Floor Statements

Madam President, there is no issue that matters more than healthcare. I have met with countless parents, grandparents, families, who rely on access to healthcare to keep themselves and their precious loved ones healthy.

One of the reasons Nevada ranks near the bottom when it comes to access to care is that we continue to face a shortage of physicians, particularly in primary care. This is especially true for Nevadans living in rural and Tribal communities, with many of our State's residents having to drive hundreds of miles to seek medical care or they simply go without care.

We know that many other States face similar problems. We need forward-thinking solutions to make sure that States like ours have enough doctors to serve our population. We need to help communities in rural and underserved areas gain access to telehealth programs so that we are able to provide better access to critical services, not just to Nevadans but to all Americans, no matter where they live.

We need transparency when it comes to drug pricing because no person should be forced to decide between paying their bills and buying lifesaving medication. Let's not forget that we need equal access to healthcare for women, for LGBTQ, and for underrepresented communities.

We must protect our healthcare system from sabotage by this administration. This month, the Trump administration made yet another move to take healthcare coverage and critical protections away from millions nationwide, instructing our own Justice Department to refuse to defend the Affordable Care Act. We are no longer just talking about stripping away protections for those with preexisting conditions, as if that weren't enough. We are in even more dangerous territory than before because if our healthcare law is completely wiped out, we will see an end--an end--to the tax credits that make coverage affordable for middle-income families; we will see an end to preventive care without copays, like health screenings and contraceptives; we will see an end to the ability of young adults under the age of 26 to stay on their parents' insurance; and we will see an end to Medicaid benefits, which have helped over 200,000 Nevadans get coverage.

If this administration has its way with invalidating our healthcare law, it would spell disaster for primary care providers and the millions of Americans who rely on its protections for access to quality, affordable care.

Healthcare is one of the top issues at every kitchen table in communities like Winnemucca and Henderson and across this country. I can't even begin to count the number of Nevadans who have shared with me how they would be affected by this disastrous decision and who tell me what it means in their personal lives not to have to live in fear of being denied coverage for a preexisting condition. Over 1.2 million Nevadans live with a preexisting condition. We all know what is at stake if

these individuals are denied access to care.

There are plenty of ways we can work to improve the Affordable Care Act and lower healthcare costs, but destroying the law and leaving our loved ones at risk is simply unacceptable.

As a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions here in the Senate, I am working on solutions each day to bring resources, accountability, and relief to our healthcare system, including supporting legislation to bring down our skyrocketing drug costs and programs that bolster telemedicine in our rural and underserved communities because healthcare is a personal issue that affects each and every one of us, and we all know that just one diagnosis can change your life in an instant.

The Senate today faces many challenges, none more so than the polarization and division that prevents us from coming together in pursuit of the public interest. In his farewell address, Nevada Senator Richard Bryan stated: ``If we can restore civility in our public discourse, as we debate the great issues and policy differences of our time, if we can apply the rules that govern the process by which we conduct the Senate's business fairly to all, and if we can work together for the common good, I am confident that the future of the Senate can be as bright as the past.''

So this is my pledge to all of you: I will be an independent voice for all Nevadans by agreeing where I can and fighting where I must. There is nothing more important to me than taking care of my home, our home, your families, and all of our families because home means Nevada to me.

During my first few weeks as a Senator, I joined Senator Manchin in helping lead the effort to defend the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Our resolution will direct the Senate legal counsel to intervene in the Federal court case, where our healthcare system is under attack, to defend our current law, including protections for preexisting conditions.

This is why Nevadans sent me here--to protect their healthcare. And that is what I am going to do; that is what I will continue to do.

Thank you.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I have the privilege of recognizing the distinguished service of Commander Charles ``Chuck'' Johnson, a highly respected Korean and Vietnam war veteran. Having enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 16 before completing his high school education, Chuck served his country honorably for 21 years on the front lines of combat in both Korea and Vietnam.

Chuck's commitment to serve did not waver after returning home, and he has spent much of his civilian life advocating and caring for Nevada's veterans, fighting to ensure that their service is never forgotten. Commander of the Southern Nevada chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chuck played a critical role in establishing a Korean War Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV, which stands as a testament to the more than 9,000 Korean war veterans buried there. Chuck persisted for over 24 years to see this project come to fruition, and as a community, we are beyond grateful for his dedication to this worthy cause.

Known as a leader and community servant throughout southern Nevada, Chuck was most recently recognized as News 3 Las Vegas's Veteran of the Month. Throughout the month of March, we saluted Chuck for his tireless work to make our community, State, and country a better, safer, and more just place. I am grateful for Commander Johnson's sacrifice and patriotism and look forward to observing his continued work on behalf of veterans in Nevada and beyond.

Mr. President, it is my distinct honor to recognize Samuel S. Lionel, who is celebrating his 100th birthday. Considered the ``Dean'' of the Nevada Bar, Sam's defense of Nevada values stands as a strong reminder of the tremendous work he has done for our State.

For decades, Sam has represented one of the largest law firms in Nevada, fighting for critically important issues such as our thriving tourism industry and defending Nevada's unique western heritage. The dedication he has placed into his practice has strengthened our State's economy and helped shape the Las Vegas Valley that we know and love today. In fact, it was Sam who played a key role in the conception and development of many of the hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, setting the stage for Nevada's unprecedented growth and its booming entertainment scene.

Sam is known for his philanthropic heart. He remains particularly active in Jewish philanthropy, and we share a long history of working together in our synagogue, Congregation Ner Tamid. Sam has also been a central benefactor of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, endowing the namesake Samuel S. Lionel Professor of Intellectual Property Law position at the William S. Boyd School of Law in 2016. I know firsthand the wonderful leader Sam is, and his philanthropic work has distinguished him in the Jewish and legal communities not only in Nevada but also throughout the United States. Sam's name is and will always remain synonymous with his professional and philanthropic dedication to the Silver State.

Happy birthday to Sam, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, servant leader, and loyal friend.

Mr. President, on January 24, I was not present due to an injury sustained on January 21 and a resulting surgery from which I am still recovering. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall vote 8, motion for attendance, and rollcall vote 10, Schumer amendment No. 6. I would have voted nay on rollcall vote 9, Shelby amendment No. 5.

Mr. Speaker, on December 21, I was not present due to the death of my brother two days prior. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll call votes 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 495, 496, 499, and 500. I would have voted ``nay'' on roll call votes 485, 494, 497, and 498.

Mr. Speaker, on December 20, on roll call votes 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, and 473, I was not present due to the death of my brother the prior evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on roll call votes 446, 463, 467, 468, 469, 470, and 472. I would have voted ``yea'' on roll call votes: 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 464, 465, 466, 471, and 473.

Mr. Speaker, on December 19th, on roll call votes 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, and 445, I was not present due to the severe illness of my brother, who sadly passed away later that evening. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on all ten roll call votes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Emily Reese, a cherished Nevadan, a loving mother of three, and a fearless healthcare advocate who worked tirelessly to put others before herself.

Emily devoted her last year of life to fighting for what she believed in: protecting access to quality, affordable healthcare for those who need it most. Her work touched many lives, including my own.

Emily's compassion and determination knew no boundaries, and it is those qualities that made her a powerful voice in our community.

As we pay tribute to her life, let us never forget to find strength in her words: live life, love life, and impact others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the 58 innocent souls who were taken on October 1.

No words can describe the devastation and heartbreak my community experienced that night. So many families in Las Vegas and across the Nation are still grieving from this unspeakable tragedy, and their lives will never be the same.

I am forever grateful to our first responders, medical professionals, hotel and security staff, and the kindness of strangers who helped the wounded to the hospital and stood in line for hours to donate blood.

We will never forget the selfless and heroic acts by men and women who risked it all and gave their lives for others that night.

As we continue to heal, what we have always known about our community remains true: We are Vegas strong; we are resilient; and even in our darkest hour, we come together united.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Officer Kyle Eng, a longtime Las Vegas resident and devoted family man.

Kyle was a beloved father to his three daughters and husband to Arlyn Eng. He was known for his love of sports and dedication to his family.

Kyle worked as a truck driver for a Las Vegas dairy company for over 20 years. During that span, he was known as an extremely reliable manager and hard worker and was said to never have missed a day of work. At the age of 50, Kyle decided to leave his job and pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. Kyle wanted to prove to his children and grandchildren that it's never too late to chase your dream.

Through his perseverance and determination, Kyle successfully became a Corrections Officer for the City of Las Vegas. Kyle's cheerful spirit, his caring nature, and his persistence to live out his dreams will always be celebrated and remembered by his family and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, on June 25th, on roll call votes 289 and 290, I was not present due to work-related travel. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on roll call vote 289 and YEA on roll call vote 290.

Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of Mr. Hastings of Florida, and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment No. 4, which I am offering with Congressman Hastings, would designate an additional $5 million for the training and retention of cybersecurity professionals under the defense-wide operation and maintenance account.

We discuss cybersecurity frequently here in Congress because cyberspace touches everything. As a former computer programer and a member of both the Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I can tell you that we rely on cyberspace for so much: our military, schools, businesses, State and local governments.

We all understand the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity and the defense of cyberspace, because the challenges we are already facing will continue to grow both at home and abroad.

Actors half a world away are targeting our hospitals, banks, and financial networks, not to mention military installations. Attacks are getting more sophisticated, and they are happening every single day.

Last year, the GAO reported that, between fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2015, cybersecurity incidents increased from over 5,500 to over 77,000, an increase of more than 1,300 percent. The report recommended that the Federal Government enhance efforts for recruiting and retaining a qualified cybersecurity workforce and improve cybersecurity workforce planning activities.

As we look to defend ourselves, we need the very best talent. I am particularly aware of the need for expanding partnerships with academia and the private sector, which will create the cybersecurity people pipeline that our government and our private sector businesses need.

Programs like the National Centers of Academic Excellence, jointly sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, for instance, serve as examples of the direction we should be headed.

As U.S. Cyber Command steps up its recruiting efforts, we must ensure that the necessary resources for training the next generation of cybersecurity specialists are made available now, wherever they are needed. This amendment is just a drop in the bucket, but it demonstrates how seriously we take this issue.

I want to thank my distinguished colleague, Congressman Alcee Hastings, for helping to lead this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the images we are seeing of children crying alone, calling out for their mothers and fathers, is absolutely heart- wrenching.

Right now, innocent children are being detained at our border, and they are going through unthinkable and life-altering trauma as a result of the Trump administration's cruel decision to separate migrant families.

Let me be crystal clear: There is no law requiring border agents to separate migrant children from their parents, yet this administration has chosen to implement this horrendous policy and deliberately ignore public outcry by refusing to put an end to this madness. They are playing political games instead of doing what is right and true to our American values.

This heartless and inhumane behavior should not have to require action from Congress to be changed. But with the President pledging to continue his heartless policy, we are compelled to act. That is why I am helping introduce legislation that puts an end to this despicable policy and keeps families together, which I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of our amendment, which strikes a provision in this bill that would prohibit the future closure of the Yucca Mountain project.

This extreme language severely undercuts any opportunity to pursue viable alternatives for Yucca Mountain, including job-creating alternatives that OMB would be required to study under my bill, the Jobs, Not Waste Act.

Even worse, this language we're seeking to strike would essentially prevent another community that consents to storing nuclear waste from being considered as the nation's nuclear repository--effectively closing the door to safer, more viable sites and forcing Nevada to become the sole dumping ground for nuclear waste we never even generated.

Based on DOE's own studies, Yucca Mountain is unfit as a repository site for nuclear waste because of the impact it would have on national transportation.

This bill throws evidence-based policy making out the window in a narrow-minded effort to force Nevada into being a nuclear waste dump.

Instead of spending billions more in hard-earned taxpayer money on this project that's destined to fail and that will inevitably put families across the country at risk, let's leave the door open to forward-thinking alternatives for Yucca Mountain.