url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=3aaf7260-065d-4191-a55b-803272a86c10,Heller responde al anuncio de FAA nombrando Nevada un sitio de prueba de aviones no tripulado,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos, Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, hoy respondió a la Administración Federal de   Aviación (FAA) anuncio que Nevada ha sido designado como un sitio para sistemas de aviones no tripulado con la siguiente declaración: “Teniendo en cuenta que Nevada continúa liderando a la nación en el desempleo, la decisión de la FAA es bienvenido y oportuna. Nevada ha sido un líder en el desarrollo de sistemas de aviones no tripulado y también pruebas de esos sistemas. Dada la ubicación geográfica de nuestro estado, mano de obra muy calificada y sólidas alianzas con universidades, Nevada está bien posicionada para asegurar el éxito de estos programas. Estoy seguro que el FAA, el Congreso y el estado de Nevada pueden lograr un equilibrio entre la oportunidad y el desarrollo de normas de privacidad y las salvaguardias que garanticen los derechos constitucionales de los ciudadanos de Nevada y los estadounidenses en todo el país,"" dijo el senador Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6be35a83-83a2-4edb-930f-caf166d127d6,Heller Responds to FAA Announcement Naming Nevada a Drone Test Site,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today responded to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) announcement that Nevada has been designated as an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) test site with the following statement: ""Considering that Nevada continues to lead the nation in unemployment, the FAA’s decision is both welcome and well-timed. Nevada has long been a leader in UAS development and testing. Given our state’s geographic location, extremely qualified workforce, and strong partnerships with universities, Nevada is well-positioned to ensure the success of these programs. “I am confident that the FAA, Congress, and the State of Nevada can strike a balance between this opportunity and the development of privacy standards and safeguards that will guarantee the constitutional rights of Nevadans and Americans across the country,” said Senator Dean Heller.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=c79fe37c-2bf3-495f-949d-dfc2a352d119,Heller responde a cifras de desempleo de Nevada,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el Senador de los Estados Unidos, Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, hizo la siguiente declaración en relación con las cifras de desempleo de Nevada publicadas anteriormente en el día de hoy: “Me complace ver la tasa de desempleo de Nevada en el punto más bajo en cinco años. Mientras que hemos hecho avances significativos que los residentes de Nevada regresen a trabajar, todavía hay mucho más que hacer. Esta semana, presente un proyecto de ley bipartidista con el Senador Jack Reed, Demócrata por Rhode Island, para evitar que los trabajadores desempleados en el estado de plata no pierdan su seguro de desempleo después de los días festivos. Proporcionar una red de seguridad para aquellos que han caído en tiempos difíciles es una de las funciones más importantes del gobierno federal, y es mi esperanza de que el Congreso trabaje para mover nuestra ley adelante"", dijo el senador Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=cf9b8b46-9424-4650-8fee-8a19022af003,Heller Responds to Nevada Unemployment Numbers,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement regarding the Nevada unemployment figures released earlier today: ""I am pleased to see Nevada’s unemployment rate at the lowest in five years. While we have made significant strides to get Nevadans back to work, there is still much more to be done. Just this week, I introduced a bipartisan bill with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) to prevent unemployed workers in the Silver State from losing their unemployment insurance after the holidays. Providing a safety net for those who have fallen on tough times is one of the most important functions of the federal government, and it is my hope Congress works to move our bill forward,” said Senator Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=93528172-ab12-431e-ae6c-14d2bd8c21be,El proyecto de ley de tierras del condado de Clark un paso más cerca de ser aprobado,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el comité del Senado de recursos naturales y energía, aprobó el terreno público del valle de Las Vegas y la ley del monumento nacional de camas fósiles de Tule Springs del 2013. Los Senadores de los Estados Unidos, Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, y Harry Reid, Demócrata por Nevada, junto con el Congresista Steven Horsford, Demócrata por Nevada, introdujeron la legislación en mayo, que ayuda a asegurar oportunidades de creación de empleo en una de las áreas más afectadas de Nevada. “Otra vez, los accionistas a cada nivel eran capaces de venir juntos para conseguir tres necesidades críticas del Valle de Las Vegas: conservación, desarrollo económico y oportunidades recreativas. Por resolviendo nuestras diferencias hemos podido no sólo proteger lugares únicos sino también planear la infraestructura crítica y necesaria en el área. El estado de plata está desesperado por la creación de empleos. Estoy encantado de trabajar con el Senador Reid, así como miembros del comité sobre esta importante legislación, “dijo el senador Dean Heller. El proyecto de ley de terreno público del valle de Las Vegas y del monumento nacional de camas fósiles del 2013 hará lo siguiente: Establecerá el monumento nacional de camas fósiles de Tule Springs. Asegura las oportunidades de creación de empleo y también el crecimiento en el futuro en el valle de Las Vegas. Asegura el desarrollo de un área de recreación de vehículo fuera de carretera en las dunas de Nellis. Transmitir terreno al sistema de educación de Nevada para ampliar las oportunidades de educación de Nevadenses. Garantizar la disponibilidad de terreno para la transmisión de la energía renovable. Transmite terreno al distrito de reclamación del Condado de Clark para una instalación de tratamiento de agua, el departamento de policía metropolitana de Las Vegas para la construcción de una carretera de acceso, y el condado de Clark con objetivos de medidas para controlar las inundaciones cerca del futuro aeropuerto de Ivanpah. Expandirá el área de conservación nacional del cañón Red Rock de aproximadamente 1,700 hectáreas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=40a79a3f-4ce1-42b5-a8a9-bd6d95446443,Clark County Land Bill One Step Closer to Passage,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the U.S Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources (ENR) approved the Las Vegas Valley Public Land and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Act of 2013 (S. 974). U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Harry Reid (D-NV) along with Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the legislation in May, which helps secure job-creation opportunities in one of Nevada’s hardest hit areas. “Once again, stakeholders at every level were able to come together to achieve three critical needs for the Las Vegas Valley: conservation, economic development, and recreational opportunities. By working out our differences we were able to not only protect unique places but also plan for critical infrastructure needed in the area. The Silver State is desperate for job creation. I am pleased to work with Senator Reid as well as members of the Committee on this important legislation,” said Senator Dean Heller. The Las Vegas Valley Public Land and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Act of 2013 will: Establish the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Secure opportunities for job creation and future growth in the Las Vegas Valley. Provide for the development of an off-highway vehicle recreation area in the Nellis Dunes. Convey land to the Nevada System of Higher Education to expand education opportunities for Nevadans. Ensure availability of land for renewable energy transmission. Conveys land to the Clark County Reclamation District for a water treatment facility, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for construction of an access road, and Clark County for flood control purposes near the future Ivanpah Airport. Expands the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area by approximately 1,700 acres.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=395787d4-97b8-4b8b-a24a-f9dccf4d1cc1,"Reed, Heller ofrecen una solución bipartidista de seguros de desempleo a corto plazo",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – En un esfuerzo para evitar que más de 1.3 millones de trabajadores desempleados a largo plazo que pierdan su seguro de desempleo después de los días festivos, los senadores de los Estados Unidos Jack Reed, Demócrata por Rhode Island y Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, hoy introdujeron legislación bipartidista para preservar el seguro de desempleo federal (UI) por tres meses mientras funciona el Congreso un plan integral. Con sólo 10 días antes de que los beneficios UI federales estén a punto de expirar, los senadores buscan proporcionar que algunos necesitan certeza a nuestra economía y asegurar familias vulnerables que continuarán teniendo acceso a este sistema de asistencia. ""Espero que este enfoque sensato y bipartidista proporcionará un camino para preservar el programa a través de todo el año 2014, que dará a las familias y nuestra economía tiempo para recuperarse. Porque, francamente, este es un programa diseñado para estar allí para todos los trabajadores si ocurre lo desafortunado y se encuentran sin trabajo sin ninguna culpa por su cuenta,"" declaró el Senador Jack Reed."" Este programa ha sido y sigue siendo, una ventaja crucial a millones de hogares estadounidenses en todo el país y de casi toda las demográficas concebibles. Es por eso que es una parte tan importante de mantener esta recuperación económica en el futuro. Su vencimiento hará daño a las familias y retrasa nuestra recuperación y habrá una pérdida de 200,000 empleos en 2014. Así que espero poder trabajar con el Senador Heller e instar a mis colegas para extender este programa porque esto no es sólo lo correcto en cuanto a las familias de nuestro país, y es algo inteligente y bueno para nuestra economía."" ""Proporcionar una red de seguridad para aquellos en necesidad es una de las funciones más importantes del gobierno federal. A medida que la tasa de desempleo de Nevada continúa siendo uno de los más altos en la nación, muchas familias e individuos en mí estado no saben cómo van a satisfacer sus necesidades básicas. Estoy complacido en juntarme con el Senador Reed sobre esta legislación, con el objetivo de ayudar a la gente en todo el país que han caído en tiempos difíciles,” dijo el senador Dean Heller.  Esta mañana en el desayuno de dinero de la mañana patrocinado por “Politico” en Washington, DC, el asesor principal de la Casa Blanca Valerie Jarrett, dijo que la Administración de Obama apoya firmemente el plan bipartidista de UI de Reed-Heller. El sistema de seguro de desempleo es una asociación entre el gobierno federal y gobiernos estatales que proporciona un beneficio semanal temporal a los trabajadores cualificados que pierden su trabajo y están buscando trabajo. El monto de ese beneficio se basa en parte en las ganancias anteriores de un trabajador. Rhode Island y Nevada son entre 43 estados que ofrecen 26 semanas de cobertura de la interfaz de usuario, mientras que 7 estados ofrecen pocas semanas. El programa extendido de UI federal fue promulgado en junio de 2008 por el Presidente George W. Bush, cuando la tasa de desempleo nacional fue 5.6% y la duración promedio de seguro de desempleo fue 17.1 semanas. Ha sido ratificado por el Congreso varias veces mientras que los Estados Unidos trata de salir de la mayor recesión económica desde la Gran Depresión. Hoy, la tasa de desempleo nacional es 7% y la duración promedio de beneficios de UI 36.1 semanas, que es mucho más largo que las 26 semanas de cobertura del desempleo que proporcionan la mayoría de los estados.  Según el independiente Centro de Presupuesto y Prioridades Políticas, la tasa de desempleo a largo plazo está cayendo, pero todavía está en 2.6%, que es dos veces más alta como en cualquier mes anterior cuando se permitieron extendidos beneficios de UI a expirar. Los economistas del Centro de Presupuesto y Prioridades Políticas tienen en cuenta que en cada una de las tres recesiones anteriores, asistencia de desempleo federal no termina hasta que la tasa de desempleo a largo plazo había caído a alrededor de 1.3%.  Un nuevo estudio realizado por el Consejo de Asesores Económicos y el Departamento de Labor de los Estados Unidos estima que el fracaso para renovar el seguro de desempleo federal podría costar nuestra economía 240,000 trabajos en 2014, incluyendo 1,284 en Rhode Island y 2,953 en Nevada. Con los años, la independiente Oficina de Presupuestos del Congreso ha encontrado que preservar “UI” beneficios durante los períodos de desempleo históricamente es uno de los programas más rentables para reducir el desempleo y estimular la economía. La Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso divulgo recientemente: ""Extender beneficios de desempleo de emergencia elevaría el producto doméstico y el empleo en 2014 en relación con lo que podría ocurrir bajo la ley actual. Los destinatarios de los beneficios adicionales incrementarían su gasto en bienes de consumo y servicios. Ese aumento de la demanda agregada podría animar a las empresas a aumentar la producción y contratar a más trabajadores, más de lo que de otra manera sería, en particular teniendo en cuenta la holgura en los mercados de capital y de trabajo."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=7dc9945b-17fc-4097-be8f-67f2b92d96c7,Heller rechaza el más reciente acuerdo de presupuesto a corto plazo,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Hoy el Senador Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, en contra la aprobación del acuerdo de presupuesto Ryan-Murray. “Es una pena que el Congreso ha decidido tratar de equilibrar el presupuesto sobre las espaldas de soldados heridos de nuestra nación y sus compañeros. A pesar de los llamamientos para la responsabilidad fiscal de los estadounidenses, el Congreso ha decidido otra vez aún pasar otro acuerdo a corto plazo que descaradamente evita abordar nuestra deuda a largo plazo. Este camino fiscal en el cual estamos es simplemente no sostenible, que es por qué el Congreso tiene que actuar ahora para trabajar una solución a largo plazo y hacer un esfuerzo decidido de traer la cordura fiscal a nuestra gran nación,” dijo el senador Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=d5b7650e-1740-4b87-8e0e-6a500f8790fb,Declaración de Heller sobre las recomendaciones del Grupo de Agencia de Seguridad Nacional,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Hoy el Senador Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, respondió a los cinco miembros de recomendaciones del Grupo de Examen que la Agencia de Seguridad Nacional (NSA, por sus siglas en inglés) finalicé su enorme colección de registros telefónicos de estadounidenses diciendo: ""Sólo dos días después de que un juez federal consideró que la mayor parte de los programas de recopilación de datos es inconstitucional, el NSA ha vuelto a estar bajo vigilancia en una manera muy merecida. Muchos de mis colegas en el Senado de ambos partidos están de acuerdo que estos programas no cumplen las expectativas de privacidad de muchos estadounidenses que son respetuosos de la ley. Esta administración debe tomar en cuenta las recomendaciones del grupo y finalizar a este programa una vez  para siempre"", dijo el Senador Dean Heller. Antecedentes El Senador Heller se unió al presidente del Comité Judicial del Senado, Patrick Leahy, Demócrata por Vermont, siendo uno de los primeros patrocinadores Republicanos del proyecto de ley de la libertad de los Estados Unidos. Esta legislación, entre otras cosas, frenara el programa de la NSA de recopilación de datos. El Senador Heller también se asoció con el Senador Al Franken, Demócrata por Minnesota, para presentar una ley que traerá una mayor transparencia a estos programas y permiten que las empresas que han sido servidos con una citación para compartir información básica con sus clientes. Puede leer más de los pensamientos del Senador Heller sobre las últimas revelaciones sobre las prácticas de vigilancia de la NSA en este editorial de opinión que escribió para el Las Vegas Review-Journal en noviembre del 2013. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=012a715e-499b-449b-97f9-28d28949af93,Heller Rejects Latest Short-Term Budget Deal,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) voted against final passage of the Ryan-Murray budget deal. ""It is a shame that Congress has decided to try to balance the budget on the backs of our nation’s wounded warriors and their fellow comrades. Despite calls for fiscal responsibility from Americans, Congress has yet again decided to pass another short-term deal that blatantly avoids tackling our long-term debt. This fiscal path that we are on is simply unsustainable, which is why Congress needs to act now to craft a long-term solution and make a determined effort to bring fiscal sanity to our great nation,” said Senator Dean Heller.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=121e00db-82b0-4766-94d3-5585a4703224,Heller Statement on Panel Recommendations for National Security Agency,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) responded to the five-member Review Group’s recommendations that the National Security Agency (NSA) end its massive collection of Americans’ telephone call records saying: “Just two days after a federal judge found the bulk data collection programs to be unconstitutional, the NSA has yet again come under much-deserved scrutiny. Many of my Senate colleagues from both sides of the aisle agree that these programs do not live up to the privacy expectations of many law-abiding Americans. This Administration should heed the panel’s recommendations and end this program once and for all,” said Senator Dean Heller. Background Senator Heller joined chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy (D-VT), as an original Republican cosponsor to the USA Freedom Act. This legislation would, among other things, rein in the NSA’s bulk data collection program. Senator Heller also partnered with Senator Al Franken (D-MN) to introduce legislation that will bring greater transparency to these programs and allow companies that have been served a subpoena to share basic information with their customers.  You can read more of Senator Heller’s thoughts on the latest revelations about the NSA surveillance practices in this op-ed that he penned for the Las Vegas Review-Journal in November of 2013. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=30ff2bc4-72d2-4276-8990-f170a845604c,"Reed, Heller Offer Bipartisan Short-Term Unemployment Insurance Fix",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to prevent more than 1.3 million long-term unemployed workers from losing their unemployment insurance after the holidays, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Dean Heller (R-NV) today introduced bipartisan legislation to preserve federal unemployment insurance (UI) for three months while Congress works out a comprehensive plan. With just 10 days before federal UI benefits are set to expire, the Senators are seeking to provide some much needed certainty to our economy and ensure vulnerable families will continue to have access to this vital lifeline.  “I hope this sensible and bipartisan approach will provide a path forward to preserving the program through the entire 2014 calendar year, which will give families and our economy time to recover.  Because, frankly, this is a program designed to be there for every worker should the unfortunate happen and they find themselves without a job through no fault of their own,” stated Senator Jack Reed.  “This program has been, and continues to be, a crucial benefit to millions of American households all over the country and of nearly every conceivable demographic.  That is why it’s such a significant part of keeping this economic recovery going forward.  Its expiration will hurt families and set back our recovery and cost the economy 200,000 jobs in 2014.  So I look forward to working with Senator Heller and urging my colleagues to extend this program because this is not only the right thing to do in terms of the families of America, it is the smart and right thing to do for our economy.” “Providing a safety net for those in need is one of the most important functions of the federal government. As Nevada’s unemployment rate continues to top the charts nationwide, many families and individuals back home do not know how they are going to meet their basic needs. I am pleased to join Senator Reed on this legislation, which aims to help people across the nation who have fallen on hard times,” said Senator Dean Heller. Earlier this morning at Politico’s Morning Money breakfast in Washington, DC, senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett said the Obama Administration strongly supports the Reed-Heller bipartisan UI plan. The unemployment insurance system is a partnership between the federal government and state governments that provides a temporary weekly benefit to qualified workers who lose their job and are seeking work.  The amount of that benefit is based in part on a worker’s past earnings.  Rhode Island and Nevada are among 43 states that offer 26 weeks of UI coverage, while 7 states offer fewer weeks. The extended federal UI program was signed into law in June 2008 by President George W. Bush, when the national unemployment rate was 5.6% and the average duration of jobless insurance was 17.1 weeks.  It has been reauthorized by Congress a number of times since as America seeks to emerge from the greatest economic recession since the Great Depression.  Today, the national unemployment rate is 7% and the average duration of UI benefits is 36.1 weeks, which is much longer than the 26 weeks of unemployment coverage that most states provide. According to the non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the long-term unemployment rate is falling, but it's still at 2.6%, which is twice as high as in any prior month when extended UI benefits were allowed to expire.  CBPP economists note that in each of the previous three recessions, federal unemployment assistance didn't end until the long-term unemployment rate had dropped to around 1.3%. A new study by the Council of Economic Advisers and the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the failure to renew UI  could cost our economy 240,000 jobs in 2014, including 1,284 in Rhode Island and 2,953 in Nevada. Over the years, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that preserving UI benefits during periods of historically high unemployment is among the most cost-effective programs for reducing joblessness and stimulating the economy.  Recently the CBO reported: “Extending emergency unemployment benefits would raise gross domestic product (GDP) and employment in 2014 relative to what would occur under current law.  Recipients of the additional benefits would increase their spending on consumer goods and services. That increase in aggregate demand would encourage businesses to boost production and hire more workers than they otherwise would, particularly given the expected slack in the capital and labor markets.” -end-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=355d1746-2384-4b8c-8ba0-a45bfe7b43a2,"SENADORES HIRONO, HELLER, REPRESENTANTE SWALWELL INTRODUCEN FACTURA PARA QUE LA DESGRAVACION FISCAL ACELERADO PARA DONACIONES A LOS ESFUERZOS TIFÓN HAIYAN RECUPERACIÓN",2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Senadores Mazie K. Hirono, Demócrata por Hawaii y Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, junto con el Representante Eric Swalwell, Demócrata por California, presentaron la Ley de Asistencia Donaciones Caritativas Filipinas bipartidista, la legislación que proporciona acelerado reducción de impuestos para los estadounidenses que hacen donaciones de caridad en apoyo de los esfuerzos de recuperación del tifón Haiyan en las Filipinas. Si hubo una efusión inmediata de donaciones y otras formas de asistencia a raíz de la inmensa destrucción causada por el tifón Haiyan este mes de noviembre, la duración del proceso de reconstrucción significa aportaciones siguen siendo necesarias ahora y en los próximos meses. Este proyecto de ley tiene por objeto estimular las donaciones a organizaciones de caridad para permitir a los contribuyentes que donan a los esfuerzos de ayuda para recibir los beneficios fiscales de casi un año antes de lo normal. ""Con un máximo de 6,000 víctimas, casi 1,800 personas desaparecidas y más de un millón de viviendas destruidas a raíz del Tifón Haiyan, está claro que nuestro trabajo para ayudar a esta comunidad a reconstruir no ha terminado. Simplemente no podemos esperar para apoyar los esfuerzos de recuperación en las Filipinas. Para ayudar a todas las familias durante esta temporada, la Ley de Asistencia Donaciones Caritativas Filipinas aumentará las donaciones caritativas por proporcionar alivio de impuestos de este año para las personas que donan para ayudar a las comunidades a reconstruir viviendas, escuelas y carreteras,"" dijo la Senadora Hirono. ""A raíz de la tremenda devastación sufrido en Filipinas como consecuencia del tifón Haiyan, muchos estadounidenses han surgido en acción para ayudar a proporcionar asistencia. Teniendo tantas personas que todavía están en necesidad, espero que este cambio va a alentar a los estadounidenses a continuar con dando generosamente a los que sufren en las Filipinas. Tengo el placer de trabajar con el Senador Hirono y mis colegas en la Cámara de Representantes sobre esta legislación, que permite a aquellos que quieran donar después de la primera parte del año para beneficiarse de la deducción de impuestos más rápidamente,"" dijo el Senador Dean Heller. ""Tifón Haiyan devastó muchas partes de las Filipinas y debemos hacerlo lo más fácil posible para los estadounidenses que quieren ayudar a los afectados por la tormenta,” dijo Swalwell. ""Estoy orgulloso de representar a una comunidad filipina vibrante y he sido testigo de un gran apoyo para las víctimas de la tormenta, en este momento crítico esta legislación que estoy patrocinando proporcionará un incentivo más para que los estadounidenses donen y donen ahora - cuando se necesita su ayuda más,"" dijo el Congresista Swalwell. El código de impuestos es un incentivo retrasado para hacer contribuciones caritativas. Los contribuyentes pueden reclamar una deducción fiscal por las contribuciones que hacen a obras de caridad, sino que recibirá el incentivo fiscal de muchos meses más tarde después de que presenten sus declaraciones de impuestos del año siguiente. La Ley de Asistencia Donaciones Caritativas Filipinas elimina este retraso. El proyecto de ley permitiría a los contribuyentes que donan a los esfuerzos de socorro en las Filipinas antes del 01 de marzo 2014 para tomar la deducción caritativa cuando presentan sus declaraciones de impuestos de 2013. Originales copatrocinadores del proyecto de ley también incluyen Representantes Darrell Issa, Joe Heck, Mike Honda, Jackie Speier, Judy Chu, Madeline Bordello, Al Green, Colleen Hanabusa, y Juan Vargas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=064062d5-2d49-4dc8-8c2c-5725ce79ff38,Heller Announces Opposition to Budget Deal,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced his opposition to the latest budget deal. ""After carefully reviewing the latest budget deal and listening to Nevadans’ concerns about our government's spending problems, I cannot support this legislation. While I applaud the efforts of Representative Ryan and Senator Murray, yet again, Congress has been handed another short-term deal that does absolutely nothing to tackle our long-term debt, or place our nation on sound fiscal footing,” said Senator Dean Heller. “In addition, I strongly agree with Representative Joe Heck. Rather than relying on our veterans to pay for increased spending, Congress needs to make sacrifices all across the board. Our heroes have served this nation bravely, and do not deserve to have their benefits compromised in any way. It is my hope that Washington can get serious about crafting a long-term solution to address our nation’s growing spending addiction and get Americans back to work.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=f39126e2-dfb5-433b-8e9d-490083cfed5e,"SENS HIRONO, HELLER, REP SWALWELL INTRODUCE BILL TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF FOR DONATIONS TO TYPHOON HAIYAN RECOVERY EFFORTS",2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Dean Heller (R-NV), along with Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA), introduced the bipartisan Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, legislation that provides expedited tax relief for Americans making charitable donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines. While there was an immediate outpouring of donations and other assistance following the immense destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan this November, the length of the rebuilding process means contributions are still needed now and in the months ahead. This bill is intended to spur donations to charitable organizations by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts to receive tax benefits nearly a year faster than usual. “With up to 6,000 casualties, almost 1,800 missing people and more than a million destroyed houses in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, it is clear that our work to help this community rebuild is not over. We simply cannot wait to support recovery efforts in the Philippines. To help all families during the holiday, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act will boost charitable giving by providing tax relief this year for those who donate to help communities rebuild homes, schools and roads,” said Senator Hirono. “In the wake of the tremendous devastation suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, many Americans have sprung into action to help provide assistance. Considering so many individuals are still in need, I hope this change will encourage Americans to continue their generous giving to those suffering in the Philippines. I am pleased to work with Senator Hirono and my colleagues in the House of Representatives on this legislation, which allows those who want to donate after the first of the year to benefit from the tax deduction more quickly,” said Senator Dean Heller. ""Typhoon Haiyan devastated many parts of the Philippines and we should make it as easy as possible for Americans who want to assist those affected by the storm,"" said Swalwell. ""I'm proud to represent a vibrant Filipino community and have witnessed an outpouring of support for storm victims at this critical time. This legislation I'm sponsoring will provide another incentive for Americans to donate and donate now – when their help is needed most,” said Congressman Swalwell. The tax code provides a delayed incentive for making charitable contributions. Taxpayers can claim a tax deduction for contributions they make to charities, but they receive the tax incentive many months later after they file their tax returns the following year. The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act eliminates this delay. The bill would allow taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts in the Philippines before March 1, 2014 to take the charitable deduction when they file their 2013 tax returns. Original co-sponsors of the bill also include Reps Darrell Issa, Joe Heck, Mike Honda, Jackie Speier, Judy Chu, Madeline Bordello, Al Green, Colleen Hanabusa, and Juan Vargas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-bipartisan-budget-act-victory-against-washingtons-status-quo,Amodei: Bipartisan Budget Act a victory against Washington's status quo,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today voted in favor of the Bipartisan Budget Act, which passed the House 332 to 94. The two year agreement would cut the federal budget deficit by $23 billion, while replacing some across the board sequester cuts, particularly to the military, with targeted savings. He released the following statement: “The status quo in Washington, D.C. is more spending and more government control. This has become as reliable as death and taxes. So when Congress does nothing, the status quo registers as a loss for taxpayers and, most importantly, the nation. In the face of that reality -- the reality of our divided government – there are those who would sacrifice the good on the altar of the perfect. While this budget agreement is not perfect, it is most definitely not the status quo.And that can be counted as a victory for all Americans. “This two year agreement moves us away from government by crisis and continuing resolutions, where so much of the status quo persists, and back to a legislative framework for reforming federal spending. It cuts the budget deficit by $23 billion without raising taxes at a time when the Senate wanted to increase spending by $1 trillion. It is 100 percent in line with the Budget Control Act deficit reduction numbers and does not end the sequester cuts, but replaces upfront, across-the-board cuts with targeted savings that are both larger and produce additional deficit reduction over the long term. The agreement is also $83 billion below the original Ryan Budget (2010) target for FY 2014. “The compromise also contains policy victories for those who support responsible and restrained government, including a roll back of the government takeover of the student loan industry and common sense welfare reforms, all while preserving our national defense, which was scheduled to be the only target of January’s $20 billion sequester cuts. “Finally, this represents a start to returning federal policy-making authority to the Congress through the appropriations process. Beyond that, for those who want more perfect reform and debt reduction, you are looking a couple election cycles down the road. More significant budget and spending reform is an elusive prospect with the present dynamic in the Senate and the Obama Administration. I remain committed to balancing the budget and paying off our federal debt, but quite frankly, we are going to need some help from the Senate and the White House to make that happen.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:40:02Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-introduces-blinded-veterans-guide-dog-assistance-act,Amodei introduces 'Blinded Veterans Guide Dog Assistance Act',2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today announced the introduction of H.R. 3647, the Blinded Veterans Guide Dog Assistance Act, to improve the provision of guide dogs to veterans blinded by a service-connected injury. It is the current policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover veterinary care for guide dogs, but not the cost of acquiring the dogs. That expense is out of pocket for veterans, who often turn to charities for such assistance. “If you are blinded by an injury sustained in service to our country and a guide dog is the best option for overcoming your disability, then I think that is an expense that should be covered by the VA in much the same manner as a prosthetic limb would be covered,” said Amodei. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:40:02Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/natural-resources-committee-advance-nevada-bills-january,Natural Resources Committee to advance Nevada bills in January,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today thanked House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-4) for his public support to markup several lands bills important to Northern Nevada next month, including H.R. 696, the Lyon County Economic Development and Conservation Act, H.R. 433, the Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act, and other bills introduced by Amodei in 2013. “I am grateful to Chairman Hastings for his show of support today, which is very good news indeed for Northern Nevada,” said Amodei. “We’ve come a long way from passing the Yerington bill in the House last Congress as an economic development measure to this Congress – advancing what should be a comprehensive group of bills for the Silver State. I want to also thank Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-4) for his work with the Democratic membership of the Committee, which has been invaluable. I look forward to continuing this effort with my colleagues and to a productive markup in January.” Chairman Hastings made the following remarks today at the last Natural Resources Committee hearing of the year: “Finally, it was my hope that a last markup of the year could occur this week. Regrettably, that wasn’t possible for tomorrow. We’ll now look ahead to early January to continue the hard work begun this year... There is also public lands and wilderness legislation that Representative Mark Amodei has been tirelessly working to advance. Due to his persistent efforts, action will occur in January. These are not easy issues. They require careful consideration and thoughtful action to ensure they are done right. That’s how we’ve approached our work at this Committee, and we’ll continue to do so in January.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:40:02Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131216230023/http://heck.house.gov:80/press-release/heck-backs-defense-authorization-compromise-fiscal-year-2014,Heck Backs Defense Authorization Compromise for Fiscal Year 2014,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Bill includes Heck military sexual assault prevention provision and Israel security priority WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today supported passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 which authorizes spending for critical national defense programs and overseas military operations. The bill includes two of Rep. Heck's NDAA priorities originally added to the bill during consideration in the House Armed Services Committee. The first authorizes the development of a US-based production line for the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system. The second is based on legislation Rep. Heck introduced with Congressman Mike Turner (OH) called the No Tolerance Act which enhances protections for prospective members of the Armed Forces against sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact during entry-level processing and training. ""Passing this bill before the end of the year was critical,"" Rep. Heck said. ""I am pleased House and Senate leaders came together to negotiate a compromise that maintains military readiness, supports our troops and their families, and takes meaningful steps towards preventing sexual assault in the military.""   The inclusion of Rep. Heck's “No Tolerance” provision in the NDAA for FY2014 comes amid heightened scrutiny of military sexual assault prevention and prosecution procedures. Congressman Heck has worked closely with colleagues in the House Armed Services Committee on this issue, including chairing a hearing on sexual assault prevention earlier this year.  Rep. Heck is especially focused on the issue of sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact involving new military recruits and their supervisors or trainers. The most egregious of these cases occurred at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas where, according to reports, as many as 32 instructors engaged in inappropriate relationships with or assaulted 62 trainees. Rep. Heck's ""No Tolerance"" provision enhances protections for prospective members of the Armed Forces against sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact during entry-level processing and training. The language requires the establishment of uniform regulations defining inappropriate and prohibited relationships between military personnel in supervisory roles and new members of the military. It would also require that any military personnel found in violation of those regulations, including when such an action is consensual to, at minimum, be processed for administrative separation from the service. Congressman Heck, a Colonel in the US Army Reserve and military health care provider, has seen both the physical and mental effects sexual assault and inappropriate contact can have on service members. That experience has shaped his efforts to not only ensure future assaults are prevented, but that cases of sexual assault and unwanted, inappropriate contact are properly prosecuted. The Iron Dome U.S. production line provision will create jobs, boost American manufacturing, and strengthen U.S.-Israeli cooperation. It authorizes $15 million to develop increased capabilities for the Iron Dome missile defense system and create a US-based production line. The additional production line will provide increased production capacity for Iron Dome interceptors and components as well as ensure that our Israeli allies have the defensive capabilities they need to defend against a sustained rocket attack. *** Congressman Joe Heck represents Nevada's Third Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012359/http://heck.house.gov/press-release/rep-hecks-statement-vote-against-budget-bill,Rep. Heck's Statement on Vote Against Budget Bill,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today released the following statement after voting against the proposed budget bill. ""I commend the hard work done by Chairmen Ryan and Murray in finding some areas of agreement on this budget agreement and I am opposed to the indiscriminate cuts of the sequester.” “I cannot, however, break faith with the men and women with whom I have served over the past 23 years nor those who served before me. We must provide for those who currently wear the uniform, but not by taking away from those who wore the uniform. This Congress approved the creation of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission in the 2013 defense authorization and tasked that commission with studying and making recommendations on military retirement and pension spending. This deal undercuts important work already underway and breaks the time-honored promise to our veterans of not making changes to military retirement for current retirees. We need stability in the budget, but that should not be balanced on the backs of our veterans, families, and survivors who have already sacrificed so much.” *** Congressman Joe Heck represents Nevada's Third Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301082301/http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=391,Amodei: Bipartisan Budget Act a victory against Washington's status quo,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark Amodei,A000369,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            Contact:        Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today voted in favor of the Bipartisan Budget Act, which passed the House 332 to 94. The two year agreement would cut the federal budget deficit by $23 billion, while replacing some across the board sequester cuts, particularly to the military, with targeted savings. He released the following statement: “The status quo in Washington, D.C. is more spending and more government control. This has become as reliable as death and taxes. So when Congress does nothing, the status quo registers as a loss for taxpayers and, most importantly, the nation. In the face of that reality -- the reality of our divided government – there are those who would sacrifice the good on the altar of the perfect. While this budget agreement is not perfect, it is most definitely not the status quo.And that can be counted as a victory for all Americans. “This two year agreement moves us away from government by crisis and continuing resolutions, where so much of the status quo persists, and back to a legislative framework for reforming federal spending. It cuts the budget deficit by $23 billion without raising taxes at a time when the Senate wanted to increase spending by $1 trillion. It is 100 percent in line with the Budget Control Act deficit reduction numbers and does not end the sequester cuts, but replaces upfront, across-the-board cuts with targeted savings that are both larger and produce additional deficit reduction over the long term. The agreement is also $83 billion below the original Ryan Budget (2010) target for FY 2014. “The compromise also contains policy victories for those who support responsible and restrained government, including a roll back of the government takeover of the student loan industry and common sense welfare reforms, all while preserving our national defense, which was scheduled to be the only target of January’s $20 billion sequester cuts. “Finally, this represents a start to returning federal policy-making authority to the Congress through the appropriations process. Beyond that, for those who want more perfect reform and debt reduction, you are looking a couple election cycles down the road. More significant budget and spending reform is an elusive prospect with the present dynamic in the Senate and the Obama Administration. I remain committed to balancing the budget and paying off our federal debt, but quite frankly, we are going to need some help from the Senate and the White House to make that happen.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301082509/http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=390,Natural Resources Committee to advance Nevada bills in January,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark Amodei,A000369,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            Contact:        Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today thanked House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-4) for his public support to markup several lands bills important to Northern Nevada next month, including H.R. 696, the Lyon County Economic Development and Conservation Act, H.R. 433, the Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act, and other bills introduced by Amodei in 2013. “I am grateful to Chairman Hastings for his show of support today, which is very good news indeed for Northern Nevada,” said Amodei. “We’ve come a long way from passing the Yerington bill in the House last Congress as an economic development measure to this Congress – advancing what should be a comprehensive group of bills for the Silver State. I want to also thank Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-4) for his work with the Democratic membership of the Committee, which has been invaluable. I look forward to continuing this effort with my colleagues and to a productive markup in January.”   Chairman Hastings made the following remarks today at the last Natural Resources Committee hearing of the year: “Finally, it was my hope that a last markup of the year could occur this week. Regrettably, that wasn’t possible for tomorrow. We’ll now look ahead to early January to continue the hard work begun this year... There is also public lands and wilderness legislation that Representative Mark Amodei has been tirelessly working to advance. Due to his persistent efforts, action will occur in January. These are not easy issues. They require careful consideration and thoughtful action to ensure they are done right. That’s how we’ve approached our work at this Committee, and we’ll continue to do so in January.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301082742/http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=389,Amodei introduces 'Blinded Veterans Guide Dog Assistance Act',2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark Amodei,A000369,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            Contact:        Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today announced the introduction of H.R. 3647, the Blinded Veterans Guide Dog Assistance Act, to improve the provision of guide dogs to veterans blinded by a service-connected injury. It is the current policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover veterinary care for guide dogs, but not the cost of acquiring the dogs. That expense is out of pocket for veterans, who often turn to charities for such assistance. “If you are blinded by an injury sustained in service to our country and a guide dog is the best option for overcoming your disability, then I think that is an expense that should be covered by the VA in much the same manner as a prosthetic limb would be covered,” said Amodei.  # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=3227cd64-2680-4160-940e-d55f48c25f72,Heller Speaks about Rebuilding American Manufacturing,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy, today delivered the following remarks during a hearing entitled “Rebuilding American Manufacturing.” Remarks as prepared: Thank you Chairman Merkley for holding this hearing today.  I’m pleased that our sub-committee continues to focus on jobs and the middle class.  For too long, job creation has received second-class treatment by Congress.  With Nevada continuing to lead the country in unemployment, Congress must develop policies that spur job growth – especially in industries like manufacturing. Manufacturing is critical to the American economy, and its continued strength is key to putting Americans back to work.  While Washington hesitates to act, America’s manufacturers are shutting down and jobs are being lost.  While Nevada is known for travel, gaming, and mining – manufacturing represents an important segment of our economy by employing more than 56,000 workers at 1,800 manufacturing companies.  I would also note that the average wage for manufacturing employee in Nevada is over $52,000 a year which is ten thousand dollars more than the average salary in the state. Unfortunately, Nevada manufacturers are continuing to struggle in this recession.  Just a few months ago, a headline in my hometown newspaper, the Nevada Appeal, read: “Manufacturing Sector Rebound Likely Isn’t Near.” The article went on to highlight that Nevada has lost 10,000 manufacturing jobs in this recession and has only regained 1,000.   By industry sector, that is the second-largest job loss in the state.  While it cannot be done overnight, it is my hope that Washington can get serious and implement an agenda to strengthen American manufacturing and create American jobs. I believe that the key to ensuring Americans continue to have access to high quality manufacturing jobs is not to enact burdensome regulations or a protectionist agenda, but to expand economic freedom.  This goal can be accomplished by simplifying our tax code so that businesses are encouraged to locate and remain in the U.S., by ensuring that we are effectively educating our children, and by supporting policies that foster fair competition and open access.  As a nation, we must engage the realities of this growing global and technological economy, and Congress must develop policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of these changing dynamics and create jobs here in America. Thank you Mr. Chairman, and I look forward to hearing all of the testimonies from our witnesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=aa69003d-5f4e-4fbf-90e3-78139d9d766f,ICYMI: Heller Voices Frustration with the VA Backlog in Nevada,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) spoke at the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing entitled “VA Claims System: Review of VA's Transformational Progress.” Currently, 4,000 veterans in Reno, Las Vegas, and across Nevada have waited on average 433 days to have their VA claim completed. This is the longest wait time in the nation and is well over the VA’s targeted deadline of 125 days. Remarks as prepared: Thank you Chairman Sanders and Ranking Member Burr for holding this hearing on the claims process. It is no secret that the veterans claims backlog is the most critical mission facing the Veterans Benefits Administration. Every person is this room knows the seriousness of this problem, but I specifically want to underscore how this is affecting veterans in Nevada.  4,000 veterans in Reno, Las Vegas, and across Nevada have waited more than the VA’s target deadline of 125 days for their claim to be completed.  On average, Nevada veterans waited 433 days to have their claims completed—this is the longest wait in the nation and it is simply unacceptable. Under Secretary Hickey, I know you are committed to fixing this issue and appreciate you recognizing the gravity of this problem, but it’s important to me and my constituents that I bring this story to your attention. A Las Vegas Veteran wrote to me recently: “I am just one more Disabled Veteran still fighting the appeals process with the VA.  I understand now that no one is going to expedite my appeal and I will probably die before I get any successful resolution, but there are huge numbers of vets just like me and some in worse shape. None of us deserve to be put on hold forever.” Frustration—That is what this veteran and veterans across the nation are feeling. I, as well as my colleagues, want this to be fixed for the good of our veterans, there’s no doubt about that.  I am proud to have teamed up with some of my colleagues to thoroughly examine the claims process front to back and from every perspective. The reality is—VA has a 1945 process. This outdated process no longer makes sense both for the VA and for the Veteran.  Looking back at two decades of VA backlog, I found that VA has always fixed the problem with short-term solutions rather than asking the difficult question of whether the entire process needs to be updated.  VA needs a 21st Century benefits delivery system for our nation’s Veterans.  But there is not going to be one silver bullet that solves this problem. It is going to take multiple proposals that address multiple aspects of the claims process for us to really reach a resolution. But that means it’s time that all stakeholders open up about what needs to be fixed and how to fix it. The VA has a role to play. Veteran Service Organizations and Congress have a role to play.  Even the Veterans themselves have a part to play in resolving this.  And it no longer makes sense to point fingers and place blame. Instead, Congress needs to give the VA and Regional Offices the tools and resources they need to bring the backlog down.  But this cannot be done without an open and frank discussion about what’s working and what’s not. Congress needs to work together with the VA and VSOs to solve this problem and solve it permanently so that this Committee isn’t back here in a few years having the same discussion.    I know that the Chairman and Ranking Member are committed to that, and I will be reaching out to them about solutions that I’ve identified. Our nation owes it to Veterans to resolve this problem together and keep our promise to care for them when they return home from war. Thank you again, Under Secretary Hickey for being here to testify.  I look forward to hearing about what progress VA has made and working with you, VSOs, and Veterans to end this backlog. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=abc55b85-2d69-4e4c-90d7-c197947d9a7e,Heller Statement on Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attacks,2013-12-07,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement in recognition of the 72nd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks: “Seventy-two years ago, enemies launched an unexpected attack that changed the American way of life. They senselessly killed thousands of brave men and women serving their country at Pearl Harbor. Today, we pay tribute to the heroes who died that day and we offer our gratitude to their families.”   “Following the attacks, members of our Armed Forces made tremendous sacrifices. They faced dangerous situations in order to protect Americans from harm, and led us to victory. What the Greatest Generation accomplished after those terrible attacks is a vivid reminder of the patriotism that makes this nation exceptional,” said Senator Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-statement-passing-don-reid,Amodei statement on passing of Don Reid,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 RENO, NEV. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today issued the following statement on the passing of Don Reid: “My condolences to Senator Reid and his family on the passing of his brother Don. A son of Searchlight, one of four brothers, a Basic High School basketball player and a Marine. Rest in peace.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:40:02Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301082943/http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=388,Amodei statement on passing of Don Reid,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark Amodei,A000369,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            Contact:        Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 RENO, NEV. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today issued the following statement on the passing of Don Reid: “My condolences to Senator Reid and his family on the passing of his brother Don. A son of Searchlight, one of four brothers, a Basic High School basketball player and a Marine. Rest in peace.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=65400f1e-1956-4af4-8f2e-df760a951010,Heller Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “Today, the world joins with South Africa to mourn the loss of former President Nelson Mandela.  He is a transcendent hero who championed equality and strength through peace. His life serves as an example of fearless determination and forgiveness that generations will study for years to come,” said Senator Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-joins-house-appropriations-committee,Amodei joins House Appropriations Committee,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today announced that Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) will join the House Appropriations Committee. Amodei, Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02), and Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) were approved by the House Republican Steering Committee today. “I am pleased to welcome Representatives Amodei, Roby, and Stewart to the Committee, and look forward to working side-by-side with them as we tackle our formidable work ahead. Members of the Appropriations Committee have tough jobs to do, and have a great responsibility to properly fund the federal government and support the well-being of the nation,” Chairman Rogers said. “These dedicated public servants have proven their commitment to the responsible shepherding of federal tax dollars, to the regular Appropriations process, and to both the people of their districts and the American people as a whole.” “After a 17 year absence, Nevada returns to a seat on the House Appropriations Committee, following in the path of Barbara Vucanovich,” said Amodei. “I look forward to being a strong voice on Western issues while continuing a strong oversight commitment over all executive branch operations, including the Department of the Interior and Veterans Affairs. The appropriations process will strengthen our ability to advocate for Nevada’s issues, as well as for our national spending priorities. I want to thank the Speaker, Chairman Rogers and my colleagues on the Steering Committee for their support in giving Nevada this seat.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:40:02Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301083145/http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=387,Amodei joins House Appropriations Committee,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark Amodei,A000369,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            Contact:        Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today announced that Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) will join the House Appropriations Committee. Amodei, Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02), and Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) were approved by the House Republican Steering Committee today. “I am pleased to welcome Representatives Amodei, Roby, and Stewart to the Committee, and look forward to working side-by-side with them as we tackle our formidable work ahead. Members of the Appropriations Committee have tough jobs to do, and have a great responsibility to properly fund the federal government and support the well-being of the nation,” Chairman Rogers said. “These dedicated public servants have proven their commitment to the responsible shepherding of federal tax dollars, to the regular Appropriations process, and to both the people of their districts and the American people as a whole.” “After a 17 year absence, Nevada returns to a seat on the House Appropriations Committee, following in the path of Barbara Vucanovich,” said Amodei. “I look forward to being a strong voice on Western issues while continuing a strong oversight commitment over all executive branch operations, including the Department of the Interior and Veterans Affairs. The appropriations process will strengthen our ability to advocate for Nevada’s issues, as well as for our national spending priorities. I want to thank the Speaker, Chairman Rogers and my colleagues on the Steering Committee for their support in giving Nevada this seat.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=61df781a-73ab-4d00-b380-f5a0778606d9,"Heller se une a Menéndez, y colegas para llamar a la Administración para otorgar estatus de protección temporal a los filipinos tras la devastación del tifón",2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Después de la devastación y el desastre humanitario sufrido por las Filipinas como resulta del tifón Haiyan, el Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, se unió al senador Robert Menéndez, Demócrata por New Jersey y 18 colegas en el Senado para pedir a la administración del Presidente Obama para otorgar estatus de protección temporal (TPS) a los ciudadanos filipinos que residen actualmente en Estados Unidos. La carta también pide a la administración a considerar vías adicionales de alivio para algunos filipinos con familiares con ciudadanía o residencia permanente en los Estados Unidos. TPS se concede a ciudadanos extranjeros que no pueden regresar a su país natal por razones de seguridad. Actualmente, en los Estados Unidos otorga el TPS a El Salvador, Haití, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudán y en el sur del Sudán, y Siria.Como el programa está diseñado, TPS sólo estaría disponible para los filipinos ya viviendo en los Estados Unidos que pasan una verificación de antecedentes y cumplen los requisitos de elegibilidad relacionados. Una copia de la carta está por debajo. Teniendo en cuenta la enorme devastación sufrida por las Filipinas como resultado de tifón Haiyan, le escribimos para expresar nuestra profunda preocupación sobre el impacto de esta tragedia para filipinos en los Estados Unidos. Le pedimos que consideren la posibilidad de otorgar Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) a los ciudadanos filipinos dentro de los Estados Unidos y otras vías de alivio para algunos Filipinos con ciudadano de los EE.UU. o residente legal permanente los miembros de la familia en los EE.UU. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=c3e4e0e8-7692-4025-b671-3c72196d632d,Heller responde a cifras de desempleo de Nevada,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada,  hizo la siguiente declaración en relación con las cifras de desempleo de Nevada publicadas anteriormente en el día de hoy: “La tasa de desempleo de Nevada sigue siendo muy superior al promedio nacional, mientras que al mismo tiempo, la realidad de ObamaCare continúa haciendo su daño. Mientras tanto, en sólo unas pocas semanas, Washington se enfrenta  un plazo para una solución de gastos a corto plazo. Washington necesita una verificación de la realidad que, a menos que se realicen cambios, Nevadenses seguirán luchando para hacer crecer sus negocios, invertir en sus hijos, y asegurar que esta nación sea fuerte para las generaciones futuras"", dijo el senador Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=b4b0726c-104b-4087-8a0b-585cfe069fdd,Heller Responds to Nevada Unemployment Numbers,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement regarding the Nevada unemployment figures released earlier today: ""Nevada’s unemployment continues to remain well above the national average, while at the same time, the reality of ObamaCare continues to take its toll. Meanwhile, in just a few short weeks, Washington will be facing a deadline for yet another short-term spending solution. Washington need a reality check that unless changes are made, Nevadans will continue to struggle to grow their businesses, invest in their children, and ensure that this nation is strong for future generations,” said Senator Dean Heller.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221040537/http://heck.house.gov/press-release/heck-applauds-senate-panel-passage-three-kids-mine-bill,Heck Applauds Senate Panel Passage of Three Kids Mine Bill,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today released the following statement after the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved H.R. 697, the Three Kids Mine Remediation and Reclamation Act, by a voice vote. ""I am pleased the Three Kids Mine bill has cleared another hurdle to becoming law,"" Rep. Heck said. ""I thank Senators Reid and Heller for their efforts to move this bill through the committee and hope the full Senate will move quickly to pass this job-creating legislation."" The bill, which is cosponsored by the entire Nevada congressional delegation and passed the House by voice vote, provides an innovative public-private partnership solution to cleaning up the abandoned Three Kids Mine site at no cost to federal taxpayers. The cleanup and development of the Three Kids Mine site is estimated to create as many as 3,000 jobs over the life of the project. During House debate on the bill, Rep. Heck spoke about the bill's importance to the environment and economy of southern Nevada. BACKGROUND: * The Three Kids Mine site is a 1,260 acre abandoned manganese mine and mill site located along the south side of Lake Mead Drive, across the highway from Lake Las Vegas, in Henderson. * The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Federal lands at the project site – approximately 948 acres – at fair market value taking into account the costs of investigating and remediating the entire site, which includes an additional 314 acres of now-private lands that were used historically in mine operations. * In return for conveying the land at fair market value, the Federal Government will also receive a release of liability for cleanup of both the Federal and private lands. * Before the Federal lands are conveyed, the State must enter into a binding consent agreement under which the cleanup of the entire project site will occur. * This agreement must include financial assurances to ensure the completion of the remediation and reclamation of the site. * The cleanup will be financed with private capital and Nevada tax increment financing at no cost to the Federal government. * H.R. 697 is the result of more than five years of work among the City of Henderson Redevelopment Agency, the Department of the Interior, the State of Nevada, and private entities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=af368439-6bec-48c7-9396-a7896800686b,"Declaración de Heller sobre el uso de la ""Opción Nuclear"" en el Senado de los Estados Unidos",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada,  hizo la siguiente declaración después de que el Senado utilizó la ""opción nuclear"", que libera a la minoría en el Senado de derechos y requiere sólo una mayoría simple para algunos votos en el Senado. Este es un día triste para el Senado de Estados Unidos y un día de miedo para Nevada. Mientras que estamos discutiendo hoy las nominaciones, ¿qué garantías hay de que los cambios no se aplicarán a las futuras leyes? La delegación de Nevada ha impedido que la Montaña de Yuca que se adelante, una póliza que es una ley del país. Hemos sido capaces de lograr esto con cada flecha en nuestro carcaj. Cuando usted es de un estado pequeño, tienes que contar con todas las herramientas en su caja de herramientas para protegerse. Ahora, la apertura de Yucca Mountain es un riesgo renovado. Es evidente que las acciones de hoy por el Senado han hecho Nevada aún más vulnerable a la voluntad de la mayoría"", dijo el senador Dean Heller. Ahora que se elimina el mínimo de 60 votos para las candidaturas, el mismo principio podría aplicarse con otros proyectos de ley. Sin un mínimo de 60 votos, podrían examinarse las pólizas actuales hacia la montaña Yucca. En junio, el senador Heller expresó su preocupación sobre el efecto de eliminar el mínimo de 60 votos sobre los pequeños estados como Nevada y particularmente el proyecto de la montaña Yucca. Esa semana, habló el senador Lamar Alexander en la sala del Senado e indica que abrir Yucca Mountain sería una prioridad una vez que el mínimo de 60 votos es eliminado, diciendo que ""un voto para terminar al filibustero es un voto para completar Yucca Mountain.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3689d1bf-7f9a-48cb-a00a-fd8c46be6210,Heller Statement on Use of “Nuclear Option” in U.S. Senate,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued this statement after the Senate utilized the “nuclear option,” which rids the Senate minority of long-standing rights and requires only a simple majority for some Senate votes. “This is a sad day for the United States Senate, and a scary day for Nevada. While today we are discussing nominations, what assurances are there that today’s changes will not apply to future legislation?  “The Nevada delegation has prevented Yucca Mountain from moving forward, a policy that is already the law of the land. We have been able to accomplish this using every arrow in our quiver. When you are from a small state, you have to rely on every tool in your toolbox to protect yourself. “Now, the opening of Yucca Mountain is a renewed risk. It’s clear that today’s actions by the Senate have made Nevada even more vulnerable to the will of the majority,” said Senator Dean Heller. Now that the 60-vote threshold for nominations is removed, the same principle could apply elsewhere with legislation. Without a 60-vote threshold, the current policies towards Yucca Mountain could be revisited. In June, Senator Heller expressed his concerns about the effect of removing the 60-vote threshold on small states like Nevada, and particularly the Yucca Mountain project. Later that week, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) spoke on the Senate floor indicating that opening Yucca Mountain would be a top priority once the 60 vote threshold is removed, saying that “a vote to end the filibuster is a vote to complete Yucca Mountain.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=adca192e-b717-4eda-9c8f-a6501ed5d6bf,Heller introduce enmiendas para acelerar el proceso de reclamaciones para veteranos incapacitados,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Hoy el Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, presentó dos enmiendas a S. 1197, la Ley de Autorización de Defensa Nacional (NDAA). Ambas enmiendas acelerarían el proceso del Departamento de Asuntos Veteranos para veteranos incapacitados y asegura que los veteranos reciban los beneficios obtenidos y que merecen en una manera oportuna. “Es importante que Congreso se encargue de los veteranos de nuestra nación por el cumplimiento de las promesas que se les hicieron a ellos. Desafortunadamente, en Nevada, tenemos uno de los mayores reclamos de incapacidad retrasados en el país. Nuestro actual sistema de procesamiento de reclamaciones por incapacidad se ha roto y ha sido un problema constante que afecta gravemente a nuestros héroes y sus familias,” dijo el senador Dean Heller. “Después de todo lo que han pasado nuestros veteranos y después de todos los sacrificios que han hecho, es inaceptable para ellos tener que esperar largos periodos de tiempo para sus beneficios. El Senado debe actuar rápidamente sobre estas enmiendas.” “Al eliminar la cinta roja, los gobiernos de los estados, están mejor equipadas para administrar, regular, desarrollar y aplicar planes de recuperación de sus hábitats críticos. Este proyecto de ley protegerá mejor las especies en peligro de extinción permitiendo una respuesta más adaptada como puesto en práctica por los estados,” dijo el Senador Paul.  “El proyecto de ley de autodeterminación de gestión de especies en peligro de extinción asegura que las necesidades locales serán consideradas en el proceso de regulación y coloca la toma de decisiones en manos de los Estados al permitirles elegir si la regulación ocurre al nivel estatal o federal.” Antecedentes: Enmienda de implementación para HAIMS (SA 2311) Para procesar un reclamo de un veterano, el Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA) tiene que obtener los registros desde el Departamento de Defensa (DOD). En un intento para acelerar el proceso, el DOD estada desarrollando un sistema electrónico, la Solución de Gestión de imágenes y el Artefacto de la Salud (HAIMS). Este sistema electrónicamente entregará los registros críticos a la VA. Implementación de HAIMS se asegurará de que los veteranos reciban una decisión sobre su solicitud de manera oportuna. Esta enmienda hará lo siguiente: Establecer un plazo para el Departamento de Defensa (DOD) para implementar HAIMS dentro de 6 meses. Requiera que el DOD publique un informe sobre el éxito de la realización de HAIMS y el efecto en el sistema de procesamiento de reclamaciones del VA. Enmienda de transferencia de registros del DOD/VA (SA 2310) Según un informe de la Oficina de Responsabilidad Gubernamental (GAO) 2012, una de las razones por las que la acumulación de reclamaciones de veteranos discapacitados es tan alta es que el Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos  no está recibiendo ciertos registros que necesita del Departamento de Defensa  de una manera oportuna. La enmienda de Heller dirige al Departamento de Defensa estadounidense para responder a una solicitud de documentos necesarios para procesar una reclamación dentro de un plazo de 30 días. Si el registro no se puede transferir en 30 días, el DOD puede solicitar una extensión de 30 días. Si no responden dentro de 60 días, deben hacer un informe al VA con la razón por el retraso y cuando el registro solicitado se proporcionará. Copias de ambas enmiendas se encuentran a continuación. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4584d8bc-5d3a-40f2-9999-5a7a4b3f4f6f,Heller Files Amendments to Speed up Veteran Disability Claims Process,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) filed two amendments to S.1197, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both amendments would speed up the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims process and ensure that veterans receive the benefits they earned and deserve in a timely manner. “It’s important that Congress takes care of our nation’s veterans by fulfilling the promises made to them. Unfortunately, in Nevada, we have one of the highest disability claims backlogs in the country. Our current disability claims processing system is broken and has been an ongoing issue that severely impacts our heroes and their families,” said Senator Dean Heller. “After everything our veterans have been through and after all the sacrifices they have made, it is unacceptable for them to have to wait long periods of time for their benefits. The Senate should act quickly on these amendments.” Background: HAIMS Implementation Amendment (SA 2311) To process a veteran’s claim, the VA must obtain records from the Department of Defense (DOD).  In an effort to speed up the process, the DOD is developing an electronic system, the Health Artifact and Image Management Solution (HAIMS). This system will electronically deliver critical records to the VA.  Implementation of HAIMS will ensure that veterans receive a decision on their claim in a timely manner.  This amendment would: Set a deadline for the DOD to implement HAIMS within 6 months. Require the DOD to issue a report on the success of HAIMS implementation and the effect on the VA’s claims processing system. DOD/VA Transfer of Records Amendment (SA 2310) According to a 2012 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, one of the reasons that the veterans disability claims backlog is so high is that the VA is not receiving certain records it needs from the DOD in a timely manner. Heller’s amendment directs to the DOD to respond to a VA request for records needed to process a claim within 30 days. If the record cannot be transferred in 30 days, the DOD can request a 30-day extension. If they don’t respond within 60 days, they must report to the VA with the reason for the delay and when the requested record will be provided. PDF copies of both amendments are below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=bde23b26-7b60-4985-86ff-28b2821e9c8a,"Heller Joins Menendez, Colleagues to Call on Administration to Grant Temporary Protected Status to Filipinos in Wake of Devastating Typhoon",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Following the devastation and humanitarian disaster suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined Senator Robert Menendez (D–NJ) and 18 Senate colleagues in calling on President Obama’s administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Filipino nationals currently residing in the United States. The letter also asks the administration to consider additional avenues of relief for certain Filipinos with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members in the U.S.  TPS is granted to foreign nationals who cannot safely return to their native country. Currently, the United States grants TPS to El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, and Syria. As the program is designed, TPS would only be available to Filipinos already living in the United States who pass a background check and meet related eligibility requirements.  A PDF copy of the letter is below. Full Text of letter The Honorable Rand Beers Acting Secretary Department of Homeland Security 3801 Nebraska Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20528 Acting Secretary Beers: In light of the tremendous devastation suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, we write to express our deep concern about the impact of this tragedy on Filipinos in the United States. We ask that you consider granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible Filipino nationals within the United States and additional avenues of relief for certain Filipinos with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members in the U.S. As you know, Typhoon Haiyan has wrought unparalleled destruction and tragic loss of life in the Philippines. The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated the storm’s sustained winds at 195 miles per hour at landfall, which if confirmed would make Haiyan one of the most powerful storms in recorded history. Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced with no shelter or clean water and millions face food shortages. The United States has granted TPS to other nationals after similarly traumatic events. Following Hurricane Mitch in 1999, the United States granted TPS to Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals; following several earthquakes in Central America in 2001, the United States granted TPS to Salvadorans; and following the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the United States granted TPS to Haitians. Victims of Typhoon Haiyan clearly meet the eligibility requirements for TPS, and we urge you to extend this designation as soon as possible. Providing TPS is critical to humanitarian relief efforts as it both protects individuals who would be endangered by returning to their country of origin and it allows the home country more time to recover before accepting returnees. It is important to note that granting TPS to Filipino nationals will not endanger our security.  An alien is ineligible for TPS if he has a criminal background or poses a threat to national security.  The decision to deny, withdraw or terminate TPS is in the sole discretion of the government; there is no judicial review of such a determination.  Moreover, TPS is not a backdoor to U.S. citizenship.  TPS does not make a beneficiary eligible for legal permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship. When the TPS designation of a country is terminated, beneficiaries revert to the same immigration status they maintained before the designation.  We also ask that you consider humanitarian parole and expedited visa processing for Filipinos who have U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relatives in the U.S. and approved or pending family petitions, especially Filipinos who have been orphaned, lost relatives in the storm or suffer other serious hardships. We also ask that you consider an automatic extension of visas, in categories where an extension is feasible, for Filipinos currently present in the U.S. Lastly, we ask that you consider temporarily suspending deportations to the Philippines and utilizing alternatives to detention in appropriate cases. The United States has demonstrated its commitment to assisting the Philippines with the recovery effort through foreign aid, military assistance and relief supplies, but we must also assist the victims’ families in whatever way possible. Therefore, we respectfully request that you extend TPS to Filipino nationals residing in the United States and support the reunification of U.S. citizens and their Filipino family members. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Senators Robert Menendez (D–NJ), Dean Heller (R-NV), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John McCain (R-AZ), Harry Reid (D-NV), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY),Chris Coons (D-DL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/sens-paul-heller-and-rep-amodei-introduce-endangered-species-management-self,"Sens. Paul, Heller and Rep. Amodei Introduce Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act of 2013",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Darling (Sen. Paul) 202-224-4343 Chandler Smith (Sen. Heller) 202-224-6244 Brian Baluta (Rep. Amodei) 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sens. Rand Paul, Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) released the following statements following the introduction of the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act of 2013. This bill provides state governors with the power to regulate intrastate endangered species and intrastate threatened species. “By removing the red tape, state governments will be better equipped to manage, regulate, develop and implement recovery plans for their critical habitats. This bill will better protect endangered species by allowing a more tailored response as implemented by the states,”Sen. Paul said. “Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act ensures that local needs will be considered in the regulation process and places the decision-making into the hands of the states by allowing them to choose whether regulation occurs on the state or federal level.” “We have a responsibility to be good stewards of wildlife and the habitat that they rely on. In Nevada, we have been working hard to protect both the sage grouse and our economy, which is why I am working hard with the Governor, the delegation, and Nevadans to prevent a listing for the bird. The Endangered Species Act already has an abysmal success rate, so it is time to give the states to the opportunity to step in where the ESA has largely failed,” said Sen. Heller. “Giving governors greater flexibility would go a long way mitigating the one-size-fits-all impact of the ESA, which is threatening to shutdown vast swatches of the American West, including Nevada” Rep. Amodei said. “Governor Brian Sandoval has met the challenge posed by the looming sage grouse listing and that kind of leadership deserves respect from federal land managers. I want to thank Senator Paul for recognizing that there are two chambers of Congress and for reaching out across the Hill to work on solutions to this issue. I am happy to team up with any Senator interested in genuine bicameral collaboration.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:47Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301083346/http://amodei.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=386,"Sens. Paul, Heller and Rep. Amodei Introduce Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act of 2013",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Mark Amodei,A000369,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Darling (Sen. Paul) 202-224-4343 Chandler Smith (Sen. Heller) 202-224-6244 Brian Baluta (Rep. Amodei) 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sens. Rand Paul, Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) released the following statements following the introduction of the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act of 2013. This bill provides state governors with the power to regulate intrastate endangered species and intrastate threatened species.   “By removing the red tape, state governments will be better equipped to manage, regulate, develop and implement recovery plans for their critical habitats. This bill will better protect endangered species by allowing a more tailored response as implemented by the states,”Sen. Paul said. “Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act ensures that local needs will be considered in the regulation process and places the decision-making into the hands of the states by allowing them to choose whether regulation occurs on the state or federal level.” “We have a responsibility to be good stewards of wildlife and the habitat that they rely on.  In Nevada, we have been working hard to protect both the sage grouse and our economy, which is why I am working hard with the Governor, the delegation, and Nevadans to prevent a listing for the bird. The Endangered Species Act already has an abysmal success rate, so it is time to give the states to the opportunity to step in where the ESA has largely failed,” said Sen. Heller. “Giving governors greater flexibility would go a long way mitigating the one-size-fits-all impact of the ESA, which is threatening to shutdown vast swatches of the American West, including Nevada” Rep. Amodei said. “Governor Brian Sandoval has met the challenge posed by the looming sage grouse listing and that kind of leadership deserves respect from federal land managers. I want to thank Senator Paul for recognizing that there are two chambers of Congress and for reaching out across the Hill to work on solutions to this issue. I am happy to team up with any Senator interested in genuine bicameral collaboration.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=02812633-e409-4a7a-84e2-aca0fd669cf2,"Los senadores Paul, Heller y representante Amodei introducen la ley de autodeterminación de gestión de especies en peligro de extinción",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Rand Paul, Republicano por Kentucky, Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, y el Representante Mark Amodei, Republicano han publicados las siguientes declaraciones tras la presentación de las Especies en Peligro de Extinción Gestión Ley de libre determinación. Esta ley proporciona los gobernadores de los Estados Unidos con el poder de regular los especies en peligro de extinción y especies amenazadas intraestatales.  “Al eliminar la cinta roja, los gobiernos de los estados, están mejor equipadas para administrar, regular, desarrollar y aplicar planes de recuperación de sus hábitats críticos. Este proyecto de ley protegerá mejor las especies en peligro de extinción permitiendo una respuesta más adaptada como puesto en práctica por los estados,” dijo el Senador Paul.  “El proyecto de ley de autodeterminación de gestión de especies en peligro de extinción asegura que las necesidades locales serán consideradas en el proceso de regulación y coloca la toma de decisiones en manos de los Estados al permitirles elegir si la regulación ocurre al nivel estatal o federal.”  “Tenemos una responsabilidad de ser administradores buenos de la fauna y el hábitat en el cual confían. En Nevada, hemos estado trabajando mucho para proteger tanto el urogallo del sabio como nuestra economía, que es por qué trabajo mucho con el Gobernador, la delegación y Nevadenses para prevenir un listado para el pájaro. La Ley de Especies en Peligro (conocido en inglés como el ESA) ya tiene una tasa de éxito abismal, y ahora es el momento de dar a los estados la oportunidad de que la ESA ha fracasado en gran medida,” dijo el Senador Dean Heller. Dando a gobernadores la mayor flexibilidad iría un largo camino de mitigar el impacto de la ESA, que está amenazando con cerrar vastas regiones del Oeste Americano, incluso Nevada,” dijo el Representante Mark Amodei. El gobernador Brian Sandoval ha encontrado el desafío planteado por el listado de urogallo del sabio que surge y que la clase del mando merece el respeto de gerentes de la tierra federales. Quiero dar las gracias a Paul senador para el reconocimiento de que hay dos cámaras del Congreso y para extender la mano a través del Congreso para trabajar en las soluciones a este problema. Soy contento de formar un equipo con cualquier Senador con cualquier senador interesado en verdadera colaboración bicameral"". ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=8e9049ee-c8d3-4491-94c9-22c5b4fa1d23,"Heller e Hirono, trabajan juntos para ayudar a veteranos filipinos a recibir beneficios merecidos",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, y la Senadora Hirono, Demócrata por Hawaii, han presentado una enmienda a S.1197, la ley de autorización de defensa nacional (NDAA). Esta legislación ayudará a todos los veteranos filipinos elegibles a recibir la compensación a la cual tienen derecho para su servicio a los Estados Unidos durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Esta enmienda es lo menos que podemos hacer para nuestros valientes veteranos filipinos. Cada esfuerzo se debe hacer para asegurar que aquellos individuos que valientemente sirvieron junto a tropas estadounidenses correctamente se reconozcan por sus contribuciones a nuestra nación. Estoy orgulloso de trabajar en una manera bipartidista con la senadora Hirono de asegurar que estos veteranos filipinos se traten con dignidad y respeto,” dijo el senador Dean Heller. Mahalo al senador Heller para asociarse conmigo para ayudar a asegurar a todos los veteranos filipinos de la Segunda Guerra Mundial que valientemente sirvieron junto a tropas americanos en el crítico Teatro Pacífico Sudoeste que reciben la compensación que han ganado. Considerando la edad avanzada de muchos de estos veteranos filipinos, simplemente no podemos esperar más tiempo para establecer un proceso que justamente reconoce a veteranos que merecen ventajas,” dijo el Senador Hirono. Antecedentes: Después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, el ejército estadounidense creó el aprobado revisado reconstruido guerrilla lista de 1948, también conocida como la ""lista Missouri,"" basado en los individuos que se dieron a conocer después de la guerra para recibir asistencia médica. Esta lista ha sido utilizado por el ejército para comprobar quienes han servido junto con las tropas de EE.UU. en las Filipinas. Es posible que algunos filipinos que han luchado no se han agregado a esta lista y podría ser negados indebidamente beneficios. La enmienda de promesa a veteranos filipinos dirigiría el Departamento de defensa (DOD), en consulta con el Departamento de asuntos veteranos (VA), a establecer un proceso para determinar si ciertos individuos cumplen con los requisitos del servicio necesarios para recibir los beneficios de los veteranos y posteriormente ser verificados como un veterano por el ejército de los Estados Unidos. Una copia de la enmienda está a continuación. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=fa580387-20f8-46c1-9926-03dc9740df28,Heller anuncia apoyo a la legislación de Gillibrand de asalto sexual militar,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, anunció su apoyo para la Senadora Kristin Gillibrand, Democrata por New York,  proyecto de ley de mejoramiento de la justicia militar (S.967). Heller y Gillibrand acompañaron a numerosos Senadores, y también las víctimas de asalto sexual militar, para un evento de prensa instando al Senado a aprobar la legislación anteriormente en el día de hoy. Después de mucha deliberación y después de extensas conversaciones con las víctimas y a los senadores de ambos lados de la cuestión, creo que la ley de mejoramiento de la justicia militar es el mejor camino adelante. Desde el Senador Rand Paul a la Senadora Barbara Boxer, esta legislación trasciende las fronteras de los partidos políticos. Asegurar que las víctimas tengan la confianza de denunciar los delitos y protegerlos contra las represalias debe ser una prioridad, “dijo el senador Dean Heller. La ley de mejoramiento de la justicia militar: Mueve la decisión de perseguir un delito punible con un año o más en confinamiento a  fiscales militares entrenados, independientes y profesionales, con excepción de los delitos que son de carácter militar, como desobediencia a las órdenes o ausentarse sin permiso. Proporciona las oficinas de los jefes de personal militares con la autoridad y discreción para establecer tribunales, seleccionar los jurados y elegir a los jueces para conocer de los casos (es decir, autoridad de convocatoria). No enmienda el Artículo 15. Los oficiales al mando todavía serán capaces de pedir el castigo no judicial por ofensas menores no dirigidas al juicio (ensayo) por los acusadores. Permite que los fiscales militares profesionales quiñes son expertos legales a manejar casos de asalto sexual. Libera a comandantes para concentrarse en la misión y el estado de preparación de la unidad, más bien que dirigir un caso judicial complejo a través del sistema de justicia militar. Elimina el Artículo 60 del UCMJ para que la autoridad de convocatoria no puede (a) poner un veredicto de culpable aparte o (b) cambiar un veredicto de culpable a una ofensa menor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8f076157-c991-4148-b15d-359964d110d5,Heller Announces Support for Gillibrand’s Military Sexual Assault Legislation,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced support for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D-NY) bipartisan Military Justice Improvement Act (S. 967). Heller and Gillibrand joined numerous Senators, as well as victims of military sexual assault, for a media event urging the Senate to pass the legislation earlier today.   ""After much deliberation, and after extensive conversations with victims and Senators from both sides of the issue, I believe that the Military Justice Improvement Act is the best path forward. From Senator Rand Paul to Senator Barbara Boxer, this legislation transcends party lines. Ensuring victims are confident in reporting crimes and protecting them from retaliation must be a top priority,” said Senator Dean Heller. “Our military is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known. The Gillibrand amendment makes it even better.” The Military Justice Improvement Act: Moves the decision whether to prosecute any crime punishable by one year or more in confinement to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors, with the exception of crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going Absent Without Leave. Provides the offices of the military chiefs of staff with the authority and discretion to establish courts, empanel juries, and choose judges to hear cases (i.e. convening authority). Does not amend Article 15. Commanding officers will still be able to order non-judicial punishment for lesser offenses not directed to trial by the prosecutors. Allows professional military prosecutors who are trained legal experts to handle sexual assault cases. Frees up commanders to focus on the mission and preparedness of the unit, rather than guiding a complex legal case through the military’s justice system. Strikes the UCMJ’s Article 60 so that the convening authority may not (a) set aside a guilty finding or (b) change a finding of guilty to a lesser included offense. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ee2e5932-94da-4e25-a9d6-1bff78b31bd2,"Sens. Paul, Heller and Rep. Amodei Introduce the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sens. Rand Paul, Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) released the following statements following the introduction of the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act.  This bill provides state governors with the power to regulate intrastate endangered species and intrastate threatened species.   “By removing the red tape, state governments will be better equipped to manage, regulate, develop and implement recovery plans for their critical habitats. This bill will better protect endangered species by allowing a more tailored response as implemented by the states,” Sen. Paul said. “The Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act ensures that local needs will be considered in the regulation process and places the decision-making into the hands of the states by allowing them to choose whether regulation occurs on the state or federal level.” “We have a responsibility to be good stewards of wildlife and the habitat that they rely on.  In Nevada, we have been working hard to protect both the sage grouse and our economy, which is why I am working hard with the Governor, the delegation, and Nevadans to prevent a listing for the bird. The Endangered Species Act already has an abysmal success rate, so it is time to give the states to the opportunity to step in where the ESA has largely failed,” said Sen. Heller. “Giving governors greater flexibility would go a long way mitigating the one-size-fits-all impact of the ESA, which is threatening to shutdown vast swatches of the American West, including Nevada” Rep. Amodei said. “Governor Brian Sandoval has met the challenge posed by the looming sage grouse listing and that kind of leadership deserves respect from federal land managers. I want to thank Senator Paul for recognizing that there are two chambers of Congress and for reaching out across the Hill to work on solutions to this issue. I am happy to team up with any Senator interested in genuine bicameral collaboration.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=f0b00ce3-e222-4825-b988-b871fc9afb84,"Heller, Hirono Work to Help Filipino Veterans Receive Deserved Benefits",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) have filed an amendment to S.1197, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will help all eligible Filipino veterans receive the compensation they are entitled to for their service to the United States during World War II. “This amendment is the least we can do for our nation’s brave Filipino veterans. Every effort must be made to ensure that those individuals who valiantly served alongside U.S. troops are properly recognized for their contributions to our nation. I am proud to work across party lines with Senator Hirono to ensure these Filipino veterans are treated with dignity and respect,” said Senator Dean Heller. “Mahalo to Senator Heller for partnering with me to help ensure all Filipino World War II veterans who bravely served alongside Americans in the critical South West Pacific Theatre receive the compensation they have earned. Given the advanced age of many of these Filipino veterans, we simply cannot wait any longer to establish a process that fairly recognizes veterans who deserve benefits,” said Senator Hirono. Background: After World War II, the U.S. Army created the Approved Revised Reconstructed Guerilla Roster of 1948, also known as the “Missouri List,” based on individuals who came forward after the war to receive healthcare. This list has been used by the military to verify those who served alongside U.S. troops in the Philippines. It is possible that some Filipinos who fought were not added to this list and could be improperly denied benefits. The Filipino Veterans Promise Amendment would direct the Department of Defense (DOD), in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to establish a process for determining whether certain individuals meet the necessary service requirements to receive veterans’ benefits and subsequently be verified as a Veteran by the United States Army. A PDF of the amendment is below ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-encourages-nevadans-make-voices-heard-usfws-and-blm,Amodei encourages Nevadans to make voices heard by USFWS and BLM,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today encouraged Nevadans to make their voices heard by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) during two important public comment periods. “The proposed threatened species listing of the bi-state sage hen population and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the greater sage hen have significant consequences for multiple use and represent really our first test for how we solve the larger sage hen problem throughout Nevada and the West,” said Amodei. “In the case of the bi-state, should the listing move ahead, it would designate 1.86 million acres as critical habitat, including federal, state, tribal and private lands in Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral and Esmeralda counties in Nevada and Alpine, Mono and Inyo counties in California. December 27, 2013is the deadline for public comment on the USFWS proposed listing of the bi-state sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A copy of the finding and additional information is available athttp://www.fws.gov/nevada or by calling 775-861-6300. January 29, 2014is the deadline for public comment on the Nevada and Northeastern California Sub-Regional Greater Sage Grouse Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will hold a series of public workshops to provide information on the DEIS and how to use the ePlanning system for commenting. Written comments will be accepted during the workshops. The workshops will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the following days and locations: Dec. 3, Four Seasons Building, Modoc County Fairgrounds, 1 Center Street, Cedarville, Calif. Dec. 4, Jensen Hall, Lassen County Fairgrounds, 195 Russell Ave., Susanville, Calif. Dec. 5, Homewood Suites, 5450 Keitzke Ln., Reno, Nev. Dec. 9, Tonopah Convention Center, 301 Brougher Ave., Tonopah, Nev. Dec. 10, Bristlecone Convention Center, 150 Sixth St., Ely, Nev. Dec. 11, Shilo Inn, 2401 Mountain City Hwy., Elko, Nev. Dec. 12, Winnemucca Inn, 741 W. Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, Nev. You can submit comments interactively through the ePlanning website, email and regular mail. Email comments can be sent toblm_nv_ca_sagegrouse_eis_comments@blm.gov. Please put “NVCA GRSG Draft EIS Comment” in the subject line. Comments can also be mailed to: Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Greater Sage-Grouse EIS, 1340 Financial Blvd, Reno, NV 89502. If you are experiencing difficulty submitting comments, please contact Meghan Brown in the Amodei Elko Office at 775-777-7705. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:47Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=567048e2-fa0d-4bdc-ba65-3266bd47bc3b,Heller responde a cifras de desempleo de Nevada,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada,  hizo la siguiente declaración en relación con las cifras de desempleo de Nevada publicadas anteriormente en el día de hoy: “Aunque me alegro de ver una disminución en nuestro estado de cifras sobre el desempleo, la tasa sigue siendo muy por encima de la media nacional. La gente de Nevada ya están luchando, y para añadir a sus frustraciones, están comenzando a ver los efectos negativos del ObamaCare. En los últimos meses, he escuchado a la gente por todo el estado de Nevada que están aumentando sus costos de atención médica, o peor aún, han cancelado sus planes. En 2010 el presidente Obama dijo, ‘Si le gusta su plan, puede mantener su plan. Si le gusta su doctor, puede mantener a su doctor.’ Desafortunadamente, las historias que estoy oyendo no encajan con la narrativa del Presidente. La gente de Nevada se han enfrentado a tiempos difíciles. Se merecen algo mejor y merecen tener un gobierno que mantiene sus promesas,"", dijo el senador Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=fafdcc80-b609-4c57-9a84-ab4535e5f885,Heller Responds to Nevada Unemployment Numbers,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement regarding the Nevada unemployment figures released earlier today: ""While I am pleased to see a decrease in our state’s unemployment numbers, the rate still remains well above the national average. The people of Nevada are already struggling, and to add to their frustrations, they are beginning to see the negative effects of ObamaCare. Over the past few months, I have heard from people all across the Silver State that their health care costs are increasing, or worse, their plans have been cancelled. “In 2010 President Obama said, ‘If you like your plan, you can keep your plan. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.’ Unfortunately, the stories I am hearing do not fit with the President’s narrative. The people of Nevada have faced some difficult times. They deserve better, and they deserve to have a government that keeps its promises,” said Senator Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-supports-keep-your-health-plan-act,Amodei supports 'Keep Your Health Plan Act',2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"My, what a difference a month makes. Thirty days ago, attempts to delay the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were shouted down, ignored and the subject of veto threats by the White House. Now we are in a pitched battle as to which side has the best idea to delay implementation of the ACA. Only in Washington, D.C. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2), a cosponsor of H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act, which today passed the House 261 to 157, released the following statement: “My, what a difference a month makes. Thirty days ago, attempts to delay the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were shouted down, ignored and the subject of veto threats by the White House. Now we are in a pitched battle as to which side has the best idea to delay implementation of the ACA. Only in Washington, D.C. “Today, the House took legislative action to honor the promise the President repeatedly made to Americans. In return, the President made yet another promise to bypass Congress and threaten to veto this bipartisan legislative solution. While there is no credibility abundance in this town, the White House has won the Pinocchio sweepstakes for the week. “In the face of 24,623 Nevadans, pretty much the entire population of Fallon, and nearly five million Americans who received cancellation notices from their insurance carriers due to the ACA, a number predicted to rise significantly, the administration continues to stubbornly go it alone. Worse still, the President’s executive action is expected to further destabilize the health insurance market. Is the solution more administrative grasping at straws? No thank you. There is a reason we are in this mess. It is the ACA. “Spin, backpedaling, excuses and apologies do nothing for the Nevadans and other Americans who are losing the health care coverage on which they rely. The ACA was drafted and became law along party lines. Its implementation has been a secretive, unilateral mess. The problems the law created for millions of Americans require a bipartisan solution, not another executive overreach.” “There is no doubt Americans need real health care reform. But we will all continue to suffer and see premiums go up as long as the ACA creates confusion and uncertainty in the marketplace. It is my hope we can address this emergency in a transparent, legislative process that respects all stakeholders. That requires a stop to the present law’s mistakes and a start to the traditional legislative process. Stay tuned.” # # # 2013-11-15 13:53:00 2013-11-15 13:53:00 2013-11-15 13:51:00 False False",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:47Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221040604/http://heck.house.gov/press-release/heck-votes-allow-americans-keep-current-health-insurance-plans,Heck Votes to Allow Americans to Keep Current Health Insurance Plans,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Introduces Seniors Healthcare Choice Act to give seniors freedom to make healthcare decisions WASHINGTON - Amid reports that millions of Americans, including nearly 25,000 Nevadans, have lost their health insurance coverage due to the Affordable Care Act, Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today voted in favor of H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013, legislation he cosponsored which requires that health insurance coverage available on the individual market as of January 1, 2013 may continue to be offered during 2014 and that such coverage will be considered a grandfathered health plan for purposes of an individual meeting the requirement to maintain minimum essential health coverage. The Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013 passed the House on a 261 to 157 bipartisan vote. “Americans were promised they could keep their current health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and we now know that is clearly and sadly not the case,” Rep. Heck said. “This legislation restores that promise to those who were kicked off their existing plans.” Yesterday, Congressman Heck spoke on the House floor to highlight the story of a constituent who was kicked off her health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, Rep. Heck today introduced legislation that eliminates burdensome federal regulations and changes in law due to the Affordable Care Act to extend freedom of healthcare choices to our nation's seniors. The Seniors Health Care Choice Act has two main provisions: * Allows individuals with COBRA continuation health coverage to remain on their group health plan and delay enrollment in the Medicare program without incurring a lifetime late enrollment penalty upon enrollment in Medicare. * Restores the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for Medicare Advantage (MA) so that beneficiaries may switch to another MA plan between January and March. This provision restores the OEP to its pre-PPACA status. “Our seniors deserve to have the freedom to make the healthcare decisions that are best for them without fear of penalty or gaps in coverage,” Rep. Heck said. “The Seniors Health Care Choice Act eliminates flawed regulations as well as changes made under the ACA to give our seniors that peace of mind.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=413c1000-a8b1-4d90-8ba6-6f5162c841c6,Heller y Heitkamp presentan proyecto de ley para ayudar garantizar vivienda para los veteranos,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada,  y la Senadora Heidi Heitkamp, Demócrata por North Dakota, presentaron la ley de reforma para viviendas de veteranos vulnerables de 2013. Esta legislación bipartidista eximiría a un beneficio financiero para veteranos discapacitados considerados como ingreso al solicitar la ayuda de vivienda del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD). El Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA) proporciona la ayuda y prestación de asistencia a los veteranos con poco o ningún ingreso. Los veteranos discapacitados de nuestra nación han sacrificado su propio bienestar en nuestro nombre. Los beneficios que reciben por ponerse en peligro no deberían hacer más difícil para estos hombres y mujeres encontrar vivienda, razón por la cual la prestación de ayuda y asistencia no debe ser contada como ingresos,"" dijo el senador Dean Heller. “Aplaudo mi colega, el Congresista Joe Heck, Republicano por Nevada, por su labor en este proyecto de ley en la Cámara de Representantes, y esperamos con interés trabajar con el Senador Heitkamp para empujar esta legislación en el Senado"". En North Dakota, hay una escasez de vivienda significativa, que está haciendo aún más difícil para nuestros veteranos discapacitados a encontrar un lugar para llamar su casa,"" dijo la senadora Heidi Heitkamp. Los veteranos discapacitados han servido valientemente a nuestro país, y nosotros deberíamos ser capaces de garantizar que tendrán un lugar para vivir cuando regresen a casa. Esta legislación es necesaria para nosotros cumplir con los compromisos que hicimos para apoyar a los veteranos después que dedicaron sus vidas a luchar por nuestro país. Espero con interés trabajar con el Senador Heller y colegas para dar a los veteranos los beneficios que se merecen. Antecedentes: El Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA, por sus siglas en inglés) distribuye la ayuda y prestación de asistencia como parte de un programa de jubilación. Este beneficio está diseñado específicamente para los veteranos de guerra que están gravemente incapacitados y tienen poco o ningún ingreso. Un número de estos veteranos también depende de la asistencia a través de HUD para la vivienda. Bajo la ley actual, la prestación de ayuda y asistencia se cuenta como ingresos al determinar la elegibilidad para asistencia a través de HUD, que en última instancia, reduce la disponibilidad de asistencia para la vivienda para veteranos discapacitados y de bajos ingresos. Heller y Heitkamp procuran eximir de la consideración de ingresos por todos los gastos relacionados con la ayuda de un veterano y prestación de asistencia. Una legislación similar presentada por el Representante Joe Heck fue aprobada en la Cámara de Representantes en octubre. Los veteranos de las Guerras Extranjeras (VFW) y Asociación de Oficiales militares de los Estados Unidos (MOAA) han aprobado el proyecto de ley de Heller y Heitkamp, la ley de reforma para viviendas de veteranos vulnerables de 2013. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=8b20c151-d712-487e-b8ae-dd58c88d3546,Diez Senadores Introducen Ley Bipartidista Para Crear Autoridad Para El Financiamiento De La Infraestructura,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Una coalición bipartidista de diez senadores de los Estados Unidos introdujeron hoy una legislación para establecer una nueva autoridad para el financiamiento de la infraestructura para ayudar a los estados y las localidades aprovechar mejor los fondos privados para construir y mantener la infraestructura anticuada del país. La construcción y renovación de infraestructura para el desarrollo y crecimiento en empleo, o conocido como el proyecto de ley “BRIDGE”, ayuda para abordar el déficit de inversión alarmante de la nación  para mantener y mejorar la red de transporte, agua y sistemas de alcantarillado y la infraestructura de energía. La legislación proporcionaría un instrumento de financiación adicional a estados y localidades que pueden crear nuevos empleos aquí en los Estados Unidos  mientras que también aumenta la competitividad económica de nuestra nación. El proyecto de ley “BRIDGE”, fue introducido por los siguientes senadores; Mark R. Warner, Democrata por Virginia, Roy Blunt, Republicano por Missouri, Lindsey Graham, Republicano por South Carolina, Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrata por New York, Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, Chris Coons, Democrata por Deleware, Amy Klobuchar, Democrata por Minnesota, Roger Wicker, Republicano por Missouri, Claire McCaskill, Democrata por Delaware, Amy Klobuchar, Democrata por Minnesota, Roger Wicker, Republicano por Missouri, Claire McCaskill, Democrata por Missouri, y Mark Kirk, Republicano por Illinois.  Los Estados Unidos actualmente invierte aproximadamente dos por ciento de su producto interno bruto (PIB) en infraestructura, cerca de la mitad de lo que le hicieron hace 50 años. En comparación, Europa gasta alrededor de 5%, y China gasta 9% del PIB en infraestructura. Según el informe de Competitividad Global del Foro Económico Mundial, los Estados Unidos actualmente alinea 19 entre 148 países desarrollados en general infraestructura en comparación con nuestros competidores globales. Para comenzar a dirigirse a este déficit, el proyecto de ley ‘BRIDGE’ establecerá una autoridad de financiación independiente, independiente para complementar la financiación de la infraestructura existente de los Estados Unidos.  La autoridad proporcionaría préstamos y garantías de préstamos para ayudar a estados y las localidades financiar los más económicamente viables, puentes, carriles, puertos, aguas, alcantarillas y otros proyectos de la infraestructura significativos. La autoridad podría recibir financiación inicial de hasta 10 mil millones de dólares, lo que podría incentivar las inversiones del sector privado y hacer posible hasta un máximo de $300 mil millones de dólares en inversión total del proyecto. La autoridad está estructurada de tal manera para que sea auto sostenible con el tiempo. Un resumen del proyecto de ley ‘BRIDGE’ está disponible aquí. Comentarios de una amplia variedad de partes interesadas y expertos de la industria están disponibles aquí.  “El proyecto de ley ‘BRIDGE’ no es una ‘bala de plata’ para cerrar mágicamente el hueco de la infraestructura de los Estados Unidos, pero esta oferta bipartidista crea nuevos instrumentos para ayudar a nuestros estados y las localidades desbloquear miles de millones de dólares en nuevas inversiones privadas en un momento de las tasas de interés muy favorables,” dijo el senador Warner. “El proyecto de ley ‘BRIDGE’ no sólo ayudara que los estadounidenses vuelvan a trabajar sino que también ayudará a ampliar comercio de los Estados Unidos, mantener las empresas estadounidenses competitivas y crear más empleos aquí en nuestro país. El proyecto de ley demuestra nuestra voluntad de trabajar juntos de forma responsable,  y una manera bipartidista para avanzar las prioridades de inversión importante.” “La infraestructura ha sido por mucho tiempo una parte integrante de nuestra economía. Sistemas de transporte exitosos conectan personas y comunidades, las empresas grandes y pequeñas y los puestos de trabajo que crean, se basan en una fuerte red de infraestructura para conectar con sus clientes"", dijo el senador Blunt. “Esta legislación bipartidista ofrecerá una nueva herramienta para ayudar a financiar proyectos de infraestructura, crear empleos y asegurar la competitividad global de Estados Unidos en el siglo 21.” “Nuestra infraestructura se está desmoronando y en desesperada necesidad de reparación,” dijo el senador Graham. “En South Carolina, tenemos dos grandes proyectos de infraestructura – la profundización del puerto de Charleston y la construcción de la interestatal 73 – que ayudarían a crecer nuestra economía y crear puestos de trabajo. Ahora es el momento de atender nuestras necesidades de infraestructura a fin de satisfacer las necesidades de nuestra economía. Estoy abierto para cualquiera y todas las ideas, pero también sé que el plan introducido hoy nos mueve en la dirección correcta combinando la inversión del sector privado en la infraestructura con el gobierno federal como un socio menor. Hacer nada hace daño a nuestra economía nacional y estatal en los próximos años.” “La inversión en la infraestructura de transporte es uno de los modos más rápidos, más eficaces de crear nuevos empleos,” dijo el senador Gillibrand. “Nuestra idea de sentido común, bipartidista para una asociación público-privada puede ofrecer el tipo de financiación inteligente y eficaz para mantener los proyectos más importantes del transporte en tiempo y en presupuesto – mantener nuestra economía en movimiento, mantener seguras nuestras carreteras y autopistas y crear los puestos de trabajo para hacerlo.""  “Asegurar que se satisfagan necesidades de infraestructura de nuestra nación es una de las responsabilidades primarias del gobierno. El proyecto de ley bipartidista ‘BRIDGE’ ayudará a proporcionar financiamiento para infraestructura crítica de una manera responsable e innovadora. La economía de Nevada depende de la infraestructura de transporte seguro y accesible, y por eso estoy ansioso de seguir trabajando en esta legislación con mis colegas de ambos partidos,” dijo el senador Heller. “Las inversiones en la infraestructura de los Estados Unidos son inversiones en trabajos americanos,” dijo el senador Coons. “Trabajos de construcción, trabajos de producción y trabajos en casi cada negocio americano dependen de la infraestructura que funciona. Nuestro país necesita invertir más en infraestructura, no menos. La ley bipartidista ‘BRIDGE’ es un enfoque innovador para obtener el financiamiento necesario para sostener y fortalecer la infraestructura crítica.” “Con el fin de satisfacer las demandas de la economía del siglo 21 necesitamos un red de transporte del siglo 21,” dijo el Sen. Klobuchar. El proyecto de ley ‘BRIDGE’ ayudará a hacer las inversiones esenciales en nuestra nación de carreteras, puentes, puertos, aeropuertos y vías navegables y constituirá un largo camino para aumentar la seguridad, mejorar la movilidad y reducir la congestión.” “Me alegra especialmente que la legislación establece aparte dedicado fondos a estados rurales como Mississippi,” dijo el senador Wicker. “Atraer la inversión privada en la infraestructura es a menudo demasiado incómodo y complejo para muchos pequeños ciudades y condados. Este proyecto de ley permitiría hacer frente a ese problema mediante la agilización del proceso y proporcionando la ayuda muy necesaria a estas comunidades rurales para conseguir los fondos que profundamente necesitan.” “La red enorme de Illinois de ríos, carreteras y ferrocarriles apoya su estado como la encrucijada de la nación,” dijo el senador Kirk. “Sin embargo, nuestra dependencia de fuentes tradicionales de financiamiento ha creado una cartera de inversión tremendamente atrasadas. Este instrumento de financiación de la infraestructura puede proporcionar nuevas avenidas de financiación a pasillos del comercio críticos  y aumentar la colaboración público-privada. Estoy orgulloso de participar en este esfuerzo bipartidista para ayudar a satisfacer nuestras crecientes necesidades de infraestructura.” PROVISIONES CLAVES El proyecto de ley incluye amplia elegibilidad para la financiación de: Proyectos tendría que ser al menos $50 millones en tamaño y de importancia nacional o regional para calificar. Cinco por ciento del financiamiento total de la autoridad estaría dedicado a proyectos en las regiones rurales y proyectos rurales se necesitaría ser $10 millones en tamaño.  El proyecto de ley aborda brechas actuales en el financiamiento de infraestructura: La autoridad no financiaría más del 49 por ciento del coste total del proyecto con el fin de evitar la aglomeración de capital privado. Los préstamos y garantías de préstamo estarán sujetos a una modesta cuota adicional, que permitirá a la autoridad a convertirse rápidamente en auto sostenible con el tiempo. La legislación establece operaciones de independientes, no partidista: Tener expertos internos de la financiación de proyectos ayudará a estados y las localidades ir mano a mano con socios del sector privado para garantizar que los contribuyentes están recibiendo buen valor para nuestras inversiones a través de la colaboración público-privada. La Autoridad actuaría independientemente de agencias federales existentes, conducidas por una junta directiva con siete miembros con derecho a votar y un director ejecutivo, todos los cuales sería necesarios demostrar experiencia comprobada en la gestión financiera y ser confirmada por un voto del Senado. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=235041b4-c983-42cb-97c9-76b1e54f89e4,"Heller, Heitkamp Introduce Bill to Help Vulnerable Veterans Secure Housing",2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) introduced the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013. This bipartisan legislation would exempt a financial benefit for disabled veterans from being considered as income when applying for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides the aid and attendance benefit to veterans with little or no income. “Our nation’s disabled veterans have sacrificed their own well-being on our behalf. The benefits they receive for putting themselves in harm’s way shouldn’t make it more difficult for these men and women to find housing, which is why the aid and attendance benefit should not be counted as income,” said Senator Dean Heller. “I applaud my fellow Nevadan Congressman Heck for his work on this bill in the House of Representatives, and look forward to working with Senator Heitkamp to push this legislation through the Senate.” “Across North Dakota, there is a significant housing shortage, which is making it even more difficult for our disabled vets to find a place to call home,” said Senator Heidi Heitkamp. “Disabled veterans bravely and selflessly served our country, and we should be able to guarantee that they will have a place to live when they return home.  This legislation is necessary for us to live up to the commitments we made to support veterans after they dedicated their lives to fight for our country. I look forward to working with Senator Heller and my colleagues to give disabled veterans the benefits they deserve.” Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) distributes the aid and attendance benefit as part of an enhanced pension program. The benefit is specifically designed for wartime veterans who are severely disabled and have little or no income. A number of these veterans also rely on housing assistance through HUD. Under current law, the aid and attendance benefit is counted as income when determining eligibility for housing assistance through HUD, which ultimately reduces the availability of housing assistance for low-income, severely disabled vets. Heller and Heitkamp are seeking to exempt from consideration of income by HUD any expenses related to a veteran’s aid and attendance benefit. Similar legislation introduced by Representative Joe Heck (R-NV-3) passed the House of Representatives in October. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)  have endorsed Heller and Heitkamp’s Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=68b0dd66-178c-4efc-8e45-15d5fdb84090,TEN SENATORS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO CREATE INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING AUTHORITY,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – A bipartisan coalition of ten U.S. Senators introduced legislation today to establish a new infrastructure financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation’s outdated infrastructure. The Building and Renewing Infrastructure for Development and Growth in Employment Act, or BRIDGE Act, helps to address the nation’s alarming investment shortfall in maintaining and improving our transportation network, water and wastewater systems and energy infrastructure. The legislation would provide an additional financing tool for states and localities which can create new jobs here at home while also increasing our nation’s economic competitiveness. The BRIDGE Act, introduced by lead sponsors Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), is cosponsored by Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Dean Heller (R-NV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Mark Kirk (R-IL). America currently spends roughly two percent of its GDP on infrastructure -- about half what it did 50 years ago. By comparison, Europe spends around 5%, and China spends 9% of GDP on infrastructure. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report, the United States currently ranks 19th among 148 developed countries in overall infrastructure compared to our global competitors. To begin addressing this shortfall, the BRIDGE Act will establish an independent, nonpartisan financing authority to complement existing U.S. infrastructure funding. The authority would provide loans and loan guarantees to help states and localities fund the most economically viable road, bridge, rail, port, water, sewer, and other significant infrastructure projects.  The authority would receive initial seed funding of up to $10 billion, which could incentivize private sector investment and make possible up to $300 billion in total project investment. The authority is structured in a way to make it self-sustaining over time. A summary of the BRIDGE Act legislation is available here.  Comments from a broad variety of stakeholders and industry experts are available here. “The BRIDGE Act is not a ‘silver bullet’ to magically close America’s infrastructure gap, but this bipartisan proposal creates smart new tools to help our states and localities unlock billions of dollars in additional private investments at a time of very favorable interest rates,” Sen. Warner said. “The BRIDGE Act will not only put Americans back to work but also help to expand U.S. commerce and trade, keeping American businesses competitive and creating even more jobs here at home. The BRIDGE Act demonstrates our willingness to work together in a responsible, bipartisan way to get moving on important investment priorities.” “Infrastructure has long been an integral part of our economy. Successful transportation systems connect people and communities, and businesses large and small, and the jobs they create, rely on a strong infrastructure network to connect with their customers,” Sen. Blunt said. “This bipartisan legislation will provide a new tool to help finance infrastructure projects, create jobs, and ensure America’s global competitiveness in the 21st century.” “Our infrastructure is crumbling and in desperate need of repair,” said Sen. Graham.  “In South Carolina we have two major infrastructure projects – the deepening of the Charleston Harbor and construction of I-73 – which would help grow our economy and create jobs.  Now is the time to address our infrastructure needs in order to meet the needs of our economy.  I’m open to any and all ideas, but I also know the plan introduced today moves us in the right direction by combining private sector investment in infrastructure with the federal government as a junior partner.  Doing nothing hurts our state and national economy in the years to come.” “Investing in transportation infrastructure is one of the fastest, most effective ways to create new jobs,” Sen. Gillibrand said. “Our commonsense, bipartisan idea for a public-private partnership can offer the kind of smart, effective financing to keep more major transportation projects on time, and on budget – keeping our economy on the move, keeping our roads and highways safe, and creating the jobs to do it.” “Ensuring that our nation’s infrastructure needs are met is one of the government’s primary responsibilities. The bipartisan BRIDGE Act will help provide financing for critical infrastructure in a way that is both responsible and innovative. Nevada’s economy depends on safe and accessible transportation infrastructure, which is why I am eager to continue working on this legislation with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle,” said Sen. Heller. ""Investments in America's infrastructure are investments in American jobs,"" Sen. Coons said. ""Construction jobs, production jobs, and jobs at nearly every American business all depend on functioning infrastructure. Our country needs to be investing more in its infrastructure, not less. The bipartisan BRIDGE Act is an innovative approach to getting the funding we need to sustain and strengthen America's critical infrastructure."" “In order to meet the demands of the 21st century economy we need a 21st century transportation network,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “The BRIDGE Act will help make critical investments in our nation’s roads, bridges, ports, waterways and airports and will go a long way to increase safety, improve mobility, and ease congestion.” “I am particularly pleased that the legislation sets aside dedicated funding to rural states, such as Mississippi,” Sen. Wicker said. “Attracting private investment in infrastructure is oftentimes too cumbersome and complex for many small towns and counties. This bill would address that problem by streamlining the process and providing much-needed assistance for these rural communities to get the funds they sorely need.” ""Illinois' vast network of rivers, highways and railways supports its status as the crossroads of the nation,"" Sen. Kirk said. ""However, our reliance on traditional funding sources has created a tremendous investment backlog. This infrastructure financing tool can provide new funding avenues for critical commerce corridors, and boost public-private partnerships. I am proud to join in this bipartisan effort to help meet our growing infrastructure needs.""  KEY PROVISIONS ·  The BRIDGE Act includes broad eligibility for funding: Projects would have to be at least $50 million in size, and be of national or regional significance to qualify. Five percent of the Authority’s overall funding would be dedicated to projects in rural regions, and rural projects would be required to be $10 million in size. ·  The BRIDGE Act addresses current gaps in infrastructure financing The Authority would finance no more than 49 percent of the total costs of the project in order to avoid crowding out private capital. Loans and loan guarantees would be subject to modest additional fees, which will allow the Authority to quickly become self-sustaining over time. ·  The BRIDGE Act establishes independent, non-partisan operations: Having project finance experts in-house will help states and localities go toe-to-toe with private sector partners to ensure that taxpayers are getting good value for our investments through public-private partnerships. The Authority would operate independently of existing federal agencies, led by a Board of Directors with seven voting members and a CEO, all of whom would be required to demonstrate proven expertise in financial management and be confirmed by a vote of the Senate. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131123192912/http://heck.house.gov:80/press-release/jolt-act-passes-100-co-sponsors%E2%80%9451-democrats-52-republicans,"JOLT Act Passes 100 Co-sponsors—51 Democrats, 52 Republicans",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Measures to Bring More Visitors and Their Dollars to the U.S. Bridge Partisan Divide WASHINGTON (November 13, 2013)—The U.S. Travel Association announced Wednesday that the Jobs Originated through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act, H.R. 1354, has surpassed 100 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives, split almost exactly between the two major political parties. ""As America's No. 1 services export, inbound travel's economic benefits are abundantly clear, and the strong support for the JOLT Act on both sides of the aisle reflects that,"" said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. ""JOLT contains a range of common-sense provisions that will make travel to the United States a better and easier experience, which in turn will immediately benefit the economy and job growth."" Introduced and championed by Reps. Joe Heck (R-Nev.) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), the JOLT Act is stand-alone legislation that would support the U.S. economy and create jobs by enacting similar pro-travel provisions passed in the Senate immigration bill. U.S. Travel has been working closely with backers in the House to extol the benefits of its provisions and garner support from both parties. Rep. Scott Rigell (R-Va.) is officially recorded as the bill's landmark 100th co-sponsor. ""Today's achievement shows how much broad support there is for creating jobs and boosting the economy through increasing travel,"" Rep. Heck said. ""The JOLT Act will bring economic growth to every region and district around the country while maintaining our national security. I look forward to working with Congressman Quigley and all of the cosponsors as we build upon this coalition of support and continue to push for the JOLT Act to be brought to the House floor for a vote."" Said Quigley: ""At 100 co-sponsors strong, the JOLT Act's bipartisan support continues to grow and highlights the importance of updating America's visa travel protocol. Modernizing outdated policies will increase opportunities for international tourists, create jobs and drive valuable tourism dollars to cities across the country."" Key provisions of the JOLT Act would: • Expand the highly successful Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that enables international travelers from approved countries to enter the U.S. without a visa; • Expand the Global Entry program that expedites entry for preapproved, low-risk international travelers; • Mandate expedited visa processing and reduced visa wait times for travelers who wish to visit the U.S.; • Facilitate the use of secure videoconferencing to conduct visa interviews by authorizing a pilot program to test feasibility, which would provide increased access to a U.S. visa for potential travelers; and • Encourage more travel from Canada. In 2012, international visitors added nearly $130 billion to the U.S. economy and generated more than $19 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue. If extended to Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Israel, Panama, Poland, Romania and Uruguay, the VWP alone could increase international visitation by more than 600,000, add more than $7 billion to the U.S. economy and support more than 40,000 additional American jobs. ""It's a tremendous milestone to reach 100 co-sponsors and counting, but the number we're really focused on is 218,"" said Dow. ""We're confident the overwhelming bipartisan support for the JOLT Act will convince House leaders to move this legislation swiftly through the committee process and onto the floor."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=73042562-a8f9-456f-96eb-ddf54c506d77,"Harkin, Heller Introducen Ley Bipartidista para proporcionar créditos de reembolsos para audífonos",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el Senador Tom Harkin, Demócrata para Iowa, y presidente del Comité Senatorial de Salud, Educación, Trabajo y Pensiones, y el Senador Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada,  introdujeron un proyecto de ley bipartidista para proporcionar créditos fiscales para audífonos. La legislación prevé un crédito de impuestos reembolsable de $500 para la compra de un audífono o $1,000 si dos son necesarios, una vez cada cinco años. “Como una persona que creció con un hermano que era sorda, conozco personalmente los retos que los individuos con pérdida se enfrentan con y lo importante que es tener la oportunidad de llevar vidas plenas y activas en sus comunidades,” dijo el Senador Harkin. “Lamentablemente, debido al alto costo de algunos audífonos, muchas de nuestra familia, amigos y vecinos con pérdida de la audición se esfuerzan para permitirse uno. Este proyecto de ley bipartita proporcionará las familias de bajos ingresos y personas de todo el país que cuenta con una importante crédito fiscal que les ayudará a comprar un audífono."" “Identificar problemas de audición temprano en su inicio y tratarlos inmediatamente son pasos importantes para hacer frente a dificultades auditivas, pero lamentablemente muchos estadounidenses no pueden permitirse los dispositivos auditivos que necesitan. Proporcionar a las personas con las herramientas que necesitan para permanecer involucrados miembros de la sociedad es importante para la construcción de comunidades saludables. Estoy encantado de trabajar con el senador Harkin sobre esta legislación necesaria,” dijo el Senador Heller. Harkin ha sido desde hace tiempo un defensor para las personas con discapacidad auditiva y las personas con discapacidad. En 1990, él fue el autor y condujo por parte del Senado la histórica Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades. También ha liderado los esfuerzos en sus anteriores sesiones del congreso de ayudar a las personas con pérdida de audición a audífonos. Según el informe más reciente de MarkeTrak — la encuesta nacional más grande de consumo para personas con pérdida auditiva — mientras que el 95 por ciento de las personas con pérdida auditiva puede ser tratado con éxito con audífonos, sólo 25 por ciento de 34 millones de americanos con pérdida auditiva se usaron en 2008. Los audífonos no están cubiertos por Medicare, o debajo de la mayoría del estado impuestas beneficios. De hecho, 61 por ciento de las compras de audífono no implican el pago de ningún tercero. Esto pone todo el peso de la compra en el consumidor. El costo promedio de una prótesis auditiva en 2008 fue de $1.675 incluyendo montaje, la evaluación y la colocación de tratamiento, de acuerdo con el mismo informe MarkeTrak. Casi el 80 por ciento de las personas con pérdida auditiva requiere dos dispositivos en 2008, el aumento promedio de los gastos de bolsillo son $3,350. Un 68 por ciento de las personas con pérdida auditiva citan las limitaciones financieras como motivos principales que no utilizan audífonos. Los grupos que apoyan la oferta de Harkin-Heller incluyen AARP, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language Hearing Association, Hearing Health Foundation, Hearing Industries Association, Hearing Loss Association of America, Hearing Network Alliance, and the International Hearing Society. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=15639b94-6128-42de-aca9-548515cf0489,"Heller, Gosar, Daines Press Jewell for Answers about Plan to Designate National Monuments without Congressional Approval",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), U.S. Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and U.S. Representative Steve Daines (R-MT), along with 31 of their colleagues, today sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell regarding plans to designate national monuments on public lands without congressional approval. The letter requests the list of “important places” the U.S. Department of the Interior has deemed necessary for conservation and protection with the establishment of a monument. Jewell referenced the Administration’s intention to unilaterally designate national monuments in a speech at the National Press Club on October 31, 2013. A PDF of the letter is below. Full text of letter: November 13, 2013 The Honorable Sally Jewell Secretary Department of the Interior 1849 C St, N.W. Washington, D.C.   20240 Dear Secretary Jewell, Like you, we are committed to appropriate conservation and multiple-use management of our public lands.  As elected officials, we are working closely with our constituents on efforts to improve public land management—which often include conservation designations.  Given the gravity and permanence of national monuments, we believe that should these decisions be necessary, they should be made by Congress in an open, transparent, and public manner using extraordinary caution. On October 31, 2013, during remarks at the National Press Club  regarding the Antiquities Act, you said, ""if Congress doesn't step up to act to protect some of these important places that have been identified by communities and people throughout the country, then the president will take action…there's no question that if Congress doesn't act, we will.""  In light of this statement, we are requesting a comprehensive list of the “important places” you reference in your comments that the administration is considering for national monument designations, along with a proposed timeline.  Additionally, we are seeking clarification of whether designations are being considered only for proposed national monuments or whether there are other land-use proposals the administration would consider making monuments absent Congressional action.  We also request that the administration notify all members of a state’s congressional delegation at least 90-days in advance of designating a monument within that particular state. We believe that these requests are consistent with your repeated commitment to openness, transparency, and cooperation with local and state officials in the context of land management decisions. Especially in consideration of past controversial usage of the Antiquities Act, your statements at the National Press Club have the potential to unravel the good work done by many to develop bottom-up land management solutions. Clarification of those statements is therefore critical to the continued success of these grassroots initiatives.  We want to reaffirm our belief that public lands designations should originate in local communities where the concept enjoys broad support from elected officials, stakeholders, and other impacted individuals.  Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward receiving your response in the near future.  Sincerely, Senator Dean Heller Representative Paul Gosar Representative Steve Daines Senator Mike Enzi      Senator Jeff Flake       Representative Rob Bishop Senator Mike Crapo Representative Joe Heck Senator John Barrasso Representative Mark Amodei Senator James Risch Representative Jason Chaffetz Senator Mike Johanns Representative Kevin Cramer Senator Mike Lee Representative Steve Pearce Senator Lisa Murkowski         Representative Trent Franks Senator Orrin Hatch Representative Don Young Senator John Thune Representative Mike Coffman Senator Tom Coburn Representative Kevin McCarthy Representative Cynthia Lummis Representative Chris Stewart Representative Raúl Labrador Representative Doug LaMalfa Representative Louie Gohmert Representative Lynn Westmoreland Representative Greg Walden Representative David Schweikert Senator David Vitter Senator Tim Scott ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=541d584e-775f-40c5-b0aa-0399df4fe5de,"Harkin, Heller Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Need-Based Tax Credits for Hearing Aids",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced the  Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act. The legislation provides a non-refundable $500 tax credit for the purchase of a hearing aid, or $1,000 if two are needed, once every five years. “As someone who grew up with a brother who was deaf, I know firsthand the challenges that individuals with hearing loss face and how important it is that they have the opportunity to lead full and active lives in their communities,” Harkin said. “Unfortunately, due to the high cost of some hearing aids, many of our family, friends, and neighbors with hearing loss struggle to afford one. This bipartisan bill will provide low-income families and individuals around the country with an important tax credit that will help them purchase a hearing aid.” “Identifying hearing problems early in their onset and treating them immediately are important steps in coping with hearing difficulties, but unfortunately many Americans cannot afford the hearing devices they require. Providing individuals with the tools they need to remain involved members of society is important for building healthy communities. I am pleased to work with Senator Harkin on this much-needed legislation,” Heller said. Harkin has been a long-time advocate for individuals with hearing impairments and people with disabilities. In 1990, he authored and led Senate passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. He has also led efforts in previous Congresses to help individuals with hearing loss to afford hearing aids. According to the most recent MarkeTrak report—the largest national consumer survey on hearing loss—while 95 percent of individuals with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, only about 25 percent of the 34 million Americans with hearing loss used them in 2008. Hearing aids are not covered under Medicare, or under the vast majority of state mandated benefits.  In fact, 61 percent of hearing aid purchases involve no third-party payment. This places the entire burden of the purchase on the consumer. The average cost for a hearing aid in 2008 was $1,675 including fitting, evaluation and post-fitting treatment, according to the same MarkeTrak report.  Nearly 80 percent of individuals with hearing loss required two devices in 2008, increasing average out of pocket expenses to $3,350. A full 68 percent of those with hearing loss cite financial constraints as a core reason they do not use hearing aids. Groups supporting the Harkin-Heller proposal include AARP, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language Hearing Association, Hearing Health Foundation, Hearing Industries Association, Hearing Loss Association of America, Hearing Network Alliance, and the International Hearing Society.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=0a0991ee-3d8e-4d80-bdc5-cae9c13238c7,ICYMI: Heller Testifies at Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing about the Surveillance Transparency Act,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) testified at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law entitled ""The Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013."" Last month, Heller joined Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) to introduce this bill, which would expand and improve ongoing government reporting about current National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance programs. Additionally, Heller has partnered with Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) on the USA Freedom Act (S. 1599) to stop the NSA from using the practice of bulk data collection to obtain telephone records of millions of Americans. Remarks as prepared: Good Morning, it is a pleasure to be here. I would like to begin my remarks by thanking Chairman Franken for inviting me to testify today. I also want to thank you for holding this hearing and for your leadership to bring more transparency to the bulk collection programs run by the National Security Agency. This is a strong bill rooted in the belief that Nevadans, Minnesotans and all Americans should be provided access to reports that explain the personal communication records the government is collecting and how many Americans’ have had their information caught up in that collection.  By now, most people are well aware of the bulk collection practices by the federal government that are authorized by sections of the PATRIOT Act and sections of the FISA Amendments Act. I am confident the full Judiciary Committee will have a robust debate on the bulk collection practices and whether or not those programs should continue. I believe the bulk collection programs mostly authorized under section 215 of the PATRIOT ACT should come to an end.  Subsequently, I agreed to join Judiciary Chairman Leahy as a principal sponsor with Senator Lee and Senator Durbin on the USA FREEDOM Act. While there is disagreement on whether that program should continue, I am confident all of us can agree that these programs demand more transparency. That is why I joined Senator Franken to introduce the Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013. This legislation would call for reports by the Attorney General detailing the requests for information authorized under the PATRIOT ACT and the FISA Amendments Act.  The reports would detail the total number of people whose information has been collected under these programs, how many Americans have had their information collected and also how many Americans actually had their information looked at by the NSA. Furthermore, this legislation would allow telephone and Internet companies to tell consumers basic information regarding the FISA Court orders they receive and the number of users whose information is turned over.  The principles outlined in this bill to increase transparency for Americans and private companies would clear up a tremendous amount of confusion that exists with these programs. That is why transparency reform is included in multiple NSA reform proposals including the Intelligence Oversight and Surveillance Reform Act introduced by Senator Wyden, the USA FREEDOM ACT introduced by Chairman Leahy and myself, and the FISA Improvements Act introduced by Senator Feinstein. Mr. Chairman, while positions on the bulk collection program may differ, many of us agree on the need for more transparency. This is why I urge support for the Franken Heller legislation before the Sub-Committee today. We are talking about millions of Americans’ call records that are collected and stored by the NSA and Americans should have access to some basic information regarding the amount of data collected and what is actually being analyzed so that my constituents can determine for themselves whether they believe this program is worthy to continue or not. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify today, and Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership on this issue.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=84afacfb-723b-4727-892c-8f55e51aa509,ICYMI: Heller Shares Nevadans’ Obamacare Stories,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) shared stories he has received from Nevadans whose healthcare costs are rising, or whose plans have been cancelled under ObamaCare. Heller’s speech centers on President Obama’s promise to the American people that if they liked their health insurance plan, they could keep their health insurance plan. Last week, Heller cosponsored the If You Like Your Health Plan, You Can Keep It Act (S.1617) introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), which allows Americans to keep their current health insurance plan. Excerpts from the speech below: “We’ve all heard from the law’s supporters that ObamaCare would give uninsured Americans access to health insurance. Time and time again, they promised that people who already had a health plan they liked could keep it. “In fact, President Obama made that exact promise on numerous occasions. “But one of my constituents sent me a letter last week telling me that wasn’t the case. Sunny from the Las Vegas area wrote ‘I wanted to tell you that we have lost our wonderful health insurance plan.’ Sunny’s family received a letter from their insurance company telling them that their existing plan didn’t qualify under the Affordable Care Act. They were automatically reassigned to a new plan that costs about $400 more per month. “But yet another one of my constituents, Kirk from northern Nevada, was just notified that his current health insurance has been cancelled. He went to the exchange to find a new policy and shared his story with me. He wrote, ‘…despite higher deductibles and higher co-pays, my new insurance under this devastating law will be more than 250% of what I am paying now.’ “Marc received a letter telling him that his current plan is no longer offered. The plan, the letter detailed, was cancelled in order to ‘meet the requirements of the new laws.’  Marc was given the option to keep his plan for one additional year if he accepts a rate increase, even though he just saw a rate increase in September. “I think Steven from Washoe County would likely take issue with that promise.  He told me that he now has health care that costs $293 per month. However, he just received a letter from his health care provider informing him that the cost of his health care will increase to $546 per month on January 1st. That means health insurance costs will nearly double next year. There’s nothing affordable about that. There’s nothing secure about that. “I have a letter here from a father from Reno. He writes, ‘I’m writing you to tell you that I’m now eating crow. A few weeks back I wrote to you and expressed my support for health reform and my dissatisfaction with the government shutdown. Since then, I’ve received notification from my insurance company informing me that my current policy is being discontinued. I then began shopping for new policies for myself and family and have found that rates are two to three times of what I’m currently paying and that my max out of pocket will double, all for basically the same plan as what I have now. In essence, I’ve been put into a situation where I can either save for my kids’ college education or buy healthcare.’ “These stories don’t fit with the narrative we’ve heard for nearly five years. Now, President Obama is trying to backtrack on the dozens of times he made his promise to the American people. “These personal stories are why I’m proud to cosponsor the ‘If You Like Your Health Plan, You Can Keep It Act,’ introduced by my colleague, Senator Johnson from Wisconsin. This is a simple, but necessary, bill to give Americans the ability to keep their health plans if they like them. The people of Nevada deserve better, and they deserve to have a government that keeps its promises.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=fa3c788a-66fb-41b0-9cd3-97fb7466289a,Senator Heller Statement on Veterans Day,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day today:   “Today, Americans join together to honor our country’s noble veterans who have made tremendous sacrifices to defend our nation. These men and women are responsible for spreading liberty and freedom throughout the world. I encourage every Nevadan to take a moment today to thank the veterans in their lives and also remember those currently serving in harm’s way. No doubt, we all wish them a safe return home. ""As we honor all of these brave men and women today, we also honor those who lost their lives defending the American way of life. Thank you to all who have served, who continue to serve and the families who support these veterans. I am humbled to have the opportunity to advocate on your behalf in the United States Senate, and remain committed to ensuring that our nation's veterans receive the benefits they have earned and deserve,"" said Senator Dean Heller.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-veterans-day-statement,Amodei Veterans Day statement,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 RENO, NEV. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today issued the following statement for Veterans Day weekend: On Veterans Day and every day, may we be mindful of the enduring truth that freedom is not free. We owe many brave men, women, and their families an enormous debt. As a country, we should come together in agreement that our military veterans deserve to receive the benefits they were promised and earned. While I served in the United States Army, Judge Advocate General Corps, I am most proud of my daughter who was in the Navy and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have the utmost respect and admiration for all of our service men and women who have defended our freedom. As we come to terms with the reality of the ongoing fiscal crisis, may we never lose sight of their needs, both in the field and at home. If you are a veteran and would like to apply for benefits, have questions about VA benefits or your application, or believe that the Department of Veterans Affairs has not given your case proper consideration, my office may be able to help. Please contact Ken Gray in my Reno office at (775) 686-5760. Or visit my official web page for veterans: http://amodei.house.gov/assistance-for-veterans/ # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:47Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=13eaa9e3-c490-4f12-b9a6-c8822408c24d,Heller Statement on Nomination of Neil Kornze as Director of Bureau of Land Management,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Following the nomination of Neil Kornze as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued this statement: “Considering the BLM controls roughly 67 percent of Nevada’s land, a Nevadan like Neil has a unique perspective on the challenges that our state faces regarding public land use. Any nominee to lead this agency must understand that good public land management and economic development are not mutually exclusive, an issue with which a Nevadan like Neil is familiar. “At the same time, the BLM is in the process of making decisions about sage grouse conservation that could have an enormous impact on Nevada’s economy. As a member of the Committee reviewing this nomination, I look forward to discussing this issue and many others with my fellow Nevadan as we work through the confirmation process,” said Senator Dean Heller.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1ef7ac95-3ce0-412f-bed0-47153499aabe,Heller Votes for Bill to Stop Workplace Discrimination,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today voted in support of final passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). “Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable. Nevadans have made a point to ensure that our state laws offer protections for individuals regardless of their lifestyle. This bill will help ensure those same protections to Americans across the country. It is a well-balanced and fair piece of legislation that I hope the House of Representatives will also take up and pass,” said Senator Dean Heller after the vote. ENDA prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.  Senator Heller also cosponsored an amendment introduced by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) that protects religious employers from retaliation by the government on the basis of adhering to their religious convictions. The amendment, which passed the Senate by voice vote yesterday, also clarifies that protecting religious freedom is a central purpose of ENDA. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=4ce494ff-8e55-4a27-98f6-e528db7561cd,ICYMI: Heller Opening Statement at a Hearing Examining Deceptive Practices by “Patent Trolls”,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), Ranking Member of the Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee, today delivered the following remarks during a hearing to examine the impact of demand letters — sent by patent assertion entities (PAEs) or “patent trolls” — on small businesses, consumers, and innovators: Remarks as prepared: Good morning. I would like to thank Chairman McCaskill for holding this hearing and I would also like to thank our witnesses for being here and sharing their expert testimony today with the subcommittee. Today, we are taking a hard look at patent litigation.  Specifically, we are looking at the practice of some entities that engage in aggressive pre-litigation practices based on alleged patent infringements. We all agree that patent holders should be protected under the law and they should be able to assert patent protection methods.  Patents are incredibly important to our economy and we all agree that a patent holder should receive compensation for their innovation. Unfortunately, there are some actors in this sphere who are aggressively asserting that a patent they own has been infringed on in a manner that some believe is in fact deceptive. Examples brought to our attention include a business that accumulates patents, often by purchasing them from defunct companies or directly from individual inventors.  The company then makes use of patents that are ambiguous or broadly written in order to maximize the number of companies against which the troll can assert the patent.  These companies generally do not make or sell anything related to these patents.  Instead, they identify companies using a technology that it can allege is an infringement of the patent, then they write a letter to the alleged infringer stating that infringement has occurred and litigation will commence unless a licensing agreement is entered into—i.e., “pay us or we’ll sue you for patent infringement.”  This practice seems to have initially started with technology companies; however other industries including retailors, hospitals, banks, restaurants and the gaming industry have become targets as well. This practice concerns me and I am sure it concerns many Senators.  If frivolous lawsuits are being filed across my state of Nevada because a coffee shop allows their customers to use free Wi-Fi in Reno or a Las Vegas Casino receives a demand letter on a game they offer, it can have a negative impact on the economy because it could hinder innovation and economic growth.  So, I do not believe there is any question that this practice is taking place, it is. What I hope the hearing today sheds light on is the scope of the problem and the most appropriate method to stem this behavior. It is my understanding that the Federal Trade Commission has authority to act under its existing Section 5 authority to enforce against unfair and deceptive acts and practices.  I also understand if they are waiting for the results of their own 6B study to be completed before moving forward.   I think it is important to see that study or at the very least have a stronger understanding of the scope of the issue before us, especially before moving on to any proposal that may be under this Committee’s jurisdiction regarding the FTC. I also know that patent reform is an issue that the Judiciary Committee has looked at and will continue to look at.  Many of the issues that will be discussed here may also be solved by passing rule-making authority instructing the Patent and Trademark Office to enforce standards on these “demand letters.” I hope that we can aid in solving this problem by using this hearing today to shed more light on this issue, but this Committee is somewhat limited due to the narrow lane of jurisdiction we have. Nevertheless, this is an important issue and even by holding this hearing, we are drawing attention to it and rightly so.  So again, I thank the Chairman for holding this hearing, and discussing ways in which we can work to ensure patent holders can protect their patents and that frivolous patent lawsuits are mitigated. Thank you again Ms. Chairman.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=0513e73a-da43-4696-b93d-cf64d7801fc7,Senador Heller y congresista Horsford colaboran en enmiendas a la Ley de Tierras del Condado de Lincoln,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – El senador de Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, y el congresista Steven Horsford, demócrata por el Distrito 4 de Nevada anunciaron hoy la presentación de las enmiendas a la Ley de Tierras del Condado Lincoln 2013. El proyecto de ley modificará la ley existente para permitir que el Condado de Lincoln, Nevada, lleve a cabo sus objetivos de conservación y uso de la tierra en forma más eficaz. “Las Enmiendas a la Ley de Tierras del Condado de Lincoln reconoce la importancia de la conservación y restauración del paisaje. No sólo es un ejemplo de esfuerzos balanceados para mejorar y proteger el hábitat y las especies, sino que también ofrece oportunidades para que el condado de Lincoln inicie sus metas para el desarrollo económico. Esta legislación es buena para Nevada y me sentí orgulloso de colaborar con el congresista Horsford”, dijo el senador Heller. “Me alegra que este proyecto de ley con sentido común tenga el apoyo bipartidista de la delegación de Nevada,"" dijo el congresista Horsford. ""El proyecto de ley de tierras del Condado de Lincoln aborda, en parte, la necesidad de los ciudadanos de Nevada de tener más control sobre sus propios recursos. Esta legislación dará más flexibilidad a los funcionarios locales para dar prioridad a las necesidades del Condado de Lincoln, ya sea para desarrollo de infraestructura, protección de la flora y la fauna o reducir el riesgo de los incendios forestales”. Específicamente, las Enmiendas a la Ley de Tierras del Condado de Lincoln permitirán que los fondos existentes en una cuenta especial sean utilizados para la conservación de las especies y la restauración del paisaje. Además, el proyecto de ley ayudará a prevenir incendios los forestales catastróficos, mejorar el hábitat del urogallo de sage, avanzar las oportunidades para el crecimiento económico y facilitar el desarrollo de determinadas zonas para energía solar. Una copia del proyecto de ley que Heller presentó en el Senado hoy, está abajo. El texto del proyecto de ley H.R. 3415, la legislación de contraparte de la Cámara de Representantes presentada por el congresista Horsford la semana pasada, puede leerse en línea aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=a5aa9ab3-d716-4bc8-8b98-efa254725dc9,Senador Heller anuncia apoyo a la Ley de No Discriminación en el Empleo (ENDA),2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – El Senador de Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada,  anunció hoy su apoyo a la Ley de No Discriminación en el Empleo (ENDA, por sus siglas en inglés), que se espera sea considerada por el Senado esta semana. “Después de escuchar las preocupaciones de los nevadenses sobre este tema con una variedad de puntos de vista, y tras numerosas conversaciones con mis colegas, siento que apoyar esta legislación es lo correcto. Bajo el liderazgo de este Gobernador, así como de la asamblea legislativa en los últimos años, Nevada ha establecido una sólida base de leyes contra la discriminación. Esta legislación eleva los estándares federales para que coincida con lo que hemos llegado a esperar de Nevada, y es que la discriminación no debe ser tolerada bajo ninguna circunstancia”,  dijo el senador Dean Heller. ENDA prohíbe la discriminación en el empleo basada en la orientación sexual real o percibida o identidad de género. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=277a8ba9-c67e-4606-ad50-0741808f1204,ICYMI: Op-ed: “USA Freedom Act would right a wrong”,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – In an op-ed, which ran in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Sunday, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) outlined his thoughts regarding the need to protect privacy rights for millions of Americans. Las Vegas Review JournalUSA Freedom Act would right a wrongBy Senator Dean HellerNovember 3, 2013 In today’s world of technology and terrorism, there is a fine line between privacy and protection. That line has been exposed by recent revelations that the federal government, through the National Security Agency, has been collecting information about millions of Americans. “The privacy and dignity of our citizens are being whittled away by sometimes imperceptible steps,” wrote Justice William Douglas in 1966. “Taken individually, each step may be of little consequence. But when viewed as a whole, there begins to emerge a society quite unlike any we have seen — a society in which government may intrude into the secret regions of a person’s life.” That is how Justice Douglas once described the tension that exists as technological advancements continue to be a part of our nation’s current justice system. It is out of respect for personal privacy that Congress must take great care to protect Nevadans from the whittling away of our freedoms, even when attempting to protect us from those who wish us harm. My concern about the tension between personal privacy and protecting Americans led me to vote repeatedly against the Patriot Act. And now, as press reports worldwide publicly confirm that the United States is operating programs to sweep up millions of bulk communication logs of law-abiding citizens, our nation must again find that balance. These programs, which operate through the National Security Agency, are collecting these call records as part of the war on terror. They are mostly authorized by Section 215 of the Patriot Act. Section 215 permits the FBI to seek a court order directing a business to turn over records when there are reasonable grounds to believe that the information sought is relevant to an authorized investigation of international terrorism. “Relevance” has been found by the courts to be a broad standard that permits large volumes of data to be collected to identify smaller amounts of information relevant to an ongoing investigation. The courts have said it is reasonable to believe that, when queried, this data is likely to produce information that will help the FBI during a terrorist investigation. As a result, this practice has implicated Nevadans and millions of other Americans’ call records. Even worse, the practice authorized by Section 215 of the Patriot Act has only solved two FBI investigations into terrorism. Invading Nevadans’ privacy for years to solve two terrorism investigations simply is not reasonable. I believe these programs are an invasion of your privacy that is protected by the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. Today, I am trying to stop it, which is why I have reached across the aisle to team up with the Democratic chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., to introduce the USA Freedom Act. This legislation will, among other things, rein in the dragnet collection of data by the NSA. It will end the bulk collection of Americans’ communication records by halting the authorization provided by Section 215 of the Patriot Act. The USA Freedom Act requires proof that records sought are relevant and material to an authorized investigation into international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities. It also warrants proof that these activities relate to a foreign power or agent, or at least an individual in contact with a foreign power or agent. Most likely, these conditions fall in line with what many Americans assumed their government already required. The USA Freedom Act also addresses other needs to reinforce our privacy rights. It increases transparency of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court decision-making processes, allows businesses to release information regarding FISA requests, and puts an earlier sunset on the FISA Amendments Act so that it and three Patriot Act provisions expire at the same time. This adjustment is necessary for Congress to have a comprehensive debate about this nation’s surveillance programs. I believe that we need major changes to our current surveillance system. In the meantime, I am also working with Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., to bring greater transparency to these programs and allow companies that have been served a subpoena to share basic information with their customers. We can, at the very least, shed light on these practices while Congress works through greater reforms. The recent revelations about the ongoing surveillance programs provide a unique moment in time. Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle are working right now to seize this moment and make significant changes that will ensure the rights of millions of Americans. It is time to stop the practice of bulk data collection. Dean Heller, a Republican, is a U.S. senator representing Nevada. Link: http://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/usa-freedom-act-would-right-wrong ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8030895e-23c8-4140-929d-973ddc683c8f,Heller Announces Support for Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA),2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced his support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which is expected to be considered by the Senate this week. “After listening to Nevadans’ concerns about this issue from a variety of viewpoints and after numerous conversations with my colleagues, I feel that supporting this legislation is the right thing to do. Under the leadership of this Governor, as well as the legislature over the past several years, Nevada has established a solid foundation of anti-discrimination laws. This legislation raises the federal standards to match what we have come to expect in Nevada, which is that discrimination must not be tolerated under any circumstance,” said Senator Dean Heller. ENDA prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=c66027fd-f533-4cd3-9143-8f4aeab66148,"Heller, Horsford Collaborate on Lincoln County Land Act Amendments",2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04) announced the introduction of the Lincoln County Land Act Amendments of 2013. The bill will amend existing law to allow Lincoln County, Nevada to more effectively carry out conservation and land-use goals.  “The Lincoln County Land Act Amendments recognizes the importance of landscape conservation and restoration. Not only is it an example of balanced efforts to improve and protect habitat and species, it provides opportunities for Lincoln County to initiate their goals for economic development. This legislation is good for Nevada and I was proud to collaborate with Congressman Horsford on it,” said Senator Heller. “I’m pleased that this commonsense bill has bipartisan support from the Nevada delegation,” said Representative Horsford. “The Lincoln County Land bill addresses, in part, the need for Nevadans to have more control over their own resources. This legislation will give more flexibility to local officials to prioritize the needs of Lincoln County, whether it is for developing infrastructure, protecting wildlife, or reducing the risk of wildfire.” Specifically, the Lincoln County Land Act Amendments will allow existing funds in a special account to be used for species conservation and landscape restoration. Additionally, the bill will help prevent catastrophic wildfire, improve sage grouse habitat, further opportunities for economic growth, and facilitate development of designated solar energy zones. A copy of the bill, which Heller introduced in the Senate today, is below. The text of H.R. 3415, the House counterpart legislation introduced by Rep. Horsford last week, can be read online here.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-garamendi-heck-titus-horsford-introduce-lake-tahoe-restoration-act,"Amodei, Garamendi, Heck, Titus, Horsford introduce Lake Tahoe Restoration Act",2013-11-01,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Brian Baluta (Amodei), 202-225-6155 Matthew Kravitz (Garamendi), 202-731-3017 Greg Lemon (Heck), 202-590-0129 Caitlin Teare (Titus), 202-225-5965 Tim Hogan (Horsford), 202-225-9894 Amodei, Garamendi, Heck, Titus, Horsford introduce Lake Tahoe Restoration Act WASHINGTON, D.C. –Representative Mark Amodei (NV-2) today announced the introduction of H.R. 3390, the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2013, along with original cosponsors Reps. John Garamendi (CA-3), Joe Heck (NV-3), Dina Titus (NV-1), and Steve Horsford (NV-4). The legislation continues the federal commitment at Lake Tahoe by authorizing funding to reduce the threat of wildfire, improve water clarity, combat invasive species, and restore the environment in the Lake Tahoe Basin. “I want to thank the Lake Tahoe Basin local Fire Chiefs and the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team for their work on the sections of the bill pertaining to fuels reduction, wildfire prevention, and forest management,” said Amodei. “It was a tough summer in Nevada and California with regard to fires and this legislation and the planning behind it will play an important role in keeping the communities of the Lake Tahoe Basin safe.” “Lake Tahoe is a national treasure and the jewel of our Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. When I was a State Legislator, I authored multiple bills to save Lake Tahoe, including the Tahoe Bond and the bill that formed the Tahoe Conservancy. Our commitment to the lake must continue as we build on the important work done by many to preserve Tahoe’s natural beauty for future generations,” said Garamendi. “I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 3390. This bill has strong bipartisan support as it makes smart investments in maintaining and preserving an important tourist attraction and natural landmark. Amid an environment of budget cuts, we cannot afford to neglect the preservation of public lands entrusted to us.” “Lake Tahoe is a state and national treasure that must be protected,” said Heck. “This legislation continues the federal commitment to the Lake Tahoe Basin by ensuring the federal-state partnership focuses on key priorities like preventing wildfires and combating invasive species. I am pleased that provisions from the Protecting Lakes Against Quaggas Act are included in this bill to reduce the threat Quagga mussels pose to our local environment and economy. I commend Congressman Mark Amodei for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with this bipartisan coalition to pass this bill.” “The protection of Lake Tahoe is critical to Nevada’s economy,” said Titus. “As the only Member of the Nevada delegation on the House Subcommittee on Water, I will continue to press the importance of restoring Tahoe and preventing the spread of invasive species to the Lake.” “I’m proud that our delegation has rallied behind this commonsense bill to ensure Lake Tahoe will be protected from a wide range of potential threats,” said Horsford. “When we work together, we secure Lake Tahoe is there for future generations to fully enjoy and experience.” “Lake Tahoe is a shared resource with a robust partnership for restoration with funding from all sectors ranging from the federal government to private property owners,” said Joanne S. Marchetta, executive director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. “Science is showing that our restoration programs are making progress protecting Tahoe’s air, water, and forests and this legislation provides an important commitment to continuing the work.” ""Investments authorized by the act represent the federal responsibility and share of the Lake Tahoe Multi-jurisdictional Fuels Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy,"" said Chief Benjamin P. Sharit of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District based in Zephyr Cove, Nevada. ""Federal funds are leveraged with state and local dollars to support our collaborative efforts to protect the environment, property, and people from the devastation of catastrophic wildfire."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:47Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-host-veterans-town-hall-sparks-house-committee-veterans-affairs-staff,Amodei to host veterans' town hall in Sparks with House Committee on Veterans' Affairs staff,2013-11-01,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 RENO, Nev. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today announced he will hold a veterans' town hall meeting in Sparks on Tuesday, November 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the Sparks City Council Chambers, 745 4th Street (Southwest corner of Prater Way and 4th Street, across from the post office). The town hall will feature staff from the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. The committee staff are in town at Congressman Amodei’s request to meet with the Reno VA Regional Office and to visit the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. “As a member of the Veterans’ Committee, my office works closely with their people to see that our veterans receive the benefits they earned and were promised,” said Amodei. “I want to thank the committee staff for coming to Northern Nevada because I think there is no substitute for seeing the issues on the ground and talking with the folks who are directly hurt by such problems as the VA disability claims backlog. ” For more information, please contact Ken Gray at (775) 686-5760. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:47Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=28619d4b-5075-4786-a6ef-3e3b8da6efbd,ICYMI: Heller Speaks About Protecting Privacy Rights for Millions of Americans,2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) spoke on the Senate floor about the need to stop the National Security Agency (NSA) from using the practice of bulk collection to obtain telephone records of millions of Americans. On Tuesday, Heller joined Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) as a lead Republican cosponsor to the USA Freedom Act (S. 1599), which stops the massive intrusion on Americans’ privacy by ending bulk data collection practices permitted under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act. Excerpts from the speech below: “…Due to published reports in newspapers around the world, Nevadans are well aware that the federal government has been collecting phone data of law-abiding citizens without their knowledge through a process known as bulk collection. These practices are mostly authorized by Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act.  “…Millions of Americans’ call records are collected and stored by the NSA because a few numbers may help solve an authorized investigation. “…I believe, Mr. President, what Congress has authorized is a massive surrender of our constituents’ privacy. “…I want to be clear; I share the concerns of all Americans that we must protect ourselves against threats to the homeland.  I believe that we must continue to understand that terrorism is very real and the United States is the target of those looking to undermine the freedoms we hold as the core of our national identity. “…So, in essence, Congress has authorized a program that invades the privacy of millions of Americans with little to show for it.  The results simply do not justify this massive invasion of privacy. That is why I want to end the bulk collection practices authorized under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act and have joined Senator Leahy to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral USA FREEDOM Act. “…Here in the United States Congress, it is our responsibility to take great care to acknowledge each possible step that could whittle away our privacy.  We must examine its necessity carefully and reasonably. And in this case, I do not believe such practices are warranted.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=0165f8df-c25e-4a7a-b994-474c58ceb211,Donnelly y Heller trabajan para cerrar la disparidad de habilidades de trabajo,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, y el Senador Joe Donnelly, Demócrata por Indiana, presentaron el proyecto de ley la Estrategia de Disparidad de Calificaciones profesionales, la legislación que ayudaría a empleadores capacitar y contratar a trabajadores  con las habilidades proficientes para llenar aperturas de trabajo existentes en Indiana, Nevada, y a través del país. Se estima que hasta 600.000 medio especializados y puestos de trabajo de fabricación altamente cualificados queden vacantes debido a un bajo mano de obra entrenada. “El Senador Donnelly, dijo: ""para que cada residente de Indiana que quiere un trabajo para tener un trabajo y para que la económica el Estado de Indiana continúe creciendo, debemos entrenar a los residentes de Indiana de los trabajos que están disponibles. Me siento orgulloso de presentar este proyecto junto al Senador Heller que se encargará de examinar cómo podemos utilizar mejor los recursos existentes para priorizar los programas de capacitación y educación y preparar mano de obra para golpear el suelo corriendo desde el primer día. El Senador Heller dijo, ""En un tiempo en que Nevada ocupa el primer lugar de la nación en el desempleo, Nevadenses simplemente no pueden permitirse que trabajos permanezcan vacíos. Este proyecto de ley ayudará a empleadores que buscan trabajadores a encontrar personas con el derecho conjunto de habilidades. He hablado con muchos Nevadenses que están buscando empleo y Nevadenses que están luchando para encontrar una persona adecuada para el trabajo. Creo que esta ley puede ayudar a ellos y a otros en todo el país y por eso estoy encantado de trabajar con el Senador Donnelly a resolver un problema solucionable"". Este proyecto de ley dirigiría la secretaria de trabajo para desarrollar una estrategia para ayudar a cerrar la ""disparidad de habilidades"" por el aumento de oportunidades de aprendizaje y capacitación. Animaría el Departamento de Trabajo para desarrollar planes en consulta con los departamentos de comercio y educación para aumentar la participación de empleadores en la educación y capacitación laboral. Reconociendo las limitaciones presupuestarias actuales, el proyecto de ley pide al Departamento de Trabajo para centrarse en las soluciones que utilizan los recursos existentes, los programas y personal. Cerrando la disparidad de competencias debe ser un esfuerzo impulsado por el empleador, pero el gobierno federal puede ayudar. Muchos puestos de trabajo medio especializados y altamente calificados están siendo dejados vacantes porque los empleadores dicen que luchan para encontrar trabajadores con las habilidades necesarias.  El Departamento de Trabajo estima que hay 3,9 millones de puestos de trabajo vacantes en los Estados Unidos, a pesar de la tasa nacional de desempleo es 7.2 % y millones de estadounidenses buscan trabajo. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=3c8eed8f-28aa-4871-97bd-53262bce0f7c,Los senadores Franken y Heller anuncian la reintroducción del proyecto de ley para aumentar la transparencia sobre la vigilancia del gobierno de los estadounidenses,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, y el Senador Al Franken, Demócrata por Minnesota, continuaron su empuje para ayudar a los estadounidenses a responsabilizar al gobierno por medio de la reintroducción de un proyecto de ley para aumentar la transparencia sobre la vigilancia de ciudadanos Americanos.  Además, el senador Franken anunció que planea realizar una audiencia sobre su proyecto de ley el miércoles, 13 de noviembre, que contará con la participación de funcionarios de la administración, expertos en privacidad y un representante de Google. El proyecto de ley de la transparencia de vigilancia de 2013, que fue introducida por primera vez en el verano y está siendo reintroducido hoy con las nuevas disposiciones, es el principal proyecto de ley en el Senado sobre la transparencia de vigilancia. La legislación debe ampliar y mejorar la información del gobierno sobre los programas de la ley Patriota y la Ley de Vigilancia de Inteligencia Extranjera que recientemente han sido el sujeto de controversia. Además, daría a los estadounidenses con la información básica que necesitan para decidir por sí mismos si el gobierno está dando la debida importancia a privacidad y seguridad nacional. “El público estadounidense es naturalmente sospechoso del poder ejecutivo, y cuando se hacen las cosas en secreto, tienden a pensar que se está abusando del poder,"" dijo el Senador Franken. “Y ahora, el público no recibe la información más básica sobre lo que está pasando con programas de vigilancia del gobierno. Eso tiene que cambiar. Mi proyecto de ley requeriría la NSA a revelar al público quantos estadounidenses están teniendo sus datos recogidos, y cuántos de ellos están teniendo su información analizado. La legislación va un largo camino para fomentar la transparencia de dichos programas, y espero con interés de sostener una audiencia en mi subcomisión"". “La gente americana tiene un derecho de saber lo que su gobierno hace. Mientras personalmente creo que la práctica de la recogida masiva de datos se debería eliminar, el gobierno puede tomar al menos medidas inmediatas para aumentar la transparencia en programas que tienen muchos americanos sospechosos. Además, las empresas privadas que han recibido una citación deben ser capaces de compartir información básica con sus clientes. Protegiendo la privacidad de los estadounidenses es un asunto bipartidista, y por eso estoy contenta de estar trabajando con el senador Franken sobre esta legislación,” dijo el Senador Dean Heller. Ahora mismo, las leyes federales requieren que el gobierno revele públicamente sólo una cantidad mínima de la información sobre estos programas. La Administración recientemente decidió complementar este reportaje con revelaciones voluntarias y ad hoc adicionales. Las empresas que participan en estos programas están sujetas a una estricta confidencialidad. El proyecto de ley haría más fácil para que las empresas divulguen voluntariamente información general acerca del número de solicitudes que reciben y el número de sus usuarios afectados. El senador Franken es el Presidente del Subcomité judicial sobre privacidad, la tecnología y la ley y es un defensor desde hace mucho tiempo sobre la transparencia de la vigilancia del gobierno. En el año 2011 y el año 2012, él co-patrocinó legislación para aumentar la transparencia y la supervisión de programas de vigilancia del gobierno. Cuando estas medidas no pasaron, votó contra la nueva autorización de provisiones claves de la ley Patriota y la Ley de Vigilancia de Inteligencia Extranjera. El proyecto de ley de Transparencia de Vigilancia de 2013 haría lo siguiente: Requiera que el gobierno haga un informe anualmente sobre:  El número de órdenes judiciales de Vigilancia de Inteligencia Extranjeras resultó bajo provisiones claves de la ley Patriota y FISA; Las categorías generales de información recopilada El número de ciudadanos americanos y residentes permanentes cuya información se coleccionó bajo las categorías El número de ciudadanos americanos y residentes permanentes cuya información realmente fue examinada por agentes federales; y El número de búsquedas dirigidas en esos datos, incluso el número de búsquedas basado en datos de ciudadanos americanos y residentes permanentes. Permiten a las compañías a revelar voluntariamente: El número de órdenes que habían recibido y cumplido con; Las categorías generales de información que producían; y El número de usuarios cuya información se produjo en aquellas categorías Trabajando con el senador Heller, el senador Franken ha añadido dos nuevas provisiones para fortalecer el proyecto de ley. Estas provisiones asegurarán que las estipulaciones de reportaje del proyecto de ley para el gobierno no puedan ser usadas para justificar la colección de cualquier nueva información personal o justificar cualquier gasto adicional. Puede leer más acerca del proyecto de ley aquí y encontrar aquí su texto. Puede ver el vídeo del Senador Franken discutiendo la necesidad de una mayor transparencia durante una audiencia del Comité Judicial del Senado de Julio aquí. La legislación del senador Franken responde a las preocupaciones de más de 60 compañías de Internet principales y grupos de defensa que recientemente escribieron al presidente y líderes del Congreso para exigir más revelación del gobierno en programas de vigilancia y la capacidad de publicar la información sobre datos que el gobierno solicita. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5cb4ecfa-09e3-4933-bd30-b47fee2e9b17,Donnelly and Heller Work to Close Skills Gap,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today introduced the Skills Gap Strategy Act, legislation that would help employers identify, train, and hire workers with the skills to fill existing job openings in Indiana, Nevada, and across the country.  It is estimated that up to 600,000 middle-skilled and high-skilled manufacturing jobs are left unfilled due to an undertrained workforce. Senator Donnelly said, “In order for every Hoosier who wants a job to have a job and for Indiana’s economy to continue to grow, we must train Hoosiers for the jobs that are available. I’m proud to introduce this bill alongside Senator Heller that would examine how we can better use existing resources to prioritize training and education programs and prepare our workforce to hit the ground running on day one.” Senator Heller said, “At a time when Nevada leads the nation in unemployment, Nevadans simply cannot afford for jobs to remain empty. This bill will help employers looking for workers find individuals with the right skill set. I have spoken with many Nevadans who are seeking employment and Nevadans who are struggling to find the right person for the job. I believe this legislation can help them and others across the country, which is why I’m pleased to work with Senator Donnelly to solve such a fixable problem.” The Skills Gap Strategy Act would direct the Secretary of Labor to develop a strategy to help close the “skills gap” by increasing on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities. It would encourage the Department of Labor to develop plans in consultation with the Departments of Commerce and Education to increase employer participation in education and workforce training.  Recognizing current budgetary constraints, the bill asks the Department of Labor to focus on solutions that utilize existing resources, programs, and personnel. Closing the skills gap must be an employer-driven effort, but the federal government can help. Many middle-skilled and high-skilled jobs are being left unfilled because employers say they struggle to find workers with the skills needed.  The Department of Labor estimates that there are 3.9 million job openings in the U.S., despite a national unemployment rate of 7.2% and millions of Americans looking for work. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6f23dfbf-cdf0-46cb-91ac-05194439dfa7,"Sens. Franken, Heller Announce Reintroduction of Bill to Increase Transparency over Government Surveillance of Americans",2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators’ Bipartisan Bill Will Help Americans Hold Government Accountable; Franken Plans to Hold Hearing with Top Officials, Privacy Experts, Google WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/30/13]—Today, U.S. Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) continued their push to help Americans hold the government accountable by reintroducing a bill to increase transparency over government surveillance of American citizens. In addition, Sen. Franken announced that he plans to hold a hearing on his bill on Wednesday, Nov. 13, that will include participation from top administration officials, privacy experts, and a representative from Google. The bipartisan Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013, which was first introduced in the summer and is being reintroduced today with new provisions, is the leading surveillance transparency bill in the Senate. The legislation would expand and improve ongoing government reporting about programs under the PATRIOT Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that have recently been the subject of controversy. It would also provide Americans with the basic information they need to decide for themselves whether the government is giving due weight to both privacy and national security.  “The American public is naturally suspicious of executive power, and when things are done secretly, they tend to think that power is being abused,” said Sen. Franken. “And right now, the public isn’t getting the most basic information about what’s going on with government surveillance programs. That needs to change. My bill would require the NSA to disclose to the public how many Americans are having their data collected, and how many are having their information looked at. This legislation goes a long way toward increasing transparency over these programs, and I look forward to holding a hearing on it in my subcommittee.” “The American people have a right to know what their government is doing. While I personally believe that the practice of bulk data collection should be eliminated, the government can at least take immediate steps to increase transparency in programs that have many Americans suspicious.  In addition, private companies who have been served a subpoena should be able to share basic information with their customers. Protecting Americans’ privacy is a bipartisan issue, which is why I am glad to be working with Senator Franken on this legislation,” said Sen. Heller. Right now, federal laws require the government to publicly disclose only a minimum amount of information about these programs. The Administration recently decided to supplement this reporting with additional voluntary and ad hoc disclosures. The companies involved in these programs are subject to strict gag orders. The bill would make it easier for companies to voluntarily disclose general information about the number of requests they receive and the number of their users affected. Sen. Franken is the Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law and is a long-time advocate of government surveillance transparency. In 2011 and 2012, he cosponsored legislation to increase transparency and oversight of government surveillance programs. When these measures did not pass, he voted against reauthorizing key provisions of both the PATRIOT Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013 would do the following: Require the government to report annually on: The number of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court orders issued under key provisions of the PATRIOT Act and FISA; The general categories of information collected; The number of American citizens and permanent residents whose information was collected under the categories; The number of American citizens and permanent residents whose information was actually reviewed by federal agents; and The number of searches run on that data, including the number of searches run based on data from American citizens and permanent residents. Allow companies to voluntarily disclose: The number of orders they received and complied with; The general categories of information they produced; and The number of users whose information was produced in those categories. Working with Sen. Heller, Sen. Franken has added two new provisions to strengthen the bill. These provisions will ensure that the bill’s reporting requirements for the government cannot be used to justify the collection of any new personal information, or to justify any additional spending. You can read more about the Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013 here and find bill text here. You can watch video of Sen. Franken discussing the need for increased transparency during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing from July here. Sen. Franken's legislation responds to the concerns of over 60 leading Internet companies and advocacy groups who recently wrote the President and Congressional leaders to demand more government disclosure on surveillance programs and the ability to release information on data the government is requesting. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=9a28ecd8-3174-4c07-b4b7-75f3693df7fc,"ICYMI: Heller Urges Support for Bills to Address Veterans Claims Backlog, Family Benefits",2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation considered in Veterans Affairs Committee Today  (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) urged his colleagues on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee to support the Veterans Benefits Claims Faster Filing Act (S. 1148) and the Military Family Relief Act (S. 1573). Heller Veterans Legislation Considered by the Committee today: Veterans Benefits Claims Faster Filing Act (S. 1148) - This legislation, which Heller introduced with Senator Heinrich (D-NM), is a bipartisan bill to help reduce the veterans disability claims backlog. The bill would require the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to provide veterans with accurate information for faster filing options.  Specifically, the bill would require the VA to track and post the average turnaround time for veterans when they are filing their claims. Filing claims online through the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) program, instead of filing a paper claim, accelerates turnaround times and makes processing more efficient. The bill would require the VA to inform veterans that under current law, when they file a FDC, they are eligible to receive up to an extra year of benefits. Military Family Relief Act (S. 1573) –Senator Heller is an original cosponsor of this bill introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The bill would authorize the VBA to automatically provide Death and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and death pension benefits to the widows and widowers of fallen service members and veterans for up to six months.  Currently, these widows are ineligible to receive benefits until they file a claim and it is approved, a process that can often take several months.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1a5d64f5-7e3c-4cd4-9cfd-63e2a915384e,Heller Joins Leahy to Protect Privacy Rights for Millions of Americans,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"USA Freedom Act Introduced in Senate Today (Washington, D.C.) –U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) has partnered with Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to stop the National Security Agency (NSA) from using the practice of bulk collection to obtain telephone records of millions of Americans. Senator Heller is a lead Republican cosponsor of the USA Freedom Act, which was introduced in both chambers of Congress by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI). “As made clear by press reports worldwide, the federal government has established a practice of collecting enormous amounts of data with little to show for it. Protecting Americans from the very real threat of international terrorism is one of our government’s greatest responsibilities, but it must be done in a way that respects the privacy of law-abiding citizens. I am very pleased to join Senator Leahy in crafting this legislation and working with him to shore up additional support from my Senate colleagues,” said Senator Dean Heller. “The government surveillance programs conducted under the Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Act are far broader than the American people previously understood. It is time for serious and meaningful reforms so we can restore confidence in our intelligence community,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and author of the legislation. “Modest transparency and oversight provisions are not enough.  We need real reform, which is I am happy to be joined today by Senator Heller and 15 other Senators from both parties in introducing the USA FREEDOM Act.” Under current law, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) can request a warrant from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance (FISA) Court, which allows the NSA to collect millions of phone records. There is no requirement that these citizens be tied to any sort of investigation related to international terrorism or under any suspicion before their data is collected. The USA Freedom Act puts a stop to the massive intrusion on Americans’ privacy by ending bulk data collection practices permitted under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act. This bill requires proof that data sought is relevant to an authorized investigation into international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities. It also requires proof that these activities relate to a foreign power or agent, or at least an individual in contact with a foreign power or agent. In addition to ending bulk collection practices, this legislation: Protects Americans’ communications collected under the FISA Amendments Act. The bill requires the government to obtain a court order in order to search for the communications of Americans in data collected without individualized warrants. Creates new and shorter sunset provisions for current law. The USA Freedom Act shortens the sunset for the FISA Amendments Act from December 2017 to June 2015.  The June 2015 sunset would align with the sunset for three expiring USA PATRIOT Act provisions, including Section 215, and enables Congress to address these FISA provisions all at once instead of in a piecemeal fashion. Reforms the FISA Court. The USA FREEDOM Act creates an Office of the Special Advocate tasked with promoting privacy interests in the FISA Court’s closed proceedings. Increases transparency and oversight by allowing private companies to disclose basic information about their participation in NSA surveillance programs. The bill would also require the government to provide new public reporting on FISA implementation. Imposes safeguards on National Security Letters (NSL). The USA FREEDOM Act adopts language to ensure the government does not move the bulk collection program under a different authority.  It also limits the types of records that can be obtained using NSLs, which do not require court approval. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9a7fa650-e845-4847-bc2b-4845b14c4239,Senators Introduce Bipartisan Critical Minerals Legislation,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), and 13 of their Senate colleagues today introduced legislation to prevent future supply shocks of critical minerals needed for the defense, energy, electronics, and medical industries. The Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2013 would revitalize the United States’ critical minerals supply chain and help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign suppliers. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a list of minerals critical to the American economy and provides a comprehensive set of policies to address issues associated with their discovery, production, use, and re-use.  Murkowski: “Minerals affect our daily lives, our standard of living, and our ability to prosper, yet the United States lacks clear policies to ensure an affordable and abundant domestic supply. This is one of our greatest needs, and it’s going unmet. Our bipartisan bill will help solve that problem by providing clear direction to keep the United States competitive and begin the process of modernizing our federal mineral policies. While it took time to develop a bill we could all agree on, we have done just that – and the result will be more opportunities for domestic jobs, technological innovation, increased national security, and greater competitiveness.” Wyden: “So many parts of our 21st Century economy depend on critical minerals that it just makes sense to bring federal policies up to date. This bill creates a more secure domestic supply chain for critical minerals, and makes sure that our country’s national defense, high-tech jobs, energy security and advanced medical care are not held hostage by foreign suppliers.” Udall: “Rare earth minerals support high-skill jobs across Colorado while making possible innovative technologies like high definition TVs, military aircraft and advanced wind turbines. Every gram of these rare elements, like lithium and cobalt, is essential to our nation's ability to win the global economic race. This bill will help restore the United States as a global leader in critical mineral production, create jobs in Colorado and across the country, and strengthen our national security.” Heller: “In Nevada and across the country, we have an abundance of critical and strategic minerals that play a vital role in our daily lives, as well as our nation’s economic success. Unfortunately, the United States still relies almost entirely on foreign countries such as China for many of these materials. Congress can take steps now to reduce our reliance on other countries for the resources we need to power our economy by developing policies to address these critical components. I am proud to join this bipartisan group of senators and look forward to the Senate passing this legislation.” The Critical Minerals Policy Act would update critical minerals policies for the 21st Century, by coordinating efforts across federal agencies. It also focuses on the broader supply chain for critical minerals. From resource assessments to recycling and alternatives, it takes a comprehensive approach to ensure the development of strong national mineral policies. According to the National Academy of Sciences, more than 25,000 pounds of new minerals are needed every year for each person in the United States to make the items we use every day for infrastructure, energy, transportation, communications, health care and defense. While America’s foreign oil dependence often receives the most attention, our nation’s growing dependence on foreign minerals also constitutes a significant threat to our security and economy. According to the U.S Geological Survey, the United States was 100 percent dependent on foreign sources for 17 mineral commodities in 2012 and more than 50 percent dependent on foreign sources for some 24 more.  The full text of the bill can be found on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee website. In addition to the sponsors listed above, Sens. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) have also signed on as co-sponsors. In total, nine Republicans and eight Democrats are supporting the Critical Minerals Policy Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131108054800/http://heck.house.gov/press-release/heck-applauds-passage-vulnerable-veterans-housing-reform-act,Heck Applauds Passage of Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act,2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Bill reverses flawed policy that limits housing benefits for low-income, disabled vets; issue first brought to Heck's attention during local vets meeting WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today applauded passage of the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act (H.R. 1742), bipartisan legislation he introduced earlier this year that will help reduce veteran homelessness by reforming how the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides housing assistance for disabled veterans. The Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act ends HUD's flawed policy of counting the aid and attendance benefit as regular income. By counting the aid and attendance benefit intended for medical care as income, HUD is unfairly reducing the housing assistance available to our low income disabled veterans. This issue was first brought to Congressman Heck's attention during a 2011 meeting of his Veterans Advisory Panel. The panel brings local veterans together to discuss the issues facing southern Nevada's veteran community. ""The last thing our veterans should have to worry about is whether they'll have a roof over their head,"" Rep. Heck said. ""Reversing the flawed HUD policy ensures vets can afford to stay in their homes and continue to receive the aid and attendance benefit that is so crucial to their daily lives."" Congressman Heck spoke on the House floor to urge his colleagues to support H.R. 1742. His remarks are attached and can be seen by clicking the image below. Rep. Heck introduced nearly identical legislation in 2012 as H.R. 6361. That bill passed the House by voice vote on September 30, 2012 but was not taken up by the Senate. It was reintroduced this year at the start of the new session of Congress. Bipartisan Working Group Member Backs Passage of H.R. 1742 Congressman Heck promoted the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act during the monthly meetings of the Bipartisan Working Group. Rep. John Carney (D-DE), a working group member and original co-sponsor of the bill, applauded its passage in the statement below.   “Our nation’s most sacred obligation is to care for our men and women in uniform, both when they’re serving abroad, and when they come back home,” said Rep. Carney. “I’m pleased to support the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act so severely disabled veterans can continue to receive the care they need to help with daily living, while having access to affordable housing.” Background: In order to receive aid and attendance benefits, severely disabled veterans must first establish their eligibility for a low income pension which requires an adjusted gross annual income of less than $12,256 for a single veteran with no dependents. Once eligibility is determined, that same veteran can receive $8,191 in aid and attendance benefits annually to offset the cost of a personal care attendant and keep the veteran in his/her home. The Congressional Research Service estimates that the median annual cost for a licensed home health aide is $18,179. The cost of an assisted living facility is $39,600, and the median cost of a room in a nursing home is between $73,000 and $81,000 annually. The most recent statistics from the Department of Housing and Urban Development indicate that approximately 63,000 veterans are homeless. *** Congressman Joe Heck represents Nevada's Third Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/titus-amodei-wager-community-service-fremont-cannon-trophy-rebels-wolf-pack,"Titus, Amodei wager community service, Fremont Cannon trophy on Rebels, Wolf Pack",2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Caitlin Teare (Titus) 202-225-5965 Brian Baluta (Amodei) 202-225-6155 RENO, Nev. – Representatives Dina Titus (NV-1), Professor Emerita at UNLV, and Mark Amodei (NV-2), a University of Nevada alumnus, today announced a friendly wager on Saturday’s football game between the Runnin' Rebels and the Wolf Pack in Reno. In honor of “Make A Difference Day,” they will perform a community service project with the losing member sporting the opposing team’s sweatshirt and supplying the victor with an appropriate colored Fremont Cannon replica. “The annual football game between UNLV and UNR is a time honored tradition that reflects the best of Nevada's sports rivalries,” said Titus. “I look forward to watching our two outstanding Nevada universities square off on the football field this Saturday afternoon and celebrating the long-anticipated return of Fremont Cannon to Las Vegas. Go Rebels!” “What better way to celebrate Nevada Day weekend than with the Wolf Pack versus the Runnin’ Rebels on homecoming?” said Amodei. “We’re always happy to host our southern neighbors, especially after they’ve been so good to us the past eight seasons. Here’s to making it nine in a row and keeping the Fremont Cannon in its rightful home, Reno. Go Pack!” For more than 20 years, USA WEEKEND Magazine and Points of Light have joined together to sponsor Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of community service. Millions of volunteers from around the world will unite in a common mission to improve the lives of others on Make A Difference Day, Saturday, October 26, 2013. For more information on how you can make a difference, go to: http://makeadifferenceday.com/about-make-difference-day # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:21Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131027204439/http://heck.house.gov:80/press-release/rep-joe-heck-statement-immigration-reform,Rep. Joe Heck Statement on Immigration Reform,2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today released the following statement after hearing reports that House Republican leaders may not move immigration reform legislation to the House floor for a vote this year. ""It’s extremely frustrating and very disappointing to hear reports that the House does not plan on voting on immigration reform legislation this year. This is yet another example of the leadership vacuum in Washington that rightly has so many people frustrated with this dysfunctional Congress. There is a clear, bipartisan consensus among House members that immigration reform is the right thing to do both for people in this country and for our economy. ""There are bills that have passed Committee that could be brought to the floor next week, but the House Republican leadership may punt the issue until 2014 for political reasons. That's very disappointing. The American people, and my constituents, expect us to tackle these important issues, come together, and get something done for the good of the country. It's just a shame that won't happen this year. ""I have spent countless hours meeting with community members and addressing town hall meetings on the topic of immigration reform. There is no doubt in my mind that reforming our immigration system is right and necessary and I remain committed to enacting real solutions that will fix our current broken system. I will continue to urge the House leadership to move forward on immigration reform with all possible haste."" *** Congressman Joe Heck represents Nevada's Third Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/video-memory-michael-landsberry,VIDEO: In memory of Michael Landsberry,2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today made the following remarks on the House floor in memory of hero teacher and Nevada Air Guard Master Sgt. Michael Landsberry who gave his life to protect his students: # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:21Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=09ed3607-00c6-4d8e-8b10-9c685a9ee3e1,Heller Statement on Sparks Middle School Shooting,2013-10-21,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued this statement following a shooting at Sparks Middle School this morning:  “Today’s events at Sparks Middle School are unsettling and concerning. Thank you to the first responders for quickly moving the staff and students to safety. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims, students, families, teachers, and staff during this difficult time,” said Senator Dean Heller. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-statement-senate-funding-and-debt-ceiling-bill,Amodei statement on Senate funding and debt ceiling bill,2013-10-18,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) tonight issued the following statement following his vote against the Senate funding and debt ceiling bill: “During two campaigns, I told Nevadans I would give my full attention to such issues as reining in runaway federal spending, debt, and the harmful aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Unlike many in this town, I will not test your memories and hope you have forgotten. I will continue to pursue these necessary goals. Nothing in this legislation changes the real threats to our country’s economy. It does provide an earmark for a dam in Kentucky, though. Really? “In this job, I’ve met many people I respect and admire. But it saddens me to see such important matters decided by the political box score instead of what really matters – getting the policy right for the people who are impacted, which, in the case of our economy, federal spending and debt, and health care, is all Americans.” “This has been quite an education serving Nevada for the past 25 months. We have turned over every rock and undertaken this latest effort against the Senate, the Administration, the national media, and the other side of the aisle in the House. My conscience is clear with respect to an all-out effort in a four against one fight. I now know how those folks at the Alamo felt.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:21Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131021182520/http://heck.house.gov:80/press-release/heck-statement-default-prevention-act-2013,Heck Statement on Default Prevention Act of 2013,2013-10-17,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today released the following statement after voting in favor of a bipartisan deal to fund the federal government, prevent a default, and set up long-term budget talks. The legislation also overturns a rule issued by the Obama Administration to ignore verification requirements in order to receive health insurance subsidies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. ""Government by crisis is not an effective way to govern. Families in Nevada have endured unnecessary hardships due to a widespread failure of leadership in Washington. That is not what the people expect and it is certainly not what they deserve. “This bipartisan bill paves the way for us to reopen the government and address our long-term spending and debt issues. It also ensures our seniors and veterans continue to receive their benefits and maintains our nation's military readiness. ""I am deeply disappointed this legislation did not include spending reforms to address this administration's spending addiction. The ball is now squarely in the court of the president and leadership in both houses to move those negotiations forward. “As I have stated all along, the healthcare law must be repealed, repaired, and replaced because of the burdens it places on individuals, families, and businesses, but not at the expense of a prolonged government shutdown. “I am hopeful that we can reach a responsible long-term budgetary agreement. Anything less that does not address the sequester's impact on our military readiness, reduce our debt and deficit, and help grow our economy is unacceptable and I will no longer support band-aid approaches to these serious problems."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ab4ab872-360f-408a-b8c1-f2646e4fc191,Heller: “I Wanted to Be Able to Support a Deal”,2013-10-16,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) voted against another short-term spending measure that kicks the can down the road. Following the vote, Senator Heller issued this statement:  “I wanted to be able to support a deal, but this proposal makes no underlying structural changes that will prevent this exact same crisis from happening again in the very near future. Considering this legislation does nothing to place our nation on sound fiscal footing or cultivate a growth economy that will produce jobs in the long term, I cannot support it. “For weeks, Washington, D.C. has been at an impasse. Ultimately, the only solution on which Congress could agree kicks the can down the road and delays the difficult decisions for three short months. Only by passing a long-term budget and all spending bills on time can Washington, D.C. break this cycle of economic brinksmanship. “Clearly, strong enforcement mechanisms are needed to hold Congress accountable for completing its basic duties, which is why both chambers of Congress should immediately pass ‘No Budget, No Pay.’ If Members of Congress do not pass a concurrent budget resolution and all twelve spending bills on time, every year, then they should not get paid,” said Senator Dean Heller.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=b071cd32-46cd-4c85-a299-c976bb2ad71e,Heller Opposes Raising Debt Limit with No Conditions,2013-10-12,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) voted against moving forward with legislation that would suspend the debt limit until 2015 at a total cost of $1.1 trillion. “Without a serious discussion about reducing our debt, I have to agree with Senator Obama, who called an increase in the debt ceiling a ‘sign of leadership failure’ and a move that shifts the ‘burden of bad choices’ to future generations. Our nation cannot afford to continue raising the limit on our nation’s credit card without making the difficult decisions that prevent the country from incurring even more debt. “When President Obama came to office, our nation’s debt was more than $10 trillion. Five years later, our debt is nearly $17 trillion and growing fast. Democrats and Republicans must come together and agree on a long-term solution that places our nation on the path to fiscal solvency. Reducing wasteful spending and reforming the tax code are good places to start. As Senator Obama said in 2006, ‘Americans deserve better,’” said Senator Dean Heller.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221141827/http://heck.house.gov/event/southwest-mobile-office-hours,Southwest Mobile Office Hours,2013-10-11,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Mobile office hours provide my constituents the chance to meet with members of my staff and provide a ""one stop shop"" for matters related to the federal government. At mobile office hours, my staff can open cases to act as the liason between my constituents and  federal agencies and answer questions constituents have about federal policies that affect them. To find out more about mobile office hours, call my Las Vegas office at 702-387-4941.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221141905/http://heck.house.gov/event/boulder-city-mobile-office-hours-18,Boulder City Mobile Office Hours,2013-10-11,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Mobile office hours provide my constituents the chance to meet with members of my staff and provide a ""one stop shop"" for matters related to the federal government. At mobile office hours, my staff can open cases to act as the liason between my constituents and  federal agencies and answer questions constituents have about federal policies that affect them. To find out more about mobile office hours, call my Las Vegas office at 702-387-4941.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-statement-passing-peggy-pierce,Amodei statement on passing of Peggy Pierce,2013-10-10,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today issued the following statement after learning of the death of State Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce: “I am saddened to hear of Peggy’s passing. There was very little on which we agreed, but I respected and enjoyed her commitment to public service. And I will always smile when I recall our service together on the TRPA committee.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:21Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8f1cf31e-47f5-46b7-a0b8-ce5af1d1245a,"Heller Files “No Budget, No Pay” as Amendment to Debt Limit Bill",2013-10-10,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) filed “No Budget, No Pay” as an amendment to S. 1569, the Debt Limit bill. This legislation requires Members of Congress to pass a concurrent budget resolution and all twelve appropriations bills by the end of the fiscal year in order to receive pay. “No Budget, No Pay is designed to prevent exactly what is occurring in Washington, D.C. right now. By forcing Congress to be held accountable and requiring them to do their job - which is to pass a budget and spending bills on time - we can put a stop to this reckless pattern of governing from crisis to crisis. “With No Budget, No Pay, it wouldn’t be the American people who bear the brunt of a government shutdown if Congress doesn’t pay its bill. It would be Members of Congress. Washington, D.C. remains a pain free zone while veterans are left wondering if they will receive their benefits, Nevadans are unable to report for work in national parks, and dedicated federal employees are unsure when their next paycheck will arrive. Passing legislation that holds Members of Congress accountable for doing their job is a good place to start to break the cycle of irresponsible budgeting,” said Senator Dean Heller. Heller reintroduced “No Budget, No Pay” in the 113th Congress on January 23, 2013. This version of “No Budget, No Pay” requires both chambers of Congress to pass a concurrent budget resolution and all appropriations bills by the beginning of any fiscal year in order to receive pay. Congress adopted a version of “No Budget, No Pay” at the end of January. That measure did not require the House and Senate to go to conference or pass any of their appropriations bills. In April 2013, after both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed their own budgets, Heller wrote a letter to the Chairman and Chairwoman of the House of Representatives and Senate Budget Committees urging them to go to conference. In the letter, which you can read here, Heller asked both chambers to come together and agree on a final, bicameral budget resolution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=53e58c2a-6a00-4578-9696-35e52eca7a52,Heller: I Share Governor Sandoval’s Concerns,2013-10-08,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today responded to Governor Brian Sandoval’s concerns about the effects of the government shutdown on Nevada: ""I share the Governor’s concerns. In Nevada, we solve problems when the Governor sits down and talks with legislative leaders. Let this be a lesson to President Obama and Congressional Leadership on both sides of the aisle for Democrats and Republicans to sit down, communicate, and come up with a solution,” said Senator Dean Heller. The Governor detailed his concerns about the shutdown in a meeting with members of his cabinet earlier today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221103422/http://heck.house.gov/press-release/heck-votes-ensure-back-pay-federal-workers,Heck Votes to Ensure Back Pay for Federal Workers,2013-10-07,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3223 which would ensure back pay for furloughed federal workers.   ""Our hard-working civil servants did not ask for this partial shutdown,"" Rep. Heck said. ""No one would wish the difficulties they are facing during this uncertain time upon anyone, especially not on those men and women who serve our country as federal employees. This bill will allow furloughed workers to receive their back pay once a compromise can be reached on our spending and debt issues and they return to work. I remain committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to resolve this matter and end the current impasse."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221081833/http://heck.house.gov/video/update-slowdown-non-essential-government-services,An update on the slowdown of non-essential government services,2013-10-02,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC 132 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3252 Fax: (202) 225-2185 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM Eastern time",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221103448/http://heck.house.gov/press-release/operations-and-protocols-federal-government-shutdown,Operations and Protocols for Federal Government Shutdown,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,NV,Joe Heck,H001055,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Due to an ongoing budget stalemate between Congress and the Obama Administration, at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday October 1, 2013 the U.S. federal government shut down. Until a compromise solution is approved by Congress and signed by the President into law, the shutdown will remain in effect. For the duration of the shutdown, my Congressional offices will remain open. However, many federal government departments and functions will not be available during the shutdown. For answers on many routine services and common questions, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions below: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN Will my Social Security checks be issued? •Social Security payments should continue to current beneficiaries.  New applicants and those who have recently submitted a change of address/direct deposit slip, or other changes may be affected. Will I still receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits? •According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), current Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and providers should not be affected by a government shutdown.  Medicare has 30 days to pay providers and payments.  For new enrollees, they will likely not be processed or able to enroll in Medicare.  Since Medicaid is a state-run program, and the funds are paid in advance to the states by the federal government, new enrollment would likely continue.  CRS did detail that the agencies have considerable discretion when it comes to how it will continue to run. Will my medical services provided through the VA be affected? •No. The VA’s medical services, medical facilities, and medical support & compliance accounts will not have a disruption in their services. However, other services including VA call centers and hotlines, decisions on claims appeals or motions by the Board of Veterans Appeals, recruiting and hiring of veteran job applicants, VA Secretary correspondences with veterans and VSOs, and outreach and public awareness activities will be impacted. Will my passport or visa application be affected? •Yes. The processing of passports and visa applications will stop until the federal government reopens. Will the postal service still deliver mail? •Mail services will still continue as normal. Will military personnel be paid? •Yes. Congress approved and President Obama signed into law an order that ensures active duty military and select ""essential"" civilian personnel are paid on-time despite the shutdown. The 1998 guidance on a shutdown directs that ""All military personnel shall continue to report for duty."" Not all units will continue to operate, however, and military personnel may be assigned to other than their regular duties. Will security operations at airports, nuclear facilities, U.S. borders and military installations continue? •Yes, essential security and monitoring personnel will continue to perform their duties, including law enforcement/security personnel, air traffic controllers etc. Additionally, personnel at the National Weather Service who perform essential services dealing with public safety such as warning forecasts for severe weather, fire weather services, ongoing flood monitoring etc., will be maintained. Will the public have access to federal buildings/properties? •Generally-speaking, all federal properties will be closed to the public and non-essential personal.  Essential maintenance and security services will continue.  This will mean closures of courthouses (yet courts and other essential offices will be open only for emergencies) and other government properties to the public. Will National Parks in southern Nevada be open. * No. During a government shutdown parks like Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area will be closed. Our family is planning on visiting Washington, D.C. next week. Will your office be able to help us with tours? Will Smithsonian museums be open? •No. Unfortunately, the Capitol Visitor Center, all federal museums and federal buildings will be closed. Once the federal government shutdown ends, my office will again be able to assist with scheduling tours. Will government websites have current information despite the federal shutdown? •No. As federal departments and agencies will be shutdown, information available on their respective websites will not be the most current available. Individuals needing information are encouraged to call 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636) where information specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST to answer questions. This call center will be open despite the shutdown. How long will the government shutdown last? •Until there is a budget solution passed by Congress and signed by the President. For perspective, the last federal government shutdowns were in 1995 & 1996 during the Clinton Administration. At that time, there were two separate shutdowns: 5 days (from November 14 through November 19, 1995) and 21 days (from December 16, 1995, to January 6, 1996).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z