Heller supports bills to protect Nevadans: NDAA and Mass Aerial Surveillance Act

(Sen. Dean Heller) – As we near the end of June, I would like to update all Nevadans on recent happenings in Washington, DC.

I want to start with some good news. First, legislation including the extension of the future I-11 passed through the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. This brings Nevada one step closer to having an interstate extending from Las Vegas through Northern Nevada. This interstate will provide the economic and trade development our state deserves. While we still have more hurdles to clear in order to push this over the finish line, I am confident we can make this a reality.

Second, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016 passed the Senate. This bill ensures our service members have the resources they need to protect Americans at home and abroad. Included in this legislation were two of my amendments. Click the below links to learn more about each one:

• Interoperable Electronic Health Record Amendment: Heller amendment to help reduce the VA backlog.

• Protecting the Defense Commissary Benefit Amendment: Heller amendment to protect commissary benefits for service members.

I also introduced legislation with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) protecting privacy rights of Nevadans. The Protecting Individuals From Mass Aerial Surveillance Act requires the federal government to obtain a warrant when conducting aerial surveillance in the United States. This bill protects Americans’ privacy rights from being trampled by the government’s intrusion from above and provides much-needed clarity on what authority the federal government has related to aerial surveillance.

This last week, I spoke at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation hearing addressing the defective Takata airbags. During the hearing, I pressed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator Mark Rosekind to implement more aggressive efforts to ensure recalled automotive equipment is replaced. I also emphasized the need for NHTSA to employ a strategy focused on informing young drivers about automotive vehicle recalls. To check for recalls, visit www.safercar.gov.

I look forward to spending time with fellow Nevadans this week, as well as attending the 4th of July Parade in Ely.

Sen. Heller was sworn in to the United States Senate on May 9, 2011. Prior to his service in the Senate, he was the Representative for Nevada’s Second Congressional District. He has also served as Nevada’s Secretary of State and in the Nevada State Assembly representing Carson City. To know more about him, visit www.Heller.senate.gov.