Floor Statements

Madam President, I thank the Senator from Washington for providing time. I rise to discuss three of my amendments that I filed to the budget, amendment Nos. 293, 476, and 477.

My first amendment deals with an issue that is very important to my home State of Nevada and nearly one dozen Western States where a bird called the sage grouse is found.

The Department of the Interior has engaged Western States in developing State-specific Greater Sage-Grouse management plans to address the threat of an Endangered Species Act listing for the bird.

Nevada is one of several Western States have convened task forces to develop recommendations for their respective Governors to serve as a foundation for State-level sage-grouse management.

These State plans are designed to conserve the species and its habitat while maintaining predictable land use policies as well as the ability to foster a healthy economy and preserve the Western way of life.

These goals can only be achieved if the States, Federal Government, and other concerned stakeholders use this opportunity to forge a partnership under the ESA.

My amendment simply reaffirms the importance of this partnership. It ensures that States can continue to be drivers in ways to find a balance between economic development and reasonable protections for wildlife.

My two other amendments, Heller Nos. 476 and 477, deal with another issue important to Nevada, namely, veterans. My first amendment is a straight forward amendment that says that the Department of Veterans' Affairs needs to ensure that they meet the needs of a growing veterans population, female veterans.

As the dynamics of our Armed Forces are changing so, too, are our veterans.

This measure simply calls on the VA to take into account the population of female veterans when planning, leasing or building infrastructures that will house veterans.

Ensuring that our female veterans have a lock on their door or a separate wing in the VA facility or separate restroom ensures a level of safety and privacy that should be provided without question.

Last Congress I introduced legislation that focused specifically on meeting the needs of female homeless veterans. My amendment builds upon this legislation to ensure that it includes all VA facilities.

Another important component of our growing homeless veterans population are their dependents. My other amendment, Heller No. 477 simply ensures that dependents of homeless veterans who are receiving services at a VA-funded shelter are eligible for services as well.

In Las Vegas last year, there were more than 1,300 homeless veterans roaming the streets. Some of these individuals have their children with them.

Right now if a homeless veteran brings their child to a VA facility for the night, that facility is not authorized by Congress to provide services to the child.

My amendment ensures that children of homeless veterans--veterans who bravely fought to preserve our freedoms--are not turned away from receiving services if they are with their parent at a VA facility.

I urge my colleagues to support these amendments.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, my amendment reinforces the important role of States having primary responsibility for wildlife management. If the sage-grouse is listed as an endangered species, it will hurt most States in the western portion of the country. It will make important activities, such as renewable energy and grazing, in many cases impossible.

I need help and support. I urge support for this amendment, and I appreciate the help and support I have gotten from Senators Hatch, Crapo, and Risch.

I thank the Chair.

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Judge Elliot as he retires from the bench having honorably served on Nevada's Second Judicial District Court for 16 years. Judge Elliot's wisdom and temperance has made him an extremely effective and admirable judge. His distinguished career as an attorney, judge, and public servant in Nevada is worthy of our appreciation.

After graduating from Stanford University and earning his juris doctor from the University of Denver, Judge Elliot was first elected Sparks City Attorney in 1979 and held that position until his election to the district court. While working as city attorney for Sparks, he founded the Washoe County Domestic Violence Task Force and supported the Washoe County DUI Task Force. Judge Elliot also crafted legislation requiring land developers to dedicate water rights to local governments, saving taxpayer dollars.

In 1997, Judge Elliott assumed his position as district judge where he was assigned in the family division and general jurisdiction dockets working on civil and criminal cases. As chairman of the Employee Relations Committee, he led a year-long task force to revise the employee manual. He also served on the Nevada Statewide Court Security Task Force to improve security for judges and the public in courthouses throughout Nevada.

In addition to his responsibilities in the court, he has also been very active in many community organizations. He has tirelessly worked to improve the life of Nevada's young people and abused and battered women, as well as promoted clean and safe communities in Nevada. I applaud Judge Elliot's commitment to upholding the law of the land as well as the betterment of his community. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Judge Elliot for his accomplishments and contributions to Nevada and his retirement from the Second Judicial District Court of Nevada. He is a truly exceptional Nevadan.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize one of Nevada's own, Wayne Wilson, for being named as a finalist for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. His efforts to assist disabled veterans have earned him this distinct honor, and I am both humbled and honored to recognize him today.

After graduating from the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy in 1976, Wayne served in the National Guard for over four decades. He served as command sergeant major of an engineer group and a combat engineer battalion. In 1984, he transferred to the Nevada National Guard and moved to Carson City. Throughout Wayne's lifetime, he has always remained an active member in the veteran community and has dedicated his free time to looking after this community's needs. Wayne was one of the original founders of the Veterans Guest House, is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, DAV, and has been named the Silver State's Veteran of the Month.

In 2008, Wayne founded the Northern Nevada Wheelchair Program to distribute wheelchairs to disabled veterans. Providing our Nation's greatest heroes with mobility and independence is a unique gift and a singular act of heroism. His commitment to putting others first is a true example of sacrifice for the betterment of others.

In October 2012, I had the privilege of meeting Wayne when he was recognized by Governor Sandoval as Nevada's Veteran of the Month. His continued service and sacrifice to our country and veteran community makes me proud that Wayne calls Nevada home. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Wayne for his tireless efforts to better the Silver State.

Madam President, today I wish to congratulate one of my home State's finest community organizations, the Rotary Club of Carson City, for its 75 years of service to the Carson City community.

The Rotary Club of Carson City has been committed to their ideal of ``He Profits Most Who Serves Best'' for three quarters of a century. In 1937, Hans Jepson and Rev. John L. Harvey formed the Carson City Club with 25 members on their chapter roll. Today, the Rotary Club in Carson City has grown to over 90 members who live by their motto ``Service Above Self'' while providing vitally important community service to the Carson City area.

In addition, the club has been committed to fostering and promoting the educational pursuits of students in Carson City. Each year, they award a 4-year college scholarship to a non-traditional student, as well as sponsor high school students to participate in an international youth exchange program. The Carson Rotary Club also recognizes excellence in the classroom and academic achievement by honoring a local student of the week and teacher of the month throughout each school year.

The Rotarians are an important example of the kind of dedicated service which makes our communities great. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Rotary Club of Carson City for 75 years of service to the people of Nevada.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of a world renowned gaming authority and professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, UNR, Bill Eadington, whose passing on February 11, 2013, has brought great sadness to the Silver State. After 18 months, Mr. Eadington lost a courageous battle with cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Bill Eadington joined the faculty at UNR as an economist in 1969. He is the author of several books on the social and economic impacts of gambling and was a world-renowned authority on gaming issues. Mr. Eadington founded the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at UNR and served as its director since 1989. Outside of the classroom, he has served as a resource for governments and private sector organizations worldwide on

gaming laws, casino operations, regulation, and public policy.

In 2011, Bill Eadington was given the honor of being inducted into the American Gaming Association Hall of Fame and was honored with a Special Achievement Award for Gaming Education. Mr. Eadington was a board member on the National Council on Problem Gambling for 30 years, and in 2012 the board presented him with the Goldman Lifetime Award for Advocacy.

Gaming is a uniquely important industry in Nevada, and Mr. Eadington's academic contributions and expertise in this field have been invaluable to the State of Nevada and to UNR. Coupled with the tourism industry, it is our economic backbone, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. I have been proud to support policies to keep Nevada's gaming industry and economy growing and prosperous and thank Mr. Eadington for all his work on an issue vitally important to our State. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of this honorable Nevadan.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Monsignor Leo McFadden, a priest, an Air National Guardsman, and a spiritual leader for thousands of Nevadans whose recent passing is a saddening loss to the Silver State. Monsignor McFadden was a beloved member of our community, and I am grateful for his work as a priest and chaplain for the less fortunate and spiritually needy in northern Nevada.

Not only was Monsignor McFadden a man of God, but he was also a Pulitzer Prize-nominated columnist who spent 20 years writing and editing for the Nevada Register. He also served in the Nevada Air National Guard for decades, and he was the first Guardsman chaplain to be a general line officer.

Monsignor McFadden was a priest at Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Carson City and at Reno's Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church. In 1977, Leo McFadden was given the distinct designation as a monsignor. His work included the formation of the Catholic Newman Club at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and serving as a chaplain at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Monsignor McFadden dedicated his entire life to his faith and to the members of his parish. He was an important figure in our State, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize two of Nevada's finest, Konner Robinson and Anthony Schrecengost, for being named Nevada's top two youth volunteers of 2013 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. For 18 years, this nationwide award program has partnered with the National Association of Secondary School Principals to honor outstanding acts of volunteerism.

Konner is a junior at Sage Ridge School in Reno, NV. He created a fund to provide grants to local schools to enable them to offer technology-based learning tools to financially disadvantaged students. Konner was inspired to start this project when he discovered one of his classmates could not complete her physics homework because she could not afford to buy a graphing calculator. I commend his commitment to providing access to technology for all students. All Americans should follow Konnor's lead and work to ensure our schools have the resources they need to provide our children with the best education possible.

Anthony, an eighth grader at Sig Rogich Middle School in Las Vegas, NV, has been a committed volunteer for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, FAAN, for the past 3 years. He has been raising both money and awareness to help those who, like him, suffer from food allergies. Anthony's motivation to work on behalf of others who share his condition is inspiring.

On behalf of the residents of the Silver State, I am proud to recognize Konner and Anthony for their accomplishments and contributions to our State. As Nevada's top two youth volunteers of 2013, my hope is that Konner and Anthony will help serve as an example of the importance of volunteer work and service in our community. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these two exceptional young Nevadans.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life 2LT Silverio Cuaresma, Sr., whose passing on January 20, 2013, has brought great sadness to the Silver State. As a member of the World War II Mighty Five Nevadans and the State's oldest unrecognized Filipino- American World War II veteran, Mr. Cuaresma dedicated his life to honoring Filipino veterans for their sacrifices. I am grateful for his service to our country and advocacy on behalf of our heroes. While in the Senate, I will continue fighting to guarantee that all veterans and their families are properly thanked for their sacrifices.

As one of the Mighty Five, Mr. Cuaresma fought tirelessly to secure proper military recognition and compensation for our Nation's nearly 24,000 Filipino World War II veterans. We must continue the fight to ensure that Filipino veterans like Mr. Cuaresma are honored for their sacrifices. That is why I introduced the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act. This bill would establish a process for Filipinos who have fought alongside the U.S. military during World War II to work with military historians to determine eligibility for military benefits. I believe we have a responsibility to ensure that individuals who served honorably alongside U.S. troops are recognized for their contributions to our Nation.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Cuaresma's family and friends during this difficult time. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of an honorable man who was devoted to providing justice for our Nation's heroes.

Madam President, today I wish to honor the life of Pvt. Romeo Barreras, a Nevadan and Filipino-American World War II veteran, whose recent passing is a devastating loss to the Silver State. As a member of the ``Mighty Five,'' a group of veterans living in Las Vegas, Pvt. Romeo Barreras helped lead the fight to provide proper military recognition and compensation for nearly 24,000 Filipino World War II veterans. I am grateful for his service to defend democracy around the world and will continue to do everything within my power to ensure that Filipino veterans are honored for their sacrifices.

Pvt. Romeo Barreras fought bravely for our country and yet was not able to qualify for the military benefits he earned and deserved. That is why I introduced the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act, to establish a process for Filipinos who have fought alongside the U.S. military during World War II to work with military historians to determine eligibility for military benefits. We have a responsibility to ensure that individuals who served honorably alongside U.S. troops are recognized for their contributions to our Nation.

I am humbled to have known Pvt. Romeo Barreras. It was a privilege to work with him on behalf of all Filipino American World War II veterans. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

In memory of Pvt. Romeo Barreras, I will continue fighting to ensure that veterans and their families are properly thanked for their sacrifices. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the life of an honorable man who was dedicated to providing justice for deserving veterans.

Mr. President, today I wish to welcome home some of our Nation's greatest servicemembers. This weekend, 29 soldiers from the great State of Nevada will be reunited with their families and loved ones after a grueling 9-month tour in Afghanistan. They have served our country with honor, and I am proud to welcome them home to the Silver State.

Nevada is grateful to these soldiers for their unwavering commitment to America. I want to thank them for fighting bravely for this Nation. I am humbled for their service to our country, and it is a privilege to help welcome them home.

Earlier this year, the North Las Vegas-based Army Reserve Delta Company, 405th Civil Affairs Battalion was deployed to fight the war in Afghanistan. Each and every day of their tour, this company faced dangerous situations in order to our protect freedom and democracy. Participating in missions to some of the most volatile provinces of eastern Afghanistan, they encountered deadly firefights and roadside bombs. This company's courageous acts have been awarded with 5 Purple Heart medals, 18 Army Commendation medals, and 7 Bronze Star medals for meritorious service. These decorated soldiers have made significant sacrifices for our country, and I am so grateful they have the opportunity to return home to their families.

The brave men and women in our Armed Forces have made grave sacrifices on behalf of our Nation and we owe them a debt of gratitude. The families of our troops also deserve our heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering strength and support.

I wish these soldiers a joyful homecoming this weekend and happy holiday season with their loved ones. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring this company for their service to our country.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a true Nevadan and friend, Wayne Burke, who has been honored by the Nevada Indian Commission as American Indian Community Leader of the Year. As tribal chairman for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Wayne led the tribal council through many successes for the betterment of Nevada. Wayne's untimely passing is a great loss, but his legacy of community and economic development in the Silver State will never be forgotten.

In addition to serving the State of Nevada, Wayne bravely served our Nation in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993 until his honorable discharge in 1997. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Wayne understood the importance of supporting those who defend our Nation. He was a member of Numu Tookwasu--Pyramid Lake Veterans and Warriors Association--and a staunch advocate for Native American veteran affairs. His vision helped launch Nevada's first annual American Indian Veteran Summit this year, which invited members of the 27 tribes of Nevada to learn about access to veteran benefits and healthcare. His legacy will help raise awareness and resources for Native American veterans for years to come.

As tribal chairman, Wayne promoted an award winning Pyramid Lake economic development and tourism plan. His advocacy for the recovery and restoration of the Pyramid Lake fishery helped to secure over 1,000 acres of water, the most in any one-month period. Under his leadership, the Pyramid Lake Tribe has enjoyed a record number of visitors to Pyramid Lake and, subsequently, numerous tourism awards. In August 2012, Wayne became the first Native American leader to serve on the Nevada Commission on Tourism.

The citizens of the Silver State were privileged that such a passionate and dedicated leader called Nevada home. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Leticia; and children, Alex, Christian, and Soleil. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of a devoted Nevadan and honoring his esteemed accomplishments.

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Steve Ranson on his 25 years with the Lahontan Valley News. Nevadans are fortunate to read his reporting every day and to have a dedicated voice serving the community. I applaud Steve's hard work and dedication to our Nation's brave men and women that serve in our Armed Services and the field of journalism.

Steve joined the staff in 1986 as a part-time sports writer and editor. Today, he has grown to be one of Nevada's leading reporters. Steve's journalism, reporting, and newsroom leadership has earned him countless awards including Outstanding Journalist from the Nevada Press Association. His nomination for this award also reflects his extensive overseas travel to cover the U.S. Navy and Nevada Army National Guard in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan. His series of stories covering the war efforts earned him first place awards for community service and for best explanatory journalism from the Nevada Press Association.

As a lieutenant colonel who retired in 2009 after serving in the National Guard and U.S. Reserve, understanding the role of the military came easily for Steve. During his 28 years of service, Steve participated in two tours to the Republic of Korea and Panama. I would like to extend my gratitude to Steve for his service to this great Nation and State. I am both humbled and honored by the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served our country.

Steve's 25 years of service with the Lahontan Valley News is a true testament to his character. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to reading more of his great work. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Steve on his 25 years with the Lahontan Valley News.

Madam President, one of the most visible expressions of the strength and resilience of our democracy is the moment when the incoming President stands on the steps of the Capitol, lays his hand on the Bible, and takes the oath of office. In that moment, America undergoes a peaceful transition of power that so many countries can only hope for or, as in this year, the President will smoothly resume his duty for another 4 years.

As we anticipate this remarkable moment in just a few short weeks, we are reminded of the ability of the American people to come together, even after long and challenging campaigns. I will watch the inauguration and remember my own difficult campaign. As we reflect on this past year, we are all reminded that this President, the House, and the Senate have not been given any mandate by the American people. For proof, look no further than the close margin of victories and the wide disparity in the ideology between the two parties. The only mandate is for Republicans and Democrats to work together.

What we saw during this election was an American electorate frustrated by gridlock in Washington and a Congress that does not get enough done for the American people. Our Nation has endured a brutal campaign season of attack ads and partisan sniping. The ads are now off the air, the campaign offices are cleaned out, and now we face some very difficult decisions. Right now, Congress must find a way to steer our Nation away from this fiscal cliff. We must move forward knowing that the only way to build a better, stronger nation is by working together and finding solutions on which both Republicans and Democrats can agree. Any solution to the impending fiscal cliff must be a bipartisan effort that fairly weighs the concerns of both parties. We must find a way to come together right now. The severe spending cuts and looming tax increases require it.

Nevada is already struggling to overcome the highest rates of unemployment, foreclosures, and bankruptcies in the Nation. The threat of this fiscal cliff and any failure to find a solution would have a real and negative impact on the recovery of my State. In the days following the election, I received phone calls from job creators in Nevada concerned about this fiscal cliff. These business owners told me this fiscal cliff would be too much for Nevada. Their employees are already bearing the brunt of Congress's inaction. Find a solution, they told me, and cut a deal. The devastating effect this fiscal cliff would have on Nevada's small businesses would simply be too much for their businesses and the small business sector in Nevada to handle.

There are a number of issues Republicans and Democrats can work together on to address immediately. First, we must stop living by a temporary Tax Code. Right now, there is no certainty for a small businessman or woman to grow or start a new endeavor. These men and women need to know how to plan for the future so they can invest in new equipment, new buildings, and more employees.

Second, we need fundamental tax reform. As with many small businesses across this country, businesses want nothing more than to grow, hire more people, and pass on a legacy to their children and grandchildren that shows with hard work and dedication, anything is possible in America. As I have often said, our current Tax Code is too costly, too complex, and too burdensome. There is no question the Tax Code is unfair and needs an overhaul. Our Nation is long past due for an honest discussion about how to transform our Tax Code into one that encourages job growth and one that doesn't hinder it.

Third, we need to put a stop to the ever-increasing number of regulations. Instead of encouraging businesses to develop and grow, Washington has increased their burden with miles and miles of regulatory redtape, passed a health care law that is costing jobs, and continues with a top-down, Washington-knows-best mentality that has led to an anemic economy.

While I do not believe sequestration is the answer, Congress must engage in honest debate on spending reform to right our Nation's fiscal situation. Nevadans and all Americans deserve a federal government that is more efficient and more effective. Washington cannot continue to spend money we don't have and place our Nation in deeper debt and threatening future opportunity for our children and grandchildren.

Divisive partisan politics does a great disservice to every American. Far too many Nevadans are forced to stay up late at night wondering how they are going to make their mortgage payment, send their children to college or feed their family. While people across our country are struggling to get by, Congress has a responsibility to prioritize the people over the party and find a way to avoid this looming crisis and get our economy back on track.

These next few weeks are absolutely critical for the health of our country. Similar to that moment when the President takes office, how we work together to reach across the aisle and find bipartisan solutions is a testament that our democracy--the greatest democracy in the world--is alive and well.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business for an additional 2 minutes.

I thank the Acting President pro tempore.

As I was mentioning, like that moment when the President takes office, how we work together to reach across the aisle and find bipartisan solutions is a testament that our democracy--the greatest democracy in the world--is alive and well. Let's not squander this opportunity to place our Nation on a path to greater economic prosperity.

The American people have children to raise, mortgages to pay, businesses to grow, and new discoveries to make. It is time for Congress to come together to make the tough decisions necessary so that Americans can get back to work and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Madam President, thank you very much. I yield back the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Nevada's own Cortney Jordan for her outstanding performance in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

Cortney participated in six events: the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 400 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke, and 200 individual medley. She brought home four medals for Team USA; three silver (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle) and one bronze (100m backstroke).

Cortney had her first taste of Paralympic medal glory at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, where she was awarded four medals; one gold--50m free, two silver--400m freestyle, 100m freestyle, and one bronze--200m IM.

This 21-year-old Paralympic medalist is not only a remarkable athlete, but a talented student and an aspiring elementary school teacher. Recognized for her commitment to school and community involvement, Cortney is a Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Top Ten Scholar Athlete and an Academic All-American. Serving as a role model for all Nevadans, I wish Cortney continued success on her future endeavors.

On behalf of the residents of the Silver State, I am proud to recognize Cortney's accomplishments. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating a talented Nevadan as we show our pride and support for the entire U.S. Paralympics Team.

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate one of my home State's local leaders in charitable giving, the Nevada Community Foundation, on obtaining its National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations accreditation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board.

The Foundation's commitment to the highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity, and accountability has continuously provided the citizens of southern Nevada with invaluable services and leadership in their neighborhoods.

In the fall of 1988, the Nevada Community Foundation was incorporated as the first community foundation of Nevada. Designed to be a center of philanthropy for Nevada, the foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of current and future generations of southern Nevadans. By encouraging philanthropy, providing leadership, and promoting grant lending, the Nevada Community Foundation has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of southern Nevada. The foundation is committed to supporting local services, including education, social services, health, arts and culture, and the environment.

Serving the southern region of the Silver State for more than 24 years, the Nevada Community Foundation has remained a trusted philanthropic partner and champion for community investment. I applaud the Foundation's values of community, humility, and stewardship that have helped to enrich our communities and hope that they serve as an example for others within the state.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Nevada Community Foundation on receiving its National Standards accreditation. On behalf of the residents of southern Nevada, I congratulate the Nevada Community foundation on this accomplishment and commend the foundation's dedication to my home State.