, the charitable giving deduction, and the property tax deductions are preserved and subject to limits which are well above the average of those presently claimed by Nevadans who itemize.\u00a0\u00a0  \u201cWith respect to the effect on businesses, Main Street job creators will see their tax rates reduced through the lowering of the maximum tax rate on business income to no more than 25%. Additionally, federal tax rates on corporate taxable income will see a decrease from the highest rate of 35% to a flat corporate tax rate of 20%. Each of these changes will help businesses and corporations expand, hire new employees, increase wages, and also give them the resources they need to stay competitive in the global marketplace.  \u201cFor the newborn deficit hawks, clearly the objective of this legislation is to spur personal and commercial economic activity which will result in increased tax collections as a result of a growing and dynamic economy. While opinions vary on this, we believe the history lessons from the Kennedy Administration and the Reagan Administration are persuasive.  \u201cThis represents the beginning of the legislative process on tax reform. All eyes now turn to the Senate as they work on a tax reform bill that is not identical to this one. I hope they have better luck with this issue than they had with the health care issue. In any event, I expect the issue to continue to evolve in the coming weeks, and we\u2019ll stay with it until it\u2019s done. Happy Thanksgiving.\u201d \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-statement-house-passage-tax-cuts-jobs-act", "Amodei Statement on House Passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\n\nNovember 16, 2017\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a comprehensive plan to reform our nation\u2019s tax system:\n\n\u201cAfter having devoted almost the entire week with everyone in my Washington office to determine how this bill would affect individual taxpayers, joint filing taxpayers, and businesses, I\u2019ve come to the conclusion that for the vast majority of federal taxpayers in CD-2 this bill results in simplified filing and a tax cut.\n\n\u201cMy conclusion is based on some of the following facts:\n\n\u201cPresently, only 25% of Nevadans itemize, of those 25%, the top three itemized deductions are: the mortgage interest deduction, the charitable giving deduction, and the property tax deduction.\n\n\u201cBy far, the largest itemized deduction is the mortgage interest deduction. The average amount of that deduction in Nevada is about $2,500.\n\n\u201cAs a result of the changes in H.R. 1, which double the standard deduction for individuals from $6,000 to $12,000, the average mortgage deduction is more than exceeded in terms of tax benefit to the filer. Add to that point the fact that the changing of tax brackets results in most taxpayers, with an annual income below $260,000, will be moved to a lower tax bracket.\n\n\u201cI encourage individual and joint filers to compare last year\u2019s tax return to the new plan by using the increased standard deductions and lower tax brackets to see what their treatment is individually. However, for the average household in CD-2 with an annual income of $65,000, the federal tax cut affect is over $1,200 a year with the new brackets and standard deductions.\n\n\u201cFor those who wish to continue itemizing, the mortgage income deduction, the charitable giving deduction, and the property tax deductions are preserved and subject to limits which are well above the average of those presently claimed by Nevadans who itemize.\n\n\u201cWith respect to the effect on businesses, Main Street job creators will see their tax rates reduced through the lowering of the maximum tax rate on business income to no more than 25%. Additionally, federal tax rates on corporate taxable income will see a decrease from the highest rate of 35% to a flat corporate tax rate of 20%. Each of these changes will help businesses and corporations expand, hire new employees, increase wages, and also give them the resources they need to stay competitive in the global marketplace.\n\n\u201cFor the newborn deficit hawks, clearly the objective of this legislation is to spur personal and commercial economic activity which will result in increased tax collections as a result of a growing and dynamic economy. While opinions vary on this, we believe the history lessons from the Kennedy Administration and the Reagan Administration are persuasive.\n\n\u201cThis represents the beginning of the legislative process on tax reform. All eyes now turn to the Senate as they work on a tax reform bill that is not identical to this one. I hope they have better luck with this issue than they had with the health care issue. In any event, I expect the issue to continue to evolve in the coming weeks, and we\u2019ll stay with it until it\u2019s done. Happy Thanksgiving.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=172E4796-E5F0-468F-87B8-629ABC759986", "In Case You Missed It: Heller-Scott Amendment Helps Hardworking American Families", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Media outlets continue to highlight an amendment included in the U.S. Senate\u2019s updated Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was proposed by U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Tim Scott (R-SC) that doubles the child tax credit to $2,000. The current child tax credit is $1,000, and the previous version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the child tax credit to $1,650.   House set to vote on GOP tax bill, but Senate measure faces oppositionLas Vegas Review-JournalHeller also tucked an amendment into the Senate bill that would raise the child tax credit to $2,000 from $1,650. Heller said \u201can enhanced child tax credit is a significant way to deliver this much-needed and overdue relief to thousands of Nevada families.\u201d Another amendment by Heller that would make it easier for startups and businesses to award stock options to employees also was included in the Senate bill.Expanding the child tax credit is pro-growthThe HillThe question is whether we have the economic sense and political savvy to recognize that pro-family and pro-growth tax reforms go hand in hand. By incorporating the amendment of Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) to double the size of the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, the revised Senate Tax Cuts and Jobs Act released by Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) does exactly that. Heller Would Double Child Tax CreditKOH  The Senate Finance Committee\u2019s newly released Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes an amendment filed by Senators Dean Heller and Tim Scott of South Carolina, that would increase the child tax credit to $2,000. The current child tax credit is $1,000, and the previous version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the child tax credit to $1,650. Heller says giving middle-class families the biggest tax cut possible has been his first priority in tax reform, and an enhanced child tax credit is a significant way to deliver this much-needed and overdue relief to thousands of Nevada families.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BB80E703-51FC-49C7-936D-D1845BAFE8C4", "Heller, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Fix NICS Act to Enhance Compliance, Ensure Accuracy of Existing Background Check System for Firearms Purchases", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the\u00a0Fix NICS Act\u00a0to ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).\u00a0The bill penalizes federal agencies who fail to properly report relevant records and incentivizes states to improve their overall reporting. The bill also directs more federal funding to the accurate reporting of domestic violence records.  \u201cIt\u2019s critical that the laws that are already on the books are fully enforced, but for years federal agencies have failed to properly report criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System,\u201d said Heller. \u201cOur commonsense, bipartisan legislation doubles down on federal agencies and raises the bar for states in an effort to improve overall reporting of accurate, updated criminal history records. We cannot enter the mind of a madman or pass a bill to eradicate evil from our society, but we can make sure that the systems we already have in place to stop a horrific tragedy are working \u2013 and this bill will help make sure of it.\u201d The legislation is endorsed by the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police, National Sheriffs\u2019 Association, National Network to End Domestic Violence, and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Background on the\u00a0Fix NICS Act:\r\n \r\nRequires federal agencies and states to produce NICS implementation plans focused on uploading all information to the background check system showing that a person is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms under current law\u2014including measures to verify the accuracy of records.\r\nHolds federal agencies accountable if they fail to upload relevant records to the background check system through public reporting and prohibiting bonus pay for political appointees. \u00a0\r\nRewards states who comply with their NICS implementation plans through federal grant preferences and incentives, while increasing accountability through public reporting for those who do not comply with their plans.\r\nReauthorizes and improves important law enforcement\u00a0programs to help state governments share relevant criminal record \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 information with NICS.\r\nCreates a Domestic Abuse and Violence Prevention\u00a0Initiative to ensure that states have adequate resources and incentives to share all relevant information with NICS showing that a felon or domestic\u00a0abuser is excluded from purchasing firearms under current law.\r\nProvides important technical assistance to federal\u00a0agencies and states who are working to comply with NICS record-sharing \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 requirements.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FBD4C390-4CDA-481C-A81B-9DB2C7B06F52", "Heller Votes to Deliver Tax Relief for Nevada Families, Double Child Tax Credit", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today applauded the Committee\u2019s passage of the updated\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which includes an amendment he filed with Tim Scott (R-SC) that would\u00a0increase the child tax credit to $2,000. Heller voted in support of the legislation, which now goes to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.\u00a0\r\nThe sweeping Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also includes an amendment Heller filed to\u00a0make it easier for startups and businesses to give employees an ownership stake in their company\u2019s success by awarding stock options\u00a0as well as Heller\u2019s\u00a0Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Act, which helps low-income taxpayers keep more of their money by supporting free tax preparation sites that help individuals and families file their income tax returns.\u00a0\r\nAccording to the Tax Foundation, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create nearly 1 million new jobs, increase wages by 2.9 percent, grow the economy by 3.7 percent, and provide more than $1.2 trillion of additional revenue for the federal government. In Nevada, the legislation is expected to boost middle class income by an average of $2,500 and create 8,300 jobs the state.\r\n\u201cBy passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act out of the Senate Finance Committee today, Congress is one step closer to delivering tax relief to middle-class families in Nevada,\u201d\u00a0said Heller.\u00a0\u201cI thank Chairman Hatch for his leadership on this sweeping, historic proposal and for including my and Senator Scott\u2019s amendment to double child tax credit to $2,000 per child, an increase of $1,000 over current law. This change will significantly benefit thousands of Nevadans by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money, and will help families begin to confront the rising costs of raising their children. Whether it\u2019s the single mother from Las Vegas who doesn\u2019t receive child support, works full time, and is simply trying to make ends meet, or it\u2019s the entrepreneur in Elko who\u2019s fighting hard to get his small business off the ground, I will continue to stand up for Nevadans who deserve a break and fight to ensure that the final product puts Nevada first.\u201d\u00a0\r\nBackground on Senate version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n \r\nAdds more than 8,300 jobs in Nevada and boosts middle class income by nearly $2,500.\r\nIncreases the child tax credit for families in Nevada by 100 percent \u2013 changing current law of $1,000 to $2,000.\u00a0This is a Heller provision.\r\nMakes the child tax credit available to more Nevada families by increasing the qualifying age from 17 to 18.\r\nReduces rates on lower- and middle-income individuals and families.\r\nIncreases the deduction of expenses for teachers in Nevada by 100 percent \u2013 changing current law of $250 to $500.\r\nPreserves the medical expense deduction.\r\nPreserves the mortgage interest deduction.\r\nPreserves the treatment of student\u00a0loan interest or tuition forgiveness.\u00a0\r\n \r\nSpecific Heller provisions:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=42F977DB-BFAF-4668-81AD-AD805E5128E8", "Senate Tax Relief Bill Includes Heller Amendment to Make it Easier for Employers to Award Stock to Workers", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Senate Finance Committee's newly released Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes an amendment filed by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) that\u00a0would make it easier for\u00a0startups and\u00a0businesses to give employees an ownership stake in their company\u2019s success by awarding stock options.\u00a0A similar provision was also included in the U.S. House of Representatives\u2019 version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\r\n\u201cNevada\u2019s successful and dynamic startup community is a strong source of job creation and economic growth in the state,\u201d said Heller. \u201cBy letting even more Nevadans participate, through stock ownership, in the economic opportunity this community provides, my amendment will increase employee engagement, retention, and ultimately spur more innovation and job creation at home and across the country.\u201d\r\nStock options, which are a right to purchase shares\u00a0of a company\u00a0at a future time at a fixed price, are\u00a0an\u00a0important tool for investing in and rewarding employees and increasing their compensation, but the tax implications often make this impractical for many employees of non-public firms. Heller\u2019s amendment, which is similar to the\u00a0Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act\u00a0(EESO), promotes broad-based employee ownership by reducing this barrier to participation, giving employees new flexibility in handling their tax obligations for up to five years after exercising their stock options.\u00a0In order to be eligible, stock options must be extended to 80\u00a0percent\u00a0of the workforce, and majority owners, corporate officers, and the highest-paid executives\u00a0will\u00a0not be eligible for the seven-year tax deferment.\r\nUnder current law, employees are required to pay taxes when they exercise their options or when their Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) vest. In other words, to access their employee ownership stake, employees are required to pay taxes on the excess of the fair market value of the stock \u2013 the difference between the amount paid and the fair market value \u2013 and the\u00a0employer receives a tax deduction on the date the employee exercises the option.\r\nFor companies that are publicly traded, employees can sell all or a portion of their shares on the public market to pay for their taxes, but in the\u00a0case of privately held companies, there is generally not a market for employees to liquidate shares to cover their tax liability, and as a result, many employees are unable to exercise their stock options, missing out on the opportunity to gain wealth as their company succeeds.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D493D623-F009-4CEA-AC8A-CDB9113FE356", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Heller, Senate Finance Committee Begin Debate on New Senate Tax Relief Bill", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) will participate in the U.S. Senate Finance Committee\u2019s markup of the newly-released Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which now includes an amendment filed by Heller and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) to significantly increase the child tax credit to $2,000, or double the child tax credit from current law. At 12:30 p.m. PT, the Senate Finance Committee will debate amendments to the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. Nevada media can live-stream the markup here. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also includes Heller\u2019s provision that\u00a0would make it easier for\u00a0startups and\u00a0businesses to give employees an ownership stake in their company\u2019s success by awarding stock options. According to the Tax Foundation, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create nearly 1 million new jobs, increase wages by 2.9 percent, grow the economy by 3.7 percent, and provide more than $1.2 trillion of additional revenue for the federal government. What: U.S. Senate Finance Committee debates amendments to the newly-released Tax Cuts and Jobs Act When: Wednesday, November 15th, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. PT Where: The markup will be live-streamed here. \u201cMy mom was a school cook and my dad\u00a0was an auto mechanic, and they told their kids that if they work hard then they too can achieve the American dream. However, too many Nevadans tell me that they think it\u2019s out of reach,\u201d said Heller. \u201cI\u2019m pleased the U.S. Senate Finance Committee included my amendment to increase the credit to $2,000 per child, an increase of $1,000 over current law. This change will help thousands of hardworking Nevadans by putting thousands of dollars back into their pockets, and represents yet another step forward in making the American dream possible again for so many people. I will continue to stand up for Nevada\u2019s priorities as we debate this bill and urge my colleagues to keep working around the clock until we provide tax relief to Nevadans and Americans throughout the country.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5DF0429A-ADF1-4F50-A3ED-5019F6E8025C", "Senators Introduce Bill to Ensure Rural Communities Have Continued Access to Emergency Air Medical Services", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Cory Gardner (R-CO) today introduced the Ensuring Access to Air Ambulance Services Act, bipartisan legislation that will improve access to emergency air medical services. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02). Medicare reimbursements for air medical transportation are significantly below the costs of providing care, especially in rural areas. Additionally, air and ground ambulance providers are among the few providers that do not currently report cost data to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Ensuring Access to Air Ambulance Services Act requires air medical providers to report cost data to the CMS, where Medicare air medical reimbursements would be rebased in accordance with the cost of data submitted.\u00a0This legislation also establishes a value-based purchasing (VBP) program, which uses quality data from air medical providers and distributes incentive payments to those who provide the highest quality care. \u201cAccess to emergency care should never be out of reach, regardless of where you live,\u201d said Heller. \u201cIn order to ensure that Nevadans living in rural communities continue to have access to emergency air medical services, we must update and modernize Medicare\u2019s reimbursement system for air medical services. By updating this payment system, our bipartisan legislation will ensure air medical providers are reimbursed based on the actual cost of care and access to emergency care is protected.\u201d \u201cEmergency air medical services are critical in Colorado, especially in rural communities,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cEstablishing a value-based purchasing program will align emergency air medical services with a health care system that is moving toward quality-based reimbursement. \u00a0This bipartisan legislation is a step forward for both the patients who rely on these vital services and the providers who strive to deliver life-saving emergency care.\u201d \u201cThis bipartisan, commonsense legislation will make sure Coloradans living in rural communities have continued access to life-saving air emergency services,\u201d said Gardner. \u201cRural Coloradans should not fear help will be delayed because of where they choose to live. Revising Medicare reimbursements to adequately cover emergency air services will give rural communities across Colorado and the United States the peace of mind they deserve.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThank you to Senator Heller and Senator Bennet for their leadership in introducing the \u2018Ensuring Access to Air Ambulance Services Act\u2019 which is so important for rural America and states like Nevada. As we see every day in Nevada, air ambulance services are critical links to emergency trauma care for those who live in rural and remote parts of the state. Plus with over 70% of all air transports being Medicare, Medicaid, or self-pay/no insurance patients, this bill will ensure we can continue to provide the quality and timeliness of service Nevadans have come to expect and deserve,\u201d said Temple Fletcher, Care Flight Manager, REMSA / Air Medical Representative for the Nevada EMS Advisory Committee.\u00a0 The legislation is supported by the following organizations: Save Our Air Medical Resources (SOAR), American Nurses Association (ANA), American Medical Women\u2019s Association (AMWA), Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), Consumer Action, Consumer Health Coalition, Epilepsy Foundation, International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO), and the National Stroke Association.\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ADAE007F-013A-4ADE-B306-8BF1465069EC", "Heller, Scott Amendment to Double the Child Tax Credit Included in Senate's Updated Tax Relief Bill", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Senate Finance Committee's newly released Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes an amendment filed by U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Tim Scott (R-SC) that would increase the child tax credit to $2,000. The current child tax credit is $1,000, and the previous version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the child tax credit to $1,650.\r\nThe Senate Finance Committee is expected to begin debating and marking up the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which includes the Heller-Scott amendment to significantly increase the child tax credit, tomorrow. Along with Senators Heller and Scott, Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) have also led the fight within Congress to increase the child tax credit and welcome the updated provision to allow middle-class families to keep more of their paychecks.\r\n\u201cGiving middle-class families the biggest tax cut possible has been my first priority in tax reform, and an enhanced child tax credit is a significant way to deliver this much-needed and overdue relief to thousands of Nevada families,\u201d said Senator Heller. \u201cI\u2019m pleased the U.S. Senate Finance Committee has adopted my and Senator Scott\u2019s amendment to increase the credit to $2,000 per child, an increase of $1,000 over current law. This change will quite literally put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking Nevadans and represents yet another step forward in making the American dream possible again for so many people.\u201d\r\n\"We set out to ensure that tax reform would help hardworking American families, and an increased child tax credit will do just that,\" Senator Scott said. \"As the child of a single mother, I truly can't overstate how important these dollars will be for parents across the country, be it to help buy school supplies, a new pair of sneakers or just have a night out as a family. I want to thank my colleagues for their important work on this issue.\"\r\n\u201cWhile I still need to see details, I welcome news from the Finance Committee that the child tax credit will be expanded to $2000. I remain committed to ensuring that tax reform provides real and meaningful relief for working American families,\u201d said Senator Rubio.\r\n\u201cI am thrilled to hear that the revised Senate tax reform proposal will double the child tax credit to $2,000 per child. Details are still being worked out, and I eagerly await their release. But if true, this could provide unprecedented tax relief for working moms and dads, and a great victory for American families,\" said Senator Lee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B9EC7DE0-FA8F-4FD8-94E9-1CAD29612BE5", "In Case You Missed It: Heller Bill Demands Transparency, Accountability from the VA", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Media outlets recently highlighted legislation authored by U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) that stops the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from hiding medical mistakes made by providers in the Veterans Health Administration. The bipartisan VA Provider Accountability Act, S.2107, was introduced last week following a shocking USA Today investigation revealed the VA has for years repeatedly buried and concealed poor care and mistakes made by its medical workers.\r\nReport of VA burying medical errors spurs Heller, Manchin bill\r\nLas Vegas Review-Journal  The bill from Heller, a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, and Manchin would require the VA to report such mistakes to the National Practitioner Data Bank as well as state licensing boards, and prevent the VA from settling with fired employees as a way to conceal the mistakes. \u201cThe investigation\u2019s findings are downright shameful, and we need action immediately to ensure that the VA does not hide medical mistakes or inadequate care,\u201d Heller said in a statement. \u201cOur legislation will make sure of it by holding the VA\u2019s feet to the fire so that the veterans the agency exists to serve have trust in their caretakers.\u201d\r\nSenators author bill forcing VA to report more problem medical providers, faster\r\nUSA Today  The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Dean Heller, R-Nev., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., would also require the VA to report discipline within 30 days to state medical boards and bar the agency from purging negative records from clinicians\u2019 personnel files as part of severance deals. \u201cThe investigation\u2019s findings are downright shameful, and we need action immediately to ensure that the VA does not hide medical mistakes or inadequate care,\u201d said Heller, who is a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee along with Manchin.\r\nHeller bipartisan bill would protect vets from VA provider mistakes\r\nRipon Advance  U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) on Thursday introduced the bipartisan VA Provider Accountability Act, bipartisan legislation to prohibit the U.S. Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA) from concealing its providers\u2019 medical mistakes. \u201cIt is our responsibility to stand up for those who put their lives on the line for this country and provide them with the world class medical care they expect and deserve,\u201d said Heller, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BE8B804C-80E0-4764-A242-DC9507A3A52E", "Heller Announces $3 Million in Emergency Relief Funds to Help Nevada Recover from Flooding Damage", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will provide a total of $3 million in federal funding to help Nevada communities repair highways and roads that have suffered serious damage as a result of the devastating flooding that occurred earlier this year. The announcement follows President Trump\u2019s emergency declarations issued in Nevada earlier this year and urging from Heller for the federal government to deliver disaster assistance. The $3 million in funding is comprised of two separate federal grants and will be awarded to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). NDOT will receive $1 million to assist with the reconstruction of roads damaged from the Northern Nevada floods that occurred in February, and a separate $2 million to address roads impacted by the atmospheric river storm that occurred in January. \u201cNorthern Nevadans are still reeling after last winter\u2019s flooding and heavy rainstorms damaged their homes, businesses, and communities. That is why I welcome the Administration\u2019s announcement that it will direct much-needed federal dollars to help our state fix its roads and highways,\u201d said Heller. \u201cWhile these federal resources are key to helping Nevada, I will not stop fighting until our state receives the full assistance it needs to move forward. I thank Governor Sandoval and other state and local officials for their work, and I will continue to monitor the ongoing recovery efforts with officials.\u201d In January and February of this year, several counties in Nevada were besieged by devastating flooding and a serious atmospheric storm that destroyed homes, properties, businesses, and roads. High waters forced the closure of numerous area roads, and some highways suffered severe damage, such as State Route 233, in which a portion of the road washed away. During the flooding crisis, Heller urged the Trump Administration to quickly process the state of emergency declared by Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NV), and also pushed the Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide disaster relief for Nevada.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=354BB97A-BA98-4EEB-B6D0-094ED4C862AC", "Heller to Senate Colleagues: Its Time to Deliver Tax Relief for Hardworking Families", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0At the U.S. Senate Finance Committee\u2019s markup of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) today urged his colleagues to act and deliver on providing tax relief for hardworking families, saying middle-class Nevadans and Americans across the country deserve a shot at a better life. Watch Sen. Heller deliver his opening statement HERE. According to the Tax Foundation, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee\u2019s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create nearly 1 million new jobs, increase wages by 2.9 percent, grow the economy by 3.7 percent, and provide more than $1.2 trillion of additional revenue for the federal government.\r\n  Click HERE or the image above.\r\n  Sen. Heller\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nChairman Hatch, thank you for your leadership and your thoughtful comments. As many of you know by now, my mom was a school cook and my dad was an auto mechanic. And they told their children that if you work hard and play by the rules, you\u2019ll succeed and you\u2019ll live the American dream. However, many Nevadans have told me that this is no longer the case, and that\u2019s the reason why we\u2019re here today. For too many people, the American dream is slipping away. Whether it\u2019s the single mother from Las Vegas who doesn\u2019t receive child support, works full time, and is simply trying to make ends meet, or it\u2019s the entrepreneur in Elko who\u2019s fighting hard to get his small business off the ground and wondering whether he\u2019ll ever catch a break and be able to afford to hire his first employee, I continue to hear from decent, hardworking Nevada families and small business owners who are struggling to cover their expenses and get ahead in life. That\u2019s because for too long, Nevadans and Americans across the country faced stagnant wages and slow economic growth under the failed economic policies of the previous Administration.\r\nAs a result of economic policies of the previous Administration, wages and workers suffered. As a result of economic policies of the previous Administration, job creation suffered. As a result of economic policies of the previous Administration, middle-class Americans have suffered. In Nevada, we still bear the scars of failed Obama-era economic policy today. Real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was in 2007. Nevada families are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living in nearly every other state. The sad reality is that for most Nevadans, the recession has never really ended. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve been working each and every day for months with my Republican colleagues on this committee to craft the tax relief package we have in front of us today. A tax relief bill that accomplishes my three major goals of creating more jobs, increasing wages, and boosting American competitiveness. A tax bill that provides real, meaningful tax relief to Nevada\u2019s middle class and job creators. A tax bill that lets the middle class keep more of their hard-earned money and makes our tax code easier to understand. A tax bill that requires less paperwork and puts more money in people\u2019s back pockets. A tax bill that results in more jobs, higher wages, and growth in our communities. A tax bill that significantly increases take-home pay and economic opportunity. Recent studies by the White House Council of Economic Advisers and a Boston University economist suggest that as a result of this bill, household incomes could rise by an average of $3,500 to $4,000. Think about what another $3,000 or $4,000 in income will mean to a Nevada family that hasn\u2019t seen a pay raise in ten years. Middle-class Nevadans and Americans across this great nation deserve a shot at a better life. We now have a president who is willing to work with us and sign meaningful tax reform into law. It\u2019s time for this committee to act and deliver on providing true relief to middle-class taxpayers and to reinstate the refrain by my parents that the American dream is not only possible, but will be the reality for those who work hard and play by the rules. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=487B802F-7822-4FDB-AB27-2974EA11C4D6", "Ahead of Veterans Day, Heller Pays Tribute to Nevadas Heroes", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement ahead of Veterans Day.\u00a0 \u201cThis weekend we recognize the many brave men and women who sacrificed so much to defend our nation and uphold the American values of freedom and democracy. To the more than 300,000 veterans living in Nevada and all Nevadans who are currently serving in our Armed Forces - thank you. Your commitment, selfless service, and love of country will not be forgotten,\u201d\u00a0said Heller.\u00a0\u201cAs a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, I am fighting every day to ensure that Nevada\u2019s military veterans receive the benefits and world-class medical care they\u2019ve earned and deserve. Nevada\u2019s warriors have endured grueling combat tours far away from home to protect this country\u2019s special way of life. They\u2019ve left their families and loves ones for months on end \u2013 missing holidays, birthdays, and Sunday dinners. We must remember that the individual sacrifices made by our troops have built the foundation that has enabled the United States to stand as a beacon of freedom worldwide, and for that we are eternally grateful.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8A43F3E5-A395-423A-9C46-F201371AC014", "Heller Statement on Senate Tax Relief Bill", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today released the below statement on the Senate's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: \u201cMy mom was a school cook and my dad\u00a0was an auto mechanic, and they told their kids that if they work hard then they too can achieve the American dream. However, too many Nevadans tell me that they think it\u2019s out of reach. Whether it\u2019s the single mother from Gardnerville who doesn\u2019t receive child support and works full-time, or Andrew in Las Vegas who worries about how he\u2019ll be able to afford daycare for his daughters next year, I continue to hear that families in Nevada are struggling to cover their expenses,\u201d\u00a0said Heller. \u201cIn Nevada, real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago, childcare expenses have skyrocketed, and families living in our state are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living almost anywhere else in the country. Nevadans deserve a break, and that\u2019s why I have been fighting to give middle-class families the biggest tax cut possible.\u00a0This legislation\u00a0is a positive step toward providing families with the tax relief that they desperately need and deserve, growing our economy, and making America competitive again. I will continue to stand up for Nevada\u2019s priorities as we debate this bill and urge my colleagues to keep working around the clock until we get the job done. The U.S. Senate should not go home until we provide tax relief to Nevadans and Americans throughout the country.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=74F0EAFF-1D5C-43A1-90E2-57F7D951E2AE", "In Case You Missed It: Fixing the VA and Helping Restore our Commitment", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fixing the VA and helping restore our commitment\r\nSen. Dean Heller  More than 21 million veterans currently live in the U.S., including 300,000 in my home state of Nevada. Those veterans have sacrificed so much to keep the rest of us safe. Generation after generation of brave individuals have left their families and friends to answer our nation\u2019s call and fight for something bigger than themselves: this country and its special way of life. As the sole department responsible for supporting America\u2019s veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs plays a unique and critical role in ensuring these warriors receive the support they need once the fighting has finished. In fact, the agency\u2019s mission statement reads: \u201cTo care for him who shall have borne the battle.\u201d But in recent years, the VA hasn\u2019t always lived up to that mission statement. And while VA Secretary David Shulkin is working tirelessly to turn the department around, recent scandals have broken some veterans\u2019 faith in the health-care system designed specifically for them. Take for example an investigation conducted by USA Today last month that found the department \u2014 for several years \u2014 has buried the mistakes and poor care made by its medical workers, and that the VA did not report all those individuals to the National Practitioner Data Bank or state licensing boards, consequently allowing them to provide care to other patients elsewhere. Those practices are unacceptable and outrageous, and they have compelled me to take action. Veterans seeking medical services from the VA should be receiving the best care possible in their time of need and by a professional who fulfills the agency\u2019s creed. As a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, I believe it is our nation\u2019s solemn responsibility to support those who put their lives on the line. That\u2019s why I plan on introducing legislation this month to address this very issue. My bill will require the VA to report major adverse actions to the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards. It will also prohibit the VA from signing settlements with fired or dismissed VA employees that commits the VA to concealing serious medical errors or purging negative records from personnel files. But while there is still a lot of work to be done to bring the VA to its full potential, I am pleased with the bipartisan progress Congress has made in the last few months to fix the department. In just the last 10 months, the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee has made huge strides in passing several legislative proposals into federal law. Bills to bring accountability to the VA, expand veterans\u2019 GI Bill education benefits, ensure veterans\u2019 continued access to life-saving surgeries and offer veterans more options when appealing their disability claims have all been signed into law by President Trump. And I\u2019m proud to have played a key part in pushing these bills over the finish line. We also have a secretary who is engaging with the veteran community and Congress to improve the department, particularly its response to gaps in mental health services. That is crucially important because Nevada has the third-highest veteran suicide rate in the U.S. I was humbled to speak with Secretary Shulkin in Reno, Nev., this summer about this issue and the challenges rural veterans face when seeking treatment for their invisible injuries. I believe each and every veteran should be a considered a priority the moment they transition out of service, and that\u2019s what I will continue to push for in Congress. Whether you are amongst the greatest generation, fought in Korea and Vietnam, or served in the Persian Gulf and post-9/11 wars, you deserve the quality care, support and benefits you\u2019ve earned while serving this country. It is clear that Congress is one step closer to fixing the VA, and I\u2019m honored to be a part of this bipartisan effort. These new laws will help restore our country\u2019s sacred promise to America\u2019s veterans.  Heller is the senior senator from Nevada and is a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A161109E-42C5-4CBF-B2D4-923E9B6D3697", "Heller, Manchin Introduce Legislation Following Shocking Report that VA Buried Medical Mistakes", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) today introduced bipartisan legislation that stops the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from hiding medical mistakes made by providers in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).\u00a0The VA Provider Accountability Act arrives after a\u00a0USA Today investigation recently revealed the VA has for years repeatedly buried and concealed poor care and mistakes made by its medical workers. The Heller-Manchin bill would require the VA to report major adverse actions to the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards. It will also prohibit the VA from signing settlements with fired or dismissed VA employees that allow the VA to conceal serious medical errors or purge negative records from personnel files. \u201cThe investigation\u2019s findings are downright shameful,\u00a0and we need action immediately to ensure that the VA does not hide medical mistakes or inadequate care,\u201d said\u00a0Heller, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cThat\u2019s why Senator Manchin and I introduced legislation that demands transparency and accountability from the VA and puts a stop to concealing serious medical errors through settlements with fired or dismissed VA employees. It is our responsibility to stand up for those who put their lives on the line for this country and provide them with the world class medical care they expect and deserve. The VA lists integrity as its first core value,\u00a0and VA employees make the promise to act with high moral principle and adhere to the highest professional standards. Our legislation will make sure of it by holding the VA\u2019s feet to the fire so that the veterans the agency exists to serve have trust in their caretakers.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThe vast majority of VA healthcare providers are well-trained, caring, patriots who work hard to take care of our nation\u2019s veterans. But, just like in any healthcare system, there are bad apples. This commonsense piece of legislation ensures that incidences of malpractice do not go unreported to state licensing boards and the National Practitioner Data Bank,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cIt also stops those who commit malpractice from receiving a settlement so they will quietly resign and become a provider outside of the VA.\u00a0By imposing these oversight measures on the Department of Veterans Affairs, we are ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Americans.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4E7A912C-9920-44E6-BAA7-7AF1C6542E38", "U.S. House Passes Heller Bill to Aid Veterans In Need of Transplants", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that ensures the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can cover the cost of a live donor transplant for a veteran when the organ donor is a non-veteran.\u00a0U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) authored the companion legislation (S.115) in the Senate. The Veterans Transplant Coverage Act will cut through the bureaucratic red tape to ensure proper care is provided to every veteran, especially given that a transplant is already a difficult and time-consuming process. Congressman John Carter (R-TX) introduced the House companion legislation (H.R. 1133) that recently passed the House of Representatives. \u201cI applaud the U.S. House for approving common sense legislation that ensures America\u2019s veterans have access to life-saving transplants,\u201d said Heller. \u201cNot one Nevada veteran should be forced to wait for another transplant if there is one readily available from a live donor, and that\u2019s why I introduced this legislation in the U.S. Senate. I thank Congressman John Carter for working with me as we pushed this bill in the U.S. House and look forward to working with my Senate colleagues in getting this over the finish line and to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\r\nBackground:  Currently, the VA can deny a transplant to a veteran if the live donor is a non-veteran.\u00a0The Veterans Transplant Coverage Act would allow veterans to receive organ transplants from a non-veteran with their VA coverage. This legislation has the support of the American Legion, AMVETS, Got Your 6, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as well as the American Association of Kidney Patients, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Society of Transplantation, and National Kidney Foundation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DC891AD1-A21B-4310-9FB2-81BE82418D33", "Heller, Warner, Kaine, Gardner Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Empower Student Loan Borrowers", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sens. Dean Heller (R-NV), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced bipartisan legislation to help students make smarter decisions in the financing of their higher education.\u00a0The\u00a0Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act\u00a0would promote financial literacy by providing students who are recipients of federal financial aid with comprehensive counseling services.\u00a0 Nationwide, Americans owe more than $1.45 trillion in student loan debt, outstripping credit cards and auto loans as the country's leading source of non-housing debt. \u201cThis legislation empowers Nevada\u2019s students and Americans throughout the country with the tools needed to make well-informed, sound financial decisions related to their college and education,\u201d said Sen. Heller. \u201cIt\u2019s a positive step toward addressing student debt and preparing young students for a successful future, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.\u201d \u201cMore than 60% of Virginia's college students will graduate with some form of student loan debt, and average debt in the Commonwealth tops $29,000 per graduate. I would not have had the opportunity to be so successful in business had I graduated with such a financial burden,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cWe would be empowering students to make smarter choices about their financial future. This legislation aims to provide a full picture on the loans they are receiving, allowing them to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.\u201d \u201cToo many families in Virginia are weighed down by massive student loan debt, sometimes because they lacked services and information that could've helped them make a better-informed decision on a loan,\u201d said Sen. Kaine.\u00a0\u201cI'm proud to once again join Senators Warner, Gardner and Heller on this simple but important bill that makes it easier for students and families to access financial counseling.\u201d \u201cAccess to financial counseling will help students who receive federal financial aid better understand the process before undertaking massive student loan debt,\u201d said Sen. Gardner.\u00a0\u201cA high quality education provides students with the tools they need to succeed, and financial literacy is an essential component to achieving that success.\u00a0This bipartisan proposal will help tens of thousands of students better plan for their future.\u201d A survey of current students and recent graduates with a high level of student loan debt found that more than 40 percent could not recall having received financial counseling, even though counseling is already required before students can receive their first federal loan.\u00a0Further, no counseling is provided to students who receive only a Pell Grant or to parents who take out federal loans to help pay for their children's education.\u00a0As a result, many students graduate unable to manage the loans they used to finance their education, leading to significant hardship for borrowers and greater risk for taxpayers. To help students make smart decisions about financing their higher education, the\u00a0Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act\u00a0will promote financial literacy through enhanced counseling for all recipients of federal financial aid. In addition, the bill:\r\n \r\nEnsures borrowers - both students and parents - who participate in the federal loan program receive interactive counseling each year that reflects their individual borrowing situation.\r\nProvides awareness about the financial obligations students and parents are accumulating by requiring borrowers to consent each year before receiving federal student loans.\r\nInforms low-income students about the terms and conditions of the Pell Grant program through annual counseling that will be provided to all grant recipients.\r\nDirects the Secretary of Education to maintain and disseminate a consumer-tested, online counseling tool that institutions can use to provide annual loan counseling, exit counseling, and annual Pell Grant counseling.\r\n \r\nThe Empowering Students Through Financial Counseling Act\u00a0was previously introduced in the 114th Congress.\u00a0A companion bill passed the House of Representatives last year by voice vote and has been reintroduced this year.\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7A216540-EB5D-4932-BCB8-2A88D2BB57BD", "VIDEO: Heller Joins Trump Administration Officials, Grover Norquist in Urging Tax Relief for Nevada Families, Small Business Owners", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today joined U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist, Heritage Action\u2019s Dan Holler, and Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips to highlight how Nevada\u2019s hardworking families will benefit from tax cuts. Heller continues to urge Senate leadership and his colleagues to keep working through the weekends to pass tax relief, and has repeatedly stated that the U.S. Senate should not go home until it gets the job done.\r\n\u201cMy father was an auto mechanic, and my mom was a school cook and they had six children. And they said to their six children, \u2018if you work hard and play by the rules you will succeed and live the American dream,\u201d Heller stated. \u201cThe problem in society today is that many Americans don\u2019t believe that anymore. That\u2019s why we are here today, to change that. And we will do that through the help of my colleagues, and the Secretary, and Kellyanne, and outside groups and organizations. Thank you for your help and support. We can make the American dream come true again. And that is the goal.\u201d\r\nHeller also recently joined Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump at an event in the Capitol highlighting how an enhanced Child Tax Credit will bring tax relief to Nevada\u2019s middle class families. \u201cWhether it\u2019s the single mother from Gardnerville who doesn\u2019t receive child support and works full-time\u2026or Andrew in Las Vegas who worries about how he\u2019ll be able to afford daycare for his daughters next year, I continue to hear that families in my state are struggling to cover their expenses,\u201d Heller said at the October 25th event.\r\nWatch the remarks Sen. Heller delivered today HERE, or click on the image below.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E292443C-16BB-4228-905A-3C7E3B479027", "TODAY: Heller Joins Colleagues in Urging Action to Deliver Tax Relief for Families", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, will join his colleagues, U.S. Treasury Department Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, the National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Tax Reform, Heritage Action, and Americans for Prosperity at an event to highlight how middle-class American families, small businesses, and the economy will benefit from tax relief at 8:00 a.m. PT/11:00 a.m. ET TODAY in the U.S. Capitol.\u00a0 Nevada media can live-stream the event HERE.\u00a0\r\nDetails:\r\nImportance of Tax Reform  Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 8:00 a.m. PT/11:00 a.m. ET  S-115 in the U.S. Capitol  Live-stream available HERE\u00a0\r\nParticipants:\r\n \r\nU.S. Treasury Department Secretary Steven Mnuchin\r\nCounselor to the President Kellyanne Conway\r\nSenators Dean Heller (R-NV), David Perdue (R-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Thune (R-SD), John Barrasso (R-WY), \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Todd Young (R-IN), John Hoeven (R-ND), and more.\r\nPete Sepp, president, and Mattie Duppler, senior fellow for fiscal policy, with the National Taxpayers Union\r\nGrover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform\r\nDan Holler, vice president of Heritage Action\r\nTim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity\r\n \r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1398", "Amodei Responds to the Release of House Republicans' Tax Plan", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) released the below statement following the House Republican Conference\u2019s recent unveiling of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a comprehensive plan to reform our nation\u2019s tax system:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cNow that we have a starting point to work with, my staff and I plan to take a deep dive into this legislation to understand how these policy reforms will affect Nevadans and others across the country. We are specifically going to analyze the individual applications, the business applications, and also determine if any health care applications are included. I think we can all agree the American taxpayer would be better off if Congress were to reform our current tax code in favor of a system that is simpler, fairer, and has lower tax rates.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAt this point, I am unsure of the Speaker\u2019s timeline for moving this through the House or how my colleagues in the Senate will react to this bill. So in the meantime, all hands are on deck in my Washington office as we work to break down the specifics of this legislation and determine what it might mean for our economy. We will also be seeking input from local stakeholders in Nevada and across the country. Stay tuned \u2013 it\u2019s shaping up to be an interesting November here in Washington.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-responds-release-house-republicans-tax-plan", "Amodei Responds to the Release of House Republicans' Tax Plan", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) released the below statement following the House Republican Conference\u2019s recent unveiling of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a comprehensive plan to reform our nation\u2019s tax system:\n\n\u201cNow that we have a starting point to work with, my staff and I plan to take a deep dive into this legislation to understand how these policy reforms will affect Nevadans and others across the country. We are specifically going to analyze the individual applications, the business applications, and also determine if any health care applications are included. I think we can all agree the American taxpayer would be better off if Congress were to reform our current tax code in favor of a system that is simpler, fairer, and has lower tax rates.\n\n\u201cAt this point, I am unsure of the Speaker\u2019s timeline for moving this through the House or how my colleagues in the Senate will react to this bill. So in the meantime, all hands are on deck in my Washington office as we work to break down the specifics of this legislation and determine what it might mean for our economy. We will also be seeking input from local stakeholders in Nevada and across the country. Stay tuned \u2013 it\u2019s shaping up to be an interesting November here in Washington.\u201d\n\nRELATED", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7436DE2E-7E78-43AA-9277-3CC3CC41251D", "Heller, Group of Senators Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Advance Treatment for Dialysis Patients", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Dialysis Patient Access to Integrated-care, Empowerment, Nephrologists, and Treatment Services (PATIENTS) Demonstration Act, S.2065, which would deliver high-quality, integrated care to patients receiving dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently, patients who receive dialysis to treat ESRD spend three days a week at a dialysis clinic, and still must make time for their other medical and social needs. The Dialysis PATIENTS Demonstration Act would establish an ESRD integrated care demonstration program where interdisciplinary teams, led by a nephrologist, provide holistic management for all of the patient\u2019s health care needs. The program would utilize the dialysis facility as a central command point for patients to access the coordinated health care services. This practical approach to care delivery would significantly improve health outcomes, reduce hospitalizations and readmissions, and increase quality of life for ESRD patients. \u201cNevadans suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are among the sickest and most vulnerable patients on Medicare, and they often struggle with multiple chronic conditions and require unique care. I\u2019m proud to work with my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan, patient-centered legislation that will help improve the lives of those living with ESRD, and I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to get it across the finish line,\u201d said Senator Heller. \u201cWith an estimated 650,000 Americans spending multiple days a week inside a dialysis clinic just to stay alive, it\u2019s clear that better coordinated care is needed to improve patients\u2019 quality of living. The Dialysis PATIENTS Demonstration Act is an important step toward achieving this goal, and helping Hoosiers to live healthier and more active lives,\u201d said Senator Young. \u201cThe health problems associated with kidney disease often force Medicare patients to juggle multiple appointments and doctors. This bill will help improve these patients\u2019 day-to-day lives by creating a one-stop shop where they can get the coordinated care they need,\u201d said Senator Nelson. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would help the thousands of Coloradans making burdensome trips to a dialysis clinic to receive necessary care,\u201d Senator Bennet said. \u201cAs we continue to think holistically about health care\u2014from care coordination to quality of life\u2014this legislation is a practical step to improving health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patients.\u201d The bill was also introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Jason Smith (R-MO), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Tony C\u00e1rdenas (D-CA).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D43A443D-BA25-45CA-ADE1-36F65B41DF0F", "Heller-Backed Bill to Protect Children from Online Predators Signed Into Law", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013The President signed into law the PROTECT Our Children Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and introduced by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). This legislation will reauthorize the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program, a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies that combat online child exploitation across the country. \u201cI applaud the President for signing our bill to help protect children from predators,\u201d said Sen. Heller. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will empower local law enforcement \u2013 like police departments across Nevada \u2013 with the tools they need to more effectively pursue criminals who abuse and exploit children. I thank Senators Cornyn and Blumenthal for their leadership on this proposal, and I\u2019m honored to have been part of the team to push it over the finish line.\u201d \u201cEquipping law enforcement with the tools they need is vital to protecting our most vulnerable online,\u201d Sen. Cornyn said. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and to the President for supporting victims and the law enforcement agencies that combat and prevent these crimes.\u201d \u201cThe PROTECT Act reauthorizes critical task force programs \u2013 empowering state and local law enforcement to combat child abuse, protect survivors, and prosecute perpetrators who prey on the vulnerable. This significant bipartisan bill is a solid step forward in the fight against predators and the horrific crime of child exploitation \u2013 and a warning against any criminal who would exploit our children online. I am proud to see this critical measure become law,\u201d said Sen. Blumenthal. \u201cAs a former prosecutor, I know the importance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program for our law enforcement officials,\u201d Sen. Klobuchar said. \u201cThis law will help us continue this critical collaborative effort to protect children from predators on the internet.\u201d\r\nBackground: \r\nThe PROTECT Our Children Act, originally passed in 2008, authorized the ICAC Task Force Program, a coordinated group of task forces representing 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in reactive and proactive investigations across the country.\u00a0 This legislation built upon work Senator Cornyn began as Texas Attorney General, when he created the Texas Internet Bureau to fight internet crimes like child pornography. The ICAC Task Force Program helps local and state law enforcement respond to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children, and offers guidance on victim support, forensic investigative components, training and technical assistance, and prevention and community education. Organizations who supported the PROTECT Our Children Act include the National Association to Protect Children (PROTECT), the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the National Children\u2019s Alliance, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the National Sheriffs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Criminal Justice Association, and the Major City Chiefs Police Association.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3DE7409C-890A-46CE-BA7B-9345B91FF4A2", "Heller Applauds Senate Passage of Resolution Designating November as Native American Heritage Month", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0With November now underway, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the U.S. Senate for recently adopting a resolution he cosponsored to recognize this month as National Native American Heritage Month. The legislation, introduced by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Tom Udall (D-NM), celebrates and honors the heritage, culture, and history of Native Americans and recognizes the many contributions Native Americans have made to the United States. \u201cNevada\u2019s rich and vibrant history is intertwined with the significant contributions of Native Americans,\u201d Heller said. \u201cFrom assisting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution to serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and saving countless American lives with their unbreakable military code, National Native American Heritage Month is a time for all Americans to pause, reflect, and celebrate our nation\u2019s first people. I welcome the U.S. Senate\u2019s passage of our bipartisan resolution and I\u2019m honored to represent the great state of Nevada, which is home to many Native American tribes.\u201d Last year, Heller cosponsored S.Res.619, an identical version of the resolution. Full text of S.Res.316 can be found below: \r\nRecognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States. Whereas, from November 1, 2017, through November 30, 2017, the United States celebrates National Native American Heritage Month; Whereas National Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to consider and recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the history of the United States; Whereas Native Americans are descendants of the original, indigenous inhabitants of what is now the United States; Whereas the Bureau of the Census estimated that, in 2010, there were more than 5,000,000 individuals of Native American descent in the United States; Whereas Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions and hold a deeply rooted sense of community; Whereas Native Americans have moving stories of tragedy, triumph, and perseverance that need to be shared with future generations; Whereas Native Americans speak and preserve indigenous languages, which have contributed to the English language by being used as names of individuals and locations throughout the United States; Whereas Congress has consistently reaffirmed the support of the United States of tribal self-governance and self-determination and the commitment of the United States to improving the lives of all Native Americans by\u2014 (1) enhancing health care and law enforcement resources; and (2) improving the housing and socioeconomic status of Native Americans; Whereas the United States is committed to strengthening the government-to-government relationship that the United States has maintained with the various Indian tribes; Whereas Congress has recognized the contributions of the Iroquois Confederacy and the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the Founding Fathers in the drafting of the Constitution of the United States with the concepts of\u2014 (1) freedom of speech; (2) the separation of governmental powers; and (3) the system of checks and balances between the branches of government; Whereas, with the enactment of the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 (Public Law 111\u201333; 123 Stat. 1922), Congress\u2014 (1) reaffirmed the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Native American governments; and (2) recognized the important contributions of Native Americans to the culture of the United States; Whereas Native Americans have made distinct and important contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including the fields of agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art; Whereas Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars; Whereas Native Americans have served with honor and distinction in the Armed Forces and continue to serve in the Armed Forces in greater numbers per capita than any other group in the United States; Whereas the United States has recognized the contribution of the Native American code talkers in World War I and World War II, who used indigenous languages as an unbreakable military code, saving countless lives in the United States; and Whereas the people of the United States have reason to honor the great achievements and contributions of Native Americans and their ancestors: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Senate\u2014 (1) recognizes the month of November 2017 as \u2018\u2018National Native American Heritage Month\u2019\u2019; (2) recognizes the Friday after Thanksgiving as \u2018\u2018Native American Heritage Day\u2019\u2019 in accordance with section 2(10) of the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 (Public Law 111\u201333; 123 Stat. 1923); and (3) urges the people of the United States to observe National Native American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Day with appropriate programs and activities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=54712C0D-A6BD-4CAB-99F9-C35C8B858912", "Heller Urges His Colleagues to Work 24/7 to Confirm Judges, Deliver Tax Relief", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today urged his colleagues to work full-time, 24/7, until all judicial vacancies are filled and Congress delivers tax relief to hardworking families during a speech on the U.S. Senate Floor.  Last month, Heller and several of his colleagues made a push to turn the Senate on full time, 24/7, for the remainder of the year to combat Democrat obstruction, which has resulted in the confirmation of only eight judges this Congress.  \u201cThis is what\u2019s wrong in Washington. We should use debate time on a nominee to debate the nominee. And if there\u2019s no more debate, then we should vote on that nominee and move on to the next one,\u201d said Heller.\u00a0\u201cI am ready and willing to work day and night, weekends and holidays to do what Nevadans sent me to Washington, D.C., to accomplish. As the Leader mentioned last week, we should work through the week of Thanksgiving. Hardworking Americans don\u2019t go home until their work is complete, and neither should we. That work also includes reforming our tax code and providing desperately needed relief to the middle class.\u201d Video of Heller\u2019s remarks is available here or by clicking on the image below.\u00a0\r\n  [Click HERE or on the above image to view the video]\r\nHeller\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMr. President, This week we currently have the unique opportunity to move forward on promises we made to the American public last year \u2013 confirm judges and provide tax relief to hardworking Americans. \r\nThe American people sent us to Congress to complete this critical work, and we must stop at nothing to do it.\u00a0  The fact that we have so many judicial emergencies is incredibly concerning and should be a wake-up call to all Senators, especially those that are slowing down this important process.\r\nWe have already taken significant steps to address both of these issues by confirming 13 judges with five more this week and passing a budget with instructions for tax reform.\r\nThere is still much more that we need to do, and I stand ready to stay here until the job is done.\u00a0 \r\nMost people can\u2019t go home until their work is finished and neither should we.\u00a0 \r\nImagine dropping your car off to the auto mechanic and instead of them staying to finish the job, they leave at 3 pm to go home because that\u2019s what\u2019s convenient for their schedule. Yet you\u2019re paying them for a full day\u2019s work.\r\nThat\u2019s effectively what we\u2019ve been doing here in Congress, and it needs to stop.\r\nWe need to work as much as possible to ensure that the federal judiciary is filled with judges that will uphold the Constitution and bring us closer to providing tax relief to American families. \r\nWe need to have a fully occupied, fully functioning federal judiciary to ensure that Americans\u2019 constitutional rights are upheld.\r\nIn almost ten months, we have started to address the issue of judicial vacancies by confirming 13 judges, most notably Justice Gorsuch, who has already served as a strong, conservative voice on the Supreme Court.\u00a0 \r\nAs a fellow Westerner, I was proud to vote for such a qualified judge to serve on our nation\u2019s highest court.\u00a0 \r\nBeyond the vacancy we filled on the Supreme Court, there are vacancies on all levels of the federal judiciary.\r\nWe cannot forget the importance of every single court that makes up the federal system.\r\nWe must prioritize confirming judges to fill these openings, especially those deemed judicial emergencies.\u00a0 \r\nThe fact that we have so many judicial emergencies is incredibly concerning and should be a wake-up call to all Senators, especially those that are slowing down this important process.\r\nThe President is continuing to send us well-qualified nominees, and Chairman Grassley has done an excellent job moving nominees through the committee process.\r\nI am especially encouraged that this week we are confirming five more judges, including four circuit court judges.\r\nThis is the pace we need to keep.\r\nIf that means working 24/7 to continue confirming these constitutionalists, count me in.\r\nConfirming federal judges is a unique duty of the U.S. Senate, and we cannot allow obstructionism from the other side of the aisle to prevent us from filling vacancies throughout the country.\r\nIt is clear, when judges brought to the floor for a vote are confirmed by a healthy majority, that the gridlock being caused is purely political. \r\nBecause of this, Leader McConnell is having to file cloture on all of these judicial nominees, and some of my colleagues across the aisle are just running the debate clock on these nominees instead of actually debating.\r\nWell, we have what\u2019s known as the one hour rule here in the Senate, and I think it\u2019s time to start enforcing it. Now members are entitled to their opinions and as the deliberative body we should debate nominees, but if you\u2019re going to debate a nominee I think you actually need to come down and speak on them.\u00a0  You can\u2019t just hide behind your desk and run the debate clock. If you have a problem with a nominee, then you should come down to the floor and voice your concerns. If you\u2019re not willing to do this, then you shouldn\u2019t hold this nominee hostage to an artificial clock. This is what\u2019s wrong in Washington.\u00a0 We should use debate time on a nominee to debate the nominee. And if there\u2019s no more debate, then we should vote on that nominee and move on to the next one. The Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial. As the body that confirms the judges that make that constitutional right possible, we have a critical responsibility, and we need to do whatever it takes to fulfill this duty. In order to deliver swift justice throughout the country, these seats need to be filled. I am ready and willing to work day and night, weekends and holidays to do what Nevadans sent me to Washington, D.C., to accomplish. As the Leader mentioned last week, we should work through the week of Thanksgiving. Hardworking Americans don\u2019t go home until their work is complete, and neither should we. That work also includes reforming our tax code and providing desperately needed relief to the middle class.\u00a0 Today, Chairman Brady and the Ways and Means Committee released a draft of their tax relief bill, which is another enormous step forward in providing meaningful tax relief to Nevadans and other hardworking Americans across this country. Middle-class tax relief is particularly critical to the residents of my home-state of Nevada. Whether it\u2019s the single mother from Gardnerville who doesn\u2019t receive child support, works full time, and is simply trying to make ends meet\u2026  Or the entrepreneur in Elko who\u2019s fighting hard to get his small business off the ground and wondering whether he\u2019ll ever catch a break and be able to afford to hire his first employee . . . I continue to hear from diligent, hardworking Nevada families and small business owners who are struggling to cover their expenses and get ahead in life. For too many people, the American dream, previously achievable through hard work, sheer determination, and playing by the rules, feels like it\u2019s slipping away. That\u2019s in part because for too long, Nevadans and Americans across the country have faced stagnant wages and slow economic growth. Under the failed economic policies of the previous Administration, we suffered through eight years of historically low economic growth. In fact, in those eight years, we didn\u2019t have a single year in which the economy grew by 3%. As a result, wages and workers suffered.  Job creation suffered. And real middle-class Americans like you and your neighbors suffered. We still bear the scars of Obama-era economic policy today. Median household income in Nevada is $7,000 lower today than it was in 2007. Nevada families are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living in nearly every other state. It\u2019s fair to say that -- in Nevada at least -- the recession has never really ended. To me, this situation is unacceptable, and I\u2019m doing everything in my power to right the economic wrongs that have been committed by the previous Administration.  Under the leadership of the new Administration, however, we\u2019re already starting to see our economy improve. There are positive signs everywhere. Last week, the Commerce Department announced that for the second quarter in a row, the economy had grown by at least 3%. This impressive growth occurred despite the hurricanes that destroyed the homes and businesses of our good friends and colleagues down in Texas and Florida.\u00a0  Now, Mr. President, if, despite these natural disasters, 3% economic growth is possible under the leadership of President Trump and a unified Republican government, just think about how much more we can add to this growth by passing comprehensive tax reform.\u00a0  As a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I\u2019ve been working with my colleagues to craft a tax relief package that accomplishes three major goals: One: creates more jobs Two: increases wages And three: boosts American competitiveness. What does tax relief mean to you, the average Nevadan who works hard and is trying to provide a better life for his or her children and save for a secure retirement?\u00a0  It means cutting your taxes so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.  It means a bigger child tax credit to help you confront the increasing cost of raising children.  And it means a simpler and fairer tax code that you yourself can understand. Lower rates for businesses mean more jobs, higher wages, and growth in our communities \u2013 all of which will benefit you.  Taken together, all these things mean that you will see a profound increase in your take-home pay and your economic opportunity. A recent study by the White House Council of Economic Advisers found that reducing the corporate tax rate by 15% alone would increase household incomes by an average of $4,000. A similar study by a Boston University economist put the increase at $3,500. I don\u2019t know about you, but I think the average American could do a lot with an additional $3,500 to $4,000 in his or her bank account.\u00a0  As the son of a school cook and an auto mechanic, I understand the discipline and hard work that goes into every dollar and every paycheck. And I\u2019m working to see that you have more of it in your back pocket. I am confident that we will fulfill that promise, but that will take a commitment from our colleagues to stay here and work. In addition to overhauling the tax code and confirming judges, we have many other significant legislative responsibilities to complete. I believe that we must spend as much time as necessary, including working through the scheduled November constituent work period, to fulfill our commitments to the American people. With that, I yield the floor.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8C3EDD23-0AE4-4C46-A02E-0F820D72B573", "TODAY: Heller to Urge Colleagues to Keep Working to Fill Judicial Vacancies, Deliver Tax Relief", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) will speak on the floor of the U.S. Senate today, November 2nd, 2017, at approximately 11:15 a.m. PT to urge his colleagues to keep working until all judicial vacancies are filled and to deliver tax relief for Nevada\u2019s hardworking families. The speech will be livestreamed and is available HERE. What: U.S. Senator Dean Heller speaks on Senate floor When: Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11:15 a.m. PT. Where: U.S. Capitol. The speech will be livestreamed here: http://cs.pn/2lHlFRT\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3B24BD20-9764-4E0D-801A-88347168057B", "Heller, Cardin, Collins, Casey Laud Bipartisan, Bicameral Agreement to Repeal Therapy Caps", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Bob Casey (D-PA), lead sponsors of S. 253, the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act, together lauded the bipartisan, bicameral deal struck by the Senate Finance Committee, House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee to permanently repeal the annual limit on per-patient therapy expenditures in Medicare (\u201ctherapy caps\u201d). The agreement will protect Medicare beneficiaries from arbitrary limits on outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services that are often needed to recover from debilitating illnesses, such as stroke, or support the effective management of conditions including multiple sclerosis and arthritis. \u201cThis bipartisan, bicameral agreement to permanently repeal caps on therapy care is a positive step toward ensuring Nevada\u2019s seniors and Americans throughout the country have access to the services they need. As a long-time advocate of eliminating arbitrary caps on therapy services, I\u2019ll continue working with Senator Cardin to get this across the finish line so that seniors have the flexibility to pursue health care options that fit their needs and provide for the quality of life that they deserve,\u201d said Senator Heller. \u201cA full repeal of the existing, arbitrary caps on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services has been long fought for and long overdue,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cI have been proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle and across the Capitol to help ensure Medicare\u2019s most vulnerable beneficiaries can receive the services they need to resume their normal lives after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury, or to effectively manage conditions such as Parkinson\u2019s disease, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis. I call on my colleagues in both the House and Senate to work together to pass this policy by the end of this year.\u201d \u201cThis bipartisan agreement is great news for Medicare beneficiaries who require outpatient therapy services to ensure a healthy recovery,\u201d said Senator Collins.\u00a0 \u201cI strongly supported eliminating the current, arbitrary caps so that patients recovering from a stroke, hip fracture, or other disease or condition are able to receive the treatment they need.\u00a0 Rehabilitation has also proven to be more cost effective than similar services provided in the hospital outpatient setting, which are not subject to caps and force higher out-of-pocket costs.\u201d \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will make important advances for beneficiaries,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cBy working in a bipartisan way we have moved this issue forward. I am hopeful we can get this bill to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d As announced by the bipartisan leaders of the Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee, \u201cthe policy agreement would: repeal the therapy caps, continue to require an appropriate modifier be included on claims submitted over the new threshold, indicating the services are medically necessary, and continue targeted medical review of claims established by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).\u201d\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=565BF1B9-4956-4E2A-AF40-DD33D3DC365A", "Delivering Tax Relief for Nevada", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the son of a school cook and auto mechanic, I know the hard work that goes into every paycheck and that\u2019s why I\u2019m pushing the U.S. Senate to pass meaningful tax relief for Nevada families. Whether it\u2019s the single mother from Gardnerville who doesn\u2019t receive child support and works full-time or Andrew in Las Vegas who worries about how he\u2019ll be able to afford daycare for his daughters next year, I continue to hear that families in Nevada are struggling to cover all of their expenses.\r\nSen. Heller joins Ivanka Trump and his colleagues in discussing how an enhanced child tax credit could help Nevada families.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSecretary Mnuchin Joins Heller in Las Vegas to talk tax relief.\r\nOur tax code is too complex and too costly, it stifles job growth, and it inhibits America\u2019s competitiveness. We must simplify our broken tax system, close special interest loopholes, and provide much-needed tax relief for hard-working middle class families. As a member of the U.S. Senate\u2019s tax-writing committee, I\u2019m going to continue fighting for a major tax overhaul that will help Nevadans and push for policies that will create jobs, boost growth, and make it easier for Nevadans to provide a better life for their kids.\r\nIn the News:\r\n\r\nVideos: \r\n\r\nPress Releases:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B0C0FCFC-DA37-4DCC-8487-44094A94E49D", "In Case You Missed It: Heller Presses for Tax Reform", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nevada\u2019s Dean Heller presses for tax reformJeffrey Meehan\r\nU.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nevada. is pushing fiercely for Congress to move on tax reform, though it could happen sooner rather than later. Heller, along with several of his colleagues in the U.S. Senate, including Sen. David Perdue, R-Georgia, are pushing a \u201c24/7 narrative\u201d to keep Congress active on tax reform, along with other initiatives. With the push, Heller hopes to bring these initiatives across the finish line, he said in a conference call with several rural newspapers in Nevada on Wednesday. Heller said the \u201cgoal is to have tax reform out of the United States Senate before Thanksgiving.\u201d\r\nThe stage may be set for tax reform to move quickly. The U.S. House of Representatives moved on Thursday to make tax reform easier to pass through the Senate. The House passed, though narrowly, a $4 trillion budget resolution. The 216-212 vote also sweeps in new reconciliation rules, inside the budget, that would allow the Senate to pass tax reform with a simple majority. This would allow Republicans to overcome a potential filibuster, which requires 60 votes to break. The Senate already approved the $4 trillion budget on Oct. 20. The reconciliation rules now head to Trump\u2019s desk for his signature. The president doesn\u2019t need to sign the budget. If tax reform is passed, some projections show it could cut taxes by as much as $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. On the Wednesday call with Heller, the senator said he\u2019d been working with Ivanka Trump and other colleagues for most of the day to work on increasing the child tax credit in the plan. \u201cThere\u2019s an effort by a number of us here in the Senate to try to double that child tax credit for working families,\u201d Heller said. The current credit is worth up to $1,000 per qualifying child, depending on income, according to the Internal Revenue Services\u2019 website. In Heller\u2019s discussions with Ivanka and his colleagues, he said he made it \u201cclear that a bigger child tax credit could assist tens of thousands of families in Nevada by helping parents buy diapers, groceries, or school supplies for their kids,\u201d he said in an email to the Pahrump Valley Times. Heller sees other benefits as well with the potential for lowering tax rates for small businesses that \u201cwill help industries all across the spectrum, including tourism, construction and hospitality, create more jobs and give their workers higher wages.\u201d Click here to continue reading.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=506CD398-0172-44DA-A81A-15E7CD17DBA5", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Heller Honors WWII Filipino Veterans at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony", "2017-10-27", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 During a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring World War II Filipino and Filipino-American veterans, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) recognized Sergeant Regalado Baldonado of Las Vegas, who is\u00a0just one of four recognized\u00a0Filipino-American veterans who reside in Nevada.  As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Heller has fought to ensure that World War II Filipino and Filipino-American veterans receive the recognition they have earned and deserve for their instrumental wartime service to the United States and strategic role in the Allied victory over the Empire of Japan. Heller worked with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) to pass into law the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, which recognizes the dedication and heroism of these individuals.\r\nLas Vegas resident, other Filipino-Americans honored for WWII serviceBy Gary Martin  October 26, 2017  http://bit.ly/2xuEyc5 Las Vegas resident Regalado Baldonado was honored at a congressional ceremony this week along with other Filipino and Filipino-Americans for their service in World War II. Baldonado, 90, is one of four recognized Filipino-American World War II veterans who reside in Nevada. Only Baldonado was able to attend the Washington event. But all Filipino and Filipino-American WWII veterans were honored at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., who with Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, co-sponsored the Filipino Veterans of World War II Gold Medal Act, singled out Baldonado, who joined the Fil-American Army in 1942 at age 15. \u201cI\u2019m incredibly humbled to be here as Nevada\u2019s own Sergeant Regalado Baldonado and the entire Filipino veteran community receive the Congressional Gold Medal for answering America\u2019s call to service,\u201d said Heller, a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee.\r\n\r\nBaldonado traveled with his sister, Charmaine, to Washington to take part in the Gold Medal Ceremony. Heller said the bill he co-sponsored recognizes the strategic role of Filipinos in the U.S. and Allied victory over Japan in World War II. There are 138,000 Filipino-Americans living in Las Vegas.\r\n\r\nChannel 8  October 25, 2017  http://bit.ly/2hexQ3T\r\n\u201cSergeant Baldonado - thank you for fighting, thank you for your bravery, and thank you for being faithful to America. This day is for you and for every other World War II Filipino veteran- even those who have yet to be recognized for their service. This medal ensures your place in history is not forgotten.\u201d\r\n  [Click HERE or on the above image to view the story]\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home?ContentRecord_id=B906F54D-ADAA-4882-AE0E-2B35EEBEC0F2", "Heller Joins Ivanka Trump to Talk Child Tax Credit", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the son of a school cook and auto mechanic, I know the hard work that goes into every paycheck and that\u2019s why I\u2019m pushing the U.S. Senate to pass meaningful tax relief for Nevada families. \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHeller joins Ivanka Trump and his colleagues to discuss how the child tax credit helps Nevada families\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cThe Senate has an incredible opportunity right now to confirm federal judges,\" said Heller. \"And we should be here every day, for as long as we need, to ensure all judicial vacancies are filled.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\r\nNevada\u2019s Dean Heller presses for tax reform\nJeffrey Meehan\n\r\nU.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nevada. is pushing fiercely for Congress to move on tax reform, though it could happen sooner rather than later.\nHeller, along with several of his colleagues in the U.S. Senate, i...", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=16C6AA00-56E8-49F5-839E-FF07FD43805D", "Heller Urges His Colleagues to Keep Working to Confirm Judges", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today urged his colleagues to keep working until the judicial vacancies are filled during a speech on the U.S. Senate Floor. Last week, Heller and several of his colleagues made a push to turn the Senate on full time, 24/7, for the remainder of the year to combat Democrat obstruction, which has resulted in the confirmation of only eight judges this Congress.  \u201cWe need to work day and night to confirm those judges that are already on our calendar and have moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee,\u201d said Heller. \u201cThe Senate has an incredible opportunity right now to confirm federal judges, who will uphold the Constitution. And we should be here every day, for as long as we need, to ensure all judicial vacancies are filled.\u201d Video of Heller\u2019s remarks is available here or by clicking on the image below.\u00a0\r\n  [Click HERE or on the above image to view the video]\r\nHeller\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMr. President\u2014 I rise today to discuss an issue that is extremely important to me and to many of my colleagues on this side of the aisle \u2013 the issue of judicial vacancies. Mr. President, I came here to work and am honored that the people of Nevada sent me to Washington on their behalf.\u00a0  And one of the most pressing issues that I\u2019ve found since being here is that all too often members of Congress go home before their work is finished. Now many of you here know that the first piece of legislation I\u2019ve introduced for the past two Congresses is my No Budget No Pay Act.\u00a0  The concept is simple, if Congress can\u2019t pass a budget and all of its spending bills on time then it shouldn\u2019t be paid.  Well Mr. President, the Senate should apply the same concept, in my opinion, to confirming judges. Now Mr. President, I commend our Majority Leader for bringing two more judges to the floor this week, but there is more work to do. We need to work day and night to confirm those judges that are already on our calendar and have moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate has an incredible opportunity right now to confirm federal judges, who will uphold the Constitution. And we should be here every day, for as long as we need, to ensure all judicial vacancies are filled. Our conference must be willing to work together in order to get the business of the Senate done. Right now there are 149 judicial vacancies,  And the Senate has only confirmed eight judges this Congress. That means in nine months with well over 100 vacancies and over 60 judicial emergencies, we\u2019ve only managed to confirm eight judges. The minority party has undercut the confirmation process of the administration\u2019s nominees and judicial appointments. When new presidents are elected, they have always been given an opportunity to put their team in place in short order.  Historically, this is not just a common courtesy, it is an expectation of Americans to have a seamless transition of power resulting in a functioning federal government. One of the eight judges confirmed was Neil Gorsuch, who I am thankful now serves on the Supreme Court. Justice Gorsuch is an example of the type of judge we have the chance to put in place. Like with Justice Gorsuch\u2019s confirmation, we need to do all that is necessary to fill these vacancies with great judges like him. President Trump has nominated many judges and has more to nominate. For those that he\u2019s already nominated, it\u2019s our duty to carefully review these nominations and ensure that these judges are confirmed in a timely manner.  We must be willing to put in as much time as needed, whether that means working weekends, cancelling state work periods, or working all through the night to get these constitution-loving judges confirmed.\u00a0 I know that this is important to all of us, but we need to do better. Last week, I was proud to partner with Senator Perdue and several of my other colleagues in calling on the Senate to work 24/7 until we get our work done.\u00a0\u00a0 We have a substantial list of important work to complete, including confirming the judicial nominees that the President has sent us, passing tax reform, fixing our broken healthcare system, and funding the government. The American people elected us to complete these critical tasks. They elected us to deliver a simpler, fairer tax code and to make sure that our federal judiciary is fully occupied with judge\u2019s whose sole focus is to uphold the Constitution as it was written.  Fellow-Senators--I am calling on all of us to do what the people sent us here to do. And not let a light schedule stop us from fulfilling our duties.  The American people don\u2019t get to work four day work weeks and neither should we.\u00a0  This isn\u2019t France.\u00a0We need to work a full work week.\u00a0  We must make it clear to our constituents, we are fighting for hardworking Americans every single day. Americans do what it takes to get the job done.  We must do the same. I yield the floor/I note the absence of a quorum.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=41D3E4CC-9F99-4D42-B889-21D45B3705F4", "TODAY: Heller to Speak on Senate Floor Urging Colleagues to Keep Working to Confirm Judges", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) will speak on the floor of the U.S. Senate today, October 26th, 2017, at 10 a.m. PT to urge his colleagues to keep working until all judicial vacancies are filled. The speech will be livestreamed and is available HERE. What: U.S. Senator Dean Heller speaks on Senate floor When: Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. PT. Where: U.S. Capitol. The speech will be livestreamed here: http://cs.pn/29EVvXQ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F55FCA0D-0472-45D2-BF8C-0804A2CA5861", "Heller, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Improve Breast Cancer Detection", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced this week the Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2017, which would improve breast cancer detection by requiring the mammogram report a woman already receives to include whether she has dense tissue, so she can discuss with her health care provider if she should seek additional screening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for Hispanic women and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native women. \u201cAs someone with a family history of breast cancer, I understand how important it is to continue working to put an end to this horrible disease. With enough resources and more bipartisan action from Congress, I know that a cure is within our reach,\u201d said Heller. \u201cI am proud to work with Senator Feinstein to introduce this critical bipartisan legislation and look forward to working with my colleagues to stay on top of this issue until breast cancer no longer exists.\u201d Women with dense breast tissue may receive normal mammogram reports even if cancer is present because dense tissue can obscure cancer and look the same on the mammogram. Currently, there is no federal standard requiring women to be informed if they have dense tissue. The bill would set a minimum federal standard, as designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for notification about dense tissue and recommend women discuss with their health care providers whether they might benefit from additional screening. The mammogram report received by doctors already includes density information. The bill also directs HHS to study improved screening options for women with dense tissue. \u201cEarly detection of breast cancer is key to survival, and women must be given the resources they need to make the best health care decisions,\u201d said Feinstein. \u201cBy requiring that patients be informed if they have dense tissue, our bill would empower women to make potentially lifesaving decisions about their care, in consultation with their health care providers.\u201d The Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2017 is supported by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Are You Dense Advocacy, Susan G. Komen, DenseBreast-info, Tigerlily Foundation, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Don\u2019t be a Chump! Check for a Lump!, Sharsheret, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women\u2019s Health, Black Women\u2019s Health Imperative and Men Against Breast Cancer.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=18233858-0422-4D4B-B791-FA2926CF5665", "VIDEO: Heller Urges Congress to Deliver a Bigger Child Tax Credit for Nevadas Hardworking Families", "2017-10-25", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today joined Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump and members of the Senate and House at an event in the Capitol highlighting how an enhanced Child Tax Credit will bring tax relief to Nevada\u2019s hardworking families.\u00a0 Enhancing the Child Tax Credit is a key piece of the Unified Tax Reform Framework that was unveiled last month by the Trump Administration and the leadership of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees. Watch Sen. Heller\u2019s remarks HERE, or click the image below.\r\n  Click HERE or the above image to watch.\r\nHeller and Ivanka Trump discuss delivering a child tax credit to American families.\r\nHeller shares the impact of a child tax credit for Nevada families\r\n\u00a0\r\nSen. Dean Heller\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:  Hi, I\u2019m Senator Dean Heller from Nevada. I\u2019d like to thank Ivanka for being here with us today to talk about the importance of the child tax credit. Whether it\u2019s the single mother from Gardnerville who doesn\u2019t receive child support and works full-time\u2026or Andrew in Las Vegas who worries about how he\u2019ll be able to afford daycare for his daughters next year, I continue to hear that families in my state are struggling to cover their expenses. That\u2019s in part because for too long \u2013 Americans have faced stagnant wages and slow economic growth.  In Nevada, median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was in 2007 and families living in my state are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living in nearly every other state.\u00a0  At the same time, childcare expenses have skyrocketed. In fact, my state is the least affordable in the country when it comes to licensed care for infants. In fact, a single mom living in Clark County would have to spend more than half of her income to send her infant and preschooler to a licensed day care center.  This is why an enhanced child tax credit is so important to helping families in Nevada and around this country begin to confront the rising costs of raising their children.\u00a0  What does an enhanced child tax credit mean for the average middle-class Nevada household? It could mean that a teacher\u2019s aide and a police patrol officer with two kids could get a tax refund of more than $250 instead of owing the federal government more than $1,700.  Think about this: That\u2019s more than three months-worth of groceries for a family of four. More than 15,000 diapers. It can also get you more than four years\u2019 worth of school supplies for two kids. An enhanced child tax credit could benefit tens of thousands of families in Nevada by saving people in my state \u2013 and Americans throughout this country - thousands of dollars.  To all of the working families in Nevada and around this country: we\u2019re listening to you. We\u2019re on your side. And I'm joining Ivanka in leading this fight for lower taxes for you. Because I know that when you succeed \u2013 your kids will succeed, Nevada will succeed, and our country will succeed.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3C00AB54-83C0-4602-9837-14C0E4FE3AFB", "VIDEO: Heller Honors WWII Filipino Veterans, Including Nevadas Sergeant Baldonado, at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony", "2017-10-25", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today honored Filipino and Filipino-American World War II veterans for their service to our country in a speech at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony held in their honor at the U.S. Capitol. Heller specifically recognized and thanked Sergeant Regalado Baldonado of Las Vegas, who was just 15 years old when he joined the Fil-American Army in 1942. Sergeant Baldonado traveled more than 2,500 miles to attend the ceremony and is one of more than 138,000 Filipino-Americans living in Nevada and just one of four recognized Filipino-American veterans who reside in Nevada.\r\n\r\nAhead of today's Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony, Senator Heller was honored to visit with Nevada\u2019s Sergeant Baldonado and his sister, Charmaine.\r\nAs a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Heller has fought to ensure that World War II Filipino and Filipino-American veterans receive the recognition they have earned and deserve for their instrumental wartime service to the United States and strategic role in the Allied victory over the Empire of Japan. Heller worked with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) to pass into law the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, which recognizes the dedication and heroism of these individuals.\u00a0\r\n\u201cToday is a very special day for the Filipino and Filipino-American veteran community, and I\u2019m incredibly humbled to be here as Nevada\u2019s own Sergeant Regalado Baldonado and the entire Filipino veteran community receive the Congressional Gold Medal for answering America\u2019s call to service. Our country has a responsibility to recognize those who put their lives on the line, and this Congressional Gold Medal is a symbol of our gratitude,\u201d said Heller. \u201cI am proud to see these brave individuals finally rewarded for their military service. This medal ensures that their place in history is not forgotten. Nevada is also home to \u2018The Mighty Five\u2019 Filipino-American veterans who have yet to be recognized by the U.S. government for their service, and I will continue fighting to ensure they are able to prove their service and are afforded the respect and recognition they deserve.\u201d\r\nYou may view Heller\u2019s remarks during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony by clicking HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=77C603BB-6FF3-41E6-88FF-D892388D357F", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Heller to Join Ivanka Trump, Colleagues at Event Highlighting Child Tax Credit TODAY", "2017-10-25", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today will join Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump and members of the Senate and House at an event in the Capitol highlighting the importance of the Child Tax Credit to working families at 11:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. ET TODAY.\u00a0The event will be live-streamed HERE. Enhancing the Child Tax Credit is a key piece of the Unified Tax Reform Framework that was unveiled last month by the Trump Administration and the leadership of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees. Details: Importance of the Child Tax Credit to working families  Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 11:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. ET  LBJ Room (S-211), The Capitol\r\nParticipants:\r\nAdvisor to the President Ivanka Trump  Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)  Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS)\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=682FADA7-1EFF-472A-B4D5-08D533759511", "Senate Passes Heller-Backed Bill to Fight Nationwide Rape Kit Backlog", "2017-10-24", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act, a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) along with Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Michael Bennet (D-CO). This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes, strengthens, and extends the SAFER program in an effort to reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog. In addition to reauthorizing this program, the legislation would ensure pediatric forensic nurses are eligible for training, highlighting the need for pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners in responding to children suffering from abuse. \u201cVictims of sexual assault deserve swift justice and nothing less,\u201d said Heller. \u201cSenate passage of this bipartisan bill represents an important step toward helping Nevada law enforcement in their efforts to cut down on the backlog of untested rape kits and ensure critical evidence isn\u2019t left collecting dust. I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Cornyn on this legislation and see it garner wide, bipartisan support. As a strong supporter and author of proposals to crack down on these horrific crimes and aid victims on a path to recovery and closure, I urge the U.S. House to pass this bill and send it to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d \u201cThis bill will empower law enforcement to identify and test more backlogged rape kits, help take criminals off the streets, and deliver justice for survivors,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cI applaud the Senate for coming together to get this legislation over the finish line, and I urge my colleagues in the House to advance it quickly.\u201d \u201cThe idea that we have evidence laying around in labs that we could be using to bring criminals to justice is unacceptable,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cPassing this bipartisan legislation in the Senate is an important step forward in providing more resources for our law enforcement.\" \u201cLaw enforcement must have access to resources and training to process rape kits, so survivors of sexual violence receive the thorough and fair investigations they deserve,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cColorado worked to end its backlog of rape kits in 2015 \u2013 a process that took two years and millions of dollars. The SAFER Act will help other states make the same progress and ensure justice is served. We applaud the SAFER Act\u2019s passage in the Senate, and we encourage its speedy passage in the House.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=305A120F-3067-4033-BD72-B9E2E65AEF4A", "Heller on GAO Report: VA Must Prioritize Retaining Doctors to Fully Support Nevada Veterans", "2017-10-19", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Following today\u2019s release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) called on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) take immediate steps to improve its ability to recruit and retain top-level physicians in order to fully support our nation\u2019s veterans. The newly-released GAO report is the result of a request from Heller and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro in 2016. Heller specifically asked for recommendations on how to address shortages of critical positions such as intake workers, doctors, nurses, and assistants so that veterans can receive timely and quality health care. \u200e Among some of the concerns identified in the report, the GAO found that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has failed to evaluate the effectiveness of its physician recruitment and retention strategies, and that facilities still experienced difficulties.  Additionally, although VHA measures productivity, the mental health departments are given two sets of differing metrics to follow, which creates confusion in measuring productivity. \u201cThe GAO\u2019s report underscores the critical need for the VA to take immediate steps to ensure the department is retaining and recruiting the best doctors to treat our nation\u2019s veterans. I\u2019m pleased the GAO looked into this issue following my request, and urge the VA to take into consideration its recommendations,\u201d Heller said. \u201cThe federal government should be doing all it can when it comes to providing world-class medical care to America\u2019s warriors, and key in that effort are the VA\u2019s doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Make no mistake, the VA\u2019s shortage of medical staff has a direct impact on the care veterans receive, and that\u2019s why more data collection and evaluation is important. As a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, I will continue to work to ensure that the department is properly equipped to support Nevada\u2019s veterans, particularly those living in rural areas who are most affected by doctor shortages.\u201d Heller, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, has also championed bipartisan legislation to fix the nationwide gap between the supply of and demand for physicians. This summer, Heller and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced the bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, a bill designed to address the growing physician shortage and its strain on the health care system and patients\u2019 access to quality care. In August, Heller hosted VA Secretary David Shulkin in Reno, Nevada, where they discussed this issue and toured the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System. Heller signed a declaration reaffirming his commitment to preventing suicide among Nevada veterans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A19D527D-5B3F-40E0-8C69-4566450C3C04", "Heller Fights to Turn Senate On Full Time", "2017-10-19", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined Senator David Perdue (R-GA) and several of his colleagues in urging Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to turn the Senate on full time, 24/7, for the remainder of the year to combat Democrat obstruction and get results for the American people. \u201cThe 115th Congress is being disrupted by sustained, partisan obstruction. We believe our conference must be willing to change how the Senate operates both by tradition and by rule,\u201d\u00a0said the senators in the letter.\u00a0\u201cWe appreciate your acknowledging our concerns and applaud your plan to work nights and weekends when necessary to overcome this gridlock. You have our full support to turn the Senate on full time,\u00a024/7, to advance the president\u2019s agenda, including a meaningful health care solution, bold changes to our tax code, and funding the government by year\u2019s end.\u201d \u201cYou have our pledge to be available for voting day and night and we offer our time to preside over the Senate when necessary to keep us on track,\u201d concluded the senators. View the full text of the letter below.\r\nDear Leader McConnell: The 115th Congress is being disrupted by sustained, partisan obstruction. We believe our conference must be willing to change how the Senate operates both by tradition and by rule. We appreciate your acknowledging our concerns and applaud your plan to work nights and weekends when necessary to overcome this gridlock. You have our full support to turn the Senate on full time,\u00a024/7, to advance the president\u2019s agenda, including a meaningful health care solution, bold changes to our tax code, and funding the government by year\u2019s end. As you know, one glaring example of this unprecedented obstruction is the minority party\u2019s perversion of Senate rules to undercut the confirmation process of the administration\u2019s nominees and judicial appointments. When new presidents are elected, they have always been given an opportunity to put their team in place in short order. Historically, this is not just a common courtesy, it is an expectation of Americans to have a seamless transition of power resulting in a functioning federal government. It is abundantly clear that the tactics employed by the minority are designed to imperil the new administration and its agenda. Overcoming this obstruction will require a real commitment on our part. An aggressive work calendar, as you have proposed, which should include nights and weekends, will enable administration and judicial nominees to be confirmed more quickly. You have our pledge to be available for voting day and night and we offer our time to preside over the Senate when necessary to keep us on track. Given the unprecedented obstruction by our colleagues across the aisle, we hope you will also take a renewed look at the rules governing executive branch nominations. Our conference should always remember that we are fighting for hardworking Americans. In their daily lives, when there is work to be done \u2013 whether on assembly lines, in the fields of family farms, fishing in our bountiful waters, or standing in harm\u2019s way \u2013 everyday Americans do what it takes to get the job done. We owe them the same unrelenting effort in the job they gave us to do.\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FA5DB998-C963-4C51-815D-95F1229EAFE1", "Heller Votes to Pave the Way for Tax Relief for Nevada Families", "2017-10-19", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution, a critical tool to achieving tax reform. The budget resolution included Heller\u2019s amendment (#1146), which passed the Senate unanimously, to provide tax relief to families with small children in Nevada and around the country.\r\n\u201cAs the son of a school cook and auto mechanic, I know the hard work that goes into every paycheck and that\u2019s why I\u2019m pleased the U.S. Senate made progress toward delivering tax relief to Nevada families. By passing the budget, we are now one step closer to making sure that Nevadans can keep more of their money so that they can invest in their educations, homes, and futures,\u201d said Heller. \u201cOur tax code is too complex and too costly, and now we\u2019re on the way to simplifying it to make our nation more competitive and create jobs in Nevada. As a member of the tax-writing committee, I\u2019m going to continue fighting to help Nevadans who are struggling to get by and push for policies that will make it easier for them to provide a better life for their kids. While we have paved the way for tax relief, we have a long road ahead of us and I\u2019m eager to get to work.\u201d\r\nYesterday, Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to urge his colleagues to support his measure to help American families everywhere. You may view his remarks here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1186EB77-A724-4FB1-86A1-1BA078684C8D", "U.S. Senate Passes Heller Amendment to Lower Taxes for Nevada Families with Children", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The U.S. Senate today passed U.S. Senator Dean Heller\u2019s (R-NV) amendment (Heller Amendment #1146) to provide tax relief for families with children. A member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax issues, Heller urged his colleagues to support his measure to help American families confront the rising costs of raising children. \u201cThe U.S. Senate\u2019s passage of my amendment is a recognition that we must reduce the burden on hardworking Nevadans who are raising children and struggling to make ends meet,\u201d said Heller. \u201cWe are on our way to providing tax relief to Nevadans and Americans throughout the country so that they can keep more of their hard-earned paychecks and invest in their families. As we move forward, I\u2019ll continue to fight for policies that make it easier for Nevadans to provide a better life for their kids.\u201d Earlier today, Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor about the importance of providing tax relief to families. You may view his remarks here or by clicking on the image below.\r\n\r\nHeller\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMister President, I rise to speak in support of my amendment \u2013 Heller Amendment Number 1146 \u2013 to provide tax relief for families with children.\r\nThis week, we\u2019re setting in motion one of my top priorities: bringing tax relief to hardworking Nevadans.\r\nFor decades, Nevadans have been waiting for an affordable and fair tax code that they can understand.\r\nI have long said that our tax code is too costly and too complex. We need to simplify our code in a way that creates jobs and allows Nevadans to keep more of their hard-earned tax dollars. \r\nAnd with this budget, we\u2019re taking an enormous first step in providing meaningful relief to Nevadans and middle-class families across the nation. \r\nUnder our leadership and thanks to the good work of the Chairman of the Budget Committee, we are finally in a place in which we can provide real, meaningful tax relief to the American taxpayer.\u00a0 \r\nAs a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I\u2019ve been working with my colleagues to craft a tax bill that accomplishes three major goals:\r\nNumber 1: creates more jobs\r\nNumber 2: increases wages\r\nAnd number 3: boosts American competitiveness.\r\nSo, the question is, what does tax reform mean to an average Nevadan who works hard and is trying to provide a better life for his or her children?\u00a0\u00a0 \r\nIt means that you can keep more of your hard-earned paycheck and it will be easier for you to file your taxes.\r\nLess paperwork, more money.\r\nLower rates for businesses mean more jobs, higher wages, and growth in our communities \u2013 all of which will benefit you.\r\nAs the son of a school cook and an auto mechanic, I understand the discipline and hard work that goes into every dollar and every paycheck. \r\nAnd I\u2019m working to see that you have more of it in your back pocket.\r\nMister/Madam President, that is why my amendment is absolutely critical, because it delivers this desperately needed relief and lets middle-class families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, helping them make ends meet and invest in their families.\r\nFor too long, American families have been struggling with stagnant wages and incomes, as well as slow economic growth, made worse by the policies of the Obama Administration.\r\nIn inflation-adjusted terms, nationwide median household income stayed below what it was in 2007 all the way up to 2015.\r\nAnd last year, it was only $890 more than it was in 2007.\r\nIn my home-state of Nevada, the situation is even worse: Median household income still hasn\u2019t fully recovered and is $7,000 lower today than it was in 2007.\r\nTax relief for families with children \u2013 through an enhanced Child Tax Credit, for example \u2013 will help begin to address the financial insecurities facing American families, and will help families confront the rising costs of raising children.\r\nExpansion of the Child Tax Credit will help hard-working middle-class families in many ways, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income to use for the needs of their families and children.\r\nI urge everyone in this chamber to support children, support middle-class families, and support my amendment.\r\nWith that, I yield the floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2472FA37-FEA5-42FB-97F5-B1F40E2E4263", "In Case You Missed It: A New Las Vegas Has Risen", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In a speech delivered on the U.S. Senate floor this evening, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) honored the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, and applauded the many heroes who emerged that night and helped respond to the tragedy. Click HERE to watch the video.\r\n[Click here or the above image to watch]\r\nHeller\u2019s speech arrives shortly after the U.S. Senate unanimously passed his bipartisan resolution, introduced with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) that commemorates the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, on October 1st, 2017. The resolution, which can be found\u00a0here, also recognizes the bravery of all first-responders, law enforcement officials, and emergency medical technicians on the scene, as well as the countless staff at local hospitals and hotels who assisted in the response. Below is Heller\u2019s speech as prepared for delivery:\r\nMr. President, I rise today still in shock and mourning over the events of October first, when 58 people \u2013 some of them Nevadans, many of them visitors to our state \u2013 were brutally gunned down by a madman on the Las Vegas Strip.\u00a0 In addition to those horrible deaths, almost 500 people were injured.\u00a0 Many of them face a long road to physical recovery, and an even longer and more painful road to emotional recovery. I know I speak for all of my Senate colleagues in praying for them and wishing them the quickest recovery possible.  This madman\u2019s actions devastated our city but I rise today to tell you that that sense of devastation is being replaced by a renewed sense of community, of family, of unity, of faith, and of strength.\u00a0 I have had the honor of experiencing it firsthand, in the eyes and the voices of those who survived and those who chose to stay in harm\u2019s way to help others when they could have fled to safety.\u00a0 I have seen and heard this renewed sense of community and strength in the faces of our first responders, none of whom had ever encountered anything as horrific as the carnage of October first but who plunged into the danger to save lives.\u00a0 Because that\u2019s what they do. I had the privilege of meeting a Las Vegas police officer, Sergeant Jonathan Riddle, who was stationed a block from the shooting scene doing traffic control.\u00a0 When he first heard the popping noises, like most of the concert-goers, he thought it was fireworks.\u00a0 But the second volley told him otherwise, and his training kicked in.\u00a0 He grabbed his rifle and sprinted toward the chaos.\u00a0 Now, keep in mind: this police officer knew, through his training, that heavy-caliber bullets were being fired and that his protective vest would not stop them.\u00a0 He also knew that his rifle was useless, because the shots were coming from Mandalay Bay and he couldn\u2019t shoot at a hotel for fear of hitting an innocent bystander.\u00a0 So he was, for all intents and purposes, defenseless.\u00a0 He knew it.\u00a0 But he ran anyway.\u00a0 He ran toward the violence.\u00a0 He ran toward it with one purpose: to help.\u00a0 Any way he could.\u00a0 It\u2019s almost not fair to single him out because dozens of Metro police officers did the same thing.\u00a0 Firefighters, paramedics, and ambulance drivers also. And it was not just professional first responders who emerged as true heroes on October first.\u00a0 Taylor Winston, a Marine, was just trying to enjoy the concert that night.\u00a0 But when the bullets started raining down, he was driven by his training, his instincts, and his compassion for his fellow human beings.\u00a0 He helped several people over a fence where they took cover but he realized the danger wasn\u2019t over.\u00a0 Looking around, he spotted a pickup truck with a long bed.\u00a0 He \u201cborrowed\u201d the truck, loaded the back of it with injured people and rushed them to the hospital.\u00a0 But he wasn\u2019t done.\u00a0 He made a return trip, loaded the pickup again with individuals wounded and got them to the hospital. Jack Beaton\u2019s last act on earth was one of sacrifice and heroism.\u00a0 He draped himself over his wife, protecting her from the deadly bullets.\u00a0 He told her he loved her, then was hit and died in her arms. Jonathan Smith shouted warnings when he realized what was happening, but when some people were too stunned to move toward safety, Jonathan moved toward them, getting them out of the line of fire.\u00a0 That\u2019s when Jonathan himself was hit.\u00a0 He survived, but will likely always have a bullet lodged in his neck.\u00a0 It\u2019s a painful reminder of his heroics but I hope it always reminds him of the people he saved. And John, a cab driver, accelerated toward the screams and the chaos and shouted for a frightened group of girls to jump in his cab, and he drove them to safety.\u00a0 Then John turned around, drove back to the shooting scene, and transported another group to safety.\u00a0 In all, John possibly saved eleven lives. There was a woman at the concert, a respiratory therapist, who had her cell phone shattered by a bullet\u2026while the cell phone was in her hand.\u00a0 Shards of hard plastic tore through her hand and imbedded in her skin.\u00a0 What did she do?\u00a0 Pulled the shards out of her hand, bandaged herself up, and rushed to the hospital where she worked to try to help people more badly injured.\u00a0  At our local hospitals, doctors and nurses worked miracles around the clock.\u00a0 When operating rooms were not available, they treated the wounded in hallways.\u00a0 Surrounded by shouting, crying, chaos, and blood, they saved one life after another after another.\u00a0 Their skill, their composure, and their dedication to saving lives was stronger that night than the evil intentions of a madman with a rifle.\u00a0 I was walking the hallway of one of our hospitals with the hospital\u2019s CEO when a woman rushed toward him, grabbed him by the arm, and through tears and sobs, thanked him for the work his staff had done.\u00a0 Her niece had been wounded, but was heading home.\u00a0 She said she could never thank the hospital staff enough. In the aftermath, the community banded together to provide every resource possible to victims and their families.\u00a0 The Las Vegas Convention Center\u2019s South Hall was dedicated to family reunification and support services. Airlines answered the call to provide free flights to the families of victims. Hotels and casinos across Las Vegas offered free rooms. The American Red Cross partnered with the Mirage to host a blood drive.\u00a0 Millions of dollars have been raised by local businesses and people across the country to support the victims. The employees of Mandalay Bay and other MGM Resorts properties were understandably stricken and horrified by the shooting but they, too, asked how they could help.\u00a0 And instead of being frozen by their shock and grief, they mobilized.\u00a0 Donating blood, offering help to the families of the victims, organizing memorials and otherwise coming together as a team, motivated by compassion and selflessness and providing comfort and solace.  True leaders have emerged in the wake of this tragedy.\u00a0 My friend, Sheriff Joe Lombardo, head of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, has been steadfast in this crisis.\u00a0 He will always be remembered as a rock solid presence when our city most needed one. And let me say this, for the world to hear:\u00a0 our great city will not cower in fear because of this horrible act.\u00a0 We will mourn, we will heal, we will comfort each other, we will pray.\u00a0 But make no mistake about it \u2013 Las Vegas is open for business.\u00a0 Las Vegas will not simply go on, we will thrive.\u00a0 So come to Las Vegas, and maybe come away with a greater appreciation of what our city\u2026our people\u2026are all about.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  From the blood and the terror and the carnage of October first, a new Las Vegas has risen.\u00a0 We have never shied away from our image as the city of entertainment.\u00a0 Our hospitality defines us. But the world has now seen a side much more profound \u2013 something we have always seen. A home.\u00a0 A family.\u00a0 A community of people who will stand by each other during the darkest moments.\u00a0 A community of people bound by faith who will stand in the face of danger to protect a neighbor, a friend, a family member\u2026or someone they\u2019ve never met.\u00a0 Everyone around the world has heard of Las Vegas.\u00a0 The very name conjures images almost immediately.\u00a0 Its skyline cannot be mistaken for any other.\u00a0 Yet, prior to October first, almost no one knew the true Las Vegas.\u00a0 The Las Vegas we are seeing now.\u00a0 A city that responds to cowardly violence with love and compassion for each other.\u00a0 A city that responds to hatred with faith and strength.  Las Vegas Strong.\u00a0 It\u2019s a slogan we\u2019re now seeing on billboards, marquees, and t-shirts. But behind that slogan is a story of true strength.\u00a0 A story of a city growing, emerging, and becoming closer and more united.\u00a0 A deranged man with a rifle brought death and carnage and terror to Las Vegas.\u00a0 But today Las Vegas stands stronger.\u00a0 Las Vegas stands unafraid.\u00a0 Las Vegas\u2019 true identity has been revealed and it is one of compassion and heroism.\u00a0 It is my hope that we will honor the memory of those lost by holding on to the sense of unity and family that has emerged since October first.\u00a0 That we will, all of us, continue to be Las Vegas Strong. God bless the city of Las Vegas, the state of Nevada, and God bless the United States of America.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=26A9BD53-DD03-434A-BAEE-298DE370F31A", "Bipartisan Group of Senators Submit Letter to VA Secretary Requesting Solution to High Veteran Suicide Rate in Western States", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David J. Shulkin, M.D. requesting solutions to the high veteran suicide rate across the Western United States. According to a 2017 report from the VA, the veteran suicide rate throughout the West in 2014 is seven percent higher than the rest of the country.\r\n\u201cWe are supportive of the services the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) already provides in Western states,\u201d said the senators. \u201cThe Vet Centers that offer mental health services to combat veterans are critical to ending veteran suicides. Additionally, the information available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website and the expansion of the Veterans Crisis Line are important steps toward ensuring access to resources for veterans in need. The increases in mental health services for women, including telehealth medicine, are also commendable. While these are steps in the right direction, there is still more work to be done, and we want to work with you and all concerned stakeholders to do more to address this public health crisis.\u201d\r\nSenate Veterans\u2019 Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-MT) as well as U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Steve Daines (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) also signed the letter.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below:\r\nOctober 17, 2017\r\nThe Honorable David J. Shulkin, M.D.\r\nDepartment of Veterans Affairs\r\nWashington, DC 20420\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Shulkin:\r\n\r\nWe write to you today regarding the need to expand suicide prevention efforts for Western state veterans, especially women veterans and veterans in rural communities. As our veterans return home from foreign wars, they face significant challenges readjusting to civilian life. Some suffer from mental and physical injuries that make it difficult to find a job, housing, and successfully reintegrate into their communities. We must do more to help these men and women who have served our country and ensure their access to proper mental health care.\r\n\r\nAs you may know, as of 2014, the suicide rate among veterans living in the West is 7 percent higher than that of veterans nationwide\u20141,970 veterans in the region died that year alone by suicide. Like you, we believe even one veteran suicide is one too many. With the rate of veteran suicides reflecting the increase in society at large, we are deeply concerned both by the ongoing incidence of suicide and by the fact that suicide rates in Western states and rural areas are higher than the national veteran suicide rate across almost every age group.\r\n\r\nWe are supportive of the services the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) already provides in Western states. The Vet Centers that offer mental health services to combat veterans are critical to ending veteran suicides. Additionally, the information available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website and the expansion of the Veterans Crisis Line are important steps toward ensuring access to resources for veterans in need. The increases in mental health services for women, including telehealth medicine, are also commendable. While these are steps in the right direction, there is still more work to be done, and we want to work with you and all concerned stakeholders to do more to address this public health crisis.\r\n\r\nWith so many veterans in need of mental health support, we feel strongly about providing increased transparency to our constituents and veterans so that we can help direct them to treatment when they need it. To provide this transparency, we respectfully request answers to the following questions:\r\n\r\n1. What steps will the VA take to prevent further loss of life by suicide in Western states and stop the disproportionately high suicide rate in western states?\r\na. What steps has the VA taken to expand resources to states with the highest rate of suicide among veterans?\r\nb. What steps is the VA taking to balance the prescription of various medications with other modes of treatment, particularly with an eye to reducing the risk of dependence on opioids or other potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals?\r\nc. What obstacles limit the delivery of telehealth services to veterans in rural communities and how does the VA ensure that veterans who seek telehealth services receive those services in a timely manner? Does the VA need any legislative relief from barriers or other Congressional intervention to assist with increasing access to telehealth?\r\nd. How does the VA tailor treatment to Western states veterans, for example, to account for the higher altitudes, longer distances to travel, and fewer private-sector mental health providers?\r\ne. Please provide specific examples of new partnerships with stakeholders and non-VA assets that have resulted in positive outcomes for veterans since 2015.\r\n\r\n2. How many veterans with other than honorable discharges have been treated under the emergency mental health care program started this summer?\r\na. What are your engagement efforts to reach these veterans? Are there any changes needed to better reach and serve these veterans?\r\n\r\n3. How many veterans who committed suicide were known survivors of military sexual assault, and has the VA conducted any research on their utilization of VA services?\r\n\r\nIn your response, we encourage you to take into account the unique challenges that Western states and rural communities face. Decreasing the number of veteran suicides in our states is a top priority, and we hope to work with you to further this goal.\r\n\r\nThank you in advance for addressing these concerns and for your commitment to making veteran suicide prevention a priority at the VA. We look forward to your prompt response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6483830E-4511-40A9-AE07-07751B30D7FC", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Heller to Deliver Speech Honoring Victims and Heroes of the Las Vegas Shooting TODAY", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) will deliver a speech on the Senate floor at approximately 5:30 p.m. today memorializing the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, on October 1st, 2017.  Nevada media can watch the speech live by visiting https://www.c-span.org/. Heller\u2019s floor speech comes shortly after the U.S. Senate unanimously adopted a bipartisan resolution he introduced along with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) that commemorates the victims of the mass shooting. The resolution, which can be found here, also recognizes the bravery of all first-responders, law enforcement officials, and emergency medical technicians on the scene, as well as the countless staff at local hospitals and hotels who assisted in the response. What: U.S. Senator Dean Heller speech on the Las Vegas shooting When: Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. EST/ 2:30 p.m. PT Where: https://www.c-span.org/\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=90106E28-E81C-4AF3-866E-D16DF96EE665", "Heller, Cortez Masto Submit Letter to the Social Security Administration Requesting Formal Public Notice as to How It Intends to Assist Las Vegas Attack Victims, Families", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) sent a letter to Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security Administration and Steve Breen, Acting San Francisco Regional Commissioner (Region IX), requesting a formal public notice or an announcement regarding how it intends to assist the victims and the families of the Las Vegas attack, including special procedures for expedited enrollment and claims processing. \u201cIn response to this tragedy, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals have worked around the clock under harrowing circumstances to provide life-saving care for hundreds of victims,\u201d read the senators\u2019 letter. \u201cUnfortunately, 58 innocent people tragically lost their lives and have left behind families and loved ones \u2013 including spouses and dependents. As family members and loved ones strive to grapple with such loss in light of this heinous attack, it is vital that federal agencies offer support for those affected.\u201d The letter reads in full:\r\nOctober 17, 2017 Nancy A. Berryhill  Acting Commissioner of Social Security  Social Security Administration  6401 Security Blvd., 3100 West High Rise  Baltimore, MD 21235\r\nCommissioner Berryhill, On the night of October 1, 2017, a gunman opened fire on 22,000 people attending the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this horrific event, fifty-eight individuals were murdered and nearly 500 innocent people sustained injuries, making this attack the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. In response to this tragedy, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals have worked around the clock under harrowing circumstances to provide life-saving care for hundreds of victims. Unfortunately, 58 innocent people tragically lost their lives and have left behind families and loved ones \u2013 including spouses and dependents. As family members and loved ones strive to grapple with such loss in light of this heinous attack, it is vital that federal agencies offer support for those affected. We respectfully request the Social Security Administration issue a formal public notice or announcement as to how it intends to assist the victims and the families of the Las Vegas shooting, including expedited enrollment. Please provide a copy of guidance for special procedures to process claims of survivor benefits, benefits for people with disabilities, or other benefits for those affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas. Thank you for your timely consideration of this request.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B00CDDDE-31E2-4DDF-804C-71F8DC1AA3EA", "Heller, Cortez Masto Request Additional DOJ Funding to Cover Overtime Costs of Law Enforcement Response to Las Vegas Shooting", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, asking for additional funding from the Department of Justice to cover overtime hours worked by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County, including the Clark County Fire Department, for their response to the October 1st shooting. The DOJ recently announced a grant award of $1 million to the State of Nevada to assist with the immediate costs, but the funds cover just a fraction of the costs that have accumulated and continue to accumulate due to much needed assistance from the LVMPD and Clark County. \u201cWe understand the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has already accounted for over $2 million in overtime worked to date,\u201d the senators said. \u201cAdditionally, law enforcement officers continue to accumulate overtime as the investigation is ongoing, and we understand that overtime costs for Clark County, including the Clark County Fire Department, could be well over current estimates.\u201d The senators continued, \u201cWe request the Department of Justice award additional grant funding from its emergency response funds in order to help cover the millions of dollars of overtime costs. Our law enforcement officers are working in the service of others, and the community of Southern Nevada has much to overcome.\u201d The letter reads in full:\r\nOctober 17, 2017\r\nThe Honorable Jeff Sessions  Attorney General of the United States  950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW  Washington, DC 20530\r\nDear Attorney General Sessions:\r\nWe are writing regarding the tragic events that took place in Las Vegas on October 1st and the additional support needed for our brave men and women in law enforcement. As you know, fifty-eight people were killed and more than 500 were wounded in the largest mass shooting in modern American history. Our city is still recovering and has a long road ahead. Thousands of brave men and women served as first responders during the crisis. They risked their safety to protect others, saving lives and restoring security to the city. In the hours and days after the shooting, Clark County\u2019s first responders worked tirelessly for their community. On October 11th, the Department of Justice (\u201cDOJ\u201d) announced a grant award of $1 million to the state of Nevada to assist with the immediate costs of responding to the crisis. The DOJ recognized the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officers across Nevada in the wake of the shooting. We appreciate the DOJ's expeditious allotment of this funding. While the grant is much needed and appreciated, it covers just a fraction of the costs that Clark County is facing.\u00a0 We understand the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has already accounted for over $2 million in overtime worked to date. Additionally, law enforcement officers continue to accumulate overtime as the investigation is ongoing, and we understand that overtime costs for Clark County, including the Clark County Fire Department, could be well over current estimates. We request the Department of Justice award additional grant funding from its emergency response funds in order to help cover the millions of dollars of overtime costs. Our law enforcement officers are working in the service of others, and the community of Southern Nevada has much to overcome. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. The people of Las Vegas and the State of Nevada appreciate your support during this difficult time.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CEB16EC9-BA79-4EE5-A297-3E6E9D64EE1E", "Heller Encourages Nevadans Interested in Attending U.S. Service Academies to Submit Application Ahead of October 31st Deadline", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Senator Dean Heller\u2019s (R-NV) office is encouraging Nevadans who are seeking a nomination to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies to submit an application ahead of the October 31st deadline. The honor of attending one of the service academies comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the U.S. military for a minimum of five years following graduation. The application to be considered for a nomination is available on Heller\u2019s website or here. As a U.S. Senator from Nevada, Heller has the privilege of nominating a limited number of Nevadans to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. A nomination is required to gain entry into a service academy, however, a nomination does not guarantee acceptance and it does not replace the admissions process for the service academies. Nevadans can also seek a nomination from their representative in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. Applicants are required to submit an official high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, and three letters of recommendation along with the application. Those who submit their full applications ahead of the October 31st deadline will then be contacted by Heller\u2019s office to schedule an interview with the Academy Selection Panel. More information about the nomination process including basic eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions can be found at https://www.heller.senate.gov/academy-nominations. Completed applications should be mailed to Heller\u2019s office. Nevadans living in Clark, Nye, Lincoln, and Esmeralda Counties should mail their applications to Heller\u2019s Las Vegas office and Nevadans living in all other counties should mail their application to Heller\u2019s Reno office. For Clark, Nye, Lincoln, Esmeralda Counties:\r\n8930 West Sunset Road  Suite 230  Las Vegas, NV 89148\r\nFor all other counties:\r\n400 South Virginia St.   Suite 738  Reno, NV 89501\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=21255F83-4603-4C21-9BB1-492768E2E388", "U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Heller, Cortez Masto Resolution Honoring Las Vegas Shooting Victims", "2017-10-17", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution,\u00a0introduced by U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and co-sponsored by every member of the U.S. Senate, memorializing the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, on October 1st, 2017. The resolution, which can be found here, also recognizes the bravery of all first-responders, law enforcement officials, and emergency medical technicians on the scene, as well as the countless staff at local hospitals and hotels who assisted in the response. \u201cI welcome the U.S. Senate\u2019s adoption of our bipartisan resolution commemorating the lives of the victims of the Las Vegas shooting and recognizing the many extraordinary acts of heroism in the face of violence as yet another gesture of support for our community,\u201d said Heller. \u201cI am deeply humbled by the overwhelming response Las Vegas has received from people and communities all across the country, and thank Senator Cortez Masto for working with me on this measure. As our state grieves, let us remember that Nevada is strong, it will remain strong, and we will recover together.\u201d \u201cIn the wake of the horrific shooting in Las Vegas, recognizing the bravery and heroism that emerged that night, and honoring victims and their families are small steps to a long road of recovery and healing,\u201d said Cortez Masto. \u201cI want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for their support of the Las Vegas community and for joining us in remembering the victims and honoring the heroic acts of our community\u2019s first responders, law enforcement, medical professionals, community organizers, volunteers and every day Las Vegans.\" Full text of the resolution can be found below:\r\nWhereas, in the late hours of Sunday, October 1, 2017, a 64-year-old man from Mesquite, Nevada, killed 58 individuals and wounded more than 500 innocent individuals in a horrific attack at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, with more than 22,000 individuals in attendance;\r\nWhereas President Donald Trump called the attack an act of pure evil and said that unity cannot be shattered by evil and that the bonds between the people of the United States cannot be broken by violence;\r\nWhereas the attack is the deadliest mass shooting in the modern history of the United States;\r\nWhereas the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement professionals within the city of Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada, including emergency response teams from Henderson and North Las Vegas, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, military service members and veterans, ambulatory services, and other emergency and health care professionals responded to the attack bravely, admirably, and in a coordinated manner, saving many lives;\r\nWhereas doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals worked around the clock under harrowing circumstances to provide life-saving care for hundreds of victims;\r\nWhereas, during the attack, countless civilians selflessly assisted victims and, following the attack\u2014\r\n(1) hundreds of individuals stood in long lines to donate blood for those who were injured in the attack; and\r\n(2) the people of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the United States expressed overwhelming financial, physical, and emotional support for the victims and the families of the victims;\r\nWhereas local organizations, businesses, and caregivers came together with Federal, State, and local government agencies to support the victims and help the community heal; and\r\nWhereas Nevada has a vibrant and renowned tourism economy that will continue to thrive, attracting and welcoming millions of visitors from across the United States and internationally, and emergency management officials will diligently dedicate local and Federal resources to boost public safety and security in Las Vegas, Nevada: Now, therefore, be it\r\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\r\n(1) condemns the horrific attack at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 1, 2017, in which 58 innocent individuals were killed and more than 500 innocent individuals were injured;\r\n(2) honors the memory of the victims killed in the attack and offers heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims;\r\n(3) expresses hope for a full and speedy recovery by, and pledges continued support for, those who were injured in the attack;\r\n(4) offers compassion to those who attended the event, but were not physically injured, and are dealing with symptoms of post-traumatic stress or seeking grief counseling;\r\n(5) recognizes the spirit and resilience of the Las Vegas and Nevada communities; and\r\n(6) applauds the dedication and bravery of local, State, and Federal law enforcement and counterterrorism officials and emergency medical and health care professionals for their coordinated efforts in responding to the attack, securing the community, and providing treatment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=94DCCFAC-30BD-45C3-BF24-B3F51391A1CA", "Heller, Cortez Masto Urge VA to Support Veterans Impacted by Las Vegas Shooting", "2017-10-17", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) today urged the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that all military veterans impacted by the mass shooting in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017, have access to the health care, benefits, and assistance they may need as they recover from the tragedy. In a letter sent to VA Secretary David J. Shulkin, Heller and Cortez Masto applauded the local VA hospital and Vet Centers for their response to the shooting, noting the VA deployed a team to the family reunification center to assist those searching for family, as well as provided on-site counseling services at Sunrise Hospital and University Medical Center. Additionally, the Senators recognized the Vet Center staff, who have combat service and deployment experience, and were able to provide counseling to those who needed it, including victims and their families and first responders who often suffer from post-traumatic stress after traumatic incidents. \u201cIt is clear that the VA has all the right tools and resources to be a valuable asset as the Las Vegas community and victims from across our country begin the process of recovery.\u00a0For many of the victims injured, the road to recovery is long, and some of those individuals are veterans. That is why we ask that you ensure any veteran impacted by this tragedy receives the care and benefits they need as they recover emotionally and physically in the months to come,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cWe encourage you to work with local leaders on the ground, including the local VA hospital and vet centers, to identify any veterans who were injured or involved in this incident and conduct outreach so they understand how the VA can be of assistance.\u00a0This tragedy may impact many parts of a veteran\u2019s life, including employment, health care, and post-traumatic stress, and the VA has existing services to address all these areas of need.\u201d The letter reads in full: October 17, 2017 Secretary David J. Shulkin  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  810 Vermont Avenue, NW  Washington, DC 20420\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDear Secretary Shulkin, On October 1, 2017, a shooter opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest outdoor music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.\u00a0During this horrific event, 58 innocent victims were murdered and 489 individuals sustained injuries.\u00a0Among the victims and heroes, there were veterans.\u00a0We write to you today to ask that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ensures that any veteran impacted by this tragedy has access to the health care, benefits, and assistance your agency can provide in its role to promote the well-being of those who served. First and foremost, we applaud the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, as well as the Las Vegas and Henderson Vet Centers, for stepping up during this time of crisis to provide support to the entire Las Vegas community.\u00a0They deployed a team to the family reunification center to assist those searching for family, as well as provided on-site counseling services at Sunrise Hospital and University Medical Center.\u00a0The Vet Center staff, who have combat service and deployment experience, were able to provide counseling to those who needed it, including victims and their families and first responders who often suffer from post-traumatic stress after traumatic incidents.\u00a0 It is clear that the VA has all the right tools and resources to be a valuable asset as the Las Vegas community and victims from across our country begin the process of recovery.\u00a0For many of the victims injured, the road to recovery is long, and some of those individuals are veterans. That is why we ask that you ensure any veteran impacted by this tragedy receives the care and benefits they need as they recover emotionally and physically in the months to come.\u00a0We encourage you to work with local leaders on the ground, including the local VA hospital and vet centers, to identify any veterans who were injured or involved in this incident and conduct outreach so they understand how the VA can be of assistance.\u00a0This tragedy may impact many parts of a veteran\u2019s life, including employment, health care, and post-traumatic stress, and the VA has existing services to address all these areas of need. We appreciate your attention to this critical issue for our veteran community and the support the VA has already provided the Las Vegas community in the aftermath of this tragedy. Sincerely,\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2BD97E3A-E793-42D4-8A47-5E111CA568B2", "Heller, Cortez Masto Introduce Resolution in Honor of Las Vegas Shooting Victims", "2017-10-16", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) today introduced a bipartisan resolution memorializing the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, on October 1st, 2017. The resolution, which can be found here, also recognizes the bravery of all first-responders, law enforcement officials, and emergency medical technicians on the scene, as well as the countless staff at local hospitals and hotels who assisted in the response. \u201cAs our state mourns the horrific tragedy in Las Vegas earlier this month, we continue to pray for the victims, their families and their loved ones. I\u2019m extremely grateful for all of the first-responders, law enforcement officers, medical staff, and heroes in the crowd who ran toward violence and chaos that night in order to help,\u201d said Heller. \u201cFrom driving the wounded to hospitals to shielding strangers from incoming fire, the heroes who emerged during that awful night demonstrate humanity at its very best. The support, well wishes, and prayers flowing into our community has been second to none. As our state grieves, let us remember that Nevada is strong, it will remain strong, and we will recover together.\u201d \u201cThe victims, their families, and the Las Vegas community will bear the scars of October 1st for years and decades to come, but we also take comfort in the fact that there are many heroes among us \u2013 first responders, law enforcement, civilian bystanders, medical professionals, hotel security and staff, community organizers, volunteers and donors \u2013 who rose to the occasion and did everything they can to help,\u201d said Cortez Masto. \u201cI am grateful for the tremendous outpouring of financial, physical, and emotional support to our grieving community, and I take pride in the resilience and strength that Las Vegas has shown. We will never forget the lives of those who were taken away too soon, and the heroism that emerged out of that night.\u201d Full text of the resolution can be found below: Whereas, in the late hours of Sunday, October 1, 2017, a 64-year-old man from Mesquite, Nevada, killed 58 individuals and wounded more than 500 innocent individuals in a horrific attack at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, with more than 22,000 individuals in attendance; Whereas President Donald Trump called the attack an act of pure evil and said that unity cannot be shattered by evil and that the bonds between the people of the United States cannot be broken by violence; Whereas the attack is the deadliest mass shooting in the modern history of the United States; Whereas the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement professionals within the city of Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada, including emergency response teams from Henderson and North Las Vegas, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, military service members and veterans, ambulatory services, and other emergency and health care professionals responded to the attack bravely, admirably, and in a coordinated manner, saving many lives; Whereas doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals worked around the clock under harrowing circumstances to provide life-saving care for hundreds of victims; Whereas, during the attack, countless civilians selflessly assisted victims and, following the attack\u2014 (1) hundreds of individuals stood in long lines to donate blood for those who were injured in the attack; and  (2) the people of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the United States expressed overwhelming financial, physical, and emotional support for the victims and the families of the victims; Whereas local organizations, businesses, and caregivers came together with Federal, State, and local government agencies to support the victims and help the community heal; and Whereas Nevada has a vibrant and renowned tourism economy that will continue to thrive, attracting and welcoming millions of visitors from across the United States and internationally, and emergency management officials will diligently dedicate local and Federal resources to boost public safety and security in Las Vegas, Nevada: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate\u2014 (1) condemns the horrific attack at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 1, 2017, in which 58 innocent individuals were killed and more than 500 innocent individuals were injured;  (2) honors the memory of the victims killed in the attack and offers heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims;  (3) expresses hope for a full and speedy recovery by, and pledges continued support for, those who were injured in the attack;  (4) offers compassion to those who attended the event, but were not physically injured, and are dealing with symptoms of post-traumatic stress or seeking grief counseling;  (5) recognizes the spirit and resilience of the Las Vegas and Nevada communities; and  (6) applauds the dedication and bravery of local, State, and Federal law enforcement and counterterrorism officials and emergency medical and health care professionals for their coordinated efforts in responding to the attack, securing the community, and providing treatment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6BDAC16D-80DA-4DDA-8667-84091A7F49D2", "Heller to Senate Colleagues: Take Action to Prevent Wildfires", "2017-10-16", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0As fire crews continue to combat the scourge of wildfires across California and the West, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today urged Senate leaders to take immediate action on forest management reform legislation, including his Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, to help prevent future devastation.  In a letter sent to U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Heller noted this year\u2019s fire season has been one of the worst on record, burning over 8.5 million acres of land across the Western United States, including 1.2 million acres in Nevada alone. \u201cThe Emergency Fuel Reduction Act is one of many common sense proposals introduced in the Senate that will reform current forest management practices,\u201d wrote Heller. \u201cGiven the devastating effects of this fire season on Nevada and the entire West, I respectfully urge your committee to consider serious forest management reform legislation, like the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, at the next legislative opportunity in order to improve forest health and slow the spread and frequency of wildfires across the western United States.\u201d If enacted, Heller\u2019s Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, S. 1752, would help prevent the spread of these deadly blazes by expediting the review process for prevention projects when risks on public lands pose a threat to critical infrastructure, private land holders, and endangered species habitats. Heller introduced the proposal with the support of Senators Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), James Risch (R-ID), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) in August. The letter reads in full: October 16, 2017 Dear Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow, As wildfires continue to rage across California and the Western United States, I am writing you to urge your committee to immediately consider the issue of forest management reform at the next legislative opportunity.\u00a0Legislation like my Emergency Fuel Reduction Act (S.1752) will bring much needed forest management reforms to our federal land management agencies to prevent the spread of these deadly blazes. This year\u2019s fire season has been one of the worst on record, burning over 8.5 million acres of land across the Western United States.\u00a0Multiple wildfires continue to burn through California, taking the lives of at least 40 people and destroying numerous homes and communities.\u00a0In my home state of Nevada, we have sustained 1.2 million acres of damage alone, threatening rural communities all across the Silver State.\u00a0This is why I reintroduced my legislation, the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, which will speed up the approval process for fuel reduction projects on federal lands. Specifically, my legislation would exempt fuel reduction projects from the NEPA process on federal lands that are under 10,000 acres and pose a risk for wildfire. \u00a0It also allows for the expedited clean-up of lands filled with dead or dying trees, insect infested trees, and other hazardous fuels that pose a threat to infrastructure or endangered species habitat.\u00a0 The Emergency Fuel Reduction Act is one of many common sense proposals introduced in the Senate that will reform current forest management practices.\u00a0Given the devastating effects of this fire season on Nevada and the entire West, I respectfully urge your committee to consider serious forest management reform legislation, like the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, at the next legislative opportunity in order to improve forest health and slow the spread and frequency of wildfires across the Western United States. Thank you for considering this request.\u00a0 Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions.\u00a0 Sincerely, DEAN HELLER  U.S. Senator\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 387, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "NV", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 387, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NV&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 387, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "NV", "label": "NV", "count": 387, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 387, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-10-16,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eheller~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FContentRecord_id~3D6BDAC16D-80DA-4DDA-8667-84091A7F49D2", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2017&_next=2017-10-16%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eheller~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FContentRecord_id~3D6BDAC16D-80DA-4DDA-8667-84091A7F49D2&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 123.42964299023151, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}