{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"NV\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E0A631E6-7267-40B4-9BA9-06D6E5C87DF9", "Heller Delivers Farewell Address on U.S. Senate Floor", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today delivered his farewell address on the floor of the U.S. Senate. The text of his remarks is available below, and a video of his remarks is available HERE.\r\n  [Click HERE or on the image above to view the video.]\r\nHeller's remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMadam President, I rise today with gratitude to address my colleagues and members of my staff and to reflect on one of life's greatest honors  serving the people of the great state of Nevada.\r\nI would like to begin by thanking them for giving me the profound honor of representing Nevada in the United States Congress for twelve years and in the United States Senate for the past eight years.\r\nNevada  thank you for granting me the privilege of working every day for a state that I am so proud to call my home.\r\nAnd, of course, I would like to thank my immediate family, especially my wife, Lynne, for being at my side during nearly thirty years of public service.\r\nTo my children - Hilary, Harris, Drew, and Emmy. To their spouses - Eddie, McKenzie, and Collin. Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and your tolerance of this process.\r\nI'd be remiss if I didn't thank my parents, Jack and Janet Heller for setting the right example and religious tone in our home growing up.\r\nTo my father-in-law, Richard Brombach, and all of my wife's family, thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter, sister, cousin, and aunt.\r\nMadam President, I have five brothers and sisters. \r\nAll of them played vital roles in my upbringing. So thank you to Jack, Tamie, Mac, Sara, and Bryan.\r\nAll of these individuals that I have mentioned gave me their steadfast support and have made my journey from the Nevada Legislature to the Secretary of State's office to the United States House of Representatives...to the United States Senate...possible.\r\nI could count on them every step of the way.\r\nNow, Madam President, we all know how important our staff is to us, and I'm not an exception. I've been fortunate to have two staff members with me my whole tenure in Congress. I'd like to highlight both of them.\r\nMac Abrams, my chief of staff, hails from North Carolina. I know more about North Carolina than I thought I ever would. Mac came to me from Senator Vitter's office. After 12 years, we muse about writing a book together. Together, we've seen a lot. From the Great Recession's impact on Nevada, the visits from Senator Reid to my house office, to Senator Ensign's resignation, the Governor's appointment, Obamacare, Dodd Frank reforms, immigration reform, tax reform, changing the courts, to name just a few, Mac was always there. In these chambers, there are a lot of slings and arrows and it takes an expert to walk these mine fields. No one does it alone. I always had Mac Abrams by my side. So I thank him for his service to me, but more importantly for his service to Nevada.\r\nScott Riplinger has also served the office with distinction. Those who know him and who have worked with him know that he is a problem solver. It didn't matter which hat he was asked to wear, he wore it with pride. I will miss his hard work, his work on the Banking Committee, his loyalty, and his great sense of humor. Every office needs a Scott Riplinger.\r\nMadam President, I would like to mention two more. Sarah Paul has become a dear friend of mine. Joining my staff seven and a half years ago, I've leaned on her heavily to help navigate very complicated issues. From gaming, to mining, to technology, nobody could grasp an issue like her. During the last campaign, she served as my chief of staff as others were relegated to Nevada. So thank you, Sarah, and congratulations. On Thanksgiving Day, she introduced Liam Milliner Paul to the world. Again, congratulations to Sarah, Raymond, and big brother James on the new addition.\r\nFinally, I would like to recognize Ashley Jonkey. Ashley oversees our state operation and she has been with us since my early days in the House of Representatives. Whether it's putting together the Tahoe Summit or keeping me up to speed on a local issue, Ashley is someone who I can always count on. In fact, over the past decade that I've known Ashley, she's become like family to me and more importantly - Lynne. She's based in Reno, but we're fortunate to have her here in Washington, D.C. today so I'd like to recognize her along with Mac, Scott, Sarah, and the many members of my staff who are here on the floor of the U.S. Senate.\r\nWe have a great team, top to bottom. A team that includes naturalized citizens whose families came to this country seeking a better life, professional social workers, and multiple combat veterans. Every member of my team in Reno, Elko, Las Vegas, and Washington DC. has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of Nevadans.\r\nMadam President, my staff's dedication, enthusiasm, and work ethic goes unmatched. I ask unanimous consent have the list of current and former staff, and their names, printed in the record for this legislative day.\r\nMadam President, I would like to shift gears for a moment to mention several topics that demanded a lot of my time and energy.When it comes to our legislative successes, I am most proud of what we accomplished to help the 300,000 veterans who call Nevada home.\r\nI think that everyone in this chamber will agree that while we can never fully repay our debt to our nation's heroes, we can do everything in our power to show our gratitude for their selflessness and sacrifice.\r\nOnce these men and women return home after leaving their families to fight for our country, it is our turn to fight for them. To make sure that each and every Nevada veteran receives the treatment they need, the services they need, and the skills they need to get a job and take care of their families. I see that responsibility as a duty and a privilege.In fact, I've said this before, and I will say it again: the greatest compliment that I have ever received was when I overheard one veteran say to another veteran, if you need help, call Senator Heller's office.\r\nAs a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have had the opportunity to give our veterans a strong voice in Washington, D.C. Under Chairman Johnny Isakson's leadership, we have made great strides toward bringing greater accountability to the VA and improving the benefits, the care, and the support that our veterans have earned.\r\nFor example, earlier this year, we pushed the historic VA MISSION Act over the finish line. This new law directs more than $50 billion to our VA health care system so that the VA can hire more high-quality doctors and allow veterans to get the care they need, near their homes, and on their schedules.\r\nWe also expanded the VA Caregivers program, which provides a stipend to the families of severely disabled veterans who require a caregiver in their homes. Previously, only post-9/11 veterans were able to apply, now veterans from every era are eligible. This was particularly important to many veterans in Nevada who told me how critical it is that we give more veterans access to this program.\r\nThese are just a few examples of a fix to a problem that came up during my discussions with my Veterans Advisory Councils. I established these groups of veterans in the northern and southern parts of the state to speak frequently and directly with them about the challenges they're facing and the problems that needed to be fixed.\r\nFor instance, just a few years ago, the Reno VA was one of the worst ranked offices in the nation. This was at a time when veterans were waiting on average more than 400 days for their disability claims to be approved. This was not acceptable, so I teamed up with Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania to hold the VA's feet to the fire, and as a result of the implementation of the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act, the backlog has been reduced by approximately 85 percent and 500,000 of our military heroes around the country are no longer waiting for their health benefits.\r\nWe also provided accountability through expedited firing authority of bad VA employees, and overhauled the VA appeals process so veterans do not have to wait years for a decision. The President signed this bill into law in Reno last year.\r\nExpanding veterans' access to care has been one of my top priorities. For veterans living in Northern Nevada, I worked to authorize construction of the Reno VA hospital and deliver $33.5 million in federal funding for it so that veterans in the north don't have to drive 500 miles to Boulder City to access the State Veterans Home. I walked through the construction site when I was in Sparks about a month ago, and I look forward to the completion of this state-of-art facility.I did the same for the veterans in southern Nevada. I worked for 10 years to secure the approval of the new, larger clinic in Pahrump.\r\nFor veterans who faced barriers to trying to get an education so that they can earn a good living, I introduced a bill that increases the education benefit for Guard and Reserve members and ensures the G.I. Bill is available to veterans for life.\r\nAnd after Nevada was ranked second among states with the highest rate of veteran suicides and experiencing a doctor shortage, I authored a new law that gives veterans more access to mental healthcare services and treatment.\r\nI am grateful for the opportunity to work with Chairman Isakson, Ranking Member Tester, Senate Leadership, and this administration to enact laws that provide our veterans with the support and benefits they are owed.\r\nWhile we have made progress, we can and we must do better, and it is my hope that the next Congress, Republican and Democrats can continue to work together things done with our veterans.\r\nNow Madam President, on another topic tax reform.\r\nWhen I delivered my maiden speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Nevada was struggling after being knocked down by Great Recession. A time when Nevada led the nation in home foreclosures and when we had double-digit unemployment.\r\nToday, Nevada is leading the nation in private sector job growth, the housing market has recovered, and home prices are increasing. Now we are one of the fastest growing states in the nation.\r\nNevada is booming, and it is because this Congress delivered tax cuts that put more money in Americans' paychecks, pocketbooks, and pensions, and we advanced pro-growth policies that have led to more jobs, higher wages, and more opportunities for Nevadans.\r\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, I am proud to have authored provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that include doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. Since the law was enacted, tens of thousands of jobs in the state of Nevada have been created, and recently, Nevada's unemployment rate hit an 11-year low  the lowest level since before the 2008 economic downturn.\r\nAs a direct result of this new law, tens of thousands of Nevadans have benefitedfrom bonuses, raises, and expanded benefits on top of bigger paychecks and strengthened pensions. For example, South Point Hotel & Casino doubled its full-time workers' bonuses, developers of a stalled project on the Las Vegas Strip committed to creating over 10,000 jobs, and the Prospector Hotel in Ely gave its employees bonuses and raised starting wages. All of this was the direct result of tax reform.\r\nNevada's economy is back on track, and I hope that this Congress will continue to advance policies that keep us on that path and help Nevada workers and hardworking families get ahead.\r\nSince coming to Washington, D.C., my number one focus has always been the people of Nevada and putting our state's priorities first.\r\nFor example, I worked with Senator Martin Heinrich from New Mexico to level the playing field for the development of new, alternative energy technologies to support Nevada's energy diversification.\r\nEarlier this year, I was proud to host the bipartisan annual Lake Tahoe Summit, and I have worked with Senator Feinstein throughout my career to deliver resources to protect the Tahoe Basin and fight devastating wildfires.\r\nAnd when Congress came together to approve a five-year highway bill, I was able to secure my top infrastructure priority  the expansion of Interstate-11 up to northern Nevada.\r\nWhether it's leading the Republican charge to extend unemployment benefits in 2014 when Nevada's unemployment rate was nearly double what it is now, or breaking with my party to pass the Violence Against Women Act, I have always been willing to work with anyone who has good ideas to help move Nevada's families and communities forward.\r\nWhile I am pleased that I have been able to work with my colleagues to turn these ideas into over 100 pieces of legislation that are now law, there is much more to this job than just advancing good policies. \r\nIt is about helping people  that is what is most important. \r\nI work for Nevadans, and when someone comes to me with a problem or calls one of our offices for help  we drop everything to do all that is in our power to help them.\r\nWhen the VA refused to pay a homeless veteran $40,000 after he won his appeal, we made sure that veteran got paid so that he could get back on his feet.\r\nWhen a constituent who had a liver transplant was denied coverage and left without insurance, he enrolled in the Marketplace Exchange. When the time came to re-enroll, the Exchange denied him and forced him to go without insurance until we intervened.\r\nOr take the example of a woman who came to us after being charged a Medicare penalty of about 40 percent each month. My staff worked with the local and regional offices to secure reimbursement of $1,000 and adjust the monthly premium to save that constituent potentially thousands of dollars.\r\nAnd when a constituent spent nine months trying to get her Social Security retirement benefits, we were able to get her a resolution to promptly begin receiving her payments.\r\nFinally, when a Navy veteran was in jeopardy of losing his home when he was temporarily out of work, we contacted the lender of his mortgage on his behalf and ensured that he was able to keep it.\r\nThese are just a few examples of what this job is really all about. Making life better for the people you work for.\r\nAnd Madam President, I know that I am not alone. I truly believe this is what drives all members of Congress to serve their constituents.No matter your party. No matter your state.No matter what you did before you got here.\r\nSo, before I got here, I grew up with two parents and five siblings who, like many Nevadans, embody the Battle Born spirit.\r\nI'd like to pay tribute to not only my family, friends, and mentors who have helped me along the way, but all of my constituents by talking a little bit about what makes Nevadans different.\r\nNevadans are pioneers.\r\nWe are not afraid to take risks, to dream, to put in the hard work and start from scratch.\r\nWe are self-starters, builders, and trailblazers.\r\nWe laid down the tracks to connect railroads and mined for gold and silver in the North. \r\nWe shoveled mud, drilled through rock, and scaled concrete to construct the Hoover Dam. \r\nAnd in the Mojave Desert, we created the Entertainment Capital of the World.\r\nBut one characteristic outsiders may overlook is this: we are fighters. \r\nAnd no other event in our history best serves as an example of that trait than in the aftermath of the October first mass shooting in Las Vegas, a tragedy that truly shook our state.  I have spoken before on the Senate floor about the incredible, heroic people who helped lead concertgoers, and in turn, the whole community, out of that darkness. Whether these individuals wore uniforms or not, they stepped up to help others and their actions helped us grieve, and start to heal, together.\r\nThe immeasurable pain, suffering, and devastation inflicted by one man elicited a profound, innate, and immediate human response from Nevadans across the state. Like many Nevadans, I saw firsthand the strong sense of family, faith, and strength in the wake of October first. And when I leave here, I will carry those extraordinary moments of unity and generosity with me.\r\nDuring his 1989 inaugural address, Former President George H.W. Bush once said, \r\nWe know what works: Freedom works. We know what's right: Freedom is right. We know how to secure a more just and prosperous life for man on Earth: through free markets, free speech, free elections and the exercise of freewill unhampered by the state.\r\nRegardless of what party you affiliate with, I think we can all agree with those words.\r\nWe can all agree that we are fortunate to live in a great country defended by men and women who stand guard to defend our way of life.\r\nWe can all agree that are fortunate to live in a great country in which every aspiration or dream is possible to achieve.\r\nWe can all agree that it is because freedom works. Freedom is right.  No, not everything comes easy, and I would be lying if I said that others didn't have to fight harder than some.But that job you want to get, that school you want to get into, that business you want to start, or that idea you want to see come to lifeit is possible in America.\r\nA country where the son of an auto mechanic and school cook had the opportunity to deliver the newspaper to then Governor Mike O'Callaghan, go to Sunday school with then Lt. Gov Harry Reid's sons, get his education at the same public high school as late Senator Paul Laxalt, and play basketball with Governor Brian Sandoval.\r\nA place where that same kid could grow up to serve Nevada in the United States Senate.\r\nMy goal has always been to make Nevada a better place today than it was yesterday. A better place to raise a family and not only one where you can find a job, but a place where you can have a long-term career.\r\nMadam President, I would like to end with this.My daughter Hilary and her husband adopted a young child from China. Abandoned as an infant at a bus station. Her name is Ava. She was raised in an orphanage for her first two years. When my daughter and her family first met Ava:\r\nShe did not cry when she was hungry.\r\nShe did not cry when she was tired.\r\nShe did not cry when she needed to be changed.\r\nShe did not cry when she was hurt.\r\nWhy? Because it did not matter, she was always on someone else's time.\r\nBut, she did cry when they took off her shoes to put her bed.\r\nYou see, in an orphanage kids sleep with their shoes on so they don't get lost. \r\nAva had never slept without her shoes on.\r\nShe did cry the first time when they bathed her in a tub of water. \r\nIn an orphanage, you take cloth baths. Ava had never been in a bathtub.\r\nToday, when Ava falls...someone is there to pick her up.\r\nToday, when she cries...someone is there to wipe away the tears.\r\nToday, when she is hungry...someone is there to feed her.\r\nToday when she is tired...someone is there to tuck her into bed.And when Ava grows up in this country, there will be plenty of doors that she can open that would have otherwise been closed.\r\nI will never forget seeing my newest granddaughter in the arms of the Vice President. Knowing her life had changed forever. This is the job at handto uphold this country's longstanding reputation as the land of opportunity.\r\nI am an optimist, and I will remain one after leaving this great chamber because I have seen remarkable moments here in Washington. \r\nThis body has come a long way from its earlier days when Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and John Calhoun were navigating a divided union and fighting to save our young democracy. \r\nI believe that our nation's future is bright, and that Nevada's future is bright. \r\nMy heart has and always will be in Nevada, a state that I love and a place that I am so proud to call home.\r\nNevada  thank you for giving me the opportunity to work for you.\r\nThank you, Madam President.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=446E20A1-B0CC-4A24-9129-0EE0F9E7E68F", "In Case You Missed It: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Honors Senator Dean Heller on Floor of U.S. Senate", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) today delivered remarks in honor of U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV). In his remarks, Leader McConnell paid tribute to Heller's years of dedication to the state of Nevada, as well as his commitment to Nevada's veterans, middle-class families, and strengthening economy.\r\nHe didn't come to Washington D.C. to court praise for lofty rhetoric or become a TV star. He came here to do. In just seven years, Dean has authored or helped introduce 100 pieces of legislation that are now law,' remarked Leader McConnell.\r\nA man of the people.' Not a clich, in this case. A reality. You don't need to take my word for it. I hear there's objective evidence out therephotographs from the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City. Suffice it to say it takes a certain kind of person to steal the show, riding horseback, dressed head-to-toe in full Western regalia, something like John Wayne. No wonder his grandkids -- Brielle, Zachary, and Ava -- know him as Duke,' stated McConnell. He continued, But Dean's no newcomer to the parade. In fact, it's the very same parade he marched in as a Scout years ago. If you read that story in a book, you'd think it was almost too earnest and too all-American to be true. But that's Dean Heller. He's the paperboy who started out delivering the headlines and wound up making the headlines...The Senator who still saddles up for the same parade from his childhood memories. One of Northern Nevada's favorite sons. And a dedicated servant of the entire Silver State.\r\nThe full video of Leader McConnell's remarks can be found at the image below or here.\r\n\r\nThe full text of Leader McConnell's remarks can be found below:\r\nI'm sorry to say it is time to begin offering thanks and farewells to members whose Senate service will conclude at the end of the 115th Congress. Today, I'd like to begin with our friend, the senior senator from Nevada.\r\nIt doesn't feel like much of an exaggeration to say that Dean Heller may have been destined for public service. I don't just mean his eagerness to serve or his outgoing personality. There were other signs. One of the stops on his childhood paper route in Carson City was the Governor's Mansion itself. Talk about early civic involvement.\r\nAt every step of the way -- from successful businessman to his local and statewide races, all the way here to the Capitol -- Dean earned the respect of his neighbors and constituents by following the hard-working example set by his parents. His mother worked as a cook in a school cafeteria. His father, an auto mechanic who raced stock cars on the side. And their son grew up to be the only sitting senator I'd trust to replace my transmission.\r\nWhen most politicians use phrases like rolling up their sleeves' and getting their hands dirty,' they're usually referring to things like late-night negotiating and taking tough votes. In other wordsmore talking. Not Dean Heller. He means it literally. As Dean likes to say: Here in Washington, during the week, he works for the people of Nevada. But at home, on the weekends? There, he works for his wife, Lynne, on the ranch they keep up together.\r\nBut let it not be said that, even in the midst of hard labor, Dean isn't capable of multi-tasking. After all, sometimes official duties just can't wait. So I have it on good authority that on one occasion, Dean had to field a surprise phone call from President Obama on his cell while standing right in the middle of a ditch. And another time, he took a call from President Trump and talked business right there in the aisle of a home improvement store. Something about this image seems just right. Not talkingnot posturingdoing. That's Dean Heller, isn't it?\r\nHe didn't come to Washington D.C. to court praise for lofty rhetoric or become a TV star. He came here to do. In just seven years, Dean has authored or helped introduce 100 pieces of legislation that are now law.\r\nPerhaps first and foremost, he's built a reputation as one of the Senate's chief advocates for veterans. Dean shares his home state with more than 200,000 men and women who have served our nation, including one he calls Dad.' Keeping the promise of top-notch VA services across Nevada's widespread rural communities is no small task. The facilities in Reno, in particular, weren't always up to the job. But day in and day out, Dean has made it his mission to right the ship.\r\nAs a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, he's fought to expand access to care, contributing key provisions to the VA Mission Act and spearheading the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act. It's a legacy that's already making a difference for our veterans. But these are hardly the only victories Dean's won for Nevada and for our nation.\r\nHe came to the Senate in 2011 representing a state that had been hit hard by the Great Recession and was trying hard to regain its footing. Nevada communities faced ballooning foreclosure rates and persistent unemployment. Fortunately, their new senator was intent on hooking up the economic jumper cables and getting things humming once more.\r\nDean has seized opportunities to champion an economic agenda that puts workers and job creators back in the driver's seat. He was a driving force behind the once-in-a-generation tax reform passed last December. It's put more money in the pockets of working families. It's pouring a new, 21st-century foundation for American businesses to compete, win, and create more jobs here at home.\r\nToday, Nevada's doing better. Our nation is flourishing. And Dean Heller was there every step of the way. He was especially instrumental in making sure that tax reform increased the child tax credit. Dean knew that working parents need that money more than the IRS does. Nevada veterans, Nevada workers, Nevada families. Dean never lost sight of the reason he came here to Washington. He's been a happy warrior here in the trenches, with a ready grin and an iron determination to do right by his friends and neighbors.\r\nI also have it on good authority that seeing Dean in action back home in his natural habitat is truly a sight to behold. His joy at every conversation, every handshake around Carson City, is palpable. Nevadans are Dean's peoplealways have been. And he's always been theirs, too.\r\nAccording to some of the staff who'd travel around the state with him, it's practically impossible to make any brief stops, anywhereat a fast food restaurant, or a sporting goods store, or even a gas station. Dean would inevitably run into friends and set about swapping stories or Carson City inside jokes.\r\nOn the rare occasions when Dean didn't know the proprietor or fellow customersno trouble. He'd have a room full of new friends in about three minutes flat. I'm told it never got old for the people around Dean to witness the energy he drew from his friends, neighbors, and constituents. He was delighted to be one of them and honored to be their employee.\r\nA man of the people.' Not a clich, in this case. A reality. You don't need to take my word for it. I hear there's objective evidence out therephotographs from the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City. Suffice it to say it takes a certain kind of person to steal the show, riding horseback, dressed head-to-toe in full Western regalia, something like John Wayne. No wonder his grandkids -- Brielle, Zachary, and Ava -- know him as Duke.'\r\nNow, his boss, Lynne, might very well have put him up to it. I hear she rides right there alongside him. But Dean's no newcomer to the parade. In fact, it's the very same parade he marched in as a Scout years ago. If you read that story in a book, you'd think it was almost too earnest and too all-American to be true. But that's Dean Heller. He's the paperboy who started out delivering the headlines and wound up making the headlines...The Senator who still saddles up for the same parade from his childhood memories. One of Northern Nevada's favorite sons. And a dedicated servant of the entire Silver State.\r\nSo Dean's colleagues are really sorry to see him go. For a leader with this much heart and this much talent, any departure would feel premature. This one certainly does. But I doubt Dean will have trouble finding good uses for a little more spare time. I know he and Lynne must be looking forward to saddling up their horses and setting out for the Sierras a little more often than they've been able to lately. And I hear he could use a little bit of rehearsal time before he leads the Heller Family Band through its repertoire of Christmas carols this year. Lead trombone is no laughing matter. Maybe he'll even find time to get back in the driver's seat for a race or two.\r\nWhatever it is Dean does next, he should take with him great pride in all he has accomplished here. In a policy legacy that will continue lifting up our nation's veterans, workers, and middle-class families for years and years to come. And the sincere best wishes of the friends he's made here in this chamberfor health, happiness, and every future success for himself, Lynne, and their lovely family.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CB2C8A58-B2F1-46FD-85DD-2BA260C3F10A", "Heller Announces Over $2.2 Million Awarded to Nevada Organizations to Help Children who are Victims of the Opioid Crisis", "2018-10-30", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the Office for Victims of Crime within the U.S. Department of Justice awarded a total of $2,242,264 to three Nevada organizations to help children who are victims of the opioid crisis. Specifically, the Nevada Foundation for Positively Kids will receive $746,937, the Nevada Children's Cabinetwill receive $749,763, and the Nevada Washoe County Human Services Agency will receive $745,564.\r\nMore than eight million children around the country have a parent who is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, and tragically children in Nevada are no exception. That is why I'm pleased to announce that three organizations in Nevada will receive a total of $2.2 million from the Department of Justice to support children in Nevada who are victims of the opioid epidemic,said Heller. Just last week, the President signed into law bipartisan legislation that will help Nevada strengthen its prevention, response, and recovery measures.The legislation  the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act  included eight of my provisions, including my measures to expand treatment options for pregnant women with substance abuse disorders and newborns who are suffering from painful symptoms of withdrawal.\r\n\r\nThis announcement comes shortly after the President signed into laweight of Heller's bills as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, legislationthat works to expand access to treatment, provide support to caregivers and families, and even close loopholes that have led to more drugs on the streets and barriers to recovery.\r\n\r\nI am encouraged that Congress and the Executive Branch have worked together to tackle our nation's opioid crisis, and I'm grateful for the collaborative efforts between federal agencies and Nevada organizations that work hard to support the kids in our communities who need it most. As the fifth most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to give Nevada the tools and resources necessary to help those who are struggling with drug addiction recover,Heller added.\r\n\r\nBelow are eight of Heller's measures included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act:\r\n\r\nS.2909, Assessing Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Act (Heller/Bennet): This would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify barriers to doctors' and pharmacists' provision of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Medicaid. This bill would help support states' removing barriers so doctors and pharmacists can use the least burdensome MAT distribution methods.\r\nS.2911, Enhancing Patient Access to Non-Opioid Treatment Options (Heller/Casey):This legislation would clarify states' legal authority to pursue non-opioid related prescribing.\r\n S.2921, Securing Flexibility to Treat Substance Use Disorders Act (Heller/Menendez):This legislation would codify the regulations permitting managed care plans to cover treatment in an institution for mental disease (IMD) for a certain number of days in a month in lieu of other types of services.\r\nS.2707, Informing Seniors about Opioids Act (Nelson/Heller):This legislation would update the Medicare and You handbook to include information about opioid use, pain management, and alternative pain management treatments.\r\n S.2460, Every Prescription Conveyed Securely Act (Bennet/Heller/Warren/Toomey).This legislation would direct health care providers to use electronic prescribing for controlled substances for Medicare Part D transactions. Electronic prescriptions would generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline the prescription process for both providers and their patients.\r\n S.2899, Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies Act (Brown/Portman/Capito/King/Manchin/Heller/Casey/Whitehouse): This legislation would recognize residential pediatric care centers within Medicaid to treat babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\nS.2922, Help for Moms and Babies Act (Stabenow/Heller):This legislation would help ensure women who are receiving care for a substance use disorder in a treatment facility receive prenatal and postpartum services.\r\nS.2769, Opioid Addiction Action Plan Act (Heller/Menendez): This legislation would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop a plan to prevent opioid addiction and increase access to medication-assisted treatment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4755E7D3-DCD7-429A-8144-A7C80F11F74A", "President Signs Heller Measure to Fund Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project", "2018-10-26", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller's Provision Included in Comprehensive Water Infrastructure Bill\r\nWASHINGTON President Donald Trump has signed into lawa key provision authored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) that ensures $181 million in federal funding will be awarded to the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Projectlocated in Northern Nevada. Heller's measure was included in the comprehensive America's Water Infrastructure Act.\r\nHaving championed this project from the beginning, I'm proud to see that the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project will be awarded the necessary money to protect our communities against Northern Nevada's tempered weather,said Heller. Our communities are no stranger to harrowing storms, which is why the integrity of our homes, businesses, bridges and roads is so critical to the safety of Northern Nevadans. I applaud the President for swiftly signing this legislation into law so that the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project has the certainty it needs. As the state's senior senator and the fifth most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, I will continue to lead federal efforts that reflect Nevada's priorities.\r\nThe Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project is an initiative designed to reduce the potential destruction of a 100-year flood. With Heller's strong support, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act was signed into law in 2014, and it included a provision to authorize federal funds toward the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project. In order to ensure that this funding would not be jeopardized,Heller worked with the U.S. Senate Environmental and Public Works Committeeto protect the authorization of the project. Heller's letter to Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) can be foundHERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A7052BD4-6205-4761-96BC-67C2C3A50471", "President Signs Into Law Eight Heller Bills Aimed at Fighting Nevadas Opioid Crisis", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RENO President Donald J. Trump today signed into law eight pieces of legislation authored or co-authored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) to help fight Nevada's opioid crisis. Heller's bills, including his legislation toexpand access to treatment for pregnant women struggling with substanceabusedisordersandnewborns who are suffering from withdrawal, were included in theSUPPORT for Patients and Communities Actand enacted as part of a broader effort to combat the nation's opioid epidemic and reduce the number of drugoverdoses.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC),757 people died fromdrug overdoses in Nevada in a single year and from 2010 to 2016,85 percent of the opioid-related deaths in Nevada were deemed accidents. Every 25 minutes a baby is born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a withdrawal condition that can occur in newborns after exposure to opioids during pregnancy, and in Nevada,the CDC has reported a 300 percent increase in the number of infants born with NAS. That is why Heller worked with his colleagues to introduce theCaring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Act, legislation that was included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act to help babies suffering from addiction recover in the best care setting. Specifically, the CRIB Act allows Medicaid to cover health care services provided to infants in residential pediatric recovery facilities in addition to hospitals. The legislative package signed into law today also includes theHelp for Moms and Babies Act,another bipartisan bill that Heller co-authored to ensure women who are receiving care for a substance use disorder in a treatment facility receive prenatal and postpartum services. Today marks an important step for our nation, and I applaud the President for signing into law my bills that will help Nevada fight back against the opioid epidemic that has rocked communities around the state,said Heller. Tragically, it has been reported that there are over 700 opioid-related overdose deaths in a single year in the state of Nevada, and the number of newborns who are born with signs of exposure to opioids has increased at a rate of 300 percent. That's why I worked to secure several provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act that support newborn children and pregnant women who suffer from addiction, address opioid misuse, and helppatients pursue a care plan that best works for them. As the fifth most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put forth commonsense solutions that provide Nevada's communities with the tools they need to prevent and treat opioid addiction as well as save lives.\r\nBelow is a full list of legislation included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act that Heller either authored or co-authored:\r\nS.2909, Assessing Barriers toOpioidUse Disorder Treatment Act(Heller/Bennet). This would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify barriers to doctors' and pharmacists' provision of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Medicaid. This bill would help support states' removing barriers so doctors and pharmacists can use the least burdensome MAT distribution methods.\r\nS.2911,Enhancing Patient Access to Non-OpioidTreatment Options(Heller/Casey). This legislation would clarify states' legal authority to pursue non-opioid related prescribing.\r\nS.2921,Securing Flexibility to Treat Substance Use Disorders Act(Heller/Menendez). This legislation would codify the regulations permitting managed care plans to cover treatment in an institution for mental disease (IMD) for a certain number of days in a month in lieu of other types of services.\r\nS.2707, Informing Seniors about Opioids Act (Nelson/Heller). This legislation would update the Medicare and You handbook to include information about opioid use, pain management, and alternative pain management treatments.\r\nS.2460,Every Prescription Conveyed Securely Act(Bennet/Heller/Warren/Toomey). This legislation would direct health care providers to use electronic prescribing for controlled substances for Medicare Part D transactions. Electronic prescriptions would generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline the prescription process for both providers and their patients.\r\nS.2899,Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies Act(Brown/Portman/Capito/King/Manchin/Heller/Casey/Whitehouse). This legislation would recognize residential pediatric care centers within Medicaid to treat babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\nS.2922,Help for Moms and Babies Act(Stabenow/Heller). This legislation would help ensure women who are receiving care for a substance use disorder in a treatment facility receive prenatal and postpartum services.\r\nS.2769,OpioidAddiction Action Plan Act(Heller/Menendez). This legislation would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop a plan to prevent opioid addiction and increase access to medication-assisted 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=C9B978F8-6DAA-449C-B561-CFC1A46B1C76", "Heller Attends Reno-Stead Airports 75th Anniversary Celebration Event Honoring Service Members and Marking Grand Re-Opening of Main Runway", "2018-10-23", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RENO U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined veterans, service members, local leaders, and community members at the culmination of theReno-Stead Airport's year-long 75thanniversary celebration for an event that honored the military heroes and civilians who served at the air base since its inception in 1942 and marked the grand re-opening of the airport's main runway that was recently reconstructed. Commander of the Nevada National Guard Brigadier General Bill Burks, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board Chair Lisa Gianoli, Reno-Stead Airport President & CEO Marily Mora, and members of the Reno-Stead High Sierra Squadron were also in attendance.\r\nIn 1942, Reno Army Air Base began operations at what ultimately became Stead Air Force Base, which was home to the Strategic Air Command's Survival School, Flying Training Wing, and Reno Air Defense Sector. In 1966, Reno-Stead Airport began operating as a general aviation airport, and today, it also hosts the National Guard,Bureau of Land Management(BLM) firefighting air tankers, and major drone testing for high-tech companies andthe National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA). Last year, the BLM tankers broke records for flights, supporting up to 90 flights a day and fighting raging wildfires in Nevada and northern California.\r\nThemost important reason to be here is to celebrate our veterans, military heroes and civilians, and the impressive military history at this airport.We are also here to celebratethe grand re-opening of runway 8/26.This is a significant moment for the airport because the grant - $21 million  is the largest in the airport's history,Heller stated at the event.I supported this effort because of how important this airport is to Nevada's safety and competitiveness.This airport hosts the National Guard. It hosts the BLM firefighting tankers.And it is a major drone testing site for tech companies and the FAA. There are not many general aviation airports in this country that could make a mark like that.\r\nIn early 2018, the Reno-Stead Airport received a $21 million grant, which Heller strongly supported, from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for runway reconstruction that will enhance operational safety.It's been 25 years since the runway was last reconstructed, and it's the largest amount of funding that Reno-Stead has ever received from the FAA.\r\nHeller delivering remarks at the ceremony.\r\nA member of the U.S. Senate Committees on Veterans' AffairsandCommerce, Science,and Transportation,Heller has been a strong advocate for Reno-Stead. He supported legislation that is now law to provide $1 billion for new infrastructure funding for airport improvement project,and he worked with U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to secure funding for Nevada's airports. Most recently,Heller announced over $5.1 million in funding forWhite Pine County to support additional operations at the Ely Airport (Yelland Field) and help the airport improve safety by reconstructing its current taxiway.\r\n\r\nHeller and the Reno-Stead High Sierra Squadron, a group committed to preserving historically significant military aircraft.\r\nAdditionally, Heller helped pass into law a five-year FAA Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that included14 of Heller's provisions, including his proposals to improve air travel for disabled individuals, boost Nevada's travel and tourism economy, promote aviation safety, help veterans find employment, and advance the state's drone industry.\r\nThis law builds on the work this airport is doing on drone testing and it makes sure the airport can access resources to attract new airlines routes. My job in DC is to make sure this airport has the resources it needs to meet Nevada's growth and promote safety for the state,Heller added.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C8C65621-FEAB-4DBF-B491-5EA8669EC8E3", "Heller Introduces Bill to Strengthen Protections for Child Trafficking Victims", "2018-10-22", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller(R-NV)has introduced the Protecting Child Trafficking Victim Witnesses Act, legislation that works to ensure children who are the victims of human trafficking are afforded the same protections that other child abuse victims are in court.\r\nWhile our country has made strides in the fight against child trafficking, victims are still sometimes viewed as criminals by those who do not understand the complexities of this despicable crime. This distorted view can lead to victims not being grantedcertain protectionsthat prevent re-traumatizationafforded to other child victim witnesses.The child's statementis a critical tool for the prosecution, as it helps the court fully understand the trafficking scheme.\r\nThat is why Heller authored the Protecting Child Trafficking Victim Witnesses Act, legislation thatprovides resourcesto establish victim-centered protocols to strengthen protections for child trafficking victims testifying against their trafficker. These protections can include theopportunity to testify via Closed Circuit Television or videotaped depositionas well aslimitingthe number of individuals present during the child's testimony.These protections can also include providing achild with a victim witness advocate who is there to support the minor and ensure they have access to the necessary services.\r\nTrafficking victims are victims, not criminals, and it is critical that this is understood by society and throughout our systems,said Heller. As we work to rid our state, country, and world of the heinous crime of human trafficking, we must protect its victims. When a child trafficking victim is testifying against their trafficker, they must be treated like every other child victim witness. Ourcourt system can and should prioritize the safety andwell-beingofthesevictims whiledelivering justice.\r\nHeller has championed several policies that protect victims of violent crimes, including theJustice Served Act, which wasrecentlysigned into law. The Justice Served Act authorizes federal funding under the Debbie Smith Act,to prosecute the rape kit backlog, resolve cold cases, and help exonerate those who were wrongfully convicted.Heller is a co-author of the Debbie Smith Crime Victims Protection Act, legislation to continue the program's testing of DNA evidence and ensure that Nevada receives critical funding to help reduce the backlog of DNA evidence. A full background on Heller's efforts to empower victims of crimes can be found below.\r\nBackgroundon Sen. Heller's additional efforts to empower victims of crimes:\r\n \r\nHeller co-authored theSexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act, bipartisan legislation designedto assist law enforcement in their efforts to reduce the nation's rape kit backlog. It was signed into law on January 8, 2018.\r\nHeller authored theHERO Improvements Act,legislation to help train disabled military veterans to fight cybercrime. It unanimously passed the U.S. Senate as part of a larger anti-human trafficking proposal, the bipartisan Abolish Human Trafficking Act.\r\nHellerco-authoredtheAbolish Human Trafficking Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down on the horrific crime of human trafficking. The legislation funds services for victims and law enforcement, increases penalties for perpetrators, and encourages stronger reporting to track human trafficking crimes.\r\nHeller co-authored theDebbie Smith Crime Victims Protection Act,legislation to reauthorize the Debbie Smith Actand dedicate much-needed resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic analyses of crime scenes, including untested rape kits.\r\nIn 2015, he supported the landmark Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, signed into law by President Obama, which includedhis amendment to ensure DHS personnel are prepared to better identify victims and perpetrators of human trafficking.\r\nHeller cosponsored theStop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA),legislation that will help end online sex trafficking inNevada, which ranks 9thin the U.S. among reported human trafficking cases.The president signed this legislation into law on April 9, 2018.\r\nHeller cosponsored theCombating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, legislation that requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department 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 human trafficking.It was signed into law on January 4, 2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=91F7C165-7BD9-4368-AE88-7D4623AFF19D", "Heller, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Resolution Recognizing October as Filipino American History Month", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and a bipartisan group of senators in introducing a resolution that honors the economic and social contributions of Filipino-Americans, as well as formally recognizes October of 2018 as Filipino American History Month.\r\nI am honored to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to recognize the Filipino-American community's extensive and unique contributions to the state of Nevada and this country, said Heller. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am especially proud that our legislation honors those Filipino veterans who made immense sacrifices to protect our nation during World War II, including the Mighty-Five' veterans from Nevada. This October in particular, I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to celebrate the traditions, culture, and many contributions of the more than 100,000 Filipino-Americans living in Nevada, and the millions of individuals across our country.\r\nLast October, Heller honored the Filipino and Filipino-American veterans from the Second World War during a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Heller is the co-author of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, which was signed into law to recognize the dedication and heroism of these individuals. At the ceremony, Heller specifically recognized Sergeant Regaldo Baldonado of Las Vegas, Nevada for his serves to the Fil-American Army in 1982. You may view Heller's remarks during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony by clicking HERE. Heller has also authored the Filipino Veterans Promise Act, legislation that establishes a process for Filipino veterans to prove their service to the United States during World War II in order to receive the recognition they long deserve.\r\nIn addition to Heller and Hirono, the resolution to honor Filipino American History Month is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C594F798-7654-42E2-A21E-0595526BFD79", "Heller Announces Nevada Rural Housing Authority to Receive $71,718 Grant to Help Low-Income Nevadans with Home Repairs", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Funding Will Go Toward Eligible Households in Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, or Storey Counties \r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for awarding $71,718.23 to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority through the Rural Development program. This funding will be directed toward various home improvement projects for eligible low-income residents, or households below the 200 percent poverty level.\r\nI welcome the Department of Agriculture's announcement that the Nevada Rural Housing Authority will receive $71,718 to help Nevadans who are struggling to get by and keep up with the costs of home repairs, said Heller. Whether it is my work to successfully double the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child or my legislation to increase affordable housing options for Nevada's seniors, I am always fighting to advance legislation that will help Nevada families get ahead. As the fifth most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, I will continue working toward commonsense, bipartisan solutions to address Nevada's affordable housing crisis and provide low-income Nevadans with the support they need to take care of their families, secure a better job, and prepare for their futures.\r\nHeller has championed various initiatives that aim to increase affordable housing opportunities throughout the state. Recently, Heller introduced the Seniors Affordable Housing Tax Credit Act, legislation he authored to incentivize housing owners and developers to rent to low-income seniors. This proposed legislation would create a tax credit program that allocates credits to states, which, in turn, will be awarded to owners and developers who choose to rent their properties to low-income seniors. In July, Heller joined a group of senators to introduce the bipartisan Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act, which seeks to better understand and respond to America's affordable housing crisis by creating a bipartisan affordable housing task force.\r\nEarlier this month, Heller also fought for the housing needs of Nevada's student veterans after learning that a number of monthly stipends provided by the VA to assist veterans with housing costs have not been provided. Under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, veterans are ensured stipends so as to safeguard their ability to access housing while attending school using their earned benefits. In Heller's letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Heller stated, It is my understanding that the VA is implementing IT upgrades that the VA expected to have a small impact on the accuracy of G.I. Bill benefit payments, but that veterans would still receive a housing stipend. However, it is concerning to hear that some veterans have not received any payment, putting their housing in jeopardy. We cannot allow these veterans to become homeless as a result of this error.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1437", "Amodei Announces New Zip Code Designation For TRI, A Move to Streamline Postal Correspondence and Promote Economic Development", "2018-10-16", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Contact:Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155  VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) today released the following statement after informing the Storey County Commissioners his office was successful in securing a unique zip code for the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRI), the largest industrial center in the world by square miles that is home to more than 100 companies' warehouse-logistics and fulfillment centers. Due to rapid growth and development in Storey County, a new zip code designation for TRI was necessary to streamline United States Postal Service (USPS) correspondence for businesses and residents in the area.  TRI's new zip code is an achievement that has been years in the making, said Congressman Amodei. I commend local officials in Storey County for working alongside my office these last five years to arrive at a favorable outcome for both residents and business owners in the area. I would also like to extend recognition to my colleague, Congressman Mark Meadows (NC-11), for working with me to get this done for Nevadans. Securing a unique zip code for one of Nevada's core drivers of economic development is an effective solution that allows Storey County residents to keep their current zip code while balancing the unique challenges we face here in the West with opportunities for economic growth and expansion.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-announces-new-zip-code-designation-tri-move-streamline-postal-correspondence", "Amodei Announces New Zip Code Designation For TRI, A Move to Streamline Postal Correspondence and Promote Economic Development", "2018-10-16", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\n\nVIRGINIA CITY, Nev.\u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) today released the following statement after informing the Storey County Commissioners his office was successful in securing a unique zip code for the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRI), the largest industrial center in the world by square miles that is home to more than 100 companies\u2019 warehouse-logistics and fulfillment centers. Due to rapid growth and development in Storey County, a new zip code designation for TRI was necessary to streamline United States Postal Service (USPS) correspondence for businesses and residents in the area.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:08:35Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=27E8D9CB-5B8B-4423-9C99-9753B8A17C47", "Heller Authors Bill to Promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Fields in Nevada Schools, Workforce Development Programs", "2018-10-15", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) has introduced the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act, legislation to promote the expansion of programs within the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Ultimately intended to enhance the technical skills of Nevada's students and emerging workforce, this legislation specifically directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to distribute grants for programs that encourage innovation and continued specialized education.\r\nThis legislation ensures that schools in Nevada, including two-year degree programs, can help equip students with the skills they need to be qualified candidates for jobs that require a background in science, technology, engineering, and math,said Heller.As a strong proponent of legislation that enhances Nevadans' opportunities for success, I'll continue working with my colleagues on solutions that will help students and Nevada workers compete in today's global economy.\r\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Heller has helped author and navigate into law several pieces of legislation to promote STEM programs. Earlier this month,Heller's measure to encourage STEM-specific programs at elementary and high schoolswassigned into law as part of bipartisan, bicameral funding legislation. Specifically, this measure required the U.S. Department of Education to assess how to coordinate with related agencies to ensure that our nation's students have access to STEM-specific programs at their schools.\r\nHeller also introduced the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explores (INSPIRE) Women Act, which aims to encourage women specifically to pursue careers in the STEM fields through supporting initiatives such as NASA GIRLS, Aspire-Inspire, and the Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research. This legislation was signed into law in February of last year.Heller's legislation to provide resources and authority for educational assistance for veterans to pursue STEM programs, computer programming, and career technical trainingwas also included in the comprehensive, bipartisan Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which became law in August of 2017.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8B1F2578-1898-4A95-9309-DE3E6F414D1E", "Heller Introduces Bill to Address Nevadas Affordable Housing Crisis, Incentivize Affordable Housing Options for Nevadas Seniors", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In an effort to address Nevada's growing affordable housing crisis, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today introduced the Seniors Affordable Housing Tax Credit Act, legislation he authored to incentivize housing owners and developers to rent to low-income seniors. According to a recent study from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Nevada ranks in the top 25 percent of states with the highest housing costs in the nation.\r\nSpecifically, Heller's proposed legislation will create a tax credit program that allocates credits to states, which, in turn, will be awarded to owners and developers who choose to rent their properties to low-income seniors.Under the Seniors Affordable Housing Tax Credit Act, those seniors who belong to renters' credit units would pay no more that 30 percent of their income for rent and utilities, and the rental unit's owner would receive a federal tax credit, based on the state's determination, as compensation for any potential loss.\r\nToday, Nevada is one of the fastest growing states in both population and economic expansion. While we welcome this explosion of growth and the jobs that come with it, there is a lack of affordable housing because the demand for it is outpacing the supply, said Heller. As I travel across the state, I continue to hear from Nevada's seniors who say that they can't keep up with the rising cost of housing, especially for their rental properties. We need solutions, and my legislation will benefit both renters and homeowners by promoting affordable housing options that reflect the unique needs of our seniors. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense proposal to help communities in Nevada and across the country work to combat the affordable housing crisis.\r\nHeller has long worked to combat the affordable housing crisis in Nevada. Most recently, he urged U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ryan Zinketo help alleviate the impact of the affordable housing shortage by using the Department's authorities to free up federal lands in Nevada so that communities can develop single and multi-family housing units. Specifically, Heller pushed Secretary Zinke to implement his bipartisan legislation that reauthorized the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), a program that allows DOI to expedite the sale of federal lands that are already eligible for disposal.\r\nIn July, Heller and a group of bipartisan senators introduced theTask Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act,legislation that seeks to better understand and respond to America's affordable housing crisis by creating a bipartisan affordable housing task force. In addition to evaluating and quantifying the impact of housing costs on government programs, the task force will also provide recommendations to Congress with the goal of developing commonsense solutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=01A1B5C7-BEDA-4B20-A36B-C50C4B1B711B", "Heller Co-Authors Bipartisan Legislation to Commemorate End of WWII", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Co-Authors Bipartisan Legislation to Commemorate End of WWII\r\nBipartisan Legislation Honors Veterans, Recognizes Contributions of American Allies, Recognizes Horrors of Holocaust\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today has joined U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Gary Peters (MI) to introduce the 75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act. This legislation would establish a commemorative program to honor veterans, educate the public about the history of World War II, highlight the service of the men and women who served our nation on the home front during the war, recognize the contributions of our allies and remember the horrors of the Holocaust.\r\nMillions of Americans bravely stood up to tyranny and served our country during WWII, many of them paying the ultimate price in defense of our freedoms and democracy,said Senator Heller. These men and women represent the very best that our country has to offer, and we must never lose sight of their sacrifice, courage, and commitment to defeating evil and achieving peace. That's why I am joining my colleagues to introduce legislation that preserves our soldiers' legacy, pays tribute to Nevada's WWII veterans, remembers all of those who suffered immensely during the Holocaust, and recognizes the contributions of our allies by establishing a commemorative and educational program in light of the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII.\r\nThe Greatest Generation selflessly fought and defeated tyranny during World War II, standing up for American values of liberty and democracy during the darkest days, Senator Inhofe said. We owe it to these veterans to recognize their sacrifice, and that of our nation and our allies, by honoring their service during the war. By appropriately honoring the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II, we can educate current and future generations about the war's heroes and history.\r\nThe world owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who led us to victory in World War II, Senator Rounds said. Deserving of the title The Greatest Generation - given to them by South Dakota's own Tom Brokaw - these men and women prepared to sacrifice everything to preserve our freedom and save the world. It is an honor to join my colleagues in this effort to recognize the World War II generation, whose service, courage and resolve forever changed the course of history.\r\nThis is a salute to the uncommon courage and extraordinary selflessness of our World War II veterans.This initiative will help us recognize, remember, and reflect on their profound service and enduring legacy, said Senator Reed, a former Army Ranger.\r\nAs our nation approaches the 75th Anniversary of World War II, it's important we continue to remember the tremendous sacrifices made by our Veterans during this perilous time for our country, Senator Duckworth said. I'm proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in introducing this legislation to help preserve their legacy by further educating the American people about this period in our nation's history.\r\nThe men and women who served our country during World War II answered the call of duty to defeat evil in its worst forms - despite knowing the perils they would face,said Senator Peters. I am honored to help introduce bipartisan legislation that will ensure the sacrifices made during World War II will be recognized as we approach the war's 75thanniversary. Michigan built the Arsenal of Democracy that helped defeat tyranny, and this legislation will ensure the war and its impact on the course of the world will be remembered.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=10792B9E-58A2-4F9F-8C11-9E006310ED8D", "Heller Measure to Secure Funding for Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project Now Heads to Presidents Desk", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Provision Included U.S. Senate-Passed Water Infrastructure Bill\r\nWASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate today approved the America's Water Infrastructure Act, legislation that includes a provision secured by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) to authorize the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project at $181 million in federal funding. The measure is now headed to the President's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.\r\nSpecifically, the Truckee Meadows Flood Control project is an initiative designed to reduce the potential destruction of a 100-year flood. With Heller's strong support, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act was signed into law in 2014, and it included a provision to authorize federal funds toward the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project. In order to ensure that this funding would not be jeopardized, Heller worked with the U.S. Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee to protect the authorization of the project. Heller's letter to Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) can be found HERE.\r\nThe Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project is a critical local effort that will help mitigate the threat of flash floods throughout Northern Nevada, which have the potential to devastate the infrastructure of our homes, businesses, and roads and bridges,said Heller.I realize how important this project is for our community being from Northern Nevada myself, which is why I worked to secure funding for it in the reconciled water infrastructure legislation. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to ensure that this legislation is signed into law, providing the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project with the promised $181 million in federal funding.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=10AAE10A-06E9-40FD-B9D0-D86D8770D1AE", "President Signs Into Law Heller-Backed Bill to Prosecute the Rape Kit Backlog, Resolve Cold Cases, Deliver Justice for Victims", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  President Trump has signed into law the Justice Served Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to provide justice to victims of violent crimes by providing funding to prosecute the rape kit backlog, resolve cold cases, and help exonerate those who were wrongfully convicted.\r\nSpecifically, the Justice Served Act authorizes federal funding under the Debbie Smith Act, which created the primaryprogramto end the backlog of untested and unanalyzed DNA by dedicating much-needed resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic analyses of crime scenes, including untested rape kits. Heller is a co-author of the Debbie Smith Crime Victims Protection Act, legislation to continue the program's testing of cold case DNA evidence and ensure that Nevada receives critical funding to help reduce the backlog of DNA evidence.\r\nIn August, Heller visited the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division, which provides forensic services for 13 of the state's 17 counties and has received funding through the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program for many years. According to a report from earlier this year, 6,367 of the Nevada kits had been sent to labs for testing, while 4,871 had actually completed the testing process, or 63 percent of the total untested backlogged kits. Out of those kits that completed the testing process, the DNA has hit a match in 466 of the cases. At least 12 arrests have been made in Nevada as a result.\r\nI am encouraged that the President has signed into law our bipartisan Justice Served Act to help provide victims of atrocious crimes justice that is long overdue, said Senator Heller. It is estimated that there are hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits sitting in law enforcement and crime lab storage facilities across the nation. Each one of these untested rape kits represents a missed opportunity to help bring justice and healing to a survivor of sexual assault. That is why it is critical that our law enforcement agencies are equipped with the federal resources and support that they need. Our legislation does just that by providing much-needed funding to solve cold cases as well as protect those who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes they didn't commit. While this is a positive step forward, we still have more work to do. As a strong supporter of legislation that holds perpetrators accountable for their vile crimes and brings justice to victims, I'm committed to doing everything that I can to support efforts at the local, state and federal level to combat Nevada's backlog.\r\nHeller has championed several policies and fought for federal funding to combat the state's rape kit backlog, including programs to support lab operations for DNA analysis, and implement an evidence based program to audit, track, and report untested sexual assault kits. Additionally, earlier this year,President Trump signed into law a bipartisan bill Heller introducedcalled theSexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Actthat reauthorizes, strengthens, and extends the SAFER program in an effort to reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog.\r\nThe Justice Served Act is endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), Debbie Smith, the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and the National Association of Police Organizations.\r\nBackgroundon Sen. Heller's efforts to empower victims of crimes:\r\n \r\nHeller co-authored theSexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act, bipartisan legislation designedto assist law enforcement in their efforts to reduce the nation's rape kit backlog. It was signed into law on January 8, 2018.\r\nHeller authored theHERO Improvements Act,legislation to help train disabled military veterans to fight cybercrime. It unanimously passed the U.S. Senate as part of a larger anti-human trafficking proposal, the bipartisan Abolish Human Trafficking Act.\r\nHeller helped introduce the Abolish Human Trafficking Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down on the horrific crime of human trafficking. The legislation funds services for victims and law enforcement, increases penalties for perpetrators, and encourages stronger reporting to track human trafficking crimes.\r\nHeller co-authored the Debbie Smith Crime Victims Protection Act,legislation to reauthorize the Debbie Smith Actand dedicate much-needed resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic analyses of crime scenes, including untested rape kits.\r\nIn 2015, he supported the landmark Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, signed into law by President Obama, which includedhis amendment to ensure DHS personnel are prepared to better identify victims and perpetrators of human trafficking.\r\nHeller cosponsored theStop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA),legislation that will help end online sex trafficking inNevada, which ranks 9thin the U.S. among reported human trafficking cases.The president signed this legislation into law on April 9, 2018.\r\nHeller cosponsored theCombating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, legislation that requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department 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 human trafficking.It was signed into law on January 4, 2018.\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=7BE88346-7547-4DE7-B7ED-E2A56E3ABA8D", "Heller, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Increased Focus on Reducing Maternal Mortality in the U.S.", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "14 Senators Urge HHS, CMS to Address Racial Disparities and Hospital Preparedness\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined a bipartisan group of senators in calling for an increased focus on reducing maternal mortality in the United States and improving health outcomes for all mothers and children. In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma, 14 senators requested that the Department and Agency prioritize developing strategies to reduce maternal mortality rates, including for pregnant women and mothers enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).\r\nFrom 2000 to 2014, the rate of maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or during the one-year period following the date of the end of pregnancy, increased by 26 percent in the United States. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States ranks 30 of 31 in maternal mortality among developed nations. Research shows that roughly 60 percent of maternal deaths in the United States could have prevented with improved patient care and education, standardized protocols and timely intervention.\r\n\r\nThe senators highlighted the racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health in the United States. For instance, African-American women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as compared to other women in the United States. American Indian and Alaskan Native women also fare worse than white women with approximately twice as many pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births.\r\n\r\nThe senators wrote, Research indicates that numerous factors may contribute to these glaring health disparities, including barriers to accessing necessary prenatal and postnatal care, a growing prevalence of chronic conditions, maternal stress, inadequate training for health care providers, racial bias, and social determinants of health. We therefore also ask that you review existing data and provide us with recommendations about what can be done at the federal, state, and local levels to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes for all mothers and their children, regardless of their racial and ethnic background, income level, or educational attainment.\r\n\r\nThe bipartisan lawmakers also called attention to effective policies that some hospitals have developed to better prepare for pregnancy-related complications that could serve as a model for hospitals nationwide.\r\n\r\nThe senators continued, Although some states have taken significant steps to overcome training, education, and system barriers to reducing maternal mortality, not all hospitals and birth centers have implemented common protocols and comprehensive quality measures to help ensure safe labor and delivery, prenatal and postnatal care. Where protocols exist, they may not be integrated into health care delivery systems and hospitals; systems of accountability and support for patients and clinicians are often lacking.\r\n\r\nThe senators were led by U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and in addition to Heller were joined by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Joe Donnelly (D-IN).\r\n\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below.\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Azar and Administrator Verma:\r\n\r\nFrom 2000 to 2014, the rate of maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or during the one-year period following the date of the end of pregnancy, increased by 26 percent in the United States. This troubling trend makes the United States an outlier among every other developed country. We write to you to request that your Department and Agency focus on strategies to reduce maternal mortality rates in the United States, including for pregnant women and mothers enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).\r\n\r\nRacial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health are especially of concern.African-American women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as compared to other women in the United States. The mortality rate among African-American infants is more than two times higher than other infants. American Indian and Alaskan Native women also fare worse than white women with approximately twice as many pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births. Research indicates that numerous factors may contribute to these glaring health disparities, including barriers to accessing necessary pre- and post-natal care, a growing prevalence of chronic conditions, maternal stress, inadequate training for health care providers, racial bias, and social determinants of health. We therefore also ask that you review existing data and provide us with recommendations about what can be done at the federal, state, and local levels to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes for all mothers and their children, regardless of their racial and ethnic background, income level, or educational attainment.\r\n\r\nThe frustration and urgency over the high rate of maternal mortality is compounded by research determining that roughly 60 percent of maternal deaths in the United States could be prevented through improvements for individual patient care and education, standardized protocols, and timely interventions. Moreover, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality determined that severe maternal mortality rates may be higher in some hospitals compared to others, indicating that some hospitals have developed ways to better prepare for pregnancy-related complications that could be adopted nationwide. Although some states have taken significant steps to overcome training, education, and system barriers to reducing maternal mortality, not all hospitals and birth centers have implemented common protocols and comprehensive quality measures to help ensure safe labor and delivery, prenatal and postnatal care. Where protocols exist, they may not be integrated into health care delivery systems and hospitals; systems of accountability and support for patients and clinicians are often lacking. Furthermore, programs to address the social determinants of health beyond the clinic can sometimes be important to ensure that women are getting the care they need, when they need it.\r\n\r\nWith these challenges in mind, we ask that you respond to the questions below by November 1, 2018:\r\n\r\n1. When controlling for health, socio-economic and other key factors such as the fact that individuals in Medicaid are often poorer, sicker, and more likely to suffer from the effects of health disparities, what is the rate of maternal and infant mortality for individuals covered by Medicaid and CHIP? Are there limitations or inconsistencies in this data? If so, how can data quality be ensured? If this data is unavailable, what are the barriers to collecting this data?\r\n\r\n2. CMS has identified 13 maternal and perinatal health measures for voluntary reporting by state Medicaid and CHIP agencies. How many states are consistently reporting this data in 2018? How is this data being used to inform CMS guidance and policy development?\r\n\r\n3. How many states have implemented a value-based payment approach and/or new maternal care delivery model (e.g. group prenatal care, maternity care homes, birth centers) to improve maternal and infant health outcomes? How have states used such payment approaches and models to track and improve the prevalence of poor maternal health outcomes, such as preeclampsia, cardiomyopathy, blood clots, hemorrhage, and depression, and associated risk factors? Have certain value-based payment approaches or care delivery models resulted in improvements in the rate of occurrence and treatment of these conditions?\r\n\r\n4. While CMS has issued guidance allowing state Medicaid programs to reimburse for the services of nurse-midwives and other maternal health professionals, uptake of these services remains low. How do states and CMS evaluate the quality of prenatal and postnatal care provided by various types of health care providers?\r\n\r\n5. Since 2000, what economic, social, and health policy factors may have contributed to the increase in maternal mortality rates?\r\n\r\n6. What other initiatives are the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CMS undertaking to reduce the rate of maternal mortality and morbidity, particularly in programs like Medicaid and CHIP? For example, how does CMS collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on maternal mortality issues? How does CMS use the information generated by maternal mortality review committees to inform the administration of Medicaid and CHIP?\r\n\r\nWe thank you for your attention to these important matters and we look forward to working with you to ensure the health of all mothers and their newborn children.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\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=7BC0CCCD-B436-427C-885E-8DE5D9480778", "Heller Votes to Confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh", "2018-10-06", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today released the below statement after voting to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Like all Nevadans, I listened to Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh last week. They both delivered painful, genuine, and brave testimony. However, they provided starkly different accounts while under oath, and no corroborating evidence to support the allegations surfaced during the hearing. On Thursday, I read the independent reports on the FBI's seventh background investigation into Judge Kavanaugh. They, too, did not provide any corroborating evidence,said Heller.As a U.S. Senator, I have a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on all executive branch nominations, and I take that responsibility very seriously. With more than a decade of experience serving on the second most powerful court in the country and as the author of more than 300 opinions, Judge Kavanaugh has an extensive record that reflects a clear respect for precedent. The American Bar Association awarded Judge Kavanaugh its highest rating  unanimously well-qualified. Legal professionals have described him as mainstream, and for me  it's important that he has proven that he's dedicated to upholding the Constitution not re-writing it from the bench. His legal career combined with his educational credentials make him an exceptionally qualified nominee, and that is why I voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1436", "Amodei, Pascrell Call for Proclamation of October as Italian-American Heritage Month", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Contact:Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155    Amodei, Pascrell Call for Proclamation of October as Italian-American Heritage Month  Co-chairs of Congressional Italian-American Delegation call on President, Congress to designate month in celebration of Italian culture  WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Reps. Mark E. Amodei (R-NV-02) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-chairs of the Congressional Italian-American Delegation, sent a letter to Donald Trump requesting a Presidential Proclamation of October as Italian-American Heritage Month. Amodeiand Pascrell coupled their request with the introduction of a resolution in the House of Representatives to establish October as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month.  Americans of Italian descent play an integral role in America today, not only in the public policy arena, but in all aspects of our culture. This proclamation has the support of the Italian-American community as well as the National Italian-American Foundation, Reps. Amodeiand Pascrell write Trump. Therefore, it is our hope that you will also recognize Italian-Americans in this country by issuing a Presidential Message to proclaim October as Italian-American Heritage Month.  The Members continue: Over 5.4 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 1992. Today there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent in the United States, making them the fifth largest ethnic group. Our nation was even named after an Italian, the explorer and geographer Amerigo Vespucci.  Rep. Amodei issued the following statement on the letter: As an Italian-American, I have always been extremely proud of my heritage, and equally proud of the significant contributions Italian-Americans have made to our country. My Italian roots run deep. My father's grandmother is from Ognio, which is 40 miles East of Genoa, his grandfather is from Santa Maria Majorio, which is near the Swiss border, and my mother's father is a Longero from Southern Italy  so we've pretty much got the country bracketed with relatives. Growing up, I remember many celebrations around this time of year where my family got together to pay tribute to our heritage. With this month being especially significant for Italian-Americans, I'm proud to join Chairman Pascrell in requesting a Presidential Proclamation of October as Italian-American Heritage Month. As co-chair of the Italian-American Caucus, I will continue supporting measures which highlight all that binds our countries together culturally, commercially, and strategically.  The National Italian American Foundation stands in full support of Congressmen Pascrell and Amodei's efforts to formally establish October as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month, said Lawrence Purpuro, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Italian American Foundation. As an organization devoted to the preservation of the Italian American contribution to our country, we believe that an Italian American Heritage Month in October would be a wonderful opportunity for the nation to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions Italians and Italian Americans have made to build our great nation.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-pascrell-call-proclamation-october-italian-american-heritage-month", "Amodei, Pascrell Call for Proclamation of October as Italian-American Heritage Month", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\n\nAmodei, Pascrell Call for Proclamation of October as Italian-American Heritage Month\n\nCo-chairs of Congressional Italian-American Delegation call on President, Congress to designate month in celebration of Italian culture\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Mark E. Amodei (R-NV-02) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-chairs of the Congressional Italian-American Delegation, sent a letter to Donald Trump requesting a Presidential Proclamation of October as Italian-American Heritage Month. Amodeiand Pascrell coupled their request with the introduction of a resolution in the House of Representatives to establish October as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month.\n\n\u201cAmericans of Italian descent play an integral role in America today, not only in the public policy arena, but in all aspects of our culture. This proclamation has the support of the Italian-American community as well as the National Italian-American Foundation,\u201d Reps. Amodeiand Pascrell write Trump. \u201cTherefore, it is our hope that you will also recognize Italian-Americans in this country by issuing a Presidential Message to proclaim October as Italian-American Heritage Month.\u201d\n\nThe Members continue: \u201cOver 5.4 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 1992. Today there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent in the United States, making them the fifth largest ethnic group. Our nation was even named after an Italian, the explorer and geographer Amerigo Vespucci.\u201d\n\nRep. Amodei issued the following statement on the letter: \u201cAs an Italian-American, I have always been extremely proud of my heritage, and equally proud of the significant contributions Italian-Americans have made to our country. My Italian roots run deep. My father\u2019s grandmother is from Ognio, which is 40 miles East of Genoa, his grandfather is from Santa Maria Majorio, which is near the Swiss border, and my mother\u2019s father is a Longero from Southern Italy \u2013 so we\u2019ve pretty much got the country bracketed with relatives. Growing up, I remember many celebrations around this time of year where my family got together to pay tribute to our heritage. With this month being especially significant for Italian-Americans, I\u2019m proud to join Chairman Pascrell in requesting a Presidential Proclamation of October as Italian-American Heritage Month. As co-chair of the Italian-American Caucus, I will continue supporting measures which highlight all that binds our countries together culturally, commercially, and strategically.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:08:35Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2A0F1C28-88A2-470C-BD01-3F9EEEB981C9", "The Leader in the Fight to Stop Yucca Mountain, Heller Demands Information on the Proposed Reclassification of High-Level Radioactive Waste", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) is today demanding additional information from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regarding any potential changes to the classification of high-level radioactive waste so as to ensure that the reclassification will not warrant storage of any type of nuclear waste in the State of Nevada. On Thursday of this week, DOE announced that it had opened a 60-day comment period in an effort to interpret the term high-level radioactive waste, which, at this time, encapsulates all waste that has been created as a byproduct of used nuclear fuel.\r\nAs Nevada's senior Senator and the person whose leadership has stopped Yucca Mountain from getting the green light, it is important that I ensure your Department's proposed redefinition of high-level nuclear waste is not part of a larger ploy to defeat the will of Congress and the clear and consistent opposition of the State of Nevada, wrote Heller. As someone who has worked repeatedly with the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senate leadership to ensure that not a single dollar goes toward funding the failed Yucca Mountain project, I am troubled by any action, such as the reclassification of high-level nuclear waste, that could potentially be undertaken to disrupt or circumvent the restrictions on Yucca Mountain that I marshaled into law.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE or below:\r\nDear Secretary Perry:\r\nI write today to seek clarity on your October 4, 2018, notice concerning the Department of Energy's proposed interpretation of the statutory term high-level radioactive waste. As someone who has worked repeatedly with the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senate leadership to ensure that not a single dollar goes toward funding the failed Yucca Mountain project, I am troubled by any action, such as the reclassification of high-level nuclear waste, that could potentially be undertaken to disrupt or circumvent the restrictions on Yucca Mountain that I marshaled into law. As Nevada's senior Senator and the person whose leadership has stopped Yucca Mountain from getting the green light, it is important that I ensure your Department's proposed redefinition of high-level nuclear waste is not part of a larger ploy to defeat the will of Congress and the clear and consistent opposition of the State of Nevada.\r\nAs you know, I stand firmly with the State of Nevada in its opposition to the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. A state without a single nuclear power plant, like Nevada, should not have to shoulder the entire nation's nuclear waste burden. Instead of pursuing a failed project that has already cost taxpayers billions of dollars, I would encourage you to consider pursuing the only sustainable path forward: a consent-based approach. This is why I introduced the Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act (S.95), which would require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to obtain the consent of affected state and local governments before authorizing the construction of a nuclear waste facility. No community, especially not one in Nevada, should be forced to store nuclear waste against its will. I will not let Nevada be overrun by states that want to move the nuclear waste they created out of their backyards and into ours.\r\nWith that, I respectfully request you answer the following questions:\r\n \r\nIf your proposed interpretation is adopted, how much high-level radioactive waste will be reclassified as non-high-level waste?\r\nWhere is this likely-to-be-reclassified waste currently located?\r\nHow will the reclassification of waste affect current and proposed waste streams?\r\nDo you intend to bring any of this reclassified waste to Nevada?\r\nRegardless of your intent, under existing law, will this change in classification allow new waste to be brought into the State of Nevada?\r\nWhat are the implications of the proposed interpretation on interim storage?\r\nWill this proposed interpretation relieve the Department of any of its obligations with respect to Hanford or the cleanup of any other existing environmental hazard?\r\nHow will this proposal affect Department policy on the commingling of defense and commercial waste?\r\n \r\nThank you for your timely attention to this matter. Please respond in writing no later than October 19. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Joseph Boddicker of my staff at (202) 224-6244.\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=ECCAEBC7-0C1F-4AF8-B776-3DF690B4D4AD", "Heller Calls for Immediate Action to Ensure Protection of Housing Allowances for Student Veterans", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Calls for Immediate Action to Ensure Protection of Housing Allowances for Student Veterans \r\nFollowing Reports from Nevada's Veterans, Heller Learns VA is Failing to Provide Monthly Housing Stipends for Some Nevada Student Veterans\r\nU.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) has today called for additional information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following reports from Nevada's student veterans and higher education institutions that a number of monthly stipends provided by the VA to assist veterans with housing costs have not been provided.\r\nAs you may know, some student veterans utilizing the G.I. Bill in Nevada reported that they have not received their monthly housing allowance from the VA. I wanted to bring this issue to your attention as it is impacting universities in Nevada, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and other parts of the country, indicating it could be a systemic problem, Heller wrote. It is my understanding that the VA is implementing IT upgrades that the VA expected to have a small impact on the accuracy of G.I. Bill benefit payments, but that veterans would still receive a housing stipend. However, it is concerning to hear that some veterans have not received any payment, putting their housing in jeopardy. We cannot allow these veterans to become homeless as a result of this error.\r\nUnder the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, veterans are ensured stipends so as to safeguard their ability to access housing while attending school using their earned benefits. Due to the immediacy of this issue and to prevent veterans from defaulting on rental or housing payments, Heller is demanding that the VA develop a plan to address these concerns no later than October 9th. In addition to requesting a course of action, Heller is asking that the VA deliver direct paths of communication for veterans who have not received their housing stipend, as well as immediate relief and further information to better understand the scope of this possibly technological issue.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below.\r\nDear Secretary Wilkie:\r\nIt has come to my attention that student veterans in my home state of Nevada have not received their monthly allowance for housing that is afforded to them under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. As a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I want to ensure this issue is immediately resolved so that our student veterans are not faced with homelessness as a result of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) failing to provide that monthly stipend.\r\nAs you may know, some student veterans utilizing the G.I. Bill in Nevada reported that they have not received their monthly housing allowance from the VA. I wanted to bring this issue to your attention as it is impacting universities in Nevada, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and other parts of the country, indicating it could be a systemic problem. It is my understanding that the VA is implementing IT upgrades that the VA expected to have a small impact on the accuracy of G.I. Bill benefit payments, but that veterans would still receive a housing stipend. However, it is concerning to hear that some veterans have not received any payment, putting their housing in jeopardy. We cannot allow these veterans to become homeless as a result of this error. Furthermore, some students in Nevada have reported difficulty getting through to the VA Education Hotline to seek a resolution. In light of this development, I respectfully request the following information:\r\n \r\nPlease inform my office, as well as the rest of the members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, the cause of this issue, the VA's plan to address it, and the timeline for a resolution.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHow do you plan to communicate and conduct outreach on this issue with schools and student veterans in the interim?\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHow can student veterans receive immediate relief from the VA for their missing housing stipends?\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nCan you establish a dedicated phone number for veterans to call if they have not received their housing stipend?\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHave you begun to assess how widespread this issue is and how many veterans are currently impacted?\r\n \r\n\r\nAgain, I appreciate your immediate attention to this urgent issue impacting our student veterans in Nevada and across the nation. Given the urgency of this issue, I request a response no later than October 9, 2018. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if we can assist in resolving this issue for our veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FAB35835-1C7A-4477-815A-D83710258547", "Heller Calls for Immediate Action to Ensure Protection of Housing Allowances for Student Veterans", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following Reports from Nevada's Veterans, Heller Learns VA is Failing to Provide Monthly Housing Stipends for Some Nevada Student Veterans\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) has today called for additional information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following reports from Nevada's student veterans and higher education institutions that a number of monthly stipends provided by the VA to assist veterans with housing costs have not been provided.\r\nAs you may know, some student veterans utilizing the G.I. Bill in Nevada reported that they have not received their monthly housing allowance from the VA. I wanted to bring this issue to your attention as it is impacting universities in Nevada, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and other parts of the country, indicating it could be a systemic problem, Heller wrote. It is my understanding that the VA is implementing IT upgrades that the VA expected to have a small impact on the accuracy of G.I. Bill benefit payments, but that veterans would still receive a housing stipend. However, it is concerning to hear that some veterans have not received any payment, putting their housing in jeopardy. We cannot allow these veterans to become homeless as a result of this error.\r\nUnder the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, veterans are ensured stipends so as to safeguard their ability to access housing while attending school using their earned benefits. Due to the immediacy of this issue and to prevent veterans from defaulting on rental or housing payments, Heller is demanding that the VA develop a plan to address these concerns no later than October 9th. In addition to requesting a course of action, Heller is asking that the VA deliver direct paths of communication for veterans who have not received their housing stipend, as well as immediate relief and further information to better understand the scope of this possibly technological issue.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE or below.\r\nDear Secretary Wilkie:\r\nIt has come to my attention that student veterans in my home state of Nevada have not received their monthly allowance for housing that is afforded to them under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. As a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I want to ensure this issue is immediately resolved so that our student veterans are not faced with homelessness as a result of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) failing to provide that monthly stipend.\r\nAs you may know, some student veterans utilizing the G.I. Bill in Nevada reported that they have not received their monthly housing allowance from the VA. I wanted to bring this issue to your attention as it is impacting universities in Nevada, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and other parts of the country, indicating it could be a systemic problem. It is my understanding that the VA is implementing IT upgrades that the VA expected to have a small impact on the accuracy of G.I. Bill benefit payments, but that veterans would still receive a housing stipend. However, it is concerning to hear that some veterans have not received any payment, putting their housing in jeopardy. We cannot allow these veterans to become homeless as a result of this error. Furthermore, some students in Nevada have reported difficulty getting through to the VA Education Hotline to seek a resolution. In light of this development, I respectfully request the following information:\r\n \r\nPlease inform my office, as well as the rest of the members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, the cause of this issue, the VA's plan to address it, and the timeline for a resolution.\r\n \r\n \r\nHow do you plan to communicate and conduct outreach on this issue with schools and student veterans in the interim?\r\n \r\n \r\nHow can student veterans receive immediate relief from the VA for their missing housing stipends?\r\n \r\n \r\nCan you establish a dedicated phone number for veterans to call if they have not received their housing stipend?\r\n \r\n \r\nHave you begun to assess how widespread this issue is and how many veterans are currently impacted?\r\n \r\nAgain, I appreciate your immediate attention to this urgent issue impacting our student veterans in Nevada and across the nation. Given the urgency of this issue, I request a response no later than October 9, 2018. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if we can assist in resolving this issue for our veterans.\r\n 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=3D08BEC0-F1FA-4E83-B15A-CB98959263C5", "Heller, Cortez Masto Support Nevada Application to Participate in DOT-FAA Unmanned Traffic Management Pilot Program", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) sent a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Daniel Elwell in support of Nevada's application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Pilot Program (UPP). The State of Nevada UPP application brings together 17 Nevada-based and global companies to launch the first Smart City Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) concept. Their proposal will set Nevada apart from other UAS Test Site applications.\r\nAs one of the seven FAA-designated UAS test sites, Nevada has already proven its leadership in advancing UAS industry UTM with NASA and providing a favorable environment for research, policy development, and commercial flight operations that contribute to the safe integration of UAS into the NAS, wrote the senators. Nevada has the distinct benefit of being the only designated statewide UAS test site, offering a favorable geography and climate for testing, strong partnerships with universities, and infrastructure in place due to the work of the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS)  all of which are critical to the UPP's success. The NIAS is comprised of experienced pilots and former senior military officers and is a NASA-preferred partner for operational testing of the UTM.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below.\r\nDear Administrator Elwell:\r\nAs members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, we write to you today in support of the State of Nevada's public-private partnership application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for designation as a select participant in the Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Pilot Program (UPP). We are proud to support this comprehensive, leading-edge proposal that will advance the shared goal of safely integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) and help the U.S. lead in the UTM innovation race.\r\nAs one of the seven FAA-designated UAS test sites, Nevada has already proven its leadership in advancing UAS industry UTM with NASA and providing a favorable environment for research, policy development, and commercial flight operations that contribute to the safe integration of UAS into the NAS. Nevada has the distinct benefit of being the only designated statewide UAS test site, offering a favorable geography and climate for testing, strong partnerships with universities, and infrastructure in place due to the work of the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS)  all of which are critical to the UPP's success. The NIAS is comprised of experienced pilots and former senior military officers and is a NASA-preferred partner for operational testing of the UTM.\r\nThe State of Nevada UPP application brings together 17 Nevada-based and global companies to launch the first Smart City UAS concept, setting Nevada apart from other UAS test site applications. To complement its own expertise and proven track record as an FAA UAS test site, Nevada's application also includes a diverse array of Nevada-based and global partners that will offer invaluable UTM insights and expert knowledge to significantly advance the FAA's UTM pilot program through an innovative Smart City Concept while ensuring local and national DOT interests are well-balanced. Many of these partners are UAS industry leaders in flight operations, delivery, data management, UTM, and sense and avoid sensors. Furthermore, in line with the goals of the UTM Pilot Program, the Nevada team brings with it a long list of accomplishments, including the deployment of the greatest number of UTM developers participating at a single UAS test site location, the first autonomous cloud seeding, and oversight of other record-setting night and multiple aircraft operations.\r\nAgain, we urge your strong consideration of this innovative Smart City UPP application. In our work on the Commerce Committee and in the recently-approved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, we co-authored provisions to advance the certification of UTM and remain committed to developing this technology and leveraging Nevada's leadership in UAS. Please feel free to contact our offices with any question.\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=7FE93A01-F194-4C8D-B08F-0F3C39FE1D0B", "Eight Heller Bills to Help Fight Nevadas Opioid Crisis Headed to the Presidents Desk", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Final Package Includes Heller Bills to Help Treat Newborns and Pregnant Women Suffering from Addiction, Combat Fraudulent Prescriptions\r\nWASHINGTON Eight pieces of legislation that U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) either authored or co-authored to help fight Nevada's opioid crisis are now on their way to the President's desk as part of a larger legislative package called the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.Specifically, this legislation includes Heller's provisions to expand access to treatment for pregnant women struggling with substance abuse disorders and newborns who are suffering from withdrawal, as well as a measure that would streamline the prescription process to combat fraudulent prescribing.\r\nEvery 25 minutes a baby is born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a withdrawal condition that can occur in newborns after exposure to opioids during pregnancy.In Nevada, the Centersfor Disease Control (CDC) has reported a 300 percent increasein the number of infants born with NAS.As an advocate for expanding treatment for babies born in opioid withdrawal, Heller worked with his colleagues to see that theCaring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Act was included in the landmark opioids package.Specifically, the CRIB Act allows Medicaid to cover health care services provided to infants in residential pediatric recovery facilities in addition to hospitals. This critical bill will help babies suffering from addiction recover in the best care setting.\r\nThe legislative package headed to the President's desk also includes theHelp for Moms and Babies Act, another bipartisan bill that Heller co-authored. This legislation would help ensure women who are receiving care for a substance use disorder in a treatment facility receive prenatal and postpartum services.\r\nOne of my top priorities is combating the opioid crisis, which is affecting communities across Nevada, said Heller.I am proud to see the U.S. Senate pass  with my strong support - this bipartisan package, which included eight of my provisions. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act has the potential to savelives byhelping prevent overdoses and providing our communities with the tools they need to make sure that those who need help get it. This bipartisanlegislation is a perfect example of what Congress can accomplish when we work together, and I'm proud to help send it to the President's desk.\r\nHeller also worked with his colleagues to ensure the inclusion of theEvery Prescription Conveyed Securely (EPCS) Act in the opioid package to help eliminate duplicative or fraudulent prescriptions by requiring electronic prescriptions for controlled substances under Medicare.According to a Department of Justice report, misused prescription opioids are often obtained illegally using forged or altered prescriptions and by consulting multiple doctors. The report also determined that most prescription fraud remains undetected. The EPCS Act will generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline the prescription process for both providers and their patients.\r\nBelow is a full list of legislation included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act that Heller either authored or co-authored:\r\n \r\nS.2909, Assessing Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Act(Heller/Bennet).This would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify barriers to doctors' and pharmacists' provision of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Medicaid. This bill would help support states' removing barriers so doctors and pharmacists can use the least burdensome MAT distribution methods.\r\nS.2911, Enhancing Patient Access to Non-Opioid Treatment Options(Heller/Casey).This legislation would clarify states' legal authority to pursue non-opioid related prescribing.\r\nS.2921, Securing Flexibility to Treat Substance Use Disorders Act(Heller/Menendez).This legislation would codify the regulations permitting managed care plans to cover treatment in an institution for mental disease (IMD) for a certain number of days in a month in lieu of other types of services.\r\nS.2707, Informing Seniors about Opioids Act(Nelson/Heller).This legislation would update the Medicare and You handbook to include information about opioid use, pain management, and alternative pain management treatments.\r\nS.2460, Every Prescription Conveyed Securely Act(Bennet/Heller/Warren/Toomey).This legislation would direct health care providers to use electronic prescribing for controlled substances for Medicare Part D transactions. Electronic prescriptions would generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline the prescription process for both providers and their patients.\r\nS.2899, Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies Act(Brown/Portman/Capito/King/Manchin/Heller/Casey/Whitehouse).This legislation would recognize residential pediatric care centers within Medicaid to treat babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\nS.2922, Help for Moms and Babies Act(Stabenow/Heller).This legislation would help ensure women who are receiving care for a substance use disorder in a treatment facility receive prenatal and postpartum services.\r\nS.2769, Opioid Addiction Action Plan Act (Heller/Menendez). This legislation would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop a plan to prevent opioid addiction and increase access to medication-assisted treatment.\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=AA60496C-00ED-4AFE-B907-641D41F1204F", "Heller Announces $749,998 Grant for the Nevada Department of Education", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced that the U.S Department of Education awarded $749,998 to the Nevada Department of Education through the School Climate Transformation Grant Program, which helps state and local educational agencies and schools implement an evidence-based framework aimed at improving behavioral outcomes and learning conditions for all students.\r\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Education, studies show that the implementation of a multitier, evidence-based behavioral framework has led to reductions in bullying and overall problem behaviors as well as fewer office discipline referrals and suspensions.\r\nI am pleased to see that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded nearly $750,000 to the Nevada Department of Education to implement a behavioral plan that will ultimately help all students succeed, said Heller. Every child in our classrooms has different needs, and because of that, it is imperative that we provide teachers and administrators with the tools they need to help them support each and every student in Nevada. I welcome every opportunity to improve the learning environment for Nevada's children, and this funding will go a long way toward ensuring all of Nevada's students have the chance to get ahead.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CF324F2E-299E-4586-B261-993705EFDD62", "Heller Continues Fight Against VA Claims Backlog, Hold Federal Agencies Accountable", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Government Accountability Office today released report on veterans' disability claims as direct result of Heller's legislation\r\nWASHINGTON As a direct result of legislation authored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has today released areportto summarize findings on the process used to review veteran disability claims.Heller's legislation, the 21stCentury Veterans Benefits Delivery Act, became law in 2016 as part of sweeping legislation to address a larger scope of issues facing our nation's veterans and is designed to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims process and effectively reduce its backlog. Since Heller began fighting to reduce the VA's backlog, the claims backlog has been reduced by over 85% between 2013 and today.\r\nSpecifically, Heller's 21stCentury Veterans Benefits Delivery Act address three segments of the claims process that are in need of improvement: submitting claims, the practices of VA regional offices, and the overall response from government agencies. By taking into account these critical aspects of the claims process, Heller's legislation ultimately aims to better educate veterans on the process used to submit claims, increase accuracy and efficiency at regional VA offices across the country, and hold federal agencies accountable in prioritizing the VA claims process. Furthermore, the GAO's report offers critical recommendations for the VA to adopt, including how to address errors in claims, developing better performance measures, evaluating communication with veteran service organizations, and implementing an initiative to obtain feedback from Congressional caseworkers on communication with regional offices.\r\nOur nation's heroes should not have to wait longer than 125 days to receive responses to their disability claims, which is why I worked across the aisle to navigate the bipartisan 21stCentury Veterans Benefits Delivery Act into law,said Heller. Our legislation not only addresses three essential aspects of the claims process, but has allowed detailed reports and recommendations to be published as a direct result. I am pleased to see that the report released today by the Government Accountability Office includes five recommendations to accelerate the response and accuracy of regional offices as they work to process veterans' claims. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I look forward to continuing to develop legislation that supports the men and women who have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms.\r\nAs Co-Chair of the bipartisanVA Backlog Working Group, Heller has long championed efforts to better understand the VA claims process and develop commonsense solutions that aim to completely eradicate the claims backlog. Furthermore, since serving in the U.S. Senate, Heller has authored, helped introduce, and navigated into law 45 pieces of legislation specifically designed to support Nevada's 300,000 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=EAAD6DD9-13CB-4C27-9756-9F60E26E76F6", "U.S. Senate Sends FAA Reauthorization Act to the Presidents Desk with 14 Heller Provisions", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate today sent to the President's desk 14 provisions authored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) as included in the final conference agreement for the five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes federal aviation programs through fiscal year 2023, and it includes a myriad of Heller's proposals to improve air travel for disabled individuals, boost Nevada's travel and tourism economy, promote aviation safety, help veterans find employment, and advance the state's drone industry.\r\nSpecifically, the FAA Reauthorization Act includes Heller's provisions that will promote the state's already robust drone industry by improving use of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) test sites, authorizing beyond line-of-sight operations at these sites, including Nevada's, advancing certification for small UAS package delivery, and progressing implementation of unmanned traffic management (UTM) for safe drone deliveries. Furthermore, Heller advocated for pro-tourism policies to increase the competitiveness of Nevada's airports by allowing Reno-Tahoe International Airport to access resources for attracting new airline routes, as well as ensuring airports like McCarran International can use certain funds for developing multimodal systems to get travelers from the airport into the city.\r\nThe legislation also includes provisions Heller championed last Congress that will encourage the FAA to consider veterans for UAS employment opportunities and give Nevada stakeholders like the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority a seat at the table for future discussions regarding tourism and infrastructure at the FAA.\r\nIn addition to the provisions Heller secured in the underlying bill, Heller ensured inclusion of amendments in a Committee markup last year. These amendments will address better wheelchair assistance by airlines, strengthen a study on the feasibility for in-cabin restraint systems for disabled individuals, and ensure important stakeholders, like disabled veterans and wheelchair manufacturers, are included in an advisory committee on the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities. Furthermore, Heller secured the addition of provisions that ensure there are baby-changing tables in restrooms at large and medium airports across the country and that airplanes have medical emergency equipment to meet the needs of children and pregnant women.\r\nI was very proud to see that, with my strong support, the five-year FAA has passed the House and Senate and will be sent to the President's desk with provisions I authored to promote the success of industries that support Nevada: aviation, tourism, and drone development, said Heller. As a member of the committee that oversees transportation and aviation legislation, I worked across the aisle to champion and secure policies in this agreement that will promote Nevada's interests. Whether it's ensuring that individuals with disabilities continue to have equal access to transportation, reinforcing safety precautions related to air travel, or promoting drone technology in the state of Nevada, this agreement along with my provisions directly addresses our state's priorities, and I look forward to seeing it swiftly signed into law.\r\nHeller-Led Priorities Included in the FAA Conference Agreement\r\nSmall UAS Package Delivery: The Heller-Cantwell UAS carriage provision directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a streamlined air carrier certification program tailored for unmanned aircraft systems carrying property, like packages.\r\nImprove Wheelchair Assistance for Disabled Individuals: In accordance with the 2016 FAA Extension (Public Law 114-190), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the training policy of air carriers for persons with disabilities. Disability complaints have doubled since 2009. In 2015, air carriers received 30,829 disability-related complaints, nearly half of which were Failure to Provide Wheelchair Assistance complaints. Heller's amendment would ensure that DOT provides input on best practices to improve wheelchair assistance.\r\nImprove the Study on In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems: The underlying bill included an important provision on studying whether a wheelchair restraint system can be implemented. This study should expand the scope of expertise by including critical stakeholders who can act in an advisory role during this process, such as aircraft manufacturers who understand the configuration of a plane, wheelchair manufacturers who understand the design of the product, and disability advocates who understand the specific challenges when using a wheelchair.\r\nImprove Participation in the Advisory Committee on the Air Travel Needs of Passengers with Disabilities: The underlying bill included an advisory committee on the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities. This advisory committee has specific membership and will report to DOT on disability-related access barriers. Heller's amendment would add additional stakeholders to the membership, including aircraft manufacturers, wheelchair manufacturers, and National Veterans Organizations representing disabled veterans.\r\nCortez-Masto/Heller on UAS Test Sites and Emergency Operations: This amendment codified the FAA's use of the test sites so that sites like Nevada's can continue conducting critical research and development that will inform FAA and other stakeholders on the future needs for integrating this technology and solidifies Nevada's leadership in advancing the UAS industry. Further, the provision encourages the FAA to swiftly issue public guidance on waivers using UAS during emergency or disaster situations, such as wildfires, firefighting, and search and rescue.\r\nUAS Test Sites and Authorizing Beyond Line-of-Sight Operations: Since Nevada is one of the six UAS test site locations, it will drive drone-related technological research and economic growth statewide. This provision ensures the UAS test sites, including Nevada's, are able to carry out projects to test, research, and evaluate beyond line-of-sight operations.\r\nSmall Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Program Eligibility: This program provides small airports with additional resources to attract new airline routes; however, the law stipulates that only airports considered small hubs as of 1997 are eligible for the program. This provision updates the law to ensure airports, like Reno-Tahoe International Airport, who are currently not eligible but are considered small hubs based off current air traffic can compete for these resources.\r\nVeterans Employment at FAA: Given the new career opportunities that the FAA may have in the field of UAS technology, this provision requires the FAA to assess whether any of these new occupations can be applied to the FAA's Veterans' Employment Program.\r\nIntermodal Access Projects for Airports: This provision ensures airports like Las Vegas McCarran Airport can use federal infrastructure dollars for construction of facilities that offer multiple modes of transportation (i.e. bus, rail, Uber, and taxis). This provision could improve tourist access and facilitate economic development opportunities in Nevada.\r\nTourism Stakeholders: The Schatz-Heller Tourism Amendment adds tourism stakeholders, like the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority, to the Future Aviation Infrastructure and Financing Study provision in the bill.\r\nUnmanned Traffic Management (UTM): To ensure that drones can operate safely in the national airspace, unmanned traffic management (much like current air traffic management) will need to be implemented. This provision would advance the process for the FAA to create certification for individual UTM systems by private entities. This will advance commercial drone operations like package delivery so they can be safety integrate into the national airspace.\r\nBaby Changing Tables at Airports: Requires medium or large hub airports to maintain baby changing tables in one men's and one women's restroom in each passenger terminal building.\r\nEmergency Medical Equipment on Passenger Aircraft: In carrying out an evaluation of emergency medical equipment on airplanes, the FAA must consider whether the equipment meets the emergency medical needs of children and pregnant women\r\nHazmat Public Awareness Campaign  This provision would require the DOT to carry out a public awareness campaign to reduce the amount of undeclared hazardous materials traveling through air commerce. Improperly packaged and labeled hazardous materials pose a safety issue for transportation workers, the public, and anyone else handling these packages.\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=0860B0F7-20EB-4397-AA6D-5932782AE60A", "Heller Announces Three Nevada Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon School Award for Academic Excellence", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schools in Las Vegas, Reno Among Only 349 Schools In the Country to Receive the National Blue Ribbon Award\r\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the U.S. Secretary of Education for recognizing Judy & John L. Goolsby Elementary School in Las Vegas as well as Mount Rose Elementary School and Roy Gomm Elementary School in Reno, Nevada as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018. Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has recognized schools that have achieved high academic excellence or bridged the achievement gap among student subgroups with this award.\r\nThe three Nevada schools are among only 349 schools throughout the country that were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools this year. Nevada's recipients were each recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools. Representatives from the three Nevada schools will be invited to a formal recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 7th and November 8th.\r\nI am so proud that three of Nevada's schools were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for their high levels of academic excellence, said Heller. As the husband of a teacher and father of four who attended Nevada's public schools, I know that Nevada's educators have one of the most challenging, important, and rewarding jobs, and I'm extremely grateful for their work because I've seen first-hand the positive impact that high caliber teachers have on their students. Congratulations to Judy & John L. Goolsby Elementary, Mount Rose Elementary, and Roy Gomm Elementary School for being distinguished as National Blue Ribbon Schools, an achievement that is a testament to the dedication of the teachers, faculty, students, and the parents who are committed to student success and preparing Nevada's next generation of leaders.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=17937EFC-B559-4968-835D-CAAFDEAB4981", "Key Senate Panel Passes Hellers Pershing County Lands Bill", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's approval of his Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act, legislation that he introduced to facilitate new opportunities for economic development throughout the county while promoting conservation efforts.This legislation is the result of an inclusive, grassroots-driven, public process, including meetings, discussions, and visits with and between Pershing County officials, local residents and other important stakeholders.\r\nThe Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act is supported by Pershing County Commission, the City of Lovelock, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, the Chamber of Reno and Sparks, the Nevada Mining Association, Nevada Farm Bureau, Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife, and the Nevada Chapter Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.\r\nThis proposal is truly driven by the community and will address public lands issues that have negatively impacted Pershing County for decades. By bringing a commonsense approach to land development, this legislation will help move Pershing County away from a complicated checkerboard pattern that placed limits on economic innovation, said Heller. This legislation protects Nevada's landscape, preserves Nevada's way of life by defending the freedom of our outdoorsmen, and creates good-paying jobs for years to come. I thank Chairwoman Murkowski for her leadership to help advance this legislation, and I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to send this legislation to the President's desk.\r\nCongressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year.\r\nBackground:\r\nOn February 1st, 2017, the Pershing County Commission passed aresolution urging the Nevada Congressional Delegation to re-introduce and advance the Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act.\r\nThe legislation is comprised of three key components:\r\n \r\nAn innovative solution to resolve the complicated land management issue of checkerboard lands, including the disposal and exchange of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the county for economic development and public purposes.\r\nThe conservation of certain areas already managed by the BLM land in the county.\r\nThe release of the selected wilderness study areas, currently managed as by the BLM as wilderness, back into multiple-use.\r\n \r\nMore details on the bill, including maps, can be foundhere.\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=2672E6CC-44A6-4A5C-AF7E-524C7ABF7BE3", "Heller-Backed STOP School Violence Act Authorized Over $1 Million To Help Nevada Improve School Safety", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $1 million to the Nevada Department of Education and $13,856 to the Lincoln County School District as a result of the STOP School Violence Act, legislation that he co-authored to help Nevada improve school safety and security measures. Enacted on March 23, 2018, the STOP School Violence Act funds school security infrastructure updates to better deter and respond to threats, and additionally, it invests in training and early prevention programs to help students, educators, and local law enforcement intervene and stop school violence before it happens. Today, the DOJ awarded more than $70 million in grant funding to schools throughout the country.\r\nSpecifically, DOJ's STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program will provide the Nevada Department of Education with $500,000 and Lincoln County School District with $13,856 for education and training to help prevent violence and effectively respond to mental health crises. Additionally, the Nevada Department of Education will receive $500,000 from the STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program, which supports training to establish and operate crisis intervention teams and develop technology  in the form of a mobile phone application, hotline, or website  for anonymous reporting systems.\r\nEvery child deserves to feel safe in the classroom, period. That is why I co-authored the STOP School Violence Act and fought to send it the President's desk, said Heller. A safe learning environment is critical to students' academic success, and that is why I am pleased that Nevada will receive over $1 million to support training programs to help prevent violence, establish crisis intervention teams, and develop technology for anonymous reporting systems. This is a positive step forward toward keeping Nevada's schools and communities safe.\r\nEarlier this year, Heller visited the ClarkCounty SchoolDistrict Police Department (CCSDPD) and met with law enforcement officials to discuss school safety as well as the STOP School Violence Act. CCSDPD is the fourth largestschooldistrict police force in the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B1D295F9-4397-45F2-A262-8F960E224437", "Heller Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Expedite VA Coverage for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) along with Congressmen Charlie Crist (D-FL) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act. This legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make a decision whether to list new illnesses that the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has linked to Agent Orange exposure. Currently, the VA is not required to respond to reports from NAM about diseases that it finds to be associated with Agent Orange exposure. However, this legislation would force the VA to act within 60 days and any additions to the current list of illnesses would automatically provide benefits to veterans exposed to Agent Orange who are suffering from designated conditions. Under the VA's current process, expanding Agent Orange-related coverage has been delayed for up to three years, which has resulted in veterans being denied benefits.\r\nI have veterans in my home state of Nevada right now who are suffering from diseases, such as bladder cancer, that the National Academy of Medicine has associated with Agent Orange, said Senator Heller. For example, Richard from Reno, Nevada, served in 1968 in the Korean DMZ where Agent Orange was used, and today he has bladder cancer. He deserves compensation for his exposure, and the VA's failure to act on the NAM reports should not stand in the way. This legislation holds the VA accountable by requiring the agency to make a final determination, and I'm proud to join Sen. Brown and our colleagues in the House of Representatives to right this wrong.\r\n\"Vietnam veterans exposed to toxic Agent Orange chemicals should have access to the care and benefits they earned,\" said Senator Brown. \"VA should act quickly when presented scientific documentation related to an illness linked to toxic exposure. Our veterans have waited long enough for action.\"\r\n\"When a veteran's medical condition is determined to be linked to their exposure to Agent Orange, they should not have their benefits tied up in bureaucratic red tape,\" said Congressman Crist. \"I urge Congress to take swift action on this bipartisan, bicameral bill to help our Vietnam veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve that for too many have been delayed or denied.\" \"When it comes to taking care of our veterans, we owe it to them to be proactive rather than reactive,\"said Congressman Mullin. \"The Agent Orange Act of 1991 required the Secretary of the VA recommend new illnesses associated with Agent Orange until the requirement lapsed in 2015. The Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act simply puts back in place the same recommendation requirements that were in place for 25 years. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation alongside Congressman Crist and Senators Heller and Brown so that our Vietnam veterans continue to receive the highest level of care we can provide.\"\r\nThe Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act has been endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CA0CCDAE-462B-4ACC-9503-5CE3574A5D0C", "In Case You Missed It: President Signed into Law Spending Bill with Three Heller Provisions", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Measures Will Improve Veteran Employment, Promote STEM Education, and Support Pregnant Women and Infants\r\nWASHINGTON In case you missed it, President Trump last week signed into law the bipartisan, bicameral Departmentof Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill (H.R. 6157), whichincludesthreeprovisions authored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV). Specifically, Heller's provisions will help Nevada's veterans find jobs in the private sector, promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Nevada's schools, and provide support to pregnant women and their infants. This package also funds the government through December 7, 2018, providing much needed funding certainty.\r\nThis marks the second time in recent weeks that Congress has sent funding bills on time and through regular order to the President's desk for signature. Recently,Heller joined the President in Las Vegas as he signed into lawthe Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill (H.R. 5895), which includes Heller's key provisions designed to support Nevada's homeless veterans and increase accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veteran caregivers.\r\nFor years, I have advocated for regular order in the appropriations process, which is why I am thrilled that the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives were finally able to come together and get two major spending bills on the President's desk, said Heller. This appropriations bill signed by the President provides much-needed certainty to our military and funds more than half of the government's discretionary budget. I appreciate the President's commitment to fixing the appropriations process, and this bill is proof that when Congress gets things done on time, we function better. Not only does this legislation provide the largest pay raise for our troops in almost a decade, it also includes three of my bipartisan provisions, one that will ensure our nation's service members have the tools they need to successfully reenter the civilian workforce, and another that encourages STEM programs in Nevada's schools. On top of that, this funding package includes my legislation to help mothers struggling with addiction. Whether it's for our veterans or Nevada's children, I will continue my bipartisan work in the Senate and support a budget process that functions on time.\r\nHeller, along with his colleague U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), secured a provision to ensure up to $3.5 million is available to carry out a pilot program on apprenticeships for service members transitioning entering the civilian workforce. Heller also worked with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on legislation that requires the Department of Education to assess how the agency is coordinating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to promote STEM programs that benefit our nation's elementary and high school students.\r\nThis bill also includes a bipartisan amendment Heller authored with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) that will strengthen the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) efforts to leverage birth defects surveillance systems to improve its ability to monitor the occurrence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS),a withdrawal condition often caused by use of opioids in pregnant women.Because of this devastating withdrawal effect on babies,this provision is key to helping improving health outcomes for mothers and their newborns.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AF19A2DA-7AE9-4A06-BF47-54A05F65DD9F", "Heller Statement on One Year Anniversary of October 1, 2017 Shooting in Las Vegas", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today released the following statement to commemorate the one year anniversary of the October 1, 2017 mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada:\r\nWhile it's been one year since the actions of a madman devastated Las Vegas, the shock and pain related to October first still remain with us today. That night, 58 innocent lives were lost. Over 800 people were injured, and many of them continue to face a long road to physical and emotional recovery - know that you're not alone on that road  we support you, and we're praying for you. Our community is still grieving and it will never be the same, but hatred and fear did not win the night, or any night since, October 1, 2017. Even though the horrific actions of one man exposed humanity at its worst, what followed were countless stories of heroism and human kind at its best. Las Vegas showed the world what it meant to be Vegas Strong, and I had the honor of experiencing it firsthand, in the eyes and voices of those who survived and those who were eager to help others. On that tragic night, so many ordinary Nevadans made the choice to be extraordinary, said Heller. The immeasurable pain, suffering, and devastation inflicted by one man elicited a profound, innate, and immediate human response from a city of people who stood side by side during its darkest hour to protect a friend or a stranger they had never met. Las Vegas is resilient, and together, we will continue to be Vegas Strong.\r\nLast week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution that Heller introduced to honor the memory of the 58 individuals who lost their lives, recognize the hundreds who were injured, and offer support to the Las Vegas community. That resolution is available HERE. Heller also recently delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate to pay tribute to the victims of the October 1, 2017 shooting in Las Vegas, as well as recognize Nevada law enforcement, emergency responders, and the medical staff at local hospitals. The video of Heller's full remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate is available HERE, or by clicking on the image below.\r\n\r\nVIDEO: Click HERE or on the above image to watch Heller's speech.\r\nWhile he was speaking on the U.S. Senate floor last week, Heller remarked that just a few hours after injured concertgoers flooded the hospitals in Las Vegas, volunteer blood donations were encouraged, and in astatement, the Red Cross said that last night's tragedy illustrates that it's the blood already on the shelves that helps during an emergency.In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Heller and his wife, Lynne, along with thousands of Nevadans  some who waited in line for more than seven hours  donated blood in Las Vegas, and today Heller stated that he and his wife as well as members of his staff have committed to donating blood on October 1steach year in recognition of the anniversary. While it's just a small gesture, it's an important one because when the city of Las Vegas needed help and patients needed blood, the Red Cross was able to step in because the inventory was there, Heller said on the U.S. Senate floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F578DD4E-ECE4-461A-85BF-5B0480F62A48", "Heller Pushes For Additional Information from the Las Vegas VA Hospital Following Reports of Cancelled Radiology Exams", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Pushes For Additional Information from the Las Vegas VA Hospital Following Reports of Cancelled Radiology Exams\r\nReport of 250,000 Cancelled Procedures at VA Hospitals Sparks Audit of Eight VA Hospitals, Including the Las Vegas VA Medical Center\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  Following a report that found the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cancelled more than 250,000 diagnostic procedures at VA hospitals throughout the country, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) is pushing for additional information about the cancellation of procedures at the Las Vegas VA Medical Center, which is one of the eight VA hospitals included in the VA Inspector General's preemptive audit investigation.\r\nAccording to a USA Today report, the mass cancellation of exams, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, dates back to 2016 and raises questions about whether medically necessary procedures were improperly cancelled. In response to the report, the VA Inspector General is now auditing cancelled procedures at eight VA hospitals, including the VA hospital located in Las Vegas, Nevada, to determine whether VA processed radiology requests in a timely manner and appropriately managed canceled requests.\r\nI am disappointed to learn that the Inspector General felt it necessary to include the Las Vegas VA Medical Center in its audit investigation. Veterans in need of diagnostic procedures should never have to face delays or other bureaucracy as a result of the VA attempting to clear its backlog. While I recognize that some of the cancellations may have been made because the orders were outdated and duplicative, I want to ensure that the Las Vegas VA Medical Center  one of the premier health care facilities within the VA system  is properly following procedures for closing out diagnostic orders, wrote Heller, who is a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. For many veterans, these radiology exams can mean catching cancer early before it spreads. At a time when we have veterans suffering from toxic exposure that can cause cancer, the VA cannot afford to make any mistakes or cause delays,he continued.\r\nIn a letter to Las Vegas VA Medical Center Director Peggy Kearns, Heller requested the number of the hospital's cancelled radiology requests for veterans since 2016 and the reasons why the procedures were cancelled. Heller also asked questions about the hospital's protocols for scheduling a radiology appointment and verifying a provider's order to cancel a procedure. Additionally, Heller asked if the hospital will commit to immediately reviewing all of the cancelled exams within the facility if there are any instances of radiology requests being improperly cancelled.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE and below:\r\nDear Director Kearns,\r\nAs a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and a Senator representing Nevada's veterans, I write to you today regarding reports of mass cancellations of critical diagnostic procedures  like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds  since 2016 within radiology departments of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\r\nAs you know, the VA Inspector General is auditing mass cancellations of radiology requests following reports that some requests were improperly cancelled. I am disappointed to learn that the Inspector General felt it necessary to include the Las Vegas VA Medical Center in its audit investigation. Veterans in need of diagnostic procedures should never have to face delays or other bureaucracy as a result of the VA attempting to clear its backlog. While I recognize that some of the cancellations may have been made because the orders were outdated and duplicative, I want to ensure that the Las Vegas VA Medical Center  one of the premier health care facilities within the VA system  is properly following procedures for closing out diagnostic orders.\r\nFor many veterans, these radiology exams can mean catching cancer early before it spreads. At a time when we have veterans suffering from toxic exposure that can cause cancer, the VA cannot afford to make any mistakes or cause delays. Given the seriousness of this issue, I respectfully request you provide the following information and responses:\r\n \r\nHow many radiology requests for veterans have been cancelled since 2016 at the Las Vegas VA Medical Center? Of those, how many were cancelled because they were outdated and how many were cancelled because they were duplicative? For anything outside those two categories, what was the reason for the cancellation?\r\nHow did the Las Vegas VA Medical Center ensure that the guidance from the VA on canceling orders was carried out properly? If available, please provide any documentation of how the new guidance was disseminated or explained to VA staff within your facility.\r\nWhat is your process for assisting veterans if they come in for diagnostics but their order shows up as cancelled?\r\nSince 2016, has your facility ensured that there is written verification from a provider before cancelling an order?\r\nWhat is your process for contacting a veteran to schedule a radiology appointment and ensuring that veteran follows through on these needed diagnostics?\r\nIf there are any instances of radiology requests being improperly cancelled, will you commit to doing an immediate and timely review of all cancelled exams within your facility and determine whether the veteran needs to be contacted for follow up?\r\n \r\nAgain, I appreciate your attention to this issue of accountability for Nevada's heroes and request a response by October 9, 2018. I look forward to continuing our partnership together and ensuring the Las Vegas VA Medical Center meets the health care needs of our 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=1755C64E-9005-41F0-9C0F-75381AE7B4E3", "Following Hellers Push, Department of Justice Nears Its Final Ruling To Ban Bump Stock Devices", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As a leading voice in the fight to ban bump stocks, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today released the below statement on the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) move that will help finalize a new regulation to prohibit the sale of bump stock devices.\r\n\r\nAs we near the one-year anniversary of the October 1st, 2017 tragedy, I applaud the Trump Administration's Department of Justice for working to overturn this Obama-era regulation, and I am encouraged that a rule permanently banning the sale of bump stock devices is almost finalized,\" said Heller. \"After urging the Trump Administration to take action on bump stocks, and discussing this issue personally with the President on Air Force One in the immediate aftermath of the Las Vegas shooting, I'm pleased with this recent progress and I am hopeful that a final rule will be issued as soon as possible. While it is impossible to eradicate pure evil from this world, this step is yet another way that we are working to keep our communities safe here in Nevada.\r\n\r\nOnce finalized by the Office of Management and Budget, the rule will clarify that bump stocks fall within the definition of machinegun under federal law and thus are prohibited.\r\nToday's news comes after Heller led a group of Senators in urging the Trump Administrationto review the Obama Administration decision on bump stocks and issue its own interpretation.\r\n   Background:\r\nFollowing the October 1, 2017 shooting in Las Vegas, Sen. Heller spoke with President Trump about bump stocks andurged the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to swiftly review an Obama Administration decisionthat permitted the sale of bump stock devices and issue its own interpretation. Heller's letter to the ATF is availableHERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AAA51D46-4F0D-4DE2-B7C8-3B5289084618", "Heller, Manchin Lead Bipartisan Effort to Direct Rural Broadband Funding to High Cost Areas", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing a letter urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to designate a high cost set aside within the e-Connectivity Pilot Program established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act to reach rural and geographically challenged areas of the country that need it most. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, 80 percent are located in rural areas. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME).\r\nThe Senators said in part: As you know, rural America is largely at a disadvantage for broadband deployment as a result of low population density, which makes these areas less attractive to the average broadband provider looking for a large return on investment. Certain areas, however, face even bigger obstacles to deployment because of their challenging topography. Mountains and valleys, desert terrain, working forests, islands, remote coastal areas and ribbons of winding roads are central to the identity of the communities we represent, and their beauty is what draws people to visit from around the world. Unfortunately, these same natural features make it far more expensive to construct critical broadband infrastructure. For example, during the first phase of the Mobility Fund, the average cost of Auction 901 greenfield sites constructed by U.S. Cellular in West Virginia came in at about $1.2 million, three times more expensive than flatter, easier to serve states like Oklahoma which only had an average cost of about $400,000.\r\nRead the full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Secretary Perdue,\r\nAs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) begins to develop the new e-Connectivity Pilot Program established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 115-141), we appreciate this opportunity to share our perspective on what needs to be done to ensure this program is a success. We were proud to help lead the bipartisan effort to dedicate $600 million for this program, but we remain concerned that  absent a dedicated high cost set aside  these funds will fail to reach the rural, geographically challenging areas of the country that need it most.\r\nA child should never have to sit outside their school or neighborhood library in order to get online and do their homework. No working adult should have to choose between living near their family and friends and having gainful employment because they cannot get an adequate internet connection where they live. A state should never have to fear being under-represented in the upcoming Census because they do not have the broadband infrastructure for their citizenry to fully participate in the increasingly important online portions of it. Unfortunately, while we know these things should never happen, we know that they do. Our states deal with these and the other negative consequences that accompany a lack of reliable broadband access day after day. The longer this issue persists, the further we will fall behind, making it impossible to participate in a 21st century economy.\r\nAccording to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, 80 percent are located in rural areas. For far too long, our states have been on the wrong side of the digital divide. We are hopeful that the USDA's new pilot program will help our children have the tools they need to finish their school work, assist our states in attracting new residents and businesses, support seniors aging in place, strengthen digital literacy and inclusion, and ensure our communities are receiving their fair share of federal funding for important services like healthcare and telemedicine, job training, education and distance learning, tourism, and connectivity that supports rural economic development.\r\nAs you know, rural America is largely at a disadvantage for broadband deployment as a result of low population density, which makes these areas less attractive to the average broadband provider looking for a large return on investment. Certain areas, however, face even bigger obstacles to deployment because of their challenging topography. Mountains and valleys, desert terrain, working forests, islands, remote coastal areas and ribbons of winding roads are central to the identity of the communities we represent, and their beauty is what draws people to visit from around the world. Unfortunately, these same natural features make it far more expensive to construct critical broadband infrastructure. For example, during the first phase of the Mobility Fund, the average cost of Auction 901 greenfield sites constructed by U.S. Cellular in West Virginia came in at about $1.2 million, three times more expensive than flatter, easier to serve states like Oklahoma which only had an average cost of about $400,000. \r\nWith the additional effort and higher costs associated with this difficult and remote terrain, it is clear why providers would choose to avoid broadband deployment in high cost, geographically challenging areas. Many of our states must absorb these high costs and invest their own resources into building out broadband infrastructure in hopes of reducing the financial barriers to attracting private partners, but they cannot afford to do it alone. We need a federal partner that understands these unique challenges our states face when trying to expand broadband service and we ask that USDA consult with states to create a high-cost definition that accurately reflects the significant additional costs associated with deploying broadband in these areas so that our states can effectively compete for grant funding with other states that can build out for pennies on the dollar. We strongly encourage you to address this disparity and ensure our states have a fair shot at this funding by establishing a reasonable set aside within this $600 million allocation for high-cost, hard to serve areas like the places we represent.\r\nOnce considered a luxury, access to the internet has now become a critical lifeline to society and the future of our economy. We need your help to ensure that all Americans, no matter their area code, have access to a high-speed, reliable internet connection. We thank you for carefully considering this request and look forward to working together to ensure that this program helps those that need it most.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=02A50C85-795E-4597-9A57-244463D3AE26", "Heller, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Bill Calling for Additional Sanctions to Crack Down on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and a group of bipartisan senators to introduce legislation that helps combat the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the main facilitator of the Iranian government's sponsorship of terrorism and threats internationally. The IRGC Economic Exclusion Acttargets the IRGC's assets by authorizing the administration to sanction entities in which the organization has an ownership stake of less than fifty percent. It also calls for additional sanctions on any individuals supporting or conducting transactions with the IRGC or other sanctioned groups or individuals.\r\nAmid the instability that continues to spread across the Middle East, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has appeared as the most lethal and sophisticated arm of the Iranian government's nefarious activities. In particular, the IRGC has been an ardent supporter of the brutal regime of Bashar al- Assad, with IRGC commanders actively fighting and training in Syria. The organization has also significantly expanded the scope and scale of Hezbollah's capabilities in Lebanon, and has been a key factor in the escalation of hostilities on the border with Israel  most recently, rockets launched from Iranian bases in Syria into the Golan Heights on May 10.This legislation provides an opportunity for the United States and its partners to broaden options for exerting greater pressure on the Iranian government in response to its destabilizing activities.\r\nThe murderous Iranian regime is responsible for committing heinous human rights abuses and spreading terror throughout the Middle East and around the globe, said Heller. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the regime's belligerence, and our bipartisan legislation is an important step toward holding Iran accountable by authorizing additional sanctions against the regime's enablers.\r\nThe list of Iran's destructive activities at home and across the region is long, and it ranges from human rights abuses to its support to terrorist groups to facilitating the use of chemical weapons, said Hatch. Our bill hits the regime where it hurts at a time when it matters most by targeting the assets of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Iranian government's main vehicle for much of this criminal activity. It is a step that allows the United States to use the full range of options to exert pressure on the Iranian government and its proxies. We must hold Iran's leaders to account, and this legislation will help us do exactly that.\r\nThe United States has taken aggressive steps to deter anyone trading with IRGC- affiliated companies or dealing with the group in any way, and has added the organization to the State Department's Foreign Terrorist Organizations list. In recognition of the new scope and depth of IRGC activities, particularly its promotion of the Assad regime in Syria, the legislation calls for the following measures:\r\n \r\nAdditional Sanctions: Calls for imposing sanctions on any entity in which the IRGC has an ownership interest of less than fifty percent. Additionally, the legislation calls for additional sanctions on any individuals supporting or conducting transactions with the IRGC or other sanctioned groups or individuals.\r\nRestrictions from WTO: The legislation requires that it be part of US policy to prevent Iran's membership in the World Trade Organization and other international bodies until the Secretary of State determines that the Government of Iran no longer provides support to international terrorism.\r\nReport: Requires reports on IRGC's influence on the Iranian economy and state-owned enterprises that facilitate terrorism. Additionally, the legislation requires a report on the foreign and domestic supply chains of the IRGC, specifying the channels and entities that support or facilitate its financial interests.\r\nBriefing: In addition to briefing the appropriate committees on a classified version of the report, the legislation calls for the public availability of an unclassified version of the report to be posted on the website of the Departments of the Treasury and State.\r\n \r\nAdditional cosponsors of the bipartisan legislation include U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), John Cornyn (R-TX), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Deb Fischer (R-NE).\r\nWe need tough, smart national security strategies to keep American families safe, and that's exactly what this bipartisan bill would help accomplish, said Heitkamp. The United States cannot tolerate Iran's support for terrorism and it must also rein in Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and human rights abuses. I've long supported and helped pass the sanctions now in place against Iran to punish it for supporting terrorism and pursuing ballistic missiles. Our bill would build on those efforts by specifically targeting Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and holding Iran's feet to the fire as long as it backs terrorism.\r\nThe Iranian regime employs the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps to promote terror and suppress human rights in their country and throughout the Middle East, said Wicker. This bill would help cut off the flow of capital the IRGC uses to carry out attacks, destabilize the region, and threaten world peace.\r\nFor too long, theIRGChas been one of the world's greatest facilitators and financers of terrorism around the world,said Tillis.This bipartisan legislation will put sanctions in place that are needed to target the entities funding these threats and combat this rogue regime, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation passed and hold the Iranian leaders accountable for their actions.\r\nIran's Revolutionary Guard Corps leads the charge for Iran's terrorist activity in the Middle East and around the world, said Rounds.The more we can do to damage their abilities to operate, the faster we can make an impact in slowing Iran's aggressive agenda.Our legislation will help do that.\r\nFor far too long, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has worked to promote violence and terrorism around the world, including through its support for the Assad regime, funding of Iran's ballistic missile program, and assistance to terrorist groups,said Collins. Our bipartisan bill will increase economic pressure on the IRGC by imposing additional sanctions, blocking Iran's access to the WTO, and requiring additional monitoring of the IRGC until Iran stops its destabilizing and destructive actions.\r\nIran continues to be the number one state-sponsor of terror, and the central role of the IRGC in this and other malign activity is undisputed, said Fischer. Our bipartisan effort would further support the administration's goal of disrupting the commercial networks facilitating Iran's dangerous and destabilizing behavior.\r\nStatements of Support:\r\nAlireza Nader, Chief Executive Officer, New Iran\r\n\"This legislation will put much needed additional pressure on theIRGC, a force responsible for repressing the Iranian people and for spreading terror across the Middle East. Congressional authorization of sanctions against the Iranian regime should be commended as the Iranian people struggle for their freedom. Senator Hatch's support for Iranians fighting for their freedoms is greatly appreciated by the Iranian-American community.\"\r\nSandra Hagee Parker, Chairwoman, Christians United for Israel Action Fund\r\n\"Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Action Fund supports and commends Senator Hatch's efforts to hold the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accountable for funding vicious acts of terrorism. Exacting repercussions on the number one state sponsor of terrorism, and their proxies, is an uncontroversial action that should be unanimously agreed upon without delay. If implemented, the Senator's bill seeks to carry out crippling economic constraints on the brutal behavior carried out by the IRGC. We thank Senator Hatch and urge other Senators to offer their support and sponsorship of his bill.\r\nMark Dubowitz, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Defense of Democracies\r\nThe IRGC has deeply penetrated the Iranian economy through their ownership interests in strategic sectors of most interest to international businesses. The US government should impose sanctions on IRGC holdings below the 50 percent threshold and help international companies avoid transactions with one of the most dangerous and destructive players in the Islamic Republic. Senator Hatch's bill provides an essential statutory framework to help unravel the IRGC's malign networks.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=13E3B19B-E286-4391-B4C0-E1A14CEBBAAF", "Three Heller Measures to Help Veterans Get Jobs, Promote STEM Programs, Support Pregnant Women and Infants Headed to the Presidents Desk", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Measures Included in Final Conference Agreement\r\nWASHINGTON Following approval by the U.S. Senate, the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, and Related Agencies conference agreement today was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, and itincludedthreeprovisions authored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV). Specifically, Heller's provisions are aimed at helping Nevada's veterans find jobs, promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Nevada's schools, and providing support to pregnant women and their infants.\r\nThis marks the first time in more than a decade that Congress, including the U.S. Senate, has passed these two essential funding bills  Department of Defense and Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies  on time and through regular order. The conference agreement now goes to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nToday marks a momentous accomplishment for Congress as we continue to get the job done on time, in regular order,said Heller. In addition to providing the largest pay raise for our troops in nearly a decade and increasing funding to address the opioid epidemic, I was proud to see that the conference agreement includes three of my provisions. Whether it's ensuring our nation's veterans have theresourcesthey need to succeed, promoting STEM programs in schools throughout our state, or supporting mothers and their newborn children, I will continue to advance commonsense policies to help communities across the state of Nevada. As the fifth most bipartisan senator in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to have worked on both sides of the aisle to send this agreement to the President's desk.\r\nHeller, along with his colleague U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), secured a provision to ensure up to $3.5 million is available to carry out a pilot program on apprenticeships for service members transitioning to civilian life. Heller also worked with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to require the Department of Education to provide a report on how the agency is coordinating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to promote STEM programs that benefit pre-kindergarden-12 students.\r\nAdditionally, Heller worked with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) to author a provision that will strengthen the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) efforts to leverage birth defects surveillance systems to improve its ability to monitor the occurrence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).Recently, seven of Heller's bills aimed at combating Nevada's opioid epidemic passed the U.S. Senate, including legislation that would expand access to treatment for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder and newborns who are suffering from withdrawal.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8000D3E7-59C2-4EEA-A170-35F20C99BB34", "VIDEO: Heller on the Anniversary of Las Vegas Shooting: Las Vegas Showed the World What it Meant to be Vegas Strong", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Delivers Speech on U.S. Senate Floor to Honor Victims, Recognize Heroes\r\n WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate to recognize the approaching one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 1st, 2017. Heller's speech follows the U.S. Senate's passage of his bipartisan resolution to honor the memory of the 58 individuals who lost their lives and offer support to the hundreds who were injured and those who continue down the long road toward physical and emotional recovery. That resolution is available HERE, and a video of Heller's speech in which he recognizes the victims, acknowledges the ordinary Nevadans who emerged as heroes, and shares his appreciation for Nevada's law enforcement and first responders is available HERE.\r\n58 innocent people lost their lives. Over 800 people were injured  and many of them continue to face a long road to physical and emotional recovery. Know that you're not alone on that road  we support you, and we're praying for you, Heller stated. Our community is still grieving and it will never be the same, but hatred and fear did not win that night. That is because even though one man's horrific actions exposed humanity at its worst, what followed were countless stories of true heroism and humanity at its very best.Las Vegas showed the world what it meant to be Vegas strong, and I had the honor of experiencing it firsthand, in the eyes and voices of those who survived and those who were eager to help others. On that tragic night, so many ordinary Nevadans made the choice to be extraordinary.\r\nDuring his remarks, Heller highlighted extraordinary Nevadans who stayed on the field to help the wounded as shots continued to rein down, took shirts off their backs, used their belts as tourniquets, and applied pressure to help stop a stranger from bleeding. He said that some made stretchers on the spot,using the festival barriers, and some used their trucks and vehicles to transport the wounded to the hospitals. For example, Taylor Winston, a Marine and Iraq war veteran, managed to escape the gunfire. He helped several people over a fence where they took cover. He then found an abandoned vehicle and turned it into a makeshift ambulance. After rushing multiple people to the hospital, he turned around and went back. He ultimately drove around 30 injured people to the hospital, Heller said. Many of the heroes who emerged in the wake of this tragedy didn't have a badge. Instead, they were teachers, waiters, security guards, and construction workers who assumed the responsibility to protect others.\r\nHeller also shared stories about patients who showed exemplary courage and selflessness in the emergency room, and praised the medical staff at local hospitals whose skill, composure, and dedication saved one life after another. He also recounted meeting a respiratory therapist who works at UMC and attended the concert. Even though she was wounded, she bandaged herself up and rushed to the hospital to try to help people who she said needed it more than she did.\r\n\r\nVIDEO: Click HERE or on the above image to watch Heller's speech.\r\nWhile he was speaking on the U.S. Senate floor, Heller remarked that just a few hours after injured concertgoers flooded the hospitals in Las Vegas, volunteer blood donations were encouraged, and in a statement, the Red Cross said that last night's tragedy illustrates that it's the blood already on the shelves that helps during an emergency.In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Heller and his wife, Lynne, along with thousands of Nevadans  some who waited in line for more than seven hours  donated blood in Las Vegas, and today Heller stated that he and his wife as well as members of his staff have committed to donating blood on October 1st each year in recognition of the anniversary. While it's just a small gesture, it's an important one because when the city of Las Vegas needed help and patients needed blood, the Red Cross was able to step in because the inventory was there, said Heller.\r\nThe immeasurable pain, suffering, and devastation inflicted by one man elicited a profound, innate, and immediate human response from a city of people who stood side by side during its darkest hour to protect a friend or a stranger they had never met. We are all still in this together. And together, we'll continue moving down the long road of recovery by honoring the memory of those lost and by holding onto the sense of compassion and community that emerged, Heller concluded. Ronald Reagan once stated, Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.' On October first and in the days that followed, the world witnessed a Las Vegas that they maybe didn't know  a place that has been further defined by the heroes who are among us  the ones who sprung into action that night. That is the true identity of Las Vegas.\r\nHeller's full remarks as prepared can be found below:\r\nMadam President---\r\nWhile it's been nearly a year since a madman's actions devastated Las Vegas, the shock and pain related to October first still remain today.\r\n58 innocent lives were lost. Over 800 people were injured  and many of them continue to face a long road to physical and emotional recovery. Know that you're not alone on that road  we support you, and we're praying for you.\r\nOur community is still grieving and it will never be the same, but hatred and fear did not win that night.\r\nThat is because even though one man's horrific actions exposed humanity at its worst, what followed were countless stories of true heroism and humanity at its best.\r\nLas Vegas showed the world what it meant to be Vegas strong, and I had the honor of experiencing it firsthand, in the eyes and voices of those who survived and those who were eager to help others.\r\nOn that tragic night, so many ordinary Nevadans made the choice to be extraordinary.\r\nThey stayed on the field to help the wounded as shots continued to rein down.\r\nThey took shirts off their backs, used their belts as tourniquets, and applied pressure to help stop a stranger from bleeding.\r\nSome made stretchers on the spot,using the festival barriers, and some used their trucks and vehicles to transport the wounded to the hospitals.\r\nFor example, Taylor Winston, a Marine and Iraq war veteran, managed to escape the gunfire. He helped several people over a fence where they took cover. He then found an abandoned vehicle and turned it into a makeshift ambulance. After rushing multiple people to the hospital, he turned around and went back. He ultimately drove around 30 injured people to the hospital.\r\nThat night, police officers also covered concertgoers, shielding them from gunfire and directing them to safety.\r\nFirefighters, paramedics, and ambulance drivers - who had never encountered anything as horrific as the carnage of October first  plunged into danger to save lives without hesitation even though they were defenseless. Because that's just what they do.\r\nThat week, I had the privilege of meeting a Las Vegas police officer, Sergeant Jonathan Riddle. He was stationed a block from the shooting scene doing traffic control.\r\nAfter shots were fired from Mandalay Bay, he took off sprinting toward the hotel  even though everyone else was running away from it.\r\nDozens of Metro police officers, including Officer Tyler Peterson who was on his second day of the job, did the same thing. They rushed toward the firestorm to help in any way that they could. To save lives.\r\nWhen I visited the local hospitals, I was struck by the stories that the doctors and nurses shared about concertgoers who responded bravely and admirably.\r\nStories about people who reacted to cowardly violence and stood in the face of danger to protect a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or someone they've never met.\r\nA doctor at UMC put it best when he said that the patients showed exemplary courage.\r\nHe told me that he spoke to all of the patients in the trauma room. Some of them were strangers who accompanied the person who sustained injuries while shielding them from bullets.\r\nHe told me that many of the patients in the emergency room that night said to doctors, that person is more seriously injured than I am, take care of them first and come back to me later.\r\nWhen I visited UMC, I had the opportunity to meet one of the respiratory therapists who attended the concert. She showed me her phone, which had been shattered by a bullet that night.\r\nPlastic had torn through her hand, and it was imbedded in her skin.What did she do?Pulled the shards out of her hand, bandaged herself up, and rushed to the hospital to try to help people who she said needed it more than she did.\r\nI'm so grateful for the staff at our hospitals whose skill, composure, and dedication saved one life after another.\r\nI'm also grateful for the work of our law enforcement and the first responders on the scene. Each unit took an all-hands-on-deck approach and everyone functioned as one team.\r\nInstead of being frozen by the aftershock of crippling grief, Nevada mobilized and true leaders emerged. My friend Sheriff Joe Lombardo, who heads the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, is one of them.\r\nBut many of the heroes who emerged in the wake of this tragedy didn't have a badge. Instead, they were teachers, waiters, security guards, and construction workers who assumed the responsibility to protect others.\r\nTake the story of Jack Beaton  a man whose final act on Earth was draping himself over his wife to protect her from the deadly bullets. Or John, a cab driver, who accelerated toward the screams and chaos and drove nearly a dozen people to safety.\r\nEveryone banded together. Local organizations and businesses throughout the state and country stepped up to help. Las Vegas Convention Center's 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.\r\nLines of people who were eager to give blood twisted around Las Vegas. Some even waited in line more than seven hours just because they wanted to help in any way that they could.\r\nJust a few hours after injured concertgoers flooded the hospitals in Las Vegas, the Red Cross encouraged volunteer blood donations. In a statement, the Red Cross said last night's tragedy illustrates that it's the blood already on the shelves that helps during an emergency.\r\nMy wife, Lynne, and I joined the masses of Nevadans who donated blood in Las Vegas last October.\r\nAnd on Monday, October first, and on this day each year going forward, we will donate blood in recognition of this anniversary. Members of my staff who want to give blood have committed to doing the same.\r\nWhile it's just a small gesture, it's an important one because when the city of Las Vegas needed help and patients needed blood, the Red Cross was able to step in because the inventory was there.\r\nWhen I returned to Washington, D.C. from Las Vegas last October, I immediately began pursuing every available option to provide relief for victims and their families as well as assistance for local law enforcement and emergency responders.\r\nFrom pressing the Attorney General to make funding available for victims and their families and securing funding to cover Nevada law enforcement's overtime costs related to their response to the shooting, to leading a bipartisan resolution recognizing the innocent lives that were lost and working with Senator Cortez Masto to ask health insurers and airlines to do whatever they could to help victims, I worked with this Congress and this White House to deliver resources to Nevada and try to help in any way that we can.\r\nTo help Las Vegas prevent future attacks, I also spoke with the President on Air Force One on our way out to Nevada last October about the critical role of federal funding to protect a city that welcomes more than 40 million people annually.\r\nAs a direct result, the criteria used to determine funding that is allocated to high-threat urban areas to help them deter, mitigate, and respond to acts of terrorism was updated, and this year, Las Vegas received nearly double the amount of federal funding compared to last year. I'll never stop working to see that Nevada has the resources it needs to keep our communities safe.\r\nAs President Donald Trump said, this attack was an act of pure evil and unity cannot be shattered by evil. He also said that the bonds between the people of the United States cannot be broken by violence, and I agree with him.\r\nWe are all still in this together. And together, we'll continue moving down the long road of recovery by honoring the memory of those lost and by holding onto the sense of compassion and community that emerged.\r\nI  like many others  could not only feel the strong sense of family, faith, and strength in the wake of October first, I saw it firsthand.\r\nThe immeasurable pain, suffering, and devastation inflicted by one man elicited a profound, innate, and immediate human response from a city of people who stood side by side during its darkest hour to protect a friend or a stranger they had never met.\r\nRonald Reagan once stated, those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.\r\nOn October first and in the days that followed, the world witnessed a Las Vegas that they maybe didn't know  a place that has been further defined by the heroes who are among us  the ones who sprung into action that night. That is the true identity of Las Vegas.\r\nLas Vegas is resilient, and together, we will continue to be Vegas Strong.\r\nThank you Madam President. 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=8AD8810D-1CAE-4B37-9934-004A048F3C4E", "Heller Presses Interior Department to Implement His Bill to Help Alleviate Nevadas Affordable Housing Crisis", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller to Secretary Zinke: Implement Program that Expedites the Sale of Federal Lands\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) urged U.S. Secretary of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ryan Zinketo help alleviate the impact of the affordable housing crisis in Nevada by using the Department's authorities to free up federal lands in Nevada so that communities can develop single and multi-family housing units to ultimately increase affordable housing options. Specifically, Heller pushed Secretary Zinke to implement his bipartisan legislation that reauthorized the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), a program that allows DOI to expedite the sale of federal lands that are already eligible for disposal. The Heller-backed program, which also ensures the proceeds from the land sales are used to acquire high-value conservation lands, serves as a critical tool for states like Nevada to address soaring housing costs and break down barriers to the development of new housing projects given that 85 percent of Nevada's lands are managed by the federal government.\r\nNevada is one of the fastest growing states in both population and economic expansion, and as a result Nevada is experiencing a lack of affordable housing because the demand for it is outpacing the supply. According to recent data, Nevada ranks last among states that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families. In March, it was reported that rising housing costs in Reno, Nevada surpassed a 10-year record.\r\nThis year, I worked successfully to pass a permanent reauthorization of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), which allows your department to sell lands already marked for disposal in an expedited fashion while ensuring the sale's proceeds go toward acquiring lands with higher conservation values. I respectfully request that you quickly implement the reauthorization of FLTFA, ensuring that communities across my state are able to acquire federal lands marked for disposal in an expedited manner to help alleviate some of our affordable housing shortage, Heller wrote to Secretary Zinke. While we continue to seek solutions to address affordable housing issues in Nevada, the U.S. Department of the Interior can continue to play a key role in helping Nevadans who are in need and those who are working toward the American Dream of affordable homeownership.\r\nBefore 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.Between its enactment in 2000 and its initial expiration in 2011, FLTFA facilitated the sale of $88 million of lands in Nevada and contributed $35 million toward conservation projects. 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.\r\nThe Conservation Fund has been gratified by the reauthorization of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), a common-sense lands tool that achieves economic and conservation goals, said Mike Ford, Nevada and Southwest Director for The Conservation Fund. We support continued implementation of FLTFA as a critical tool for more efficient land management and expanded business operations, as well as the enhanced public access for outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing; conservation of wildlife habitat; and protection of water quality made possible by FLTFA proceeds.\r\nIn July, Heller and a group of bipartisan senators introduced theTask Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act,legislation that seeks to better understand and respond to America's affordable housing crisis by creating a bipartisan affordable housing task force. In addition to evaluating and quantifying the impact of housing costs on government programs, the task force will also provide recommendations to Congress with the goal of developing commonsense solutions.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: \r\nDear Secretary Zinke:\r\nThank you for your continued support for the State of Nevada. As fellow Westerners, I have appreciated the opportunity to work with you and your department on issues that are unique to Western states and, in some cases, my home state of Nevada. As you know, over the last few years, my state has experienced significant economic and population growth, and while communities across Nevada are prospering, many are facing an affordable housing shortage. The U.S. Department of the Interior has the potential to play a critical role in helping address the affordable housing crisis in Nevada and throughout the entire West.\r\nThrough my work on the Senate Finance and Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committees, I have worked on solutions which would promote better access and development for affordable housing. I helped introduce bipartisan legislation, the Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act (S.3231), which would establish a task force to evaluate and make recommendations to Congress on how to improve federal programs to spur more affordable housing in Nevada and throughout the country. I am also a strong supporter and advocate for expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to address our nation's affordable housing needs.These initiatives would go a long way toward addressing the needs of many families who are seeking affordable housing options.\r\nOne of the most significant issues affecting housing prices in Nevada is the lack of land to develop single and multi-family housing units. Housing inventories remain significantly low in many parts of Nevada while demand for homes remains high. Nevada communities need to develop new land to keep pace with the explosive growth in jobs and economic opportunities. The fact that 85% of Nevada's land is managed by the federal government creates many barriers to development, which increase housing prices.\\\r\nA useful tool within your department's purview is the strategic sale of federal lands already found suitable for disposal by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This year, I worked successfully to pass a permanent reauthorization of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), which allows your department to sell lands already marked for disposal in an expedited fashion while ensuring the sale's proceeds go toward acquiring lands with higher conservation values. I respectfully request that you quickly implement the reauthorization of FLTFA, ensuring that communities across my state are able to acquire federal lands marked for disposal in an expedited manner to help alleviate some of our affordable housing shortage.\r\nI would also like to thank you for your continued support of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA). The SNPLMA program is not only one of your department's most successful programs, but it is also responsible for the Las Vegas region's unprecedented growth over the last 20 years and has invested $3.5 billion in conservation projects, hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention, and a host of other important programs and projects across the state. Keeping programs like this intact is vital to the continued well-being of Nevada.  \r\nWhile we continue to seek solutions to address affordable housing issues in Nevada, the U.S. Department of the Interior can continue to play a key role in helping Nevadans who are in need and those who are working toward the American Dream of affordable homeownership. I appreciate your consideration of my request and respectfully ask for a response by October 26, 2018. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my staff member Scott Riplinger at 202-224-6244.Thank you for your efforts, and I look forward to working with you on this and other important issues in Nevada.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A2BA3EC5-456B-4607-9114-9546215F82C4", "VIDEO: Heller Continues His Push to Extend Disability Benefits to Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON During today's U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) continued his push to reverse Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie's position on legislation that Heller is championing to provide disability benefits to Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. In September, Heller urged Secretary Wilkie to reconsider the VA'soppositiontolegislation (S.422) that would extend disability benefits to our Blue Water veterans for medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure.Today, VA Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-NV) provided Heller and concerned veterans with assurances that the committee is working toward a solution to resolve the issue of Blue Water Navy Veterans' access to disability benefits. Under current law, a Vietnam veteran must prove a foot on land occurrence in order to qualify for the presumptions of service-connection for Agent Orange-related illnesses. Given the seriousness of veteran exposure to toxic substances, Heller believes it is important to provide veterans who suffer from the effects of toxicexposure access to the benefits they have earned and deserve. That is why he is a cosponsor of S.422, legislation that would allow Blue Water Navy veterans who served up to 12 miles off-shore in Vietnam presumptive coverage for Agent Orange exposure. During today's hearing, Heller stated that the lack of disability benefits for Blue Water Navy Veterans was among the top concerns that Nevada veterans expressed during a recent roundtable discussion in Reno, Nevada. He spoke about Joe from Elko, a Blue Water Navy veteran who has been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. While prostate cancer is a disease associated with Agent Orange, Joe is not eligible for compensation because he is a Blue Water Navy Veteran. There's a gentleman in Nevada, from Elko, his name is Joe, and he is a Blue Water Navy veteran and he's been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. It's a disease that's associated with Agent Orange, but he isn't eligible for compensation because he is a Blue Water Navy Veteran. My concern is: I think we're turning our back on Joe,Heller told Secretary Wilkie. Video of the full exchange between Secretary Wilkie and Heller, as well as Chairman Isakson's follow up remarks, are availableHERE.\r\n  [ClickHEREor on the above image to view the video from today's hearing.]  *Media has permission to use video.\r\nHeller then asked Secretary Wilkie to clarify his position on compensation for Blue Water Navy Veterans. During his response, Secretary Wilkie referenced his emotional attachment to the cause of Vietnam veterans citing his father, who was gravely wounded in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, and his classmate's parents who did not return. Secretary Wilkie said he had many discussions with Chairman Isakson about this issue, and he pledged to work with the Committee to ensure that the VA is just and equitable in providing benefits to Vietnam veterans. My pledge is to work to make sure that we get it right, and that is something I believe in sincerely and emotionally,Secretary Wilkie said. If we get it right, anyone who fought, anyone who was exposed and deserves attention from us - will get it. That is my pledge - to work as hard as I can to see that nobody slips through the cracks,he later continued. Chairman Isakson also addressed Heller's concerns about Blue Water Navy Veterans' access to disability benefits, and he provided assurances that the Committee is working toward a solution. The issue of dealing with Blue Water Navy is no longer going to be a question.Howwe do it is the only question,ChairmanIsaksonstated.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AECADB2E-78FA-4A52-BFD4-70D2AC80E574", "U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Introduced by Heller, Bipartisan Group of Senators to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a resolution, that was introduced by U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV),Bob Menendez (D-NJ), John Cornyn (R-TX), and a bipartisan group of senators,to recognize September 15 through October 15 asHispanicHeritage Month. I welcome the U.S. Senate passage of our bipartisan resolution recognizing September 15ththrough October 15thasHispanicHeritage Month. This is yet another opportunity to recognize the Latino community's great contributions to Nevada and this country, as well as acknowledge their role in building a stronger Nevada and nation,said Heller.More than one million Latinos call Nevada home, and our state is better off because of it. This month in particular  we celebrate that.\" Last week,the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution that Heller cosponsored to recognize the work, goals, and achievements of over 490 non-profitHispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) throughout the country by designating the week of September 17-23 as \"NationalHispanic-Serving Institutions Week.\"Defined as degree-granting institutions where totalHispanic enrollment constitutes of no less than 25% of the total enrollment, HSIs play a critical role in educatingHispanicyouth and improving the communities in which they are located. HSIs are located in 21 states and Puerto Rico with emergingHispanic-Serving Institutions located in 33 States and the District of Columbia. Additional cosponsors of this resolution include U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Tom Udall (D-NM).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=EEE8917C-825E-4B48-B601-194E835A47F4", "Heller Announces Funding to Help The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and the Washoe Tribe Address the Opioid Crisis", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) has announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will awardtwo of Nevada's tribal communities a total of $379,686 to address the opioid crisis and provide mental health and substance abuse services. Specifically, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony will receive $165,896, and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California will receive $213,790.\r\nI am encouraged that nearly $400,000 has been awarded to tribal communities in Nevada to strengthen efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, said Heller. Our tribal and rural communities are disproportionally impacted by drug overdoses, and that is why it is important that these communities are prepared to provide the proper services to individuals facing addiction.\r\nThis month, the U.S. Senate passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act (H.R.6), which included seven of Heller'sproposals that will help individuals who are struggling with addiction.For example, Heller helped author provisions that will make sure that treatment is available for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder, reduce the number of fraudulent and duplicative prescriptions, and increase seniors' access to information about opioid use and pain management. Heller's bipartisanCaring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Actwas also included in this package and will allow Medicaid to cover specialized withdrawal care for infants suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\nBelow is a full list of legislation included in the Opioid Response Act that Heller either authored or co-authored:\r\n \r\nS.2909, Assessing Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Act(Heller/Bennet).This would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify barriers to doctors' and pharmacists' provision of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Medicaid. This bill would help support states' removing barriers so doctors and pharmacists can use the least burdensome MAT distribution methods.\r\nS.2911, Enhancing Patient Access to Non-Opioid Treatment Options(Heller/Casey).This legislation would clarify states' legal authority to pursue non-opioid related prescribing.\r\nS.2921, Securing Flexibility to Treat Substance Use Disorders Act(Heller/Menendez).This legislation would codify the regulations permitting managed care plans to cover treatment in an institution for mental disease (IMD) for a certain number of days in a month in lieu of other types of services.\r\nS.2707, Informing Seniors about Opioids Act(Nelson/Heller).This legislation would update the Medicare and You handbook to include information about opioid use, pain management, and alternative pain management treatments.\r\nS.2460, Every Prescription Conveyed Securely Act(Bennet/Heller/Warren/Toomey).This legislation would direct health care providers to use electronic prescribing for controlled substances for Medicare Part D transactions. Electronic prescriptions would generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline the prescription process for both providers and their patients.\r\nS.2899, Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies Act(Brown/Portman/Capito/King/Manchin/Heller/Casey/Whitehouse).This legislation would recognize residential pediatric care centers within Medicaid to treat babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\nS.2922, Help for Moms and Babies Act(Stabenow/Heller).This legislation would provide protection for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder and are seeking treatment within an IMD. This bill would continue providing pregnant women seeking treatment with prenatal and postpartum services for 60 days under Medicaid.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=A8E881A0-23F5-4134-A496-4DA955684CA2", "VIDEO: Heller Continues His Push to Extend Disability Benefits to Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Videos \n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n    \r\n        Pursuant to Senate Policy, petitions, opinion polls and unsolicited mass electronic communications cannot be initiated by this office for the 60-day period immediately before the date of a primary or general election. Subscribers currently receiving electronic communications from this office who wish to unsubscribe may do so here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1434", "House Unanimously Passes Amodei's Nevada Lands Bill Technical Corrections Act", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\r\n\r\n\tSeptember 25, 2018\r\n\r\n\tContact:Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Mark Amodei's (NV-02) Nevada Lands Bill Technical Corrections Act of 2018 (H.R. 6299) unanimously passed out of the House of Representatives today. This legislation will modify existing public lands bills to boost economic growth and development across Nevada while paying respect to environmental concerns.\r\n\r\n\tThis legislation is a win-win for Nevadans, said Congressman Amodei. The measures included in this bill will create long-term economic prosperity and strengthen Nevada's conservation efforts by responsibly authorizing land development and restoration projects. I would like to acknowledge and thank my colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee for making this a priority and moving it through the House. I'm pleased to see this legislation advance with unanimous, bipartisan support and will continue working for common-sense policies that give businesses in Nevada increased opportunities for growth and success.\r\n\r\n\tBackground:\r\n\r\n\tH.R. 6299, the Nevada Lands Bill Technical Corrections Act of 2018, would modify the process of the Secretary of the Interior to:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvide a technical correction to facilitate previously authorized land transfers in Storey County;\r\n\t\r\n\t\tAuthorize hazardous fuel reduction projects and wildfire planning for restoration projects in Lincoln County; and\r\n\t\r\n\t\tFully implement the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act.\r\n \r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/house-unanimously-passes-amodeis-nevada-lands-bill-technical-corrections-act", "House Unanimously Passes Amodei's Nevada Lands Bill Technical Corrections Act", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Mark E. Amodei", "A000369", "amodei.house.gov", "amodei", "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nSeptember 25, 2018\n\nContact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mark Amodei\u2019s (NV-02) Nevada Lands Bill Technical Corrections Act of 2018 (H.R. 6299) unanimously passed out of the House of Representatives today. This legislation will modify existing public lands bills to boost economic growth and development across Nevada while paying respect to environmental concerns.\n\n\u201cThis legislation is a win-win for Nevadans,\u201d said Congressman Amodei. \u201cThe measures included in this bill will create long-term economic prosperity and strengthen Nevada\u2019s conservation efforts by responsibly authorizing land development and restoration projects. I would like to acknowledge and thank my colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee for making this a priority and moving it through the House. I\u2019m pleased to see this legislation advance with unanimous, bipartisan support and will continue working for common-sense policies that give businesses in Nevada increased opportunities for growth and success.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nH.R. 6299, the Nevada Lands Bill Technical Corrections Act of 2018, would modify the process of the Secretary of the Interior to:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:06:18Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2759951A-28B8-4649-AECF-89CA6F4C43A3", "Heller Announces $500,000 DOJ Grant to Help Clark County Leverage Technology to Fight Crime", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice will award Clark County Social Service a $500,000 grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Technology Innovation for Public Safety (TIPS): Addressing Precipitous Increases in Crime program, which aims to reduce crime and support law enforcement by addressing the gaps in crime prevention and response.\r\nI am pleased that Clark County Social Service was awarded $500,000 to strengthen efforts to leverage technology to help fight crime in Southern Nevada,said Heller.Las Vegas welcomes tens of millions of visitors annually and the city has experienced unprecedented growth in the past decade. That is why it's imperative that we are well-equipped to not only respond to threats, but also prevent crimes that jeopardize our tourism-based economy. I'll continue working to see that Nevada has the resources it needs to keep our community safe.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4AD894CA-89C0-428D-92E9-53BACC00509A", "Heller-Backed Bill To Increase Veterans Disability Benefits Now Heads to Presidents Desk", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today passed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation that U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) cosponsored to increase disability benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans and their dependents. The legislation, which previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives, will now be sent to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nA senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Heller joined U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Jon Tester (D-MT), the chairman and ranking member of the Committee, to introduce the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act. The bipartisan bill increases the rates of veterans' disability compensation as well as compensation for dependents, including surviving children and spouses. It also increases the clothing allowance for veterans based on rising costs of living. This cost-of-living adjustment is equivalent to the adjustment provided to recipients of Social Security.\r\nI welcome the U.S. Senate's approval of the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, legislation that I was proud to cosponsor to see that Nevada's disabled veterans and their families receive the compensation they've earned and deserved,said Heller.As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I've worked to provide Nevada's 300,000 veterans a strong voice in Washington, D.C. and I've helped navigate into law more than 40 bills designed specifically to benefit the veteran community. While we owe a debt that can never be repaid, I believe that the best way to honor those who have fought for us, is to fight for them  and I'll never stop fighting for our nation's heroes.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=80BE0065-7DCB-4FC6-814B-DA201E82C6C1", "Heller, Fischer, King Bill Would Extend The First Nationwide Paid Family Leave Policy", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Paid Family Leave Tax Incentive Guidance Issued\r\nWASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance this week enabling employers, particularly small businesses, to offer up to 12 weeks of paid family leave through a tax incentive backed by U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Angus King (I-ME) in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This historic and voluntary program is the first-ever enacted nationwide paid family leave policy, and it is the direct result of the senators' efforts to secure the tax incentive provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Prior to today's announcement, the senators introduced the Paid Family Leave Pilot Extension Act, legislation that would extend this program for three more years through 2022 in order to give businesses more time to implement a program, expand paid family leave for employees, and allow lawmakers to access sufficient data to assess the program's effectiveness. Under current law, the program is a two-year tax credit.\r\nSpecifically, the tax incentive program established as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enables employers to offer up to 12 weeks of paid family leave that can be utilized for maternity or paternity leave with biological or adopted children or to take care of a family member. In exchange for implementing the paid family leave policy, employers will receive as much as a 25 percent tax credit for the amount of wages replaced. Because this policy is targeted to hourly employees who would not otherwise have access to paid family leave, employees who participate cannot make more than $72,000 per year.\r\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, I worked to help write the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which established the first national paid family leave policy. I'm proud to continue working with Senators Fischer and King to help incentivize employers to implement a paid family policy that will help parents in Nevada take care of a newborn child or a sick family member, said Senator Heller. Nevadans shouldn't be held back from a successful career because of responsibilities at home, and our legislation will give small businesses adequate time to put into effect a policy that works for them and gives Nevada families much-needed flexibility.\r\nNow that this guidance is out, I encourage employers, especially small businesses, to take advantage of this opportunity to offer paid family leave. The program provides working families more flexibility as they balance caring for their loved ones with work obligations. Extending this tax-credit would give businesses more time to establish paid family leave and ensure this program is working for families, said Senator Fischer.\r\nToo many working parents struggle to balance the needs of their families with the needs of their job, said Senator King. Our outdated family leave policies have long hurt families and held back our economy  it's time to bring these laws into the 21st century. Our bipartisan bill should be the first step towards providing American workers with more flexibility to make a living and care for themselves and their 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=D3696642-4D5B-47B3-B340-ED8C041CB51A", "Heller-Backed Bills to Help Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs Now Headed to the Presidents Desk", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passage of two Heller-backed bills to bring down the cost of prescription drugs for patients. The bipartisan Know the Lowest Price Act (S.2553) and Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act (S.2554) both previously passed the U.S. Senate, and these bills will now be sent to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nHeller is a co-sponsor of the Know the Lowest Price Act, legislation that aims to save Nevadans covered by Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans money on their prescription drugs. This bill cracks down on contract gag clauses that block pharmacists from telling customers they could pay less for their prescription if they were to pay with cash instead of insurance. For too long, these gag clauses have prohibited pharmacists from helping their customers save money on their prescriptions. For example, it's been reported that a medication to treat diabetes or high blood pressure may cost consumers who are paying with insurance around $20, however, the same medications may only cost $8-$15 if the consumer pays with cash.\r\nPharmacists should be able to speak freely with their patients about their medications to know if they're paying the lowest price. If paying out of pocket is the most affordable, then pharmacists should be able to share that information to help prevent Nevadans from overpaying for medications that they rely on, said Heller. By preventing the use of gag clauses, these bills will help patients know the true cost of drugs and save their hard-earned money. We still have a lot of work to do to address the high cost of prescription drugs, but this a positive first step, and I look forward to seeing the President sign these bills into law.\r\nAdditionally, Heller supported the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act, legislation that would ban the use of gag clauses in group health plans sponsored by employers and individual market health insurance plans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AAAD7B5B-F2D9-447C-8D1F-0E0037DA9064", "ICYMI: Heller Again Keeps Funding for Yucca Mountain Out of Bipartisan Appropriations Signed Into Law", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON On Friday, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the conference agreement on the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, legislation that excluded funding to revive Yucca Mountain thanks to the work of U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV). While the original version of the bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives included nearly $268 million in funding for Yucca Mountain, $100 million more than what was requested in the DOE's budget,Heller worked closely with the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to keep that funding out of the U.S. Senate's version of the bill. Heller has consistently prevented the inclusion of funding for Yucca Mountain in several pieces of legislation in the U.S. Senate, and successfully kept funding out of the recent U.S Senate- and U.S. House of Representatives-passed conference agreement on the appropriations package that the President signed last week.\r\nDuring negotiations of the final conference report, Heller urgedU.S. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) to maintain theU.S. Senate's position in thereconciled version of the spending bill. That letter is availableHERE. Heller also stopped the U.S. House of Representatives efforts to advance funding that would restart the licensing process at Yucca Mountainlast year.\r\nTime and time again, the U.S. House of Representatives has attempted to toss Nevada a nuclear football,said Heller. And once again, I intercepted their efforts and made sure that not a single dollar was authorized or appropriated for the failed Yucca Mountain project. Nevada continues to reject Yucca Mountain, and that is why I will not allow the U.S. House of Representatives to turn a state that does not even produce nuclear waste into the nation's nuclear waste dump. Congress should pursue a consent-based siting solution because it's the only viable path forward.\r\nHeller is the author ofthe Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act,bipartisan legislation that permits the construction of a nuclear waste repository only if the Secretary of Energy receives written consent from the governor of the host state, affected local officials, and affected Indian tribes.\r\nAdditional Background on Heller's work to stopYuccaMountain:\r\n \r\nOn July 6, 2018,Heller contacted U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) about maintaining the position of not authorizing funding for Yucca Mountain in the final conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nOn July 2, 2018, Hellerwrote U.S. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) thanking them for not funding Yucca Mountain in the minibus and urging them not to fund any activities related to Yucca Mountain in the conference report.\r\nOn April 13, 2018, Heller contacted U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) andurged him to exclude any language that authorizes funding forYuccaMountain from the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\nOn April 13, 2018, Heller urged U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)not to fund the DOE budget request for $120 million to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn April 24, 2018, in aletter submitted to Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Heller expressed his strong opposition to funding the NRC andsaid he remains staunchly opposedto any federal efforts to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 21, 2018,during a U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing with Office of Managementand Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) highlighted the Administration's reckless and fiscally irresponsible pursuit ofYuccaMountain, stating that the federal government has already wasted billions of dollars on the project. When asked about alternative solutions to the country's nuclear waste problem,Director Mulvaney told Heller that he is open-minded to other resolutionsand suggested they work together to find one.\r\nOn March 20, 2018,in a lettersubmitted to Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)andRanking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Heller argued thatYuccaMountain poses numerous health and safety risks to the people of southern Nevada and potentially catastrophic financial risks to the state's tourism economy.He urged them not to fund the $120 million to restart the repository licensing process forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 20, 2018, Heller discussed DOE's budget requestwith Secretary Perryat a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing.Heller noted that the $120 million requested to fund licensing activities atYuccaMountain was denied last year and that it will be denied again this year.\r\nOn September 26, 2017, Hellerargued thatYuccaMountain is not the solution to our country's nuclear waste problem in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Interior, Energy, and Environment.\r\nOn July 20, 2017, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the Senate's Energy and Water Appropriations bill andunlike the version that passed the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, the Senate bill did not include funding forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn July 28, 2017,the Senate's Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee advanced a bill that did not include the $120 million requested by the Department of Energy (DOE) to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn June 21, 2017,Heller submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommitteeexpressing his vehement opposition to theYuccaMountain proposal.\r\nOn June 20, 2017, Hellerreacted to Secretary Perry's comments at a U.S. Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, characterizing them as a blatant disregard for the state of Nevada.\r\nOn June 6, 2017, Hellerexpressed concern after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance Dan Brouillette's nominationfor the deputy secretary position at the Department of Energy (DOE), the federal agency that has jurisdiction over the licensing activities atYuccaMountain.\r\nOn May 26, 2017, Hellerreacted to the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) report detailing the lengthy and costlyYuccaMountainlicensing process.\r\nOn May 25, 2017, Hellerspoke on the U.S. Senate floor and reiterated his concern with the President's 2018 Fiscal Year budget request that included $120 million to restart the licensing activities forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn May 18, 2017,Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to highlight the threat thatYuccaMountain poses not only to Nevada, but the entire country.\r\nOn May 12, 2017,Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to highlightYuccaMountain's threat to the Las Vegas economy.\r\nOn April 27, 2017,Heller reaffirmed his staunch opposition to relicensing theYuccaMountain nuclear repository to Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry.\r\nOn April 26, 2017,Heller testified before a U.S.House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearingon legislation to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 29, 2017,Heller urged the Administration to drop itsYuccaMountain proposal, included in its FY2018 budget request.\r\nOn March 16, 2017,Heller released a statement on the Administration's FY2018 budget request, which included a proposal to reviveYuccaMountain.\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=E5C1C89F-07AA-442B-8B52-E78AF3083DE7", "Ahead of One Year Anniversary of Las Vegas Shooting, U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Heller-Cortez Masto Resolution Honoring Victims, Recognizing Local Heroes", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Ahead of the one year anniversary of the mass shooting that occurred on October 1st, 2017 at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) to honor the memory of the 58 individuals who lost their lives, recognize the hundreds who were injured, and offer support to those who continue down the long road toward physical and emotional recovery.Heller and Cortez Masto also paid tribute to local law enforcement, the emergency responders, and the medical staff that bravely responded to the attack and who are responsible for saving many lives on that horrific night.\r\nOctober 1, 2018, marks 1 year since the horrific attack: Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Senate: commemorates the victims killed in the attack and offers heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims; honors the survivors and pledges continued support for their recovery; 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; recognizes the spirit and resilience of the Las Vegas and Nevada communities; 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; and expresses gratitude to the Las Vegas community, Nevadans, and all people of the United States, as well as local, State, and Federal governments, for coming together to support the families of the victims and survivors, the resolution states.\r\nThe full text of the resolution can be found below:\r\nWhereas, in the late hours of Sunday, October 1, 2017, an individual killed 58 people and wounded more than 800 innocent people in a horrific attack at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, with more than 22,000 people 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(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, Clark County, 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;\r\nWhereas Nevada has a vibrant and renowned tourism economy that has continued to thrive, attracting and welcoming millions of visitors from across the United States and internationally, and emergency management officials have diligently dedicated local and Federal resources to boost public safety and security in Las Vegas, Nevada; and\r\nWhereas October 1, 2018, marks 1 year since the horrific attack: Now, therefore, be it\r\nResolved, That the Senate(1) commemorates the victims killed in the attack and offers heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims;(2) honors the survivors and pledges continued support for their recovery;(3) 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;(4) recognizes the spirit and resilience of the Las Vegas and Nevada communities;(5) 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; and(6) expresses gratitude to the Las Vegas community, Nevadans, and all people of the United States, as well as local, State, and Federal governments, for coming together to support the families of the victims and survivors.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6325D3D7-7B84-4AEC-817E-10C7581670E1", "FAA Conference Agreement Includes 13 Heller Provisions", "2018-09-22", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation Includes Heller Amendments to Improve Air Travel for Disabled Individuals, Advance Nevada's Drone Industry\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the final conference agreement for afive-yearFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act includes13 Heller-led priorities. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes federal aviation programs through fiscal year2023, and it includes a range of Heller's proposals to improve air travel for disabled individuals, boost Nevada's travel and tourism economy, promote aviation safety, help veterans find employment, and advance the state's drone industry.\r\nSpecifically, the FAA Reauthorization Act includes Heller's provisions that will promote the state's already robust drone industry by improving use of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) test sites, authorizing beyond line-of-sight operations at these sites, including Nevada's, advancing certification for small UAS package delivery, and progressing implementation of unmanned traffic management (UTM) for safe drone deliveries. Furthermore, Heller advocated for pro-tourism policies to increase the competitiveness of Nevada's airports by allowing Reno-Tahoe International Airport to access resources for attracting new airline routes, as well as ensuring airports like McCarran International can use certain funds for developing multimodal systems to get travelers from the airport into the city.\r\nThe legislation also includesprovisions Heller championed last Congressthat will encourage the FAA to consider veterans for UAS employment opportunities and give Nevada stakeholders like the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority a seat at the table for future discussions regarding tourism and infrastructure at the FAA.\r\nIn addition to the provisions Heller secured in the underlying bill, Heller ensured inclusion of amendmentsin a Committee markup last year. These amendments will address better wheelchair assistance by airlines, strengthen a study on the feasibility for in-cabin restraint systems for disabled individuals, and ensure important stakeholders, like disabled veterans and wheelchair manufacturers, are included in an advisory committee on the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities. Furthermore, Heller secured the addition of provisions that ensure there are baby-changing tables in restrooms at large and medium airports across the country and that airplanes have medical emergency equipment to meet the needs of children and pregnant women.\r\nThis five-year FAA reauthorization reflects the needs of some of Nevada's top industries: aviation, tourism, and drones. Nevada is a leader in all these areas, and this legislation will ensure we remain one, especially when it comes to the development of cutting-edge technologies,said Heller. I was proud to champion several provisions, including measures that will make it easier and safer for disabled individuals and families to travel by air, bolster our tourism economy, expand our state's drone industry, and help Nevada veterans find employment. From the beginning stages of drafting this legislation to the conference agreement today, I have fought to ensure that Nevada's voice is heard, and I look forward to pushing this bill over the finish line and into law so Nevada's top industries can continue to thrive.\r\nHeller-Led Priorities Included in the FAA Conference Agreement\r\nSmall UAS Package Delivery:The Heller-Cantwell UAS carriage provisiondirects the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a streamlined air carrier certification program tailored for unmanned aircraft systems carrying property, like packages.\r\nImprove Wheelchair Assistance for Disabled Individuals:Inaccordance with the 2016 FAA Extension (Public Law 114-190), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the training policy of air carriers for persons with disabilities. Disability complaints have doubled since 2009. In 2015, air carriers received 30,829 disability-related complaints, nearly half of which were Failure to Provide Wheelchair Assistance complaints. Heller's amendment would ensure that DOT provides input on best practices to improve wheelchair assistance.\r\nImprove the Study on In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems:The underlying bill included an important provision on studying whether a wheelchair restraint system can be implemented. This study should expand the scope of expertise by including critical stakeholders who can act in an advisory role during this process, such as aircraft manufacturers who understand the configuration of a plane, wheelchair manufacturers who understand the design of the product, and disability advocates who understand the specific challenges when using a wheelchair.\r\nImprove Participation in the Advisory Committee on the Air Travel Needs of Passengers with Disabilities:The underlying bill included an advisory committee on the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities. This advisory committee has specific membership and will report to DOT on disability-related access barriers. Heller's amendment would add additional stakeholders to the membership, including aircraft manufacturers, wheelchair manufacturers, and National Veterans Organizations representing disabled veterans.\r\nCortez-Masto/Heller on UAS Test Sites and Emergency Operations: This amendment codified the FAA's use of the test sites so that sites like Nevada's can continue conducting critical research and development that will inform FAA and other stakeholders on the future needs for integrating this technology and solidifies Nevada's leadership in advancing the UAS industry.Further, the provision encourages the FAA to swiftly issue public guidance on waivers using UAS during emergency or disaster situations, such as wildfires, firefighting, and search and rescue.\r\nUAS Test Sites and Authorizing Beyond Line-of-Sight Operations:Since Nevada is one of the six UAS test site locations, it will drive drone-related technological research and economic growth statewide. This provision ensures the UAStest sites, including Nevada's, are able to carry out projects to test, research, and evaluate beyond line-of-sight operations.\r\nSmall Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Program Eligibility:This programprovides small airports with additional resources to attract new airline routes; however, the law stipulates that only airports considered small hubs as of 1997 are eligible for the program. This provision updates the law to ensure airports, like Reno-Tahoe International Airport, who are currently not eligible but are considered small hubs based off current air traffic can compete for these resources.\r\nVeterans Employment at FAA:Given the new career opportunities that the FAA may have in the field of UAS technology, this provision requires the FAA to assess whether any of these new occupations can be applied to the FAA's Veterans' Employment Program.\r\nIntermodal Access Projects for Airports:This provision ensures airports like Las Vegas McCarran Airport can use federal infrastructure dollars for construction of facilities that offer multiple modes of transportation (i.e. bus, rail, Uber, and taxis). This provision could improve tourist access and facilitate economic development opportunities in Nevada.\r\nTourism Stakeholders:The Schatz-Heller Tourism Amendment adds tourism stakeholders, like the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority, to the Future Aviation Infrastructure and Financing Study provision in the bill.\r\nUnmanned Traffic Management (UTM) -To ensure that drones can operate safely in the national airspace, unmanned traffic management (much like current air traffic management) will need to be implemented. This provision would advance the process for the FAA to create certification for individual UTM systems by private entities. This will advance commercial drone operations like package delivery so they can be safety integrate into the national airspace.\r\nBaby Changing Tables at Airports Requires medium or large hub airports to maintain baby changing tables in one men's and one women's restroom in each passenger terminal building.\r\nEmergency Medical Equipment on Passenger Aircraft -In carrying out an evaluation of emergency medical equipment on airplanes, the FAA must consider whether the equipment meets the emergency medical needs of children and pregnant women.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6CF96D13-0733-4ECD-B50C-8837EC70AE9C", "Heller Joins President Trump at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System for Signing of Bill to Support Nevada Veterans", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined President Donald J. Trump as he signed into law the final conference agreement to accompany the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill (H.R. 5895), which includes Heller's key provisions designed to support Nevada's veterans and increase accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In addition to Heller, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, Attorney General Adam Laxalt, Director of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System Peggy Kearns, Director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services Katherine Miller, and over 100 Nevada veterans attended the event at the Southern Nevada VA Hospital located in Las Vegas, Nevada.\r\nThis bill signing today marks another veterans victory for Congress, for VA Secretary Wilkie, and for the Trump Administration  passing appropriations legislation to fully fund the VA, Heller said.I was proud to support this legislation because it invests in our nation's veterans. What does this bill mean for Nevada? For our military, it means $59 million for Creech Air Force Base, $5.9 million for Nellis Air Force Base, and $32 million for Nevada's Army National Guard for military construction projects. For our veterans, it means $3 billion for disability claims processing, $1.1 billion for the VA's electronic health record, $8.6 billion for mental health so we can combat veteran suicides, and $1.8 billion for homeless veteran programs. That includes housing facilities like Veterans Village, run by Dr. Arnold Stalk, that bring veterans in under HUD-VASH vouchers.\"\r\n\r\n\r\nToday I'm honored to be at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center to sign into law a historic government funding bill that will renovate our nation's military bases and provide great world class care to our great veterans, said President Donald J. Trump. I want to thank your state's great Senator, Dean Heller, he has been so helpful.\r\nThe legislation enacted today includes Heller's provision to ensure that the VA Caregiver Program has the staffing necessary in Reno, Las Vegas, and across the country to provide the attention and support these veterans and their caregivers deserve. Heller has long worked to see that the VA effectively operates the Caregiver Program, which provides a stipend to family members of severely disabled veterans who provide them with in-home care.\r\nWith this funding bill we've increased the VA's budget to the largest ever. We are delivering the resources needed to fully implement crucial VA reforms, said President Donald J. Trump. He later continued, Today's funding package also delivers for the men and women now serving in uniform. The legislation includes more than $10 billion to build, renovate and repair housing, schools, training centers, and other facilities on military bases. This is terrific news for Nevada's nearly 20,000 active duty and reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and national guards. We are providing nearly $100 million for three bases right here in Nevada: Creech Air Force Base, Nellis Air Force Base, and the National Guard right in the center, just a few miles away.\r\nIn addition to ensuring the VA Caregiver Program is effective, Heller has also worked to enhance oversight of the VA's use of resources devoted to ending veteran homelessness. The legislation signed into law today also includes a provision that Heller authored with U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) to prohibit the VA from transferring any funds out of the VA's homeless veteran programs.\r\nAs the fifth most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate and senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, I was proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to send this important legislation to the President's desk, said Heller. Nevada is home to over than 300,000 veterans, so it's fitting to have the President in Las Vegas today to sign this bill among so many Nevadans who bravely served this country.While this bill represents significant progress, we still have work to do and I look forward to continue working together to deliver on our nation's promise to America's heroes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=86429B66-03F4-4C9D-973C-81290C051302", "Heller Announces $1,070,175 DOT Grant to the National Judicial College to Promote Judicial Education for Tribal Judges", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award the National Judicial College (NJC) located at the University of Nevada, Reno, a $1,070,175 grant to provide Commercial Driver's License (CDL) education for tribal judges and tribal court professionals. This funding will be used to strengthen their understanding of CDL laws and regulations to advance public safety in tribal communities.\r\nEarlier this year, Heller urged the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration within the DOT to support the NJC's grant application for the 2018 Commercial Driver's License Program Implementation Grant. This grant will allow the NJC to provide tribal judges and court personnel with education and guidance to fully comply with CDL laws and regulations and will therefore increase motor vehicle safety in the United States.\r\nWith the increase of commercial motor vehicle traffic in tribal lands, it is imperative that tribal judges understand their role in ensuring that only qualified drivers are eligible to receive a driver's license , said Heller. I was proud to support the National Judicial College's application to expand Commercial Driver's License education for judges and court professionals on tribal lands. As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, I strongly support the NJC's efforts to ensure those interpreting the law have a thorough understanding of it.\r\nThe NJC is an independent not-for-profit judicial education institution headquartered at the University of Nevada, Reno. The NJC's primary objective is to improve justice through education courses and training specifically designed to further judicial competency, proficiency, skills and productivity. NJC provides quality judicial education to more than 10,000 judges annually, and in 2002, founded the National Tribal Judicial center to better address the individual needs of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal law practitioners.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A843C740-F032-41DA-A946-05AF80954AA0", "Heller Announces Over $3 Million in DOJ Grants Awarded to Nevada Tribal Communities to Help Fight Crime, Support Victims of Domestic Abuse", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) welcomed the Department of Justice (DOJ) announcement that the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, the Moapa Band of Paiutes, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada have been awarded over $3 million in grants to improve public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation.\r\nSpecifically, these grants will provide funding for crime reduction, victim assistance, and community policing programs. This announcement comes amid DOJ efforts to combat the disproportionate levels of violent crime and domestic violence in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Funding was also included for the Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program funded through the Office on Violence Against Women.This program is designed to better enable tribes to respond to violent crimes against Indian women and enhance victim safety efforts.\r\nI welcome the DOJ announcement that it will provide more than $3 million in funding to Nevada's tribal communities to fight crime and protect victims of domestic violence, said Heller. As a champion for victims and a strong proponent of the Violence Against Women Act, I will continue fighting to advance policies that will strengthen efforts to crack down on crime, help deliver justice to victims, and support and protect survivors.\r\nThe full breakdown can be found HERE and below:\r\n \r\nFallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Total: $1,004,552\r\nMoapa Band of Paiutes Total: $299,900\r\nPyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Total: $1,350,000\r\nInter-Tribal Council of Nevada Total: $450,000\r\n \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=E6F1908B-8773-46FD-95B9-6124BDF53D0D", "Heller Announces Over $5.1 Million in Funding for Ely Airport", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $5,186,819 to White Pine County to support additional operations at the Ely Airport (Yelland Field) and help the airport improve safety by reconstructing its current taxiway. This additional funding comes from the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 115-114), which Heller supported earlier this year and included $1 billion in new infrastructure funding for airport improvement projects, particularly targeting small and rural airports like Ely's.\r\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Committee that oversees transportation as well as the Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee, I welcome today's announcement that the Ely Airport has been awarded over $5 million to improve their operations and enhance safety measures, said Heller. This funding will go a long way toward promoting the economic success of Ely and the surrounding areas, and I thank Secretary Chao for recognizing the needs of our rural communities.\r\nHeller has worked with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao on various infrastructure projects in Nevada, and most recently, they announced that the City of Reno and Flirtey, a Nevada-based drone delivery service company, was selected for the highly competitive Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program. In April, Heller also joined Secretary Chao in Carson City to announce a $7.5 million DOT grant to complete the South Carson Street Project and improve transportation safety in Northern Nevada.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5C04E8B5-C0DB-4AC3-A80D-F8DD1FE3EF26", "Heller Announces $7.2 Million to the State of Nevada Health Division and $1.7 Million for Community Health Centers to Combat the Opioid Crisis", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Announces $7.2 Million to the State of Nevada Health Division and $1.7 Million for Community Health Centers to Combat the Opioid Crisis\r\nFunding Follows U.S. Senate's Passage of Seven of Heller's Bills to Help Nevada Address the Opioid Epidemic\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will award $7.2 million to the State of Nevada Health Division and a total of $1.7 million to community health centers to help combat the opioid crisis throughout the state. This funding will be awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and will enable community health centers in Nevada to expand access to substance abuse and mental health services.\r\nAccording to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 757 people died from drug overdoses in Nevada in a single year.From 2010 to 2016,85 percent of the opioid-related deaths in Nevada were deemed accidents, andopioid-related emergency room encounters increased by more than 130 percentover a six-year period.\r\nThe full breakdown of grants can be found below:\r\n \r\nThe State of Nevada Health Division will receive $7,219,593.\r\nThe Silver State Health Services will receive $285,000.\r\nThe First Person Care Clinic will receive $285,000.\r\nThe Community Health Alliance will receive $285,000.\r\nThe Firstmed Health and Wellness Center will receive $285,000.\r\nThe Nevada Health Centers, Inc. will receive $285,000.\r\nThe Northern Nevada HIV Outpatient Program, Education Services will receive $285,000.\r\n \r\nThe opioid epidemic has rocked Nevada communities throughout the state, and that is why I welcome HHS's announcement that it will award $7.2 million to the State of Nevada Health Division and a total of $1.7 million to community health centers to help the state prevent opioid abuse and provide treatment to those who need it,said Heller. Opioid abuse and addiction have stolen the lives of far too many Nevadans, which is why I have been working to navigate into law seven of my proposals that will provide Nevada with the tools it needs to help addresses the opioid crisis. I was encouraged that the U.S. Senate passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act earlier this week, and I will continue to push Congress to take the steps necessary to address drug abuse and addiction.\r\nEarlier this week, the U.S. Senate passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act, which included seven of Heller's proposals that will help mothers, children, and individuals who are struggling with addiction.For example, Heller helped author provisions that will make sure that treatment is available for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder, reduce the number of fraudulent and duplicative prescriptions, and increase seniors' access to information about opioid use and pain management. Additionally, Heller's bipartisanCaring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Actwas included in this package and it will allow Medicaid to cover specialized withdrawal care for infants suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\nBelow is a full list of legislation included in the Opioid Response Act that Heller either authored or co-authored:\r\nS.2909, Assessing Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Act(Heller/Bennet).This would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify barriers to doctors' and pharmacists' provision of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Medicaid. This bill would help support states' removing barriers so doctors and pharmacists can use the least burdensome MAT distribution methods.\r\nS.2911, Enhancing Patient Access to Non-Opioid Treatment Options(Heller/Casey).This legislation would clarify states' legal authority to pursue non-opioid related prescribing.\r\nS.2921, Securing Flexibility to Treat Substance Use Disorders Act(Heller/Menendez).This legislation would codify the regulations permitting managed care plans to cover treatment in an institution for mental disease (IMD) for a certain number of days in a month in lieu of other types of services.\r\nS.2707, Informing Seniors about Opioids Act(Nelson/Heller).This legislation would update the Medicare and You handbook to include information about opioid use, pain management, and alternative pain management treatments.\r\nS.2460, Every Prescription Conveyed Securely Act(Bennet/Heller/Warren/Toomey).This legislation would direct health care providers to use electronic prescribing for controlled substances for Medicare Part D transactions. Electronic prescriptions would generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline the prescription process for both providers and their patients.\r\nS.2899, Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies Act(Brown/Portman/Capito/King/Manchin/Heller/Casey/Whitehouse).This legislation would recognize residential pediatric care centers within Medicaid to treat babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\nS.2922, Help for Moms and Babies Act(Stabenow/Heller).This legislation would provide protection for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder and are seeking treatment within an IMD. This bill would continue providing pregnant women seeking treatment with prenatal and postpartum services for 60 days under Medicaid.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=927AC0D9-4699-4057-9D0A-32354CADFBA5", "After Nevada Reapplies for Wildfire Funding Under New Criteria, Heller Pushes FEMA to Immediately Review States Appeal", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After the State of Nevada re-applied for assistance using new criteria under the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program for the damages caused by the South Sugarloaf Fire, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today urged the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to immediately review the State's request for resources and again pressed the agency to reconsider the criteria used to determine the state's eligibility for funding through the FMAG program. When FEMA initially denied the State's previous application because it didn't meet the eligibility requirements under current FMAG criteria, Heller immediately pushed for a long-term solution for the State when he urged FEMA to level the playing field for states like Nevada that have high percentages of federal land by re-evaluating the criteria used to determine Nevada's ability to qualify for wildfire assistance grants.\r\nIn an August letter to FEMA, Heller stated that 85 percent of Nevada's lands are managed by the federal government, and he argued that must be reflected in the criteria used to determine wildfire assistance grants. He then pressed the agency to reconsider the criteria to qualify for FMAG, stating that such a change would even the playing field for western states.That letter is available HERE. To date, the South Sugarloaf Fire has ravaged over 230,000 acres across Nevada, and has threatened private property and public lands used for grazing, recreation, and other purposes.\r\nThe State of Nevada is appealing its recent denial by your agency, and I strongly urge you to immediately review this appeal to ensure that all of Nevada's communities, both urban and rural, have the proper funding to mitigate the damages caused by wildfire, writes Heller. While I have expressed to you my support for this program, I have concerns that the current eligibility standards for FMAG may put my state's rural communities at a disadvantage. In order to qualify for FMAG, your agency requires a threat to life and property, including threats to critical infrastructure and critical watershed areas,\r\nHeller, a member of the Senate Western Caucus, has long worked to ensure that Nevada's ranchers, local governments, and federal agencies have the adequate tools to prevent and suppress devastating wildfires. Recently, Heller urged the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to hold a hearing to continue discussing forestry reform solutions to prevent future deadly blazes. In addition, the U.S. Senate recently passed a provision that Heller authored to increase funding for cross boundary fire control by $5 million. Heller has also promoted innovative fire prevention technologies, such as the AlertTahoe Fire monitoring and Early Detection Warning System. Earlier this year, Heller announced that he secured $226,000 to install new AlertTahoe cameras, which will help detect fires and further protect the Lake Tahoe Basin from catastrophic damage.\r\nThe full letter text is available below.\r\nDear Administrator Long:\r\nI write you today in support of the State of Nevada's application for assistance under the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program for the damages caused by the South Sugarloaf Fire. The State of Nevada is appealing its recent denial by your agency, and I strongly urge you to immediately review this appeal to ensure that all of Nevada's communities, both urban and rural, have the proper funding to mitigate the damages caused by wildfire.\r\nThe South Sugarloaf Fire burned over 230,000 acres of land in Northeastern Nevada, causing destruction to private property and public lands alike. As a result, Nevadans have lost access to public lands for grazing, energy development, and other multiple-use purposes. This fire has also caused damage to private lands, resulting in many of my constituents being placed under mandatory evacuation as the blaze grew in size and speed.\r\nI would also like to reiterate my concerns with the eligibility criteria for a wildfire to qualify for assistance under the FMAG program. While I have expressed to you my support for this program, I have concerns that the current eligibility standards for FMAG may put my state's rural communities at a disadvantage. In order to qualify for FMAG, your agency requires a threat to life and property, including threats to critical infrastructure and critical watershed areas.\r\nAs the senior Senator from a state that is 85 percent managed by the federal government, many of my constituents rely on federal lands for their livelihood, which I do not believe is weighed adequately when determining FMAG eligibility. When reviewing the State of Nevada's application, I respectfully ask that your agency take into consideration the severe consequences of the South Sugarloaf Fire on our public lands, including the loss of lands for grazing, energy development, and any other factor that has a significant economic impact in the region.\r\nI look forward to your prompt response to the State of Nevada's appeal as well as my previous letter sent on August 28, 2018, and I will continue fighting to ensure that FEMA's policies and procedures are beneficial to all Americans, including Western states like Nevada.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=43BBD2D1-1AEF-48A8-A30E-A0454C254FA6", "U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Introduced by Heller, Bipartisan Group of Senators to Honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions", "2018-09-19", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON As our nation begins its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and a group of bipartisan senators to introduce a resolution recognizing the work, goals, and achievements of over 490 non-profit Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) throughout our nation by designating the week of September 17-23 as \"National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.\" S.Res.639 recognizes the achievements and goals of the 492 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) in the United States, was adopted unanimously by the full Senate on September 18, 2018.\r\nI am proud to recognize the four outstanding Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Nevada, as well the hundreds of institutions across the nation through our resolution passed by the U.S. Senate,said Heller. It is critical that we continue to honor the contributions of institutions like these, who work to educate diverse communities and help instill the importance of higher learning. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I welcome the U.S. Senate's passage of our resolution to distinguish the accomplishments of Hispanic-Serving Institutions.\r\nDefined as degree-granting institutions where total Hispanic enrollment constitutes of no less than 25% of the total enrollment, HSIs play a critical role in educating Hispanic youth and improving the communities in which they are located. HSIs are located in 21 states and Puerto Rico with emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions located in 33 States and the District of Columbia.\r\nAdditional cosponsors of this resolution are Senators: John Cornyn (R-TX), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bill Nelson (D- FL), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bernie Sanders (D-VT).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=96C5E3FA-7173-41B4-A73E-88D01B9CA76A", "Heller Receives U.S. Wind Champion Award", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today received the U.S. Wind Champion Award from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) for his work to promote wind energy.\r\nHeller is a long-time supporter of the wind energy industry, and he believes that renewable energy is an integral component of our nation's all-of-the-above energy strategy. For example, Heller is the author of the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act, bipartisan legislation that aims to increase the production of wind, solar, and geothermal energy by streamlining the permitting process for these projects on federal lands. Given that around 85 percent of Nevada's lands are administered by the federal government, the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Actwould help renewable energy companies compete on a level playing field. Additionally, Heller successfully fought to protect the 2015 PATH Act deal for wind and solar during tax reform and extend the production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC) to a number of other alternative energy technologies in the Bipartisan Budget Act.\r\nAs a strong advocate for wind energy and the renewable energy industry, I am honored to receive the Wind Champion Award from the American Wind Energy Association,said Heller.Nevada is home to more than 21,800 renewable energy jobs, and over 23 percent of our state's total electricity generation comes from renewable sources. Our state continues to be at the forefront of national efforts to harness this country's renewable energy potential, and that's why I have consistently worked to advance policies  like the production and investment tax credits  that support Nevada's energy diversification and the jobs and economic growth that come with it. Whether it's streamlining the permitting process for wind energy projects on federal lands or creating a level playing field for renewable energy technologies, I am committed to championing solutions that will enhance our nation's clean energy production as part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy because I believe that renewable energy is Nevada's  and this country's  future.\r\n\r\nSen. Heller receives the Wind Champion Award from the American Wind Energy Association.*Media has permission to use this photograph*\r\nSenator Heller has been a staunch supporter of renewable energy and was instrumental in helping our Spring Valley project become Nevada's first wind farm,said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy.Nevada's leadership in renewable innovation will support a bright future for wind energy in the U.S.\"\r\nPattern Energy is responsible for the development of the Spring Valley Wind Project. The facility, which is located 30 miles from Ely, Nevada, is the first wind-fueled power plant on public lands and Nevada's first utility-scale wind project.The 151.8-megawatt, 66-turbine wind farm generates enough electricity to power approximately 45,000 homes in Nevada.\r\nSenator Heller is a longstanding champion of wind power and its economic benefits, said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. The Senator's work to build bipartisan support around renewable energy has helped unlocked the job-creating potential of our industry in rural communities and factory towns across America. We are pleased to recognize Sen. Heller as a U.S. Wind Champion.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E369FDDE-9C2F-4CAD-B9BA-63907F37F613", "U.S. Senate Passes Heller Measures to Help Veterans Get Jobs, Promote STEM Programs, Support Pregnant Women and Infants", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Measures Included in Final Conference Agreement\r\nWASHINGTONThe U.S. Senate passed the conference agreement for theDepartment of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill (H.R.6157), whichincluded several provisionsauthored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) designed tohelp Nevada's veterans find jobs, promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs in Nevada's schools, and support pregnant women and infants.The agreement also provides the largest pay raise for our troops in nearly a decade, increases funding for opioid treatment, prevention, and recovery programs, and provides additional resources to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that will help lead to breakthrough treatments and cures.\r\nHeller,along with his colleague U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), secured a provision to ensure upto $3.5million is available to carry out a pilot programon apprenticeshipsfor service members transitioning to civilian life.Heller also worked with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to require the Department of Education to provide a report on how the agency is coordinating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) andtheNational Science Foundation (NSF) to promote STEM programs that benefit pre-kindergarden-12 students.\r\nNevada is home to approximately 300,000 veterans, so taking care of our military heroes when they return from the front lines and facilitating their transition back to civilian life remain top priorities of mine. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veteran's Affairs, I worked with the top Democrat on the Committee to increase funding for apprenticeship programs that will help equip those who bravely served our country with the skills they need to succeed. I also worked across the aisle to ensure that this bipartisan legislation contains my provisions to promote STEM programs in Nevada's schools so that students have the ability to compete in today's global economy, said Heller.\r\nAdditionally, Heller worked with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) to author a provision that will strengthen the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) efforts to leverage birth defects surveillance systems to improve its ability to monitor the occurrence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Last night, seven of Heller's bills aimed at combating Nevada's opioid epidemic passed the U.S. Senate, including legislation that would expand access to treatment for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder and newborns who are suffering from withdrawal.\r\nIn addition to advancing job-training and STEM-based proposals, I'm also working to address the opioid epidemic. I'm encouraged that this legislation includes increased funding for opioid treatment, prevention, and recovery programs, as well as my provision to support efforts to monitor the occurrence of neonatal abstinence syndrometo better protect mothers and babies, added Heller. It's also important to note that this agreement also gives our troops the largest pay raise in nearly a decade, and it is the result of a strong bipartisan effort. As the fifth most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, I'll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance legislation that will spur growth in Nevada's communities and help Nevada families get ahead. \r\nFinally, the U.S. Senate today also passed a short-term reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to provide resources that will support victims of domestic violence.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E121E784-B9FD-4F74-B141-1C053B82D2C4", "U.S. Senate Passes Seven Heller Bills to Combat Nevadas Opioid Epidemic", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senate Package Includes Heller Bills to Expand Access to Treatment forNewborns and Pregnant Women, Combat Fraudulent Prescriptions\r\nWASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today passed seven of U.S. Senator Dean Heller's (R-NV) bills aimed at combating Nevada's opioid epidemic, including legislation that would expand access to treatment for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder and newborns who are suffering from withdrawal, as well as a measure aimed at eliminating doctor shopping and fraudulent prescriptions. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 757 people died from drug overdoses in Nevada in a single year.From 2010 to 2016, 85 percent of the opioid-related deaths in Nevada were deemed accidents, and opioid-related emergency room encounters increased by more than 130 percent over a six-year period.\r\nEvery 25 minutes a baby is born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a withdrawal condition often caused by use of opioids and other addictive substances in pregnant women. Because the CDC has reported a300 percent increasein the number of babies born with NAS in Nevada, Heller has championed efforts that require Congress to step in to ensure that newborns suffering from withdrawal have access to treatment. For example, theCaring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Act, legislation that Heller and a bipartisan group of senators previously introduced, is one of the seven bills that passed the U.S. Senate as part of the Opioid Crisis Response Act, a broader package designed to help states address opioid abuse and reduce the number of drug overdoses by expanding access to treatment, investing in recovery programs, and expediting research related to substance abuse. Specifically, theCRIB Act would allow Medicaid to cover health care services provided to infants in residential pediatric recovery facilities in addition to hospitals.\r\nThe legislative package the U.S. Senate approved today also included the Help for Moms and Babies Act, another bipartisan, Heller-backed bill. This legislation would continue providing pregnant women seeking treatment with prenatal and postpartum services.\r\nThe opioid epidemic has rocked communities in Nevada and throughout this country and many families continue to struggle as they watch their loved ones battle with addiction, said Heller. That's why I am pleased to see the U.S. Senate approve seven of my provisions to help Nevada fight the opioid epidemic. Whether it is making sure that treatment is available for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder and newborns who are suffering from withdrawal or cracking down on duplicative or fraudulent prescriptions, I have been working diligently with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the opioid epidemic, and I remain hopeful that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will move to swiftly pass this critical package. As the fifth most bipartisan Senator in the U.S. Senate, I'll continue working to advance policies that will provide Nevada the tools it needs to further help individuals who are struggling with addiction and reduce the number of overdose deaths.\r\nAdditionally, the Opioid Crisis Response Act included the Every Prescription Conveyed Securely (EPCS) Act, bipartisan legislation Heller helped introduce that takes a critical step toward eliminating duplicative or fraudulent prescriptions by requiring electronic prescriptions for controlled substances under Medicare. A Department of Justice report found that misused prescription opioids are often obtained illegally using forged or altered prescriptions and by consulting multiple doctors  a practice referred to as doctor shopping- and that most prescription fraud remains undetected. Nevada has been ranked the 6th highest state for the number of milligrams of opioids distributed per adult, and according to data from the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, for every 100 Nevada residents there are 87 opioid prescriptions.\r\nBelow is a full list of legislation included in the Opioid Response Act that Heller either authored or co-authored:\r\n \r\nS.2909, Assessing Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Act (Heller/Bennet). This would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify barriers to doctors' and pharmacists' provision of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Medicaid. This bill would help support states' removing barriers so doctors and pharmacists can use the least burdensome MAT distribution methods.\r\n \r\n \r\nS.2911, Enhancing Patient Access to Non-Opioid Treatment Options (Heller/Casey). This legislation would clarify states' legal authority to pursue non-opioid related prescribing.\r\n \r\n \r\nS.2921, Securing Flexibility to Treat Substance Use Disorders Act (Heller/Menendez).This legislation would codify the regulations permitting managed care plans to cover treatment in an institution for mental disease (IMD) for a certain number of days in a month in lieu of other types of services.\r\n \r\n \r\nS.2707, Informing Seniors about Opioids Act (Nelson/Heller). This legislation would update the Medicare and You handbook to include information about opioid use, pain management, and alternative pain management treatments.\r\n \r\n \r\nS.2460, Every Prescription Conveyed Securely Act (Bennet/Heller/Warren/Toomey). This legislation would direct health care providers to use electronic prescribing for controlled substances for Medicare Part D transactions. Electronic prescriptions would generate real-time information on opioid use and streamline the prescription process for both providers and their patients.\r\n \r\n \r\nS.2899, Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies Act (Brown/Portman/Capito/King/Manchin/Heller/ Casey/Whitehouse). This legislation would recognize residential pediatric care centers within Medicaid to treat babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\n \r\n \r\nS.2922, Help for Moms and Babies Act (Stabenow/Heller). This legislation would provide protection for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder and are seeking treatment within an IMD. This bill would continue providing pregnant women seeking treatment with prenatal and postpartum services for 60 days under Medicaid.\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=65EDDAAA-7F86-4C10-985E-C0DAE7DEA553", "Heller Hosts Roundtable Discussion with Veterans in Reno", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RENO U.S.Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, today hosted a roundtable discussion in Reno, Nevada with veteran organizations, members of his Veterans Advisory Council and representatives from organizations that include the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, Nevada VA Regional Office, VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, and Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center.\r\nSince 2012, Heller has held roundtable discussions with veterans and his Veterans Advisory Councils in both northern and southern Nevada to discuss critical issues impacting the veteran community. Heller then develops policy solutions to address those challenges, and as a result he has authored, helped introduce, and navigate into law more than 40 pieces of legislation designed specifically to help Nevada's 300,000 veterans, 19 of which have been signed into law by President Trump.Most recently, Heller's measures to increase options for veterans in need of an organ transplant, enable VA physicians to spend more time with their patients, and enhance transparency at the VA were enacted as part of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Networks (VA MISSION) Act, bipartisan legislation that directs more than $50 billion to improve the VA's health care system, expand eligibility for caregivers, and make it easier for the agency to recruit and retain doctors.\r\nNevadais home to around 300,000veterans, and I am proud to have the opportunity to serve as their voice in Washington, D.C, said Heller. The feedback that I received from today's discussion will help me develop policy solutions to address the challenges facing northern Nevada's veteran community. From introducing a bill to ease the doctor shortage to working to make sure that our military heroes with invisible injuries can get the mental health care services they need and deserve, I have consistently acted on the valuable input I get from discussions just like the one we had today. Another good example of that is my work to help deliver $33.5 million in federal funding for construction of the Northern Nevada Veterans Home located in Sparks so that veterans in the north don't have to drive 500 miles to Boulder City to access the State Veterans Home.\r\nHeller welcomes veterans to roundtable, reinforces the impact that roundtables have on legislation*Media has permission to use photograph*\r\nDuring the roundtable discussion, many veterans voiced their concerns about the lack of disability benefits for Blue Water Navy veterans who had been exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, and VA Secretary Wilkie's opposition to legislation (S.422) that would extend disability benefits to these veterans. Heller, who is a cosponsor of this legislation, shared the same concerns and reacted to Secretary Wilkie's opposition to the bill by urging him to reconsider supporting it. During a U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing, Heller asked Secretary Wilkie how he plans on helping the Blue Water veterans, as well as the veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Video from the hearing that includes Secretary Wilkie's response is available HERE.\r\nWe have a lot of work to do, and I won't be satisfied until every veteran receives the benefits and health care services this country promised them. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I'll continue fighting to advance priorities that include reducing Nevada's high veteran suicide rate, making sure that no veteran is forced to sleep on the streets, and improving the VA nursing facility in Reno and the quality of care provided to the women who served this country, Heller added.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B91E6E08-1CE7-4473-A995-6AF37B8A5A65", "Heller Welcomes Federal Funds for Nevadas Housing Authorities to Assist Homeless Veterans", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RENO Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, welcomed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) announcement that the Reno and Nevada Rural Housing Authorities will receive more than $116,000 in additional funding through Heller supported legislation to help provide rental assistance for homeless veterans.\r\nEarlier this morning, Heller hosted a Veterans Roundtable in Reno where combating veteran homelessness was one of the major topics his Veterans Advisory Council discussed.\r\nThe awarded funding comes from the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 115-141), which Heller supported earlier this year and provides $40 million in funding for the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Administration Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. Heller has been a long-time champion of the HUD-VASH program and hasurged the Senate Appropriations Committee to protect programs that help homeless veterans during the appropriations process.Additionally, Heller recently supported the Senate passed fiscal year 2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Appropriations Act (S.3023), which included an additional $40 million for the veterans housing voucher program.\r\nAs a state with over 300,000 veterans, I am focused on ensuring our veterans have the proper resources available, including affordable housing,said Heller. Programs like HUD-VASH are essential to helping our nation's bravest get back on their feet, which is why I welcome HUD's announcement that Nevada's housing authorities will receive over $116,000 in additional funding to provide housing resources to our state's veterans. I refuse to stand by while individuals who have defended our country are forced to live on the streets, and I will continue to fight to ensure these programs remain funded in the U.S. Senate.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=54231CF3-FC44-4F60-9393-2C95C2342A12", "This National Suicide Prevention Week, Heller Continues to Fight for Mental Health Services and More Doctors for Veterans", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON As the country marks National Suicide Prevention Week, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) is urging Congress to act on his legislation to help recruit physicians at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in an effort to help reduce veteran suicide and provide supportive mental health services to our military heroes fighting invisible injuries. Unfortunately, the state of Nevada has one of the highest rates of veteran suicide in the country. In July, Heller, along with Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Jon Tester (D-MT), introduced the bipartisan VA Hiring Enhancement Act, a bill that empowers the VA to better compete for the best and brightest physicians coming out of medical school by allowing the VA to extend contingency offers to residents earlier than currently authorized.  Heller, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, has a long history of supporting and passing legislation into law that provides mental health resources to veterans and recently raised the issue with VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.\r\nNo veteran in Nevada should have to fight long waits for a mental health appointment,said Heller.While Congress has made welcome progress on the issue of reducing veteran suicide, more must be done. One way that lawmakers can help states like Nevada fight high veteran suicide and give our service members the support that they need is by passing our bill to close the physician shortage gap at the VA. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting and passing the VA Hiring Enhancement Act.\r\nEarlier this year, the President signed into law his Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act, a bill Heller authored that expands veterans' access to mental health care services to former service members who may not be eligible to receive health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Additionally, Heller cosponsored a bill that became law last month aimed at improving the nationalsuicidehotline, and his resolution to designate June as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month unanimously passed the Senate this summer.\r\nDuring his time in the U.S. Senate, Heller has also championed veterans'mental health services,including recruitment of medical professionals in rural areas. In 2015, he cosponsored the Clay Hunt SAV Act, bipartisan legislation signed into law aimed at reducing and preventingveteransuicides.\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=6BA5E3E6-DABB-4878-ABF8-782C7A4E277D", "Conference Agreement Includes Heller Provisions to Help Veterans Find Jobs, Promote STEM Programs in Nevadas Schools", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the final conference agreement to accompany theDepartment of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill (H.R.6157)includes several provisions Hellerauthored tohelp Nevada's veterans find jobs, promote science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) programs that benefit pre-kindergarden-12 students, and support babies born dependent on opioids or other substances.\r\nFor example, Heller,along with U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), secured a provision to ensure upto $3.5million is available to carry out a pilot programon apprenticeshipsfor service members transitioning to civilian life.Heller also worked with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to require the Department of Education (DOE) to provide a report on how the agency is coordinating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) andtheNational Science Foundation (NSF) to promote STEM programs that benefit pre-kindergarden-12 students. Finally, Heller worked with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) to author a provision included in the conference agreement that will strengthen the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) efforts to leverage birth defects surveillance systems to improve its ability to monitor the occurrence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).\r\nAs a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veteran's Affairs, I believe that we must lay the groundwork to ensure that our nation's Armed Forces have the tools they need to succeed when they come back to civilian life,said Heller.I am pleased the conference agreement includes my measure that funds apprenticeship programs for individuals who have bravely served our country. Not only does this agreement include myproposalto help Nevada'sveterans getahead, it also contains my provisions that promote STEM programs for Nevada's youth and strengthen efforts to monitor the occurrence of neonatal abstinence syndrometo better protect mothers and babies.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8932EFD3-4096-4B6E-862A-0E7102824677", "Heller Applauds $450,000 Justice Department Grant to Combat Violence Against Women", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the U.S. Justice Department's (DOJ's) announcement that the Office of the Nevada Attorney General will receive a $450,000 grant for the Improving the Criminal Justice Response Program authorized by Heller supported legislation, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).\r\nSpecifically, the Improving the Criminal Justice Response to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program grant, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, will help fund local efforts to ensure that these crimes are taken seriously by law enforcement and our justice system. Additionally, this grant will provide more resources to advocacy agencies in order to better support victims during the criminal justice process.\r\nAs a husband and father of two daughters, I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,said Heller. Ending these heinous crimes is a top priority of mine, which is why I have been a continuous supporterof the Violence Against Women Act. I welcome the announcement of this $450,000 grant to the Office of the Nevada Attorney General, and I look forward to the continuation of programs to bring justice to victims and provide victims with vital services to find safety and rebuild their lives. VAWA initiatives have changed lives for the better, and I will continue to be a strong supporter of these programs.\r\nHeller has been a long-time advocate for the reauthorization of VAWA and earlier this year urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to fund VAWA programs for the remainder of fiscal year 2018 as well as fiscal year 2019.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5F20177E-4A17-4057-BB4E-13AE6370CFA7", "Heller Presses VA Secretary to Support Extension of Disability Benefits to Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans", "2018-09-12", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, today urged Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie to reconsider the agency's opposition to legislation (S.422) that would extend disability benefits to our Blue Water veterans for medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure.\r\nGiven the seriousness of veteran exposure to toxic substances, Heller believes it is important to provide veterans who suffer from the effects of toxic exposure access to the benefits they have earned and deserve. He is a cosponsor of S.422, legislation that would allow Blue Water Navy veterans who served up to 12 miles off-shore in Vietnam presumptive coverage for Agent Orange exposure. Under current law, a Vietnam veteran has to prove a foot on land occurrence in order to qualify for the presumptions of service-connection for Agent Orange-related illnesses.\r\nDuring your confirmation hearing in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, as well as during our meeting prior to that hearing, I made clear to you my strong support for the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act and urged your support for this legislation that would finally extend disability benefits to our Blue Water veterans for medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure, Heller wrote to Secretary Wilkie.As a senior member of this Committee and the senior Senator from Nevada representing 80,000 Vietnam Veterans in Nevada, I am disappointed that, under your leadership, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opposes this legislation. That is why I respectfully request your reconsideration of this bill and ask your support for ensuring these heroes receive the disability benefits they have earned after exposure to this toxin.\r\nDuring a U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing in July, Heller asked Secretary Wilkie how he plans on helping the Blue Water veterans, as well as the veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Video from the hearing that includes Secretary Wilkie's response is available HERE.\r\nThe cost to provide the care and benefits we owe to our veterans for serving and sacrificing should not be part of your reasoning to reject this legislation, Heller stated in a letter to Wilkie. Furthermore, you have requested that Senators wait until late 2019 for a study to be published regarding the health of Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans compared to those of similar age who were not deployed. Our veterans do not have the time to wait for such a study to be completed when they are suffering from diseases that are life threatening.\r\nThe full text of Heller's letter to Secretary Wilkie is available below:\r\nDear Secretary Wilkie:\r\nDuring your confirmation hearing in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, as well as during our meeting prior to that hearing, I made clear to you my strong support for the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act and urged your support for this legislation that would finally extend disability benefits to our Blue Water veterans for medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure. As a senior member of this Committee and the senior Senator from Nevada representing 80,000 Vietnam Veterans in Nevada, I am disappointed that, under your leadership, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opposes this legislation. That is why I respectfully request your reconsideration of this bill and ask your support for ensuring these heroes receive the disability benefits they have earned after exposure to this toxin.\r\nAs you well know, exposure to Agent Orange is associated with terrible diseases and cancers  Chronic B-cell Leukemia, Hodgkin's Disease, Lymphoma, Ischemic Heart Disease, prostate and respiratory cancers, and more. Agent Orange exposure also impacts the children of veterans through birth defects like spina bifida. Yet, despite what these veterans and their families have suffered, you urged the Senate to reject this legislation. One of the reasons you cited for opposition was related to cost. The cost to provide the care and benefits we owe to our veterans for serving and sacrificing should not be part of your reasoning to reject this legislation. Furthermore, you have requested that Senators wait until late 2019 for a study to be published regarding the health of Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans compared to those of similar age who were not deployed. Our veterans do not have the time to wait for such a study to be completed when they are suffering from diseases that are life threatening.\r\nAgain, I urge your reconsideration of this issue. The previous VA Secretary agreed that providing these benefits was the right thing to do for Blue Water veterans, and members who voted in support of the legislation in the House of Representatives also understood that it was the right thing to do. Your opposition creates an unnecessary obstacle to Congress finally completing its duty to provide benefits to our Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans. I remain disappointed with your opposition, and using my role on the Committee, I will continue to strongly support and push for passage of this legislation.\r\nThank you for your attention to this matter, and it is my hope we can reach an agreement on providing these benefits to Blue Water veterans and fulfilling America's commitment to care for those who sacrificed for our freedoms.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=63F11CE1-07FE-4760-A879-52A927CEABD4", "Once Again, Heller Successfully Stops Funding to Revive Yucca Mountain Project in U.S. Senate-Passed Conference Agreement", "2018-09-12", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate-Passed Agreement Funds Four Nevada Military Construction Projects, Includes Heller Provisions to Support Nevada's Veterans, Strengthen Water Security\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) once again stonewalled efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to fund the failed Yucca Mountain project after he successfully worked to keep funding to revive it out of the conference agreement on theEnergy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which was passed today by the U.S. Senate. In addition to keeping funding for Yucca Mountain out of the conference agreement, Heller also worked to include provisions that he either authored or co-authored to support Nevada's veterans and increase accountability at the VA, as well as strengthen Nevada's water supply and security. The conference agreement also funds four Nevada military construction projects at Creech Air Force Base, Nellis Air Force Base, and the National Guard Readiness Center in North Las Vegas.\r\nWhile the U.S. House of Representatives approved nearly $268 million in funding for Yucca Mountain, Heller worked closely with the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to keep that funding out the U.S. Senate's version of the spending bill. He later urgedU.S. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) to maintain that position in the reconciled version of the spending bill, which was released earlier this week. That letter is availableHERE. Heller also stopped the U.S. House of Representatives efforts to advance funding that would restart the licensing process at Yucca Mountain last year.\r\n\"Withoutmy leadership in the U.S. Senate, Yucca Mountain will get the green light.While the U.S. House of Representatives has repeatedly approved funding to revive Yucca Mountain, I have consistently stonewalled their action by working with the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senate leadership to make sure that not a single dollar goes toward funding the failed project, said Heller. Yucca Mountain is not the solution.A state without a single nuclear power plant should not have to shoulder the entire nation's nuclear waste burden.Instead of pursing a failed project that has already cost taxpayers billions of dollars, the Administration should pursue the only sustainable path forward: a consent-based approach. I will not let Nevada be overrun by states that want to move the nuclear waste they created out of their backyards and into ours.\r\nIn addition to keeping funding for Yucca Mountain out of the final report, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs conference agreement includes provisions designed to support Nevada's veterans and increase accountability at the VA. It also funds four Nevada military construction projects at Creech Air Force Base, Nellis Air Force Base, and the National Guard Readiness Center in North Las Vegas, and it includes a Heller provision to strengthen Nevada's water supply and security.\r\nA senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Heller has worked to see that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) effectively operates the VA Caregiver Program, which provides a stipend to family members of severely disabled veterans who provide in-home care to the veteran. Heller's amendment included in the appropriations package would ensure that the VA Caregiver Program has the staffing necessary in Reno, Las Vegas, and across the country to provide the attention and support these veterans and their caregivers deserve. Earlier this year, Heller and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) contacted Acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie urging a retrospective review of the eligibility determinations of caregivers who were discharged from the program. The letter is availableHERE. The Senate-passed conference agreement also includes an amendment that Heller filed with U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) to prohibit the VA from transferring any funds out of the VA's homeless veteran programs. Heller has repeatedly fought back against the VA's repurposing of funds from VA programs designed to assist homeless veterans. In a December 2017 letter to former VA Secretary David Shulkin, Heller doubled down on his opposition and urged Shulkin to stop the VA's proposal to redirect funding intended to help the homeless veteran population. The letter is availableHERE. In April of 2018, he requested that the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies provide robust funding to the Supporting Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, the Grant and Per Diem (GDP) Program, and case management and supportive services as administered by the VA because these programs are central to federal efforts to end veteran homelessness. The letter is availableHERE.\r\nI was proud to see the U.S. Senate pass my provisions to support Nevada's veterans and protect Nevada's water security. It is a great privilege to be a voice for Nevada's veterans as a senior member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, which is why I worked to ensure that my provisions provide additional transparency to programs that our veterans rely on. I am also glad to see authorization of military construction projects at Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, as well as the National Guard Readiness Center in North Las Vegas, said Heller. Furthermore, the reauthorization of the conservation project of the Colorado River System is fundamental to our water supply in southern Nevada and will go a long way toward protecting the Colorado River Basin.\r\nThe conference agreement also included Heller's provision that is based on legislation he previously introduced to improve southern Nevada's water supply and security by reauthorizing the Colorado River System Conservation Pilot Program (CRSCPP). The CRSCPP has conserved nearly 143,000-acre feet of water since its inception, and the Heller provision that passed today will reauthorize the program for four years. The southern Nevada region receives nearly 90 percent of its water supply from the Colorado River, which serves over 2 million Clark County residents and over 42 million visitors per year. \r\nAdditional Background on Heller's work to stopYuccaMountain:\r\n \r\nOn July 6, 2018,Heller contacted U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) about maintaining the position of not authorizing funding for Yucca Mountain in the final conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nOn July 2, 2018, Hellerwrote U.S. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) thanking them for not funding Yucca Mountain in the minibus and urging them not to fund any activities related to Yucca Mountain in the conference report.\r\nOn April 13, 2018, Heller contacted U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) andurged him to exclude any language that authorizes funding forYuccaMountain from the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\nOn April 13, 2018, Heller urged U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)not to fund the DOE budget request for $120 million to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn April 24, 2018, in aletter submitted to Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Heller expressed his strong opposition to funding the NRC andsaid he remains staunchly opposedto any federal efforts to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 21, 2018,during a U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing with Office of Managementand Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) highlighted the Administration's reckless and fiscally irresponsible pursuit ofYuccaMountain, stating that the federal government has already wasted billions of dollars on the project. When asked about alternative solutions to the country's nuclear waste problem,Director Mulvaney told Heller that he is open-minded to other resolutionsand suggested they work together to find one.\r\nOn March 20, 2018,in a lettersubmitted to Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)andRanking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Heller argued thatYuccaMountain poses numerous health and safety risks to the people of southern Nevada and potentially catastrophic financial risks to the state's tourism economy.He urged them not to fund the $120 million to restart the repository licensing process forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 20, 2018, Heller discussed DOE's budget requestwith Secretary Perryat a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing.Heller noted that the $120 million requested to fund licensing activities atYuccaMountain was denied last year and that it will be denied again this year.\r\nOn September 26, 2017, Hellerargued thatYuccaMountain is not the solution to our country's nuclear waste problem in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Interior, Energy, and Environment.\r\nOn July 20, 2017, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the Senate's Energy and Water Appropriations bill andunlike the version that passed the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, the Senate bill did not include funding forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn July 28, 2017,the Senate's Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee advanced a bill that did not include the $120 million requested by the Department of Energy (DOE) to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn June 21, 2017,Heller submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommitteeexpressing his vehement opposition to theYuccaMountain proposal.\r\nOn June 20, 2017, Hellerreacted to Secretary Perry's comments at a U.S. Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, characterizing them as a blatant disregard for the state of Nevada.\r\nOn June 6, 2017, Hellerexpressed concern after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance Dan Brouillette's nominationfor the deputy secretary position at the Department of Energy (DOE), the federal agency that has jurisdiction over the licensing activities atYuccaMountain.\r\nOn May 26, 2017, Hellerreacted to the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) report detailing the lengthy and costlyYuccaMountainlicensing process.\r\nOn May 25, 2017, Hellerspoke on the U.S. Senate floor and reiterated his concern with the President's 2018 Fiscal Year budget request that included $120 million to restart the licensing activities forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn May 18, 2017,Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to highlight the threat thatYuccaMountain poses not only to Nevada, but the entire country.\r\nOn May 12, 2017,Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to highlightYuccaMountain's threat to the Las Vegas economy.\r\nOn April 27, 2017,Heller reaffirmed his staunch opposition to relicensing theYuccaMountain nuclear repository to Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry.\r\nOn April 26, 2017,Heller testified before a U.S.House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearingon legislation to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 29, 2017,Heller urged the Administration to drop itsYuccaMountain proposal, included in its FY2018 budget request.\r\nOn March 16, 2017,Heller released a statement on the Administration's FY2018 budget request, which included a proposal to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\n \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=20213D0F-1E69-4DCD-99A9-9AE95B2FEF50", "On Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks, Heller Reflects on Americas Resilience", "2018-09-11", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today released the following statement reflecting on the September 11th 2001 terror attacks:\r\nSeventeen years have passed since September 11, 2001, but time will not erase our memories from that shocking day. Today, we reflect on the thousands of innocent lives that were lost, and we are reminded of the immeasurable acts of selflessness and bravery that followed the attacks. We remember the heroism displayed by our nation's first responders, the actions of good Samaritans who rushed toward chaos to help strangers, and the new generation of soldiers who readily answered the call to serve. On this day in particular, we are reminded of the resilience of our United States, said Heller. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am committed to taking care of all of the men and women in uniform who have served in harm's way and reminded the world of America's strength, as well as those who continue to defend our freedoms today.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=74A1B2C8-E9D4-4E50-85F8-410C461A4568", "Heller Announces $684,689 National Science Foundation Award for Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality Research", "2018-09-11", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) will award the University of Nevada, Reno $684,689 to research air quality forecasting for wildfire smoke so that communities can provide well-timed health alerts.\r\nAt a time when Nevadans continue to face devastating wildfires across the state, I welcome the National Science Foundation's supportfor research that will help mitigate future health hazards caused by wildfire smoke, said Heller. As a strong advocate for Nevada's ability to detect, protect against, and recover from wildfires, I will continue to promote policies that protect the health, wellness, and safety of Nevadans facing threats from wildfires throughout the state.\r\nIn August, after the state was denied a request for resources to help fight the South Sugarloaf Fire, Heller urged the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to reconsider the criteria required to qualify for wildfire assistance grants through the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program. That letter is available HERE. Additionally, earlier this month, Heller joined his colleagues and fellow members of the U.S. Senate Western Caucus inurging robust forest management reformsthat will reduce the risk and severity of catastrophic wildfires to be included in the final Farm Bill.He also recently requested that the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources further explore the impact of these deadly blazes and consider important forestry reform solutions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AED8BB9C-65AE-4D72-B788-67A6A3B5722A", "ICYMI: Heller and Blunt Lead the Charge to Renew Brand USA Program", "2018-09-11", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Opinion Piece, Senators Urge Congress to Act to Sustain Tourism Program that Supports Millions of Jobs, Generates Billions\r\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), who serve as co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, are leading the charge in Congress to renew Brand USA, a program established by Congress to encourage travelers from around the world to visit the United States. The tourism industry supports more than 15 million jobs in this country, and last year, the Brand USA program generated $4.1 billion in incremental visitor spending, resulting in a marketing return on investment of 29:1.\r\nIn an opinion piece published in The Hill, the senators, who represent Las Vegas and Branson  two cities that together welcome nearly 50 million visitors annually, urge Congress to act to sustain the program. You may read it below or by clicking HERE.\r\n\r\nCongress must act to continue attracting international travelers to AmericaBy U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Roy Blunt (R-MO)  https://bit.ly/2Qk916p\r\nAs a melting pot, the United States offers one of the most diverse and culturally unique travel experiences in the world with something for every traveler  world-class food and shopping, endless museums, towns both small and large, and every type of scenic landscape imaginable. One day you can be in Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World known for its shows, shopping, and exceptional hospitality, and the next you can take a quick flight to amazing parks, outdoor concerts, and one-of-a-kind dining discoveries in Branson, Mo.\r\nDespite all we have to offer, our country is not keeping pace with the global travel boom. More people than ever before are getting on planes to visit places outside their own countryup a whopping7 percent in 2017 alone to 1.3 billion. And those globetrotters are some of the most lucrative drivers of economic activity, spending an average of$4,360 per person, per trip when visiting the U.S. However, our market share of total long-haul travel fell from13.6 percent in 2015 to 11.9 percent last year.\r\nThat's a missed opportunity of seismic proportions7.4 million fewer visitors, $32billion in missed spending, and 100,000 fewer U.S. jobsthan if we'd kept our market share of just two years ago.\r\nConsumer markets don't shift on a whim. Whenever you see a TV commercial inviting you to visit Mexico, or Italy, or Australiaor Las Vegas or Branson, Mo., for that matterit's because an agency called a destination marketing organization paid for the ad. As you can tell just by watching an afternoon of TV, it's a hyper-competitive marketplace.\r\nBut the U.S. didn't have a destination marketing organization for the entire country until 2010, the yearBrand USAwas created by Congress. Never heard of it? That's likely because its mission is to entice travelers to come to America from abroad. All of its activities, from advertising to providing information on how to get a U.S. visa to what to expect at U.S. Customs, take place in other countries.\r\nBrand USA has added more than its share of value.In 2017,Brand USA spent $140 million on its marketing expenses while generating $4.1 billion in incremental visitor spending, resulting in a marketing return on investment of 29:1.\r\nOther countries spend what we would consider to be insane amounts of per-capita tax dollars on this kind of activity. Not so for Brand USA, whose funding comes from a fee on foreign travelers entering the U.S. along with matching private-sector funds kicked in by the travel and tourism industry. It is the very model of an effective public-private partnership, a framework increasingly sought after by federal policymakers for many different kinds of programs.\r\nThe international travel spurred by Brand USA is more important than ever. Travel, a services export, has a net-positive trade balance of$77 billion. Travel overall supports15.6 million jobsthat cannot be outsourced to other countries.\r\nBrand USA is due to be renewed by Congress. All members should support the renewal so that private-sector supporters have the certainty they need to continue investing in this program. Reauthorizing will also allow BrandUSA to effectively plan its promotion activities over the long-term, as well as to send the message to travel-dependent businesses and communitiesnot to mention people all over the worldthat America is serious about wanting legitimate business and leisure travelers to come here.\r\nRepublicans and Democrats in Congress are firmly aligned with each other and with the White House in our desire to see America prosper from coast tocoast and everywhere in between. Renewing Brand USA long-term is important for the economy, as well as the perfect opportunity for bipartisan cooperationsomething the American people tell us over and over again they crave. We join together in supporting the renewal of Brand USA.\r\nSens.Roy BluntandDean Hellerare co-chairs of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F891B483-AEE8-4291-A7AB-85803D500AA1", "Heller Secures Provision to Fund Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project in Comprehensive Water Infrastructure Bill", "2018-09-11", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following the announcement that leaders in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on comprehensive water infrastructure legislation, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that he successfully secured his provision in the legislation to make sure that the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project will be awarded the $181 million in federal funding that Congress originally authorized.\r\n\r\nHeller previously worked with the U.S. Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee to ensure that the authorization for Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project would not be in jeopardy as the U.S Army Corps of Engineers evaluates the flood plan.Heller's letter to Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) can be found HERE.\r\n\r\nThe Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project is a critical local effort that will help mitigate the threats of flash floods throughout Northern Nevada, which have the potential to devastate the infrastructure of our homes, businesses, and roads and bridges,said Heller.As a Northern Nevadan myself, I realize how important this project is for our community, which is why I worked to secure funding for it in the reconciled water infrastructure legislation. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to ensure that this legislation is signed into law so that the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project receives the $181 million in federal funding that it was promised.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\n\r\nWith Heller's support, in 2014 the U.S. Senate passed into law the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. Included in the legislation was a provision that authorized $181 million in federal funds for the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project  an initiative designed to reduce the potential destruction of a 100-year flood. However also comprised in the law was a requirement that if the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project funds were not disbursed within seven years, the funding would be de-authorized. Knowing the importance of this project to the region, Heller has been working with Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee Chairman Barrasso to fix this de-authorization issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A1CD592E-06EF-4458-91C3-C00EDD5A46E1", "Reconciled Spending Bill Funds Four Nevada Military Construction Projects, Includes Heller Provisions to Support Nevadas Veterans, Strengthen Water Security", "2018-09-10", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the final conference agreement to accompany the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill (H.R. 5895) includes provisions designed to support Nevada's veterans and increase accountability at the VA. The spending bill also funds four Nevada military construction projects at Creech Air Force Base, Nellis Air Force Base, and the National Guard Readiness Center in North Las Vegas, and it includes a Heller provision to strengthen Nevada's water supply and security, which is based on legislation (S.2539) that Heller previously introduced to reauthorize the Colorado River System Conservation Pilot Program (CRSCPP) for four years. Heller previously announced that he successfully worked to keep funding to revive Yucca Mountain out of this legislation.\r\nA senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Heller has worked to see that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) effectively operates the VA Caregiver Program, which provides a stipend to family members of severely disabled veterans who provide in-home care to the veteran. Heller's amendment included in the appropriations package would ensure that the VA Caregiver Program has the staffing necessary in Reno, Las Vegas, and across the country to provide the attention and support these veterans and their caregivers deserve. Earlier this year, Heller and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) contacted Acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie urging a retrospective review of the eligibility determinations of caregivers who were discharged from the program. The letter is availableHERE.\r\nIn addition to increasing oversight of the VA Caregiver Program, Heller also has a record of enhancing accountability for the VA's use of resources to help end veteran homelessness.The appropriations package also includes an amendment that Heller filed with U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) to prohibit the VA from transferring any funds out of the VA's homeless veteran programs. Heller has repeatedly fought back against the VA's repurposing of funds from VA programs designed to assist homeless veterans. In a December 2017 letter to former VA Secretary David Shulkin, Heller doubled down on his opposition and urged Shulkin to stop the VA's proposal to redirect funding intended to help the homeless veteran population. The letter is availableHERE. In April of 2018, he requested that the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies provide robust funding to the Supporting Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, the Grant and Per Diem (GDP) Program, and case management and supportive services as administered by the VA because these programs are central to federal efforts to end veteran homelessness. The letter is availableHERE.\r\nAs a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I'm always working to see that Nevada Nevada's 300,000 veterans receive the benefits and care that they have earned and deserve. That includes using my oversight role to ensure that the VA effectively maximizes its resources to provide quality care and support our nation's heroes, said Heller. I'm pleased that this legislation includes my measures aimed at increasing accountability for the VA's Caregiver Program, providing support for disabled veterans, and enhancing oversight of the VA's use of funding to address homelessness among veterans.\r\nHeller also secured the inclusion of his provision to reauthorize the CRSCPP for four years in the reconciled bill. Established by Congress to conserve water and mitigate the impact of droughts in the Colorado River Basin, which includes southern Nevada, the CRSCPP compensates holders of water rights along the basin for using less water. The CRSCPP has conserved nearly 143,000 acre feet of water since its inception in the Lower Basin alone and without Congressional action, the program is slated to expire in September 2018. Reauthorizing the program is critical for southern Nevada as the region receives nearly 90 percent of its water supply from the Colorado River, serving over 2 million residents in Clark County and over 42 million visitors per year.\r\nNevada's infrastructure and water security is critical to our state's success, which is why I continue to fight for commonsense policies that help provide the tools we need. My provision to reauthorize the Colorado River System Conservation Program will go a long way to support the conservation efforts in southern Nevada, a region that is no stranger to drought, said Heller. Nevada's infrastructure and water security is critical to our state's success, which is why I continue to fight for commonsense policies that help provide the tools we need.\r\nHeller has a long history of authoring and supporting legislation to improve the water supply in Nevada and address emergency drought situations across Western states. In 2016, the U.S. Senate adopted an amendment to the Energy and Water appropriations bill that was filed by Heller and Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) to increase funding for CRSCP by $50 million. The Pilot System Conservation Program was authorized under Sec. 206 of the Energy and Water appropriations bill of 2015. Additionally, in 2014, the Senate passed the Emergency Drought Relief Act, legislation introduced by Heller, Reid and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) that requires federal agencies to maximize water supplies, reduce project review times and ensure water is directed to users whose need is greatest.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F78BF374-12F0-4C31-BEB1-671AEB199C5D", "Heller Keeps Funding to Revive Yucca Mountain Out of Reconciled Appropriations Bill Released Today", "2018-09-10", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Following the release of the conference report on theEnergy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill,U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that he once again successfully worked to keep funding to revive Yucca Mountain out of the reconciled bill. While the version of the bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives included nearly $268 million in funding for Yucca Mountain, $100 million more than what was requested,Heller worked closely with the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to keep that funding out of the U.S. Senate's version of the bill. He later urgedU.S. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) to maintain that position in the reconciled version of the bill, which was released today. That letter is available HERE.\r\nIn April,Heller outlined his case not tofund the budget requests to support licensing activities at the Yucca Mountain nuclear repository to his colleagues in the U.S. Senate.In aletterto U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Heller expressed his strong opposition to the $120 million request in DOE's budget to revive Yucca Mountain, stating that the failed project has already wasted billions of taxpayer dollars. That same month, Heller expressed his concern to Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Feinstein about the $48 million request in NRC's budget for Yucca Mountain, and he encouraged them to instead devote resources to consent-based siting for the storage of nuclear waste. In hisletter,Heller cited his correspondence with NRC Chairman Svinicki regarding safety concerns as well as his request for a commitment from the NRC to implement procedural safeguards.\r\nHeller also stopped the U.S.House of Representatives efforts toadvancefunding that would restart the licensing process atYucca Mountainlast year.\r\nOnce again, the U.S. House of Representatives has failed in its relentless pursuit to turn Nevada into our nation's nuclear waste dump,said Heller.Despite the U.S. House of Representatives approval of more than $250 million to support licensing activities at Yucca Mountain and $30 million to store defense nuclear waste at Yucca, I've been able to stop their efforts in the U.S. Senate.I thank Chairman Shelby and Chairman Alexander as well as my colleagues on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee for working with me to ensure that not one more taxpayer dollar will be spent on this failed project. As long as I'm in the U.S. Senate, you can count on me to never let up on my fight to keep nuclear waste out of the state of Nevada.\r\n\r\nBackground: Timeline of Heller's previous work to stopYuccaMountain:\r\n \r\nOn July 6, 2018,Heller contacted U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) about maintaining the position of not authorizing funding for Yucca Mountain in the final conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nOn July 2, 2018, Hellerwrote U.S. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) thanking them for not funding Yucca Mountain in the minibus and urging them not to fund any activities related to Yucca Mountain in the conference report.\r\nOn April 13, 2018, Heller contacted U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) andurged him to exclude any language that authorizes funding forYuccaMountain from the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\nOn April 13, 2018, Heller urged U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)not to fund the DOE budget request for $120 million to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn April 24, 2018, in aletter submitted to Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Heller expressed his strong opposition to funding the NRC andsaid he remains staunchly opposedto any federal efforts to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 21, 2018,during a U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing with Office of Managementand Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) highlighted the Administration's reckless and fiscally irresponsible pursuit ofYuccaMountain, stating that the federal government has already wasted billions of dollars on the project. When asked about alternative solutions to the country's nuclear waste problem,Director Mulvaney told Heller that he is open-minded to other resolutionsand suggested they work together to find one.\r\nOn March 20, 2018,in a lettersubmitted to Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)andRanking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Heller argued thatYuccaMountain poses numerous health and safety risks to the people of southern Nevada and potentially catastrophic financial risks to the state's tourism economy.He urged them not to fund the $120 million to restart the repository licensing process forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 20, 2018, Heller discussed DOE's budget requestwith Secretary Perryat a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing.Heller noted that the $120 million requested to fund licensing activities atYuccaMountain was denied last year and that it will be denied again this year.\r\nOn September 26, 2017, Hellerargued thatYuccaMountain is not the solution to our country's nuclear waste problem in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Interior, Energy, and Environment.\r\nOn July 20, 2017, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the Senate's Energy and Water Appropriations bill andunlike the version that passed the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, the Senate bill did not include funding forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn July 28, 2017,the Senate's Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee advanced a bill that did not include the $120 million requested by the Department of Energy (DOE) to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn June 21, 2017,Heller submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommitteeexpressing his vehement opposition to theYuccaMountain proposal.\r\nOn June 20, 2017, Hellerreacted to Secretary Perry's comments at a U.S. Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, characterizing them as a blatant disregard for the state of Nevada.\r\nOn June 6, 2017, Hellerexpressed concern after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance Dan Brouillette's nominationfor the deputy secretary position at the Department of Energy (DOE), the federal agency that has jurisdiction over the licensing activities atYuccaMountain.\r\nOn May 26, 2017, Hellerreacted to the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) report detailing the lengthy and costlyYuccaMountainlicensing process.\r\nOn May 25, 2017, Hellerspoke on the U.S. Senate floor and reiterated his concern with the President's 2018 Fiscal Year budget request that included $120 million to restart the licensing activities forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn May 18, 2017,Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to highlight the threat thatYuccaMountain poses not only to Nevada, but the entire country.\r\nOn May 12, 2017,Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to highlightYuccaMountain's threat to the Las Vegas economy.\r\nOn April 27, 2017,Heller reaffirmed his staunch opposition to relicensing theYuccaMountain nuclear repository to Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry.\r\nOn April 26, 2017,Heller testified before a U.S.House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearingon legislation to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 29, 2017,Heller urged the Administration to drop itsYuccaMountain proposal, included in its FY2018 budget request.\r\nOn March 16, 2017,Heller released a statement on the Administration's FY2018 budget request, which included a proposal to reviveYuccaMountain.\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=A03CE01F-75E5-4C3A-B594-E443ED1CBFE3", "Heller, Vice President Pence Speak to Airmen at Nellis Air Force Base, Visit with Nevada Veterans", "2018-09-07", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LAS VEGAS -U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today introduced Vice President Mike Pence and welcomed the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Deputy Secretary James Byrne to Nevada at a rally for airmen at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to speaking with airmen and their families, Heller, Vice President Pence, and VA Deputy Secretary Byrne visited with Nevada veterans.\r\nWhether its fully-funding our military, giving our service members the largest pay raise in nearly a decade, or delivering reforms to improve the care our veterans receive at the VA, it is clear that this Administration, President Trump, and Vice President Pence are committed to supporting the men and women who answer our nation's call,Heller stated.\r\nVice President Pence, who previously visited Nellis Air Force Base with Heller earlier this year, recognized Heller as a tenacious champion for our Armed Forces, for Nellis Air Force Base, and for the more than 300,000 veterans across Nevada.\r\nYou should all know that Senator Heller stood with us, stood with us every step of the way, as we made these efforts to invest in our national defense. To rebuild our military. Your senator has also stood with us from his position on the Veterans Affairs Committee in the United States Senate to be a champion for our veterans, the Vice President said during his remarks. PresidentDonald Trump, in our first year and a half, has actually signed more than 15 bills authored and introduced by Senator Dean Heller to improve the services and benefits of veterans all across Nevada and all across the United States, he later continued.\r\n  Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks Friday, Sept. 7, 2018 at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. (Official White House Photos by Allaina Parton)\r\nHeller supported the annual defense authorization bill,formally named the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that increases funding for training across all service branches and authorizes a 2.6 percent pay raise for troops  the largest increasein nine yearsfor U.S. service members.President Trump signed the legislation into law on August 13, 2018.\r\nAt Nellis Air Force Base, Heller thanked the members of the military who are stationed at Nellis as well as those stationed at Hawthorne, Creech, and Fallon. I am truly grateful for your service and many contributions to this country. Your leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence distinguishes you, and that is why I am proud to have several veterans who served combat tours in Afghanistan or Iraq on my staff,said Heller.\r\nAs a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Heller has been a champion for Nevada's veteran community. He has authored, helped introduce, and navigate into law more than 40 pieces of legislation designed specifically to help Nevada's 300,000 veterans, 19 of which were signed into law by President Trump. Just last week,Heller announced a $1.25 million grant the VA awarded to US Vets in Las Vegas, as well as support to assist veterans organizations around the state to provide additional transitional housing beds for homeless veterans.\r\nDuring his remarks, Heller highlighted theJohn S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Networks (VA MISSION) Act,legislation that he helped send to the President's desk.The VA MISSION Act,which included three of Heller's provisions, directs more than $50 billion to further fund and reform the Veterans Choice Program,expands eligibility for caregivers, helps the VA better recruit and retain doctors, and streamlines the VA health care system.\r\nWe have a lot more to do,Heller stated.I know that this Administration and Congress are just getting started. And you can count on me to use my role on the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to keep fighting for all of you.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=EBF88909-1687-4AB4-8526-07722C2916BE", "Following the Martin Fire, Heller Announces Affected Farmers and Ranchers May be Eligible for Additional Assistance, Emergency Loans", "2018-09-07", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue Designated Humboldt County as A Primary Natural Disaster Area Due to Excessive Wildfires\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV)today welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) designation of Humboldt County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by the Martin Fire between July 4, 2018 and July 23, 2018. This designation makes farmers and ranchers living in Humboldt County and contiguous counties who were affected by the Martin Fire eligible to apply for certain USDA assistance, including emergency loans.\r\nNevada is still recovering from the Martin Fire, which burned nearly 500,000 acres across the state over a period of two weeks and dealt a devastating blow to ranchers who have lost their property, cattle, and grazing allotments. Nevada's oldest ranch, the Ninety-Six Ranch in Paradise Valley, lost 100 percent of their BLM grazing allotment as well as some Forest Service and private lands in this fire,said Heller. That is why I thank Secretary Perdue for recognizing that the Martin Fire led to Nevada's farmers and ranchers suffering significant losses after it ripped through Humboldt County and burned surrounding areas. I'll continue working hard to see that Nevadans have access to adequate resources to recover from wildfires as well as prevent and mitigate the threat of them.\r\nEarlier this week, Heller joined his colleagues and fellow members of the U.S. Senate Western Caucus inurging robust forest management reforms that will reduce the risk and severity of catastrophic wildfires to be included in the final Farm Bill. He also recently requested that the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources further explore the impact of these deadly blazes and consider important forestry reform solutions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=51DFB6A4-F02C-4DDD-A43F-01F234048984", "Heller Pushes Back with Strong Opposition to the Energy Departments Proposal to Store Plutonium at the Nevada National Security Site", "2018-09-06", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Urges DOE Secretary to Conduct a Full Environmental Impact Analysis Prior to Any Further Action\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today expressed his strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) proposal to store weapons-grade plutonium at the Device Assembly Facility at the Nevada National Security Site, and he urged DOE Secretary Rick Perry to conduct a full environmental impact analysis before the DOE moves forward with any further action. The Device Assembly Facility is located approximately 90 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada, the entertainment capital of the world that welcomes more than 40 million visitors annually, generates billions of dollars in revenue each year for the state, and supports over 300,000 tourism-related jobs.\r\nThis proposed action is the direct result of DOE and the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) failure to meet the deadline to complete construction on the Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility in South Carolina. On May 25, 2018, the U.S.District Court for the District of South Carolina issued a court order mandating the removal of one metric ton of plutonium from the DOE's Savannah River Site.\r\nIn a letter to Secretary Perry, Heller specifically requested a full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis to shed light on the proposal's environmental impacts that would likely result from DOE's proposed action. Heller stated that the agency's desire to expeditiously pursue this proposal does not outweigh the rights of Nevadans, and he argued that it is inappropriate for DOE to even consider this proposal prior to providing the state of Nevada with all of the potential health, safety, and economic risks associated with shipping plutonium across the country to be stored right outside of Las Vegas. \r\n\r\nDOE should not move forward with its proposal to store weapons-grade plutonium in Nevada before fully evaluating the health, safety, and environmental impact that it would have on our state, said Heller. Not only does shipping up to one metric ton of plutonium across the country likely present risks to the Americans living along the proposed transportation routes, storing this type of material just a few miles outside of Las Vegas could threaten the health and safety of Nevadans and have a devastating effect on our state's tourism economy. That is why I am strongly opposed to this proposal and am pressing DOE to conduct a full environmental impact analysis before moving forward with any further action.\r\nThe full text of Heller's letter to Secretary Perry is available HERE and below:\r\nI write today to express my strong opposition to the Department of Energy (DOE) proposal to store up to one metric ton of weapons-grade plutonium at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Before any further action is taken, at minimum, I respectfully request that a full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis be undertaken so that all affected parties, including the State of Nevada, can understand the true scope of the health and environmental impacts likely to result from this proposed action. DOE's desire to expeditiously pursue this proposal does not outweigh the rights of Nevadans to be safe in their own backyard. I strongly believe that it is completely inappropriate to consider the proposal before Nevadans have the opportunity to fully understand the potential health, safety, and economic risks it presents should DOE move forward with storing this material at NNSS.\r\nAs you know, this proposed action comes as a direct result of a district court order mandating the removal of one ton of plutonium from DOE's Savannah River Site, located in South Carolina. Because DOE and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) failed to take necessary action and complete the Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility in a timely manner, they now seek to fix their first wrong by committing a second one, proposing to ship large amounts of highly enriched defense-grade plutonium from the Savannah River Site across the entire country to the Device Assembly Facility at NNSS, near Las Vegas. Rather than provide any economic benefit to the State of Nevada, DOE and NNSA merely plan to move these dangerous defense materials in and out of the State and force Nevadans to bear the health and safety risks of this unreasonable and unnecessary transportation and storage. In addition, to add insult to injury, it appears likely that should DOE move forward with this proposal, NNSS will also receive low-grade nuclear waste resulting from the production of new nuclear pits to expand the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.\r\nGiven the unresolved health and safety concerns and DOE's failure to conduct a necessary and proper environmental review, I am strongly opposed to this proposal. I once again respectfully urge you to conduct a full NEPA analysis prior to any further action being taken. DOE's desire to move forward rapidly, something it did not do with respect to the South Carolina MOX facility, does not eliminate the need to follow established safety protocols to examine the health and safety risks of this project. Thank you for your timely attention to this request, and I look forward to receiving a reply to my letter no later than September 20, 2018.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5CA545B2-79E4-4F9C-8DB5-53853E31CAB4", "Heller Announces Over $3 Million in Grants Awarded to Nevada Fire Agencies", "2018-09-06", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced that four Nevada Fire Agencies  Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Fire Rescue, Mason Valley Fire Protection District, and Carlin Volunteer Fire Department  have been awarded competitive grants totaling over $3 million from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of an additional round of awards from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.\r\nThe SAFER Program, funded by legislation that Heller supported in the U.S. Senate, provides departments and volunteers with the support they need to continue protecting cities across the nation from fires as well as improve the overall response from fire agencies. The SAFER grants, awarded to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Fire Rescue, will be used to help the departments increase the number of frontline firefighters. Similarly, the AFG program allows first responders to better respond to emergencies by providing grants used to improve essential equipment, such as vehicles, protective gear, and response training. In a letter of support, Heller highlighted that Mason Valley Fire Protection District will use these critical funds to obtain 30 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus' that ensure firefighters can safely operate and save lives and property when in dangerous conditions such as a burning building or an area filled with smoke or gas.\r\nFirefighters throughout Nevada put their lives on the line to save both persons and property. We must protect those who protect us, and that begins with ensuring they have adequate staffing and the high-quality equipment that will keep them safe during their operations, said Heller. That is the goal of these grant programs. The resources announced will go a long way toward enabling Nevada's fire departments to hire highly trained individuals and obtain the equipment they need to operate safely as they fight for our communities. I thank the Department of Homeland Security for recognizing the needs of our state, and I look forward to continue to push for policies that support our brave firefighters who work hard to keep our families and communities safe.\r\n\r\nThe full breakdown of grants can be found below:\r\nAs awarded through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program:\r\n \r\nLas Vegas Fire & Rescue will receive $2,297,185\r\nPyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Fire Rescue will receive $608,016\r\n \r\nAs awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program:\r\n \r\nMason Valley Fire Protection District will receive $181,429\r\nCarlin Volunteer Fire Department will receive $6,286\r\n \r\nIn total, the Department of Homeland Security is awarding approximately $345 million as part of the SAFER Program and $310 million through the AFG Program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0ECD0698-E016-4C10-B1AF-53CCD76557DA", "Heller and Senate Western Caucus Push for Robust Forest Management Reforms to Reduce Risk of Wildfires", "2018-09-05", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) along with Chairman of the U.S. Senate Western Caucus Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT) and Caucus Members U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-IN), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John Thune (R-SD), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today urged robust forest management reforms that will reduce the risk and severity of catastrophic wildfires in the final Farm Bill.\r\nIn a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate who are working to reconcile and produce a final Farm Bill, the senators specifically requested forestry reforms ranging from accelerating post-fire restoration and reforestation projects to facilitating the use of Good Neighbor Authority by expanding it to counties and tribes. The letter as well as the full list of provisions that the senators requested be included in the final bill is available HERE.\r\nWildfires have consumed more than six million acres thus far this year, which is substantially above the historical average for the same time period, the senators wrote. We implore you to include a robust forestry title in the Farm Bill conference report that cuts unnecessary red tape, addresses the challenges of chronic litigation, and further empowers state and local collaborative partners to help develop and carry out science-based forest management projects.\r\nHeller has a long record of taking action aimed at advancing policies to protect Nevada against the threat of devastating wildfires and mitigate their damage to ranches and communities. Just last week, Heller urged the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to hold a hearing to discuss the impact of Nevada's blazes on property, cattle, and grazing allotments as well as to consider comprehensive forest management reform. As I travel across Nevada, I continue to see firsthand the need for serious forestry reform and opportunities to promote forest health that slow the speed and frequency of wildfires. Our land management agencies should not be expected to maneuver countless hours of paperwork and wait periods of time to remove invasive species that are prime conductors for wildfire throughout Nevada, said Heller.\r\nThis past year,Heller introduced the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, legislation that would speed up the timely federal permitting process for hazardous fuel reduction projects on public lands. Additionally, the U.S. Senate recently passed a provision thatHeller authored to increase funding for cross-boundary fire control by $5 million. Since the federal government manages approximately 85 percent of Nevada's lands, Heller's measure would help prevent and mitigate the damage of wildfires in the state that cross over jurisdictional boundaries. Heller is also a champion for innovative technologies, such as theAlertTahoe Fire Monitoring and Early Detection Warning System, which is used by firefighters to detect, monitor, and prevent fires in the Tahoe basin.In July, Heller announced that he secured $226,000 to install new cameras as part of the AlertTahoe System.\r\nThe Federal Forest Resource Coalitions, a coalition of water resource organizations, and more than 20 wildlife and sportsmen groups have expressed support for forest management reforms in the final Farm bill to the conferees.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4519AB65-9256-408B-9D9B-089EDE56499D", "U.S. Senate Committee Approves Heller Bill to Help Nevada Veterans Pursue Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math", "2018-09-05", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Has Navigated Into Law More than 40 Pieces of Legislation to Help Nevada's Veterans\r\nWASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today passed the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act, legislation that U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) authored to help Nevada's veterans pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. A senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and a strong advocate for Nevada's 300,000 veterans, Heller has a long record of introducing and navigating into law legislation that bolsters and expands veterans' education benefits and increases their access to critical job-training skills. In total, more than 40 pieces of veteran legislation that Heller has authored or helped introduce have been signed into law.\r\nSpecifically, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act would modify certain National Science Foundation (NSF) STEM research and education programs to enable and encourage veterans to participate in these programs. The legislation also directs NSF to create a plan to strengthen outreach about STEM opportunities to veterans, and directs the establishment or designation of an interagency working group to coordinate and develop activities and programs to increase the number of veterans pursuing education related to STEM careers.\r\nAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM employment opportunities are expected to increase to more than nine million by 2022. Furthermore, as the Department of Defense expects 1.5 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces to transition out of service in the next five years, service members need to be prepared to meet the workforce needs of U.S. employers so they can pursue stable, competitive job opportunities.STEM careers afford that opportunity and align well with many skills obtained through various military occupations, such as a military radio or satellite operators becoming electrical engineering technicians or a military intelligence officer becoming an information security analyst.However, veterans also face challenges as they re-enter the workforce, including a lack of formal STEM education and career guidance for these fields.\r\nAs a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am committed topassing legislation into lawthat creates meaningful job opportunitiesfor our nation's veterans,said Heller. With the influx of drones, autonomous and electric vehicles, and other technology companies in Nevada, there continues to be a high demand for individuals to meet STEM specific job requirements. The Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act addresses this need by offering an effective partnership between veterans and career opportunities throughout the state. I look forward to supporting this critical legislation through the U.S. Senate and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to send it to the President's desk.\r\nHeller, who is also a member U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, has consistently promoted STEM education programs and has worked to provide additional career opportunities for veterans in Nevada. For example, at the beginning of this year,Heller encouraged the VA to increase efforts to help veterans find employment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Just a few weeks ago, the U.S. Senate passed a provision that Heller authoredto help members of the Armed Forces who are transitioning back to civilian life by ensuring $2 million is available to support apprenticeship programs.\r\nAs an advocate for women in STEM fields, Heller also helped navigate into law bipartisan legislation that seeks to encourage women to pursue and succeed in STEM careers.The Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act and the Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act were signed into law in February of last year to encourage young women to pursue innovative, technological developments and to ensure entrepreneurial success of women's STEM innovations.\r\nThe Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act is supported by the Association of the United States Navy, the Blinded Veterans Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Retired Enlisted Association, Marine Corps League, Student Veterans of America, and the STEM Education Coalition. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S House of Representatives by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL), Mark Takano (D-CA), Lamar Smith (R-TX), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Brian Babin (R-TX), Stephen Knight (R-CA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Jim Banks (R-IN), and the U.S. House of Representatives passed it by a vote of 420-1\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=65064C01-7E70-4DCE-98EE-A81086DA3FDA", "U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Heller-Backed Bill to Help Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs", "2018-09-05", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Know the Lowest Price Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), that is aimed at saving Nevadans money on their prescription drugs by cracking down on a practice that blocks pharmacists from telling customers they could pay less for their prescription if they pay out of pocket.\r\nCurrently, pharmacy gag clauses can be used to prevent pharmacists from proactively notifying patients that they could pay less for their prescription medications if they were to pay out of pocket rather than using their insurance. As a result, many consumers overpay for their medications. For example, it's been reported that a medication to treat diabetes or high blood pressure may cost consumers who are paying with insurance around $20, however, the same medications may only cost $8-$15 if the consumer pay cash. In fact, a recent report found that customers overpaid for prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter 23 percent of the time.\r\nNevadans work hard for their money, and they shouldn't be ripped off when they go to pick up their medications that they rely on, said Senator Heller. The Know the Lowest Price Act will help save Nevadans money by banning a practice that has led to too many patients overpaying for their medications. I'm proud that the U.S. Senate approved this bipartisan proposal, and I'll continue working with my colleagues to lower health care costs and see that this commonsense bill is signed into law.\r\nThe Know the Lowest Price Act cracks down on this practice by prohibiting Medicare Part D Plans from restricting a pharmacy's ability to provide drug price information when there is a difference between the cost of the drug under the plan and the cost of the drug when purchased without insurance.\r\nIt's wrong that a person overpays for their medication simply because their pharmacist is not allowed to tell them they could pay a lower price with cash instead of insurance, said Senator Stabenow. Our bill bans this outrageous practice that hurts Michigan families and seniors. It takes an important step toward lowering the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6F5A05AE-074D-420C-ACC5-D6348E888B29", "Heller Announces University of Nevada, Reno Awarded Competitive $1 Million Grant to Support Manufacturing Partnership Program", "2018-09-05", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the University of Nevada, Reno has been awarded $1 million through the U.S Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) competitive Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program. The funding awarded to UNR is part of the Commerce Department's larger announcement that it is investing an additional $7 million to enhance the MEP Program and support new projects to solve emerging manufacturing challenges.\r\nSpecifically, the award will go toward supporting the MEP Center at the University of Nevada, Reno and its work on a project to enable partnerships with state manufacturing innovation centers, as well as extend university research and related industry innovation.\r\nNevada's MEP Center has helped ensure that our state's manufacturing sector continues to thrive and create competitive jobs, and it's great to see that the work at the University of Nevada, Reno has been recognized by the Commerce Department, said Heller. Today's announcement included awards for only eight MEP Centers, and the MEP Center in Nevada was one of them. This competitive $1 million grant will support partnerships with state manufacturing innovation centers as well as expanded research. I'll continue to work to see that Nevada's status as a national leader in innovation is recognized in Washington, D.C., and fight to see that our state has adequate resources to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation that has led to Nevada becoming one of the fastest growing states in the nation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=423698A1-8AF0-4613-83EC-D6D6A7CAAF70", "Heller Announces $1.25 Million to Help Nevadas Homeless Veterans", "2018-08-31", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "US Vets in Las Vegas to Receive $1.25 Million Grant, Additional Resources for Transitional Housing to Assist Homeless Veterans in Reno and Las Vegas\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and strong advocate for Nevada's homeless veterans, today announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide $1.25 million to US Vets in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as support for veterans service organizations around the state to provide an additional 50 transitional housing beds to give shelter to homeless veterans in Nevada.\r\nSpecifically, US Vets in Las Vegas will receive a $1.25 million grant to support an additional 25 units in their transitional housing program, which is designed with the goal of providing veterans services at their residence and transitioning those services out of the home as the veteran achieves long-term stability. The VA also committed to providing transitional housing assistance resources to the following organizations to support additional beds and help homeless veterans get back on their feet:\r\n \r\nThe Salvation Army in Las Vegas: Support for an additional 22 beds ( service intensive)\r\nUS Vets in Las Vegas: Support for an additional 14 beds (service intensive)\r\nBristlecone Family Resources in Reno: Support for an additional 12 beds (clinical treatment)\r\nThe Ridge House in Reno: Support for an additional three beds (clinical treatment)\r\n \r\nAs a senior member of the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I welcome the VA's announcement that Nevada will receive support to help our homeless veterans because no veteran should ever be forced to sleep on the street, said Heller. More than 1,300 veterans are homeless in the state of Nevada, and frankly, that is unacceptable. These resources, which will support additional beds in transitional housing facilities, will go a long way toward providing veterans with the chance to get back on their feet. I thank Secretary Wilkie for recognizing the needs of Nevada's veterans, and I look forward to continue working with him to advance solutions that support Nevada  and our nation's - heroes.\r\nA champion of legislation that supports homeless veterans, Heller is the author of the Creating A Reliable Environment (CARE) for Veterans' Dependent Act, bipartisan legislation that works to ensure children of homeless veterans are eligible for services provided to their parent by VA funded facilities. In addition, following his requests of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to provide additional funding for homeless veterans programs, the omnibus spending bill that was signed into law in March of this year contained $1.7 billion for homeless assistance programs at the VA, including $340 million for the homeless supportive services for low-income veterans and families and $40 million for new housing vouchers for homeless veterans. In total, Heller has successfully navigated into law forty pieces of legislation designed to assist veterans throughout Nevada throughout his career.\r\nAdditionally, Heller recently met with Arnold Stalk of Veterans Village, an organization that offers resources, such as housing, health care services, and food, to Las Vegas- area veterans. Following their meeting in Heller's Washington, D.C. office, Heller and Stalk recapped their discussion and spoke about how they will continue to work together to make sure that no veteran is homeless. You may watch the video by clicking HERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0AFFE5B1-2F18-4519-BE56-202FBDBCB229", "Following Support from Douglas County, Washoe Tribe Leaders, Heller Introduces Bill to Improve Land Management in Douglas County", "2018-08-30", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced the Douglas County Economic Development and Conservation Act, legislation that is the result of collaboration among Douglas County, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, state agencies, local towns and general improvement districts, and numerous stakeholder groups. In 2015, Heller worked with former Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) and Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) to introduce this legislation.\r\nUnanimously endorsed by the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners, the Douglas County Economic Development and Conservation Act is a joint effort that seeks to improve public land management and promote economic development in the state of Nevada, where the federal government manages approximately 85 percent of our lands. The bill's development process also included extensive outreach to Nevadans who live in the communities impacted by the bill.\r\nThe Douglas County Economic Development and Conservation Act is the result of a thorough, public process that spans several years and included local input, public meetings, and support from Douglas County officials and residents, said Heller. Since approximately 85 percent of Nevada's lands are managed by the federal government, it's critical that we collaborate at all levels of government to provide Nevada with the tools it needs to encourage economic opportunities while keeping the character of the Carson Valley intact.\r\nLetters of support from the Douglas County Board of Commissioners and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California can be found HERE and HERE.\r\nSpecifically, the Douglas County Conservation Act:  1) Transfers important federally owned cultural sites to the Washoe Tribe;  2) Transfers federally owned flood control management areas and important water resource infrastructure parcels to Douglas County;  3) Improves the management of certain federally owned public recreation parcels;  4) Resolves the Burbank Canyons Wilderness Area; and  5) Allows for the disposal of certain excess and difficult to manage federal lands, ensuring that the sales proceeds are used to benefit conservation efforts in Douglas County.\r\nThe full text of the bill can be found HERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CEFE3BE5-B363-443A-9A95-991D1A3EECDC", "Heller Seeks to Level Playing Field to Help Rural Nevada Fight Wildfires", "2018-08-29", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Urges FEMA to Reconsider Criteria for Wildfire Assistance Grants Following Nevada's Denied Requests\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  In light of the state of Nevada's recent denied request for resources to help fight the South Sugarloaf Fire, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) is urging the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to reconsider the criteria required to qualify for wildfire assistance grants through the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program. The South Sugarloaf Fire has already ravaged 237,000 acres across Nevada, threatening private property and public lands used for grazing, recreation, and other purposes.\r\nWhile I am a strong supporter of FMAG and its benefits to my state, it seems clear that some of the criteria used to determine eligibility for the FMAG program may put my state's rural communities at a disadvantage, wrote Heller. In order to qualify for FMAG, your agency requires a threat to lives and property, including threats to critical infrastructure and critical watershed areas. As the Senior Senator from a state that is 85 percent managed by the federal government, many of my constituents rely on federal lands for their livelihood. I respectfully ask that your agency take into consideration the severe consequences of wildfire on our public lands, including the loss of lands for grazing, energy development, and any other factor that would have an economic impact on Nevadans.\r\nHeller, a senior member of the Senate Western Caucus, has long worked to ensure that Nevada's ranchers, local governments, and federal agencies have the adequate tools to prevent and suppress devastating wildfires. Last week, Heller urged the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to hold a hearing to continue discussing forestry reform solutions to prevent future deadly blazes.\r\nIn addition, the U.S. Senate recently passed a provision that Heller authored to increase funding for cross boundary fire control by $5 million. Heller has also promoted innovated fire prevention technologies, such as the AlertTahoe Fire monitoring and Early Detection Warning System. Last month, Heller announced that he secured $226,000 to install new AlertTahoe cameras, which will help detect fires and further protect the Lake Tahoe Basin from catastrophic damage.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below:\r\nDear Administrator Long,\r\nI write to you today in the midst of one of the worst fire seasons on record to share my concerns with the eligibility criteria for a wildfire to qualify for assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Administration's (FEMA's) Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program.\r\nAs of today, 523 fires have burned or are currently burning across my state, accounting for over one million acres of damage to public lands, grazing allotments, and private property. The South Sugarloaf Fire has already ravaged 237,000 acres across Nevada and is less than 50 percent contained, threatening private property and public lands used for grazing, recreation, and other purposes.\r\nDuring Nevada's previous fire seasons, the FMAG program has been an important component of fire recovery, including last year's Oil Well Fire near Elko, Nevada. The Oil Well fire shut down highways and threatened homes and property, and I am grateful that FEMA approved an FMAG declaration to help northeastern Nevada recover.\r\nWhile I am a strong supporter of FMAG and its benefits to my state, it seems clear that some of the criteria used to determine eligibility for the FMAG program may put my state's rural communities at a disadvantage. In order to qualify for FMAG, your agency requires a threat to lives and property, including threats to critical infrastructure and critical watershed areas. As the Senior Senator from a state that is 85 percent managed by the federal government, many of my constituents rely on federal lands for their livelihood. I respectfully ask that your agency take into consideration the severe consequences of wildfire on our public lands, including the loss of lands for grazing, energy development, and any other factor that would have an economic impact on Nevadans.\r\nDuring this brutal fire season, it is imperative that western states like Nevada have access to critical resources, like the FMAG program, when looking to combat and suppress wildfires. As a lifelong Nevadan, I look forward to working with you on this issue to ensure that FEMA's policies and procedures are beneficial to all Americans, including western states like Nevada. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CAABBEFC-6E38-4B4E-A86D-B88AF568D5A8", "As Nevada Wildfires Burn, Heller Urges Key Senate Panel to Consider Forestry Reform Solutions", "2018-08-28", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  As numerous wildfires continue to burn across the state of Nevada, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) continues to take action aimed at advancing policies to protect Nevada against the threat of devastating wildfires and mitigate their damage to ranches and communities. Most recently, Heller urged Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to hold another hearing to discuss the impact of these deadly blazes and important forestry reform solutions.\r\nNevada is still recovering from the Martin Fire, which burned nearly 500,000 acres across the state over a period of two weeks. As a result of that fire, ranchers have lost their property, cattle, and grazing allotments, including the Ninety-Six Ranch in Paradise Valley, Nevada. The Ninety-Six Ranch is the oldest ranch in my state, and the Stewart Family has operated on these lands, both public and private, for over 150 years. The Martin Fire burned 100 percent of their BLM grazing allotment as well as some Forest Service and private lands, wrote Heller. As I travel across Nevada, I see firsthand the need for serious forestry reform. Our land management agencies should not have to maneuver through countless hours of paperwork and waiting periods to remove invasive species, like cheatgrass and pinyon-juniper, which are prime conductors for the start and spread of wildfires.\r\nLast year, Heller introduced the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, legislation that would speed up the timely federal permitting process for hazardous fuel reduction projects on public lands. Additionally, the U.S. Senate recently passed a provision that Heller authored to increase funding for cross-boundary fire control by $5 million. Since the federal government manages approximately 85 percent of Nevada's lands, Heller's measure would help prevent and mitigate the damage of wildfires in the state that cross over jurisdictional boundaries.\r\nGiven the devastating effects of this fire season on Nevada and the entire West, I respectfully urge your committee to hold another hearing to review this year's fire activity and to consider comprehensive forest management reform legislation at the earliest opportunity in order to improve forest health and slow the spread and frequency of wildfires across the western United States, stated Heller.\r\nA member of the Senate Western Caucus, Heller recently attended a roundtable discussion with U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to continue their conversations surrounding wildfire prevention measures. At the meeting, Heller said this includes innovative technologies such as the AlertTahoe Fire Monitoring and Early Detection Warning System, which is used by firefighters to detect, monitor, and prevent fires in the Tahoe basin. Last month, Heller announced that he secured $226,000 to install new cameras as part of the AlertTahoe System.\r\n\r\nThe full text of the letter, which was sent last week, can be found below:\r\nDear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell,\r\nAs wildfires continue to rage across Nevada and the western United States, I commend you for holding a hearing on the wildfire outlook for this year, and I am writing to urge your committee to hold another hearing to discuss the damage these deadly blazes have caused as well as important forestry reform solutions.\r\nIn June of this year, your Committee held a hearing to examine the outlook for this year's wildfire season, where you discussed the importance of proper funding mechanisms for our land management agencies as well as forestry management reform. As noted in the previous hearing, this year's fire season is shaping up to be one of the worst on record. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, over 41,000 fires have burned six million acres of land across the West. My home state of Nevada accounts for over 870,000 of those acres, threatening and devastating many rural communities. Nevada is still recovering from the Martin Fire, which burned nearly 500,000 acres across the state over a period of two weeks.\r\nAs a result of the Martin Fire, ranchers have lost their property, cattle, and grazing allotments, including the Ninety-Six Ranch in Paradise Valley, Nevada. The Ninety-Six Ranch is the oldest ranch in my state, and the Stewart Family has operated on these lands, both public and private, for over 150 years. The Martin Fire burned 100 percent of their BLM grazing allotment as well as some Forest Service and private lands.\r\nAs I travel across Nevada, I see firsthand the need for serious forestry reform. Our land management agencies should not have to maneuver through countless hours of paperwork and waiting periods to remove invasive species, like cheatgrass and pinyon-juniper, which are prime conductors for the start and spread of wildfires. This is why I have introduced legislation to speed up the approval process for fuel reduction projects on federal lands, as well as passed an amendment to the Senate's Interior Appropriations spending bill to increase the amount of funds available for cross-boundary fires.\r\nGiven the devastating effects of this fire season on Nevada and the entire West, I respectfully urge your committee to hold another hearing to review this year's fire activity and to consider comprehensive forest management reform legislation at the earliest opportunity in order to improve forest health and slow the spread and frequency of wildfires across the western United States.\r\nThank you for considering this request. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions.\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=E58197F4-C48F-4D0E-AF42-F77F548500B6", "VIDEO: Heller and Founder of Veterans Village in Las Vegas Talk About Ending Veteran Homelessness", "2018-08-28", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "More than 1,300 Veterans are Homeless in Nevada\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) recently met with Arnold Stalk, PhD, of Veterans Village, a nonprofit organization in Las Vegas, Nevada that helps homeless veterans get back on their feet by providing essential resources, including housing, health care services, and food. On any given night in Nevada, it is estimated that more than 1,300 veterans are homeless.\r\nNo veteran should be forced to sleep on the streets, and Arnold and Veterans Village are essential in our shared fight to make sure that doesn't happen, said Heller. Our discussion was another reminder that while we have made significant progress, we still have a lot of work to do to end veteran homelessness and provide our veterans with the support  including additional job-training and educational opportunities  they deserve.\r\nA senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Heller has been a strong advocate for Veterans Village since he initially visited the organization in 2013. For example, he secured a meeting between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Veterans Village in Washington, D.C. this year, and he backed Veterans Village's efforts to seek a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit from the State of Nevada.\r\nSenator [Heller] was one of the first elected officials to come to Veterans Village when we started a while ago, and a lot of his staff are veterans so they understand the issues. They get it, Stalk stated. And when they call our office  if somebody walks into the Senator's office, we get right on it. And anybody else that works with us knows that we get on it, and we won't let a veteran stay homeless. And this office particularly puts a priority on helping us.\r\nAfter their meeting in Heller's Washington, D.C. office, Heller and Stalk recapped their discussion on camera and spoke about how they will continue to work together to support Nevada's veteran community. You may watch the video by clicking HERE or on the image below.\r\n\r\nClick HERE or on the above image to view the video.  *Media has permission to use photograph and video clip*\r\nWe're very grateful to this office  Senator Heller's office  and his staff, said Stalk following the meeting. We talked about the importance of housing our vets, and also about the fact that we have a master plan to end veterans' homelessness in the state of Nevada. We talked about, specifically also, about our assisted living facility and working closer with the VA.\r\nDuring a June hearing on Secretary Wilkie's nomination, Heller received Secretary Wilkie's commitment that he will visit Nevada and speak directly with veterans. When the VA Secretary comes to Las Vegas, I want him to talk to Arnold, but I also want him to talk to every other service organization that's out there that really works closely with these veterans because ultimately, I know that that's what's making the difference, said Heller, who applauded Stalk's work to facilitate veterans helping veterans.\r\nI'm talking to somebody who has done a lot for veterans in southern Nevada, added Heller. We're talking about how we can make sure that we assist any veteran that's in Las Vegas, that's in the state of Nevada, that needs help. In other words, how does someone come through the door and get help immediately.\r\nHeller has a long record of supporting efforts to end veteran homelessness. For instance, he introduced the Creating A Reliable Environment (CARE) for Veterans' Dependents Act, legislation that would make sure that children of homeless veterans are eligible for services provided to that veteran by VA-funded facilities. He also co-sponsored legislation (S.1759) to ensure that veterans homeless programs remain operational, and he repeatedly urged the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to provide robust funding for homeless veterans programs. As a result, the omnibus spending bill that the President signed into law in March of 2018 contained $1.7 billion for homeless assistance programs at the VA, including $340 million for the homeless supportive services for low-income veterans and families and $40 million for new housing vouchers for homeless veterans. Additionally, Heller has encouraged the VA to increase efforts to help veterans find employment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Just last week, the U.S. Senate passed a provision that Heller authored to ensure $2 million is available to carry out a pilot program for preparing members of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life by offering apprenticeship programs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5BB4B375-A0F7-45CE-A412-23203A0D2FD1", "Heller Statement on Passing of Senator John McCain", "2018-08-25", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator John McCain:\r\nNo words can describe the loss of Senator John McCain, a man who I've had the honor of serving with in the United States Senate. Our country has lost an American war hero and a statesman who dedicated his life to serving a country that he deeply loved, and who fiercely advocated for our veteransandall of those who continue to defend our freedoms today. I join my colleagues in mourning the passing of our friend, and Lynne and I continue to pray for Cindy and the entire McCain family.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5DD01C49-E2A1-4735-8516-151FAE3C5979", "U.S. Senators Introduce Legislation To Protect Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions", "2018-08-24", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA),Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA),Joni Ernst (R-IA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Barrasso (R-WY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Roger Wicker (R-MS)introduced theEnsuring Coverage for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions Act, legislation that would guarantee Americans have equal health care coverage, regardless of their health status or pre-existing conditions.\r\nOral arguments in Texas v. United States will begin on September 5th, and if the judgerules in favor of the plaintiffs, protections for patients with pre-existing conditions could be eliminated. This legislation amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to guarantee the availability of coverage in the individual or group market, for all Americans, including those with pre-existing conditions, regardless of the outcome in Texas v. United States. The legislation prohibits discrimination against beneficiaries based on health status, includingthe prohibition againstincreased premiums for beneficiaries due to pre-existing conditions.\r\nClickHEREto read the legislation.\r\nNevadans and Americans throughout the country with pre-existing conditions should be protected  period,said Senator Heller.This legislation will make sure that Nevada's most vulnerable have access to coverage, and I'm proud to join my colleagues to introduce it.\r\nThere are strong opinions on both sides when it comes to how we should overhaul our nation's broken health care system, but the one thing we can all agree on is that we should protect health care for Americans with pre-existing conditions and ensure they have access togoodcoverage,said Senator Tillis. This legislation is a common-sense solution that guarantees Americans with preexisting conditions will have health care coverage, regardless of how our judicial system rules on the future of Obamacare.\r\nDon't let there be any confusion about itAmericans with pre-existing conditions are going to have protections against being denied coverage or charged more for their condition,said Senator Alexander.I'm glad to join my Republican colleagues to ensure these protections continue, and I look forward to finding more ways to expand insurance options for Americans with pre-existing conditions, such as through the new Department of Labor rule that will make lower cost employer insurance with patient protections available to the self-employed and more employees of small businesses.\r\nFor decades, there's been tremendous support at the grassroots of Iowa and nationwide to protect people with pre-existing conditions from losing their health insurance,said Senator Grassley.Experts say that as much as half of the population under age 65 has some type of pre-existing health condition. This legislation will give certainty that broadly supported protections for pre-existing conditions are here to stay no matter what. Support for the legislation will separate those who really want to protect people with pre-existing conditions and those who would rather have a political talking point to scare Americans who are already worried enough. I hope the former is more important.\r\nI'm a doctor who took care of patients in Louisiana's charity hospital system for over 25 years, many of them directly affected by this issue,said Dr. Cassidy.That's why I'm so committed to protecting people with pre-existing conditions, and this bill keeps that promise.\"\r\nNo matter where I go, or who I talk to, healthcare remains a huge concern for Alaskans.And one of the key pieces to care is ensuring that people with pre-existing conditions can purchase insurance,said Senator Murkowski.With the uncertainty of the outcome in the upcoming Texas v. United States case, this legislation is needed now more than ever to give Alaskans, and all Americans, the certainty they need that protections for those with pre-existing conditions will remain intact. I'm proud to support a bill that will make sure no one loses coverage.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CC6B242D-46DB-47E5-89AB-4AE43CD419EE", "At Washoe County Sheriffs Office, Heller and Forensic Experts Discuss Efforts to Combat Nevadas Rape Kit Backlog", "2018-08-24", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RENO At the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division this morning, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), Dr. Lisa Smyth-Roam, supervising criminalist, and Kerri Heward, director of the division, discussed Nevada's progress in reducing the number of untested sexual assault kits.\r\nHeller received a briefing from both Dr. Smyth-Roam and Heward before taking a tour of the facility and seeing the lab. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division provides forensic services for 13 of the state's 17 counties.\r\nHeller has championed several policies and fought for federal funding to combat the state'srape kitbacklog, by providing resources to support DNA analysis, lab capacity enhancement, andimplement an evidence-based program to audit, track,and report untested sexual assaultkits.\r\n\r\n*Media has permission to use photograph*\r\nAs of June 30th, 6,367 of the Nevada kits had been sent to labs for testing, while 4,871 had actually completed the testing process, or 63 percent, according to a recent report. Out of those kits that completed the testing process, the DNA has hit a match in 466 of the cases. At least 12 arrests have been made in Nevada as a result.\r\nVictims of heinous crimes such as sexual assault deserve swift justice, and that's why I'm so proud of the work that the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division is doing to cut down on the state's backlog of untested sexual assault kits, said Heller. As a strong supporter of authorizing and supporting legislation to fund grant programs that allow our law enforcement and forensic experts to continue their operations, I'm committed to doing everything I can to secure continued federal resources for this division, and all labs in Nevada.    \r\nWe agreed that it was important to test all previously un-submitted sexual assault kits. However, initially we were concerned about the size of the endeavor and its impact on our ongoing case load, Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division Director Kerri Heward said. Thanks to substantial support from our federal and state partners, funding was secured to test all the un-submitted sexual assault kits in Northern Nevada with minimal impact to ongoing cases. All un-submitted sexual assault kits are expected to be tested by spring of 2019. Continued federal support, such as the SAFER Act,which Senator Dean Heller introduced and pushed into law,will help to prevent backlogs from occurring in the future.\r\nEarlier this year,President Trump signed into law a bipartisan bill Heller introducedcalled theSexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Actthat reauthorizes, strengthens, and extends the SAFER program in an effort to reduce the nationwiderapekitbacklog.\r\nHeller has also co-authored theDebbie Smith Crime Victims Protection Act,legislation to reauthorize the Debbie Smith Actand dedicate much-needed resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic analyses of crime scenes, including untestedrapekits. In January, Heller teamed up with John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to introducethe Justice Served Act,which would provide funds to prosecute therapekit backlogand deliver justice for victims of crimes like sexual assault by resolving cold cases and exonerating those wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit.\r\nIn 2014, Senator Heller helped secure federal funding for the Sheriff's Office to purchase an instrument for the Forensic Science Division that is used daily in the analysis of controlled substance cases. This instrument allows a Criminalist to analyze and identify controlled substances and report the results to the submitting agencies and the District Attorney's Office for prosecution of cases.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ED1E35C2-2683-4A52-996F-BDEF98C6B972", "In Case You Missed It: U.S. Senate Passes Heller Measures To Help Veterans Get Jobs, Promote STEM Programs, Support Newborns Suffering from Addiction", "2018-08-24", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate passed U.S. Senator Dean Heller's (R-NV) measures to help Nevada's veterans find jobs, promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs that benefit pre-kindergarden-12 students, and support babies born dependent on opioids or other substances. Heller filed the bipartisan amendments to a larger appropriations package that the U.S. Senate approved yesterday.\r\nA member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Heller along with U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) offered an amendment to ensure up to $2 million is available to carry out a pilot program for preparing members of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life by offering apprenticeship programs. Heller also teamed up with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to file an amendment that requires a report from the Department of Education (DOE) about how the agency is coordinating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Science Foundation (NSF) to promote STEM programs that benefit pre-kindergarden-12 students. Heller has a history of supporting Nevadans who want to pursue STEM careers. For example, he previously worked with Klobuchar to introduce and navigate into law legislation that authorizes the NSF to encourage its entrepreneurial programs to recruit and support women to extend their focus beyond the laboratory and into the commercial world. Heller also authored a law that directs NASA to encourage women and young girls to study STEM and pursue aerospace careers.\r\nI'm pleased that the U.S. Senate passed measures that I authored to help veterans get jobs, promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs that benefit elementary schools, and support newborns suffering from dependence on opioids or other substances, said Heller. As the fifth most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, I'm proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on these initiatives that support families in Nevada and address the challenges facing our veteran community. Whether it is increasing resources to address our nation's opioid epidemic or my work to make sure that no veteran is sleeping on the streets, I remain focused on advancing policies that will improve the lives of Nevadans across the state and move our state forward.\r\nBecause every 25 minutes a baby is born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), Heller has championed efforts that require Congress to step in to ensure that newborns suffering from withdrawal have access to treatment. Heller, along with a bipartisan group of senators, previously introduced theCaring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Act, legislation that would allow Medicaid to cover health care services provided to infants in residential pediatric recovery facilities in addition to hospitals.Heller also helped introduce the bipartisan Help for Moms and Babies Act, a bill that would provide protection for pregnant women who have a substance abuse disorder and are seeking treatment within Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs). Heller's bipartisan measure, which he filed with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), that the U.S. Senate approved today will strengthen the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) efforts to leverage birth defects surveillance systems to improve its ability to monitor the occurrence of NAS.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F8FCD6E9-09E1-4F5F-A231-6F0AD2690ED2", "Heller Announces Over $1.5 Million in Grants Awarded to Nevada Fire Agencies", "2018-08-23", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced that four Nevada Fire Agencies  the Central Lyon County Fire Protection District, the Elko County Fire Protection District, Nye County Emergency Management, and the Reno Fire Department  have been awarded competitive grants totaling over $1.5 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.\r\nThe SAFER Program, which was funded by legislation that Heller supported in the U.S. Senate, provides departments and volunteers with the support they need to continue protecting cities across the nation from fires as well as improve the overall response from fire agencies. The program takes into account volunteer, combination, and career fire departments, and ensures that all variations are provided the proper funding to maintain current hires, attract new hires and ultimately maximize employment. Similarly, the AGF Program allows first responders to better respond to emergencies by providing grants used to improve essential equipment, such as vehicles, protective gear, and response training.\r\nThe firefighters throughout the state of Nevada work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all of our communities, and it's essential that we continue to protect those who protect us, said Heller. The resources announced will go a long way toward providing critical support and additional opportunities to ultimately enable Nevada's fire departments to hire highly trained individuals. I thank the Department of Homeland Security for recognizing the needs of our state, and I look forward to continue to push for policies that support our brave firefighters who work hard to keep our families and communities safe.\r\nThe full breakdown of grants can be found below:\r\nAs awarded through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program:\r\n \r\nCentral Lyon County Fire Protection District will receive $491,291.\r\n \r\nAs awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program:\r\n \r\nElko County Fire Protection District will receive $612,546;\r\nNye County Emergency Management will receive $295,759;\r\nReno Fire Department will receive $109,091; and\r\nCentral Lyon County Fire Protection District will receive $75,079.\r\n \r\nIn total, the Department of Homeland Security is awarding approximately $345 million as part of the SAFER Program and $310 million through the AFG Program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=52204C4D-88A8-44A9-8322-5C11DB4F5E2A", "U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Heller Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Paul Laxalt", "2018-08-16", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VIDEO: It Didn't Matter If You Were a Democrat or Republican, Senator Laxalt Would Be Your Friend\r\nWASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) to honor the life and legacy of former Nevada governor and U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt, who Heller has described as a leader, friend, and mentor during a speech he delivered on the floor of the U.S. Senate earlier today. The resolution, S.Res.609, was co-sponsored by every member of the U.S. Senate and it is available HERE. The video of Heller's remarks in honor of Laxalt, who passed away on Monday, August 6th, 2018 at the age of 96, is available HERE.\r\nSenator Laxalt was a hero and mentor to me and many others who grew up in Carson City.Like Paul, my mother, my children and I also went to Carson High School.I played on the basketball team and my daughter Emmy was the student body president, following in Senator Laxalt's shoes. Before my daughter Emmy took office, she reached out to previous Carson High School student body presidents to ask for their advice. Senator Laxalt was gracious and told her the following: When I was elected as student body president, Franklin Roosevelt was President of the United States. With World War II looming on the horizon, my fellow classmates and I had no idea how dramatically our lives would be altered in the next few years.Of course, the school itself was much different.I doubt that there were more than 30 students in my entire class.Until my senior year, all classes - K through 12 - were in the same building! I know Emmy has never forgotten that advice,Heller said during remarks he delivered on the floor of the U.S. Senate today.\r\nClick HERE or the above image to watch the video of Heller's full remarks.  **Media has permission to use\r\nSenator Laxalt set a high bar for all us kids who went to Carson High School, but also showed us all the possibilities of what could be achieved as Nevadans. When I was sworn in as a freshman member in the House of Representatives, Senator Laxalt was there for me on day one. I'll never forget his support, and his advice - always stay close to family, friends, and your constituents, they will never lead you astray. Having been a presidential campaign advisor to President Reagan, President Bush, and Senator Dole, Senator Laxalt's advice carried great weight, and I knew I needed to listen to every piece of advice that he was willing to give me. Senator Laxalt also had a profound impact on many of my colleagues here in the Senate. It didn't matter if you were a Democrat or Republican, Senator Laxalt would be your friend,Heller during a speech on the U.S. Senate floor earlier today.\r\nBorn in Reno, Nevada to immigrants from the Basque region of Europe, Laxalt dedicated his life to serving Nevada and this country. He not only spent more than 40 years in public service on behalf of Nevada, he also fought for his country during World War II. From helping to develop the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to forming Nevada's first community colleges, Laxalt's legacy of leadership and delivering for Nevada will live on for generations.\r\nDuring the bipartisan 22nd Annual Tahoe Summit at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village days after Laxalt's passing, Heller reflected on Laxalt's work to protect Lake Tahoe. As my friend and mentor Paul Laxalt  whose family by the way owns property just north of us  once said, I guess our reward for these efforts is being able to view beautiful Lake Tahoe  still blue, still clear  and say, we had a little bit to do with saving it, Heller said at this year's Tahoe Summit. Paul had a lot to do with saving it. In fact, there is no one who has done more for this Lake than Paul Laxalt. Paul was a son of Nevada whose legacy of leadership and delivering for Nevada and for this lake that we all love will live on for generations to come.\r\nThe full text of the resolution can be found below:\r\nWhereas Paul Dominique Laxalt was born to Dominique Laxalt and Therese (Alpetche) Laxalton August 2, 1922, at St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, Nevada;\r\nWhereas Dominique Laxalt and Therese Laxalt were immigrants from the Basque region in Europe;\r\nWhereas Dominique Laxalt was a sheepherder and Therese Laxalt operated a family-owned hotel in Carson City, Nevada;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt was the oldest child and sibling to Robert, Suzanne, John, Marie, and Peter;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt attended Carson High School, where he was student body president and played on the 1938 State basketball champion team;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served his country in the United States Army as a medic during World War II and saw action at the Battle of Leyte in the Philippines;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt married Jackalyn Ross in 1946 and had 6 children: Gail, Sheila, Michelle, Kevin, Kathleen, and John Paul;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt attended Santa Clara University and graduated from law school at the University of Denver in 1949;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served as district attorney for Ormsby County, Nevada, from 1951 to 1954;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served as Nevada Lieutenant Governor from 1963 to 1967;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt ran for the United States Senate in 1964 but lost by 48 votes;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served as Governor of the State of Nevada from 1967 to 1971;\r\nWhereas, as Governor of the State of Nevada, Paul Laxalt\r\n(1) formed the first community colleges and began the first medical school in Nevada;\r\n(2) helped develop the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to protect and preserve Lake Tahoe;\r\n(3) advanced the gaming industry in Nevada;\r\n(4) expanded the park system; and\r\n(5) in 1968, appointed Reverend William Wynn to be Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, who was the first African American in Nevada to serve in the cabinet of a governor;\r\nWhereas, in 1975, Paul Laxalt married Carol Wilson, who had a daughter, Denise, who he adopted;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served as United States Senator for the State of Nevada from 1974 to 1987;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt was known as the first friend to President Ronald Reagan;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served as presidential campaign chairman for Ronald Reagan in 1976, 1980, and 1984;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served as General Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1983 to 1987;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1987;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served as presidential campaign advisor to George H.W. Bush in 1988;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt served as presidential campaign advisor to Senator Bob Dole in 1996;\r\nWhereas Paul Laxalt was a partner in a New York-based law firm and a successor law firm, Laxalt, Washington, Perito & Dubuc, and also formed a government consulting firm known as the Paul Laxalt Group; and\r\nWhereas the State of Nevada and the United States are deeply indebted to Paul Laxalt for his lifelong dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of all of the people of the State of Nevada and the United States: Now, therefore, be it\r\nResolved, That\r\n(1) the Senate\r\n(A) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Paul Laxalt, former Member of the United States Senate;\r\n(B) extends deepest condolences and gratitude to the family of Paul Laxalt; and\r\n(C) honors the legacy and life of Paul Laxalt, his commitment to the people of the State of Nevada and the United States, and his service to the Senate;\r\n(2) the Secretary of the Senate communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the deceased; and\r\n(3) when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Paul Laxalt.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AF92FF67-8CC0-403B-9970-07AF00B67AD6", "Heller Keeps Yucca Mountain Out of Defense Bill Signed Into Law Today", "2018-08-13", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earliest A Defense Bill Has Been Enacted In More Than Four Decades\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) successfully worked to keep an authorization of $30 million for Yucca Mountain out of the final product and joint conference committee report on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that Congress passed and the President signed into law today. The legislation provides our troops the largest pay raise in nearly a decade, and today marks the earliest date that a defense bill has been enacted ahead of the next fiscal year in more than 40 years.\r\nOn May 24, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives approved its version of the NDAA with $30 million authorized to reviveYuccaMountain, and on June 18th, Heller announced that hesuccessfully ensured that the U.S. Senate's version of the bill excluded the $30 million to store defense nuclear waste atYuccaMountain.\r\nIn addition to removing a provision authorizing $30 million to store defense nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain from the NDAA, Heller was successful in securing a provision that authorizes veterans who have a service-connected, permanent disability rated as 100 percent to travel on military aircraft on space-available status. The NDAA also includes language mirroring one of Heller's provisions the he filed to ensure resources are available to treat victims of military sexual trauma as part of the required service member pre-separation counseling.\r\nThe U.S. House of Representatives tried to use the defense bill as a vehicle to jumpstart Yucca Mountain, but I wouldn't let that happen. I was proud to work with Chairman McCain and Senator Inhofe of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services to keep $30 million to revive Yucca Mountain out of the defense bill that the U.S. Senate passed as well as the version that we ultimately sent to the President's desk for his signature, said Heller. I'm also pleased that this legislation gives our troops the largest pay raise in nearly a decade and provides our military with the resources necessary to keep us safe. Additionally, today marks the first time in more than 40 years that a defense bill has been passed by Congress and signed into law this far ahead of the start of the fiscal year. This is what Congress doing its job looks like, and going forward I'm going to continue to work with my colleagues toward passing a budget and keeping Yucca Mountain out of it.\r\nHeller previously worked with Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), a senior member of the U.S. SenateCommittee on Armed Services, tomake sure that the U.S. Senate's version of the NDAA did not authorize funding to store defense nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain.That letter is availableHERE. Heller alsourgedChairman McCain to maintain his position of not authorizing funding for Yucca Mountain throughout negotiations with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and in the conference report that Congress passed and sent to the President's desk for his signature. That letter is availableHERE.\r\nBACKGROUND: Timeline of Heller's previous work to stopYuccaMountain:\r\n \r\nOn July 6, 2018,Heller contacted U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) about maintaining the position of not authorizing funding for Yucca Mountain in the final conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nOn July 2, 2018, Hellerwrote U.S. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) thanking them for not funding Yucca Mountain in the minibus and urging them not to fund any activities related to Yucca Mountain in the conference report.\r\nOn April 13, 2018, Heller contacted U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) andurged him to exclude any language that authorizes funding forYuccaMountain from the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\nOn April 13, 2018, Heller urged U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)not to fund the DOE budget request for $120 million to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn April 24, 2018 in aletter submitted to Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Heller expressed his strong opposition to funding the NRC andsaid he remains staunchly opposedto any federal efforts to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 21, 2018during a U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing with Office of Managementand Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) highlighted the Administration's reckless and fiscally irresponsible pursuit ofYuccaMountain, stating that the federal government has already wasted billions of dollars on the project. When asked about alternative solutions to the country's nuclear waste problem,Director Mulvaney told Heller that he is open-minded to other resolutionsand suggested they work together to find one.\r\nOn March 20, 2018in a lettersubmitted to Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)andRanking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Heller argued thatYuccaMountain poses numerous health and safety risks to the people of southern Nevada and potentially catastrophic financial risks to the state's tourism economy.He urged them not to fund the $120 million to restart the repository licensing process forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 20, 2018 Heller discussed DOE's budget requestwith Secretary Perryat a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing.Heller noted that the $120 million requested to fund licensing activities atYuccaMountain was denied last year and that it will be denied again this year.\r\nOn September 26, 2017, Hellerargued thatYuccaMountain is not the solution to our country's nuclear waste problem in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Interior, Energy, and Environment.\r\nOn July 20, 2017, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the Senate's Energy and Water Appropriations bill andunlike the version that passed the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, the Senate bill did not include funding forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn July 28, 2017,the Senate's Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee advanced a bill that did not include the $120 million requested by the Department of Energy (DOE) to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn June 21, 2017,Heller submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommitteeexpressing his vehement opposition to theYuccaMountain proposal.\r\nOn June 20, 2017, Hellerreacted to Secretary Perry's comments at a U.S. Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, characterizing them as a blatant disregard for the state of Nevada.\r\nOn June 6, 2017, Hellerexpressed concern after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance Dan Brouillette's nominationfor the deputy secretary position at the Department of Energy (DOE), the federal agency that has jurisdiction over the licensing activities atYuccaMountain.\r\nOn May 26, 2017, Hellerreacted to the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) report detailing the lengthy and costlyYuccaMountainlicensing process.\r\nOn May 25, 2017, Hellerspoke on the U.S. Senate floor and reiterated his concern with the President's 2018 Fiscal Year budget request that included $120 million to restart the licensing activities forYuccaMountain.\r\nOn May 18, 2017,Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to highlight the threat thatYuccaMountain poses not only to Nevada, but the entire country.\r\nOn May 12, 2017,Heller spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to highlightYuccaMountain's threat to the Las Vegas economy.\r\nOn April 27, 2017,Heller reaffirmed his staunch opposition to relicensing theYuccaMountain nuclear repository to Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry.\r\nOn April 26, 2017,Heller testified before a U.S.House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearingon legislation to reviveYuccaMountain.\r\nOn March 29, 2017,Heller urged the Administration to drop itsYuccaMountain proposal, included in its FY2018 budget request.\r\nOn March 16, 2017,Heller released a statement on the Administration's FY2018 budget request, which included a proposal to reviveYuccaMountain.\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=E93950D4-0E22-4F93-8D2F-5B3B420E8A75", "What Theyre Saying: U.S. Senator Dean Heller  Strong Advocate for Fighting Against Domestic Violence", "2018-08-13", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heller Visits with Nevadans in Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Boulder City During August Work Period\r\nWASHINGTON  During the August work period, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) met with Nevadans across the state. Heller, who introduced the bipartisan Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act and was described by Channel 4 Reno as a strong advocate for fighting against domestic violence, visited Noah's Animal House (NAH), a full service pet shelter to assist animals from homes experiencing domestic violence in Reno, Nevada. Earlier in the week, Heller kicked off Grow With Google, a free, one-day event in Reno, Nevada that reportedly drew more than 650 Nevadans, including small businesses, students, educators, and entrepreneurs who were interested in strengthening their digital skills. On Tuesday, he hosted the bipartisan 22nd Annual Lake Tahoe Summit in Incline Village, Nevada, and the following day he visited with several veterans and staff members during the Nevada State Veterans Home 16th anniversary celebration. A strong advocate for the completion of the I-11 project, Heller also celebrated the grand opening of Interstate-11 with hundreds of Nevadans in Boulder City, Nevada. Coverage of these events from Nevada media outlets is available below.\r\nHeller Tours Noah's Animal House\r\n\r\nDean Heller Tours Noah's Animal House in RenoBy Issmar Ventura\r\nU.S. Senator Dean Heller visited Noah's Animal House in Reno on Friday, August 10.\r\nThe animal house, is a full-service pet shelter to assist animals from homes experiencing domestic violence.\r\nHeller, along with U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), introduced the Pet and Women Safety Act (PAWS) Act, bipartisan legislation that protects victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence from emotional and psychological trauma caused by violence against their pets. Earlier this summer, the legislation passed the U.S. Senate as part of the Senate's farm bill.\r\nThe senator has a long history of introducing and championing proposals to fund and authorize programs to aid domestic violence survivors and their dependents. Earlier this year he introduced legislation to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). In 2013 he helped pass into law the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).\r\nLast year, Heller attended the groundbreaking of Noah's Animal House. Their mission is to keep the entire family united as they transition out of an abusive situation and to eliminate one barrier of leaving a domestic violence situation by ensuring the pet can remain with the family.\r\nNAH Reno opened its 1,300-square foot building in February to accommodate up to 36 pets on the campus next door to the Domestic Violence Resource Center's transitional housing facility.\r\n  The full clip is available HERE.\r\n\r\n\r\nSen. Heller visits Noah's Animal House\r\n  The full clip is available HERE.\r\n\r\nSenator Dean Heller Visits Noah's Animal House\r\n\"In both Reno and Las Vegas, Noah's Animal House is doing incredible work by allowing victims to bring their pets with them to a shelter,\" Senator Heller said.\r\nNAH's founder, Staci Alonso, was also present for the tour.\r\nNoah's Animal House is fortunate to have Senator Dean Heller in our corner, fighting not only for our shelter, but also to help us carry out our mission of supporting domestic violence survivors, Alonso said.\r\n  The full clip is available HERE.\r\nHeller Hosts the Bipartisan 22nd Annual Lake Tahoe Summit\r\n\r\nLawmakers Gather for 22nd Annual Lake Tahoe Summit\r\n  The full clip is available HERE.\r\n\r\nLawmakers discuss ways to keep Tahoe clearBy Valentina Bonaparte\r\nKeeping Tahoe clear is the topic of discussion on both sides of the aisle.\r\nIt's really important for you to know that you have a pretty aggressive team advocating for you in the Senate and the House, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, (R) Alaska.\r\nThe 22nd annual Tahoe Summit brought politicians, scientists and the private sector together to discuss funding and ways to keep Tahoe safe from invasive species and wildfires.\r\nWe have 10 million acres of burn a year in the United States and about 1.2 million a year is in the state of Nevada and that prevention makes a big difference in our state, said Sen. Dean Heller (R) Nevada.\r\nAlert Tahoe tracked more than 100 fires in 2017 and will expand its operations, thanks to new funding.\r\n  The full clip is available HERE.\r\n\r\nFox 5: Lawmakers Discuss Wildfire Risks at Lake Tahoe Summit\r\n\r\nThe full clip is available HERE.\r\n\r\nWestern wildfires cast cloud on annual Lake Tahoe Summit   By Colton Lochhead\r\nThe summit's host this year, Nevada Republican Sen. Dean Heller, took a lighter tone, but the wildfires that have ravaged the two neighboring states could not be ignored.\r\nHeller noted that last year's fire season was one of the worst on record for the Silver State, with nearly 1.2 million acres burned.\r\nAnd given that Nevada and California both have seen enormous wildfires this summer  the Martin Fire in Nevada burned more than 435,000 acres while the Mendocino Complex Fire currently burning northwest of Sacramento has topped 290,000, overtaking last year's Thomas Fire for the biggest in state history  the outlook for 2018 is bleak.\r\nThat's why it's so important that Lake Tahoe has the resources to prevent and suppress fires, Heller said, while also announcing $226,000 in new funding that will go toward installing the final wildfire cameras in the Alert Tahoe camera system. Those cameras are placed on peaks across Nevada so that fire officials, as well as the general public, can look for the early signs of fires in hopes of putting them out quickly.\r\nThe full story is available HERE.\r\nHeller Addresses Nevadans During Interstate 11 Grand Opening\r\n\r\nNation's newest freeway, 15-mile stretch of I-11, ready to roll By Art Marroquin\r\nI think we can all say that all roads lead to Boulder City, and here's a perfect example of this, Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., said during the news conference.\r\nThe purpose of this is to create good-paying jobs  but the second thing, as important is to create commerce and economic growth, Heller said. We want this growth to continue, and it can't continue without great infrastructure projects like this.\r\nThe full story is available HERE.\r\n Heller Speaks at Grow with Google Event\r\n\r\nGrow with Google makes stop in downtown Reno\r\nSenator Dean Heller also spoke at the event, and mentioned just how much growth Nevada was seeing, saying Nevada is second in the country behind only South Carolina in net migration.\r\nRight now if you want to do business the state of Nevada is open for it, he said. I'm pleased to see this kind of growth. This is not short term growth, but long term growth for the state of Nevada.\r\n\r\nThe full clip is availableHERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A2D0DCBC-0B42-42A4-9061-B2992322073C", "In Reno, Heller Visits Noahs Animal House, Affirms His Support for Policies to Help Stop Domestic Abuse", "2018-08-10", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RENO U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), a strong supporter and author of legislation to help fight domestic abuse, today visited Noah's Animal House (NAH) in Reno, a full-service pet shelter to assistanimals from homes experiencing domestic violence. Specifically, Noah's Animal House is a facility that shelters animals and provides veterinary servicesand kennels.The shelter, which opened in February, can accommodate up to 36 pets at a time, including cats and dogs. Staci Alonso, founder of NAH, joined Heller on the tour. Alonso opened the first NAH shelter in Las Vegas more than a decade ago.\r\n\r\nSen. Heller pictured with Staci Alonso, founder of NAH\r\nHeller has a long history of introducing  and passing  legislation to aid victims of domestic violence. Along with U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Heller introduced thePet and Women Safety Act (PAWS) Act, bipartisan legislation that protects victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence from emotional and psychological trauma caused by violence against their pets. Earlier this summer, the legislation passed the U.S. Senate as part oftheSenate'sFarm Bill. I will always stand up for survivors of domestic violence, and find ways to help prevent future victims,said Heller.In both Reno and Las Vegas, Noah's Animal House is doing incredible work by allowing victims to bring their pets with them to a shelter. This facility empowers survivors and it's why I'm going to continue to work with my colleagues to pass my PAWS Act into law so domestic abuse victims in Nevada do not have to choose between their pets and their own safety. Noah's Animal House is fortunate to have Senator Dean Heller in our corner, fighting not only for our shelter, but also to help us carry out our mission of supporting domestic violence survivors,said Alonso.We are hopeful that Congress will take action and pass Senator Heller's PAWS Act so that more shelters can offer pet services.\r\nEarlierthis year,Heller introduced legislation to reauthorizethe Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA).The legislation reauthorizesa historic law enacted in 1984 that directs funding to states and tribes to help provide supportive services such as shelter, counseling, legal assistance and more to victims of domestic abuse and their dependents. Additionally the bill funds prevention programs and 24-hour victim assistance through the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a toll-free helpline in which highly-trained advocates offer victims of relationship abuse assistance over the phone and through their website athttp://www.thehotline.org/.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=74844A68-B358-49A6-9490-EC21443A91FA", "Heller Celebrates Grand Opening of Interstate-11 in Boulder City", "2018-08-09", "2018", "2018-08", "Republican", "House", "NV", "Dean Heller", "H001041", "www.heller.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOULDER CITYU.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today joined local officials,the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Southern Nevada Regional Transportation Commission,and hundreds of Nevadans at the grand opening ceremony for the Boulder City Bypass, a 15-mile segment of Interstate-11.A member of three U.S. Senate committeesresponsible for developing transportation policies, Heller has been a champion for the I-11 project and has worked to help fund the freeway. In 2015, Hellerintroduced legislation to extend I-11 from Las Vegas to Northern Nevada.Hesecuredthis extension and designation of I-11 as a high-priority corridorof the National Highway System in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the first long-term highway bill in a nearly a decade to be approved by Congress and signed into law. We have a lot to be proud of today with the Boulder City Bypass, and it is because this state collaborates and works well together. Thank you to the Nevada Department of Transportation and the Southern Nevada Regional Transportation Commission for making this project a reality,said Heller.Above all, we should thank the residents of Clark County who voted to ensure there is available funding for infrastructure projects like this one.\r\nSen. Heller delivers remarks at the grand opening of I-11 in Boulder City.\r\nSouthern Nevada understands that connecting Las Vegas to Phoenix will boost our economy. I-11 is going to attract more tourists, new businesses, and new residents, allowing Nevada to further build on its recent explosion of growth,added Heller. This bypass is expected to save commuters 30 minutes when traveling between Henderson and the Hoover Dam. Looking forward, we need to match Nevada's growth by ensuringour roads, bridges, and infrastructure can keep pace with new and increased demands,said Heller.That is why I-11 remains one of my top infrastructure priorities and whyI am going to keep fighting to ensure that Nevada has the resources and funds to complete this project all the way up to northern Nevada.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 350, "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": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 350, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NV&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 350, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2018&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "NV", "label": "NV", "count": 350, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 350, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-08-09,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eheller~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FContentRecord_id~3D74844A68-B358-49A6-9490-EC21443A91FA", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NV&year=2018&_next=2018-08-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eheller~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FContentRecord_id~3D74844A68-B358-49A6-9490-EC21443A91FA&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 123.38894791901112, "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"}