(Rep. Mark E. Amodei) – Spring is upon us, and Congress is gearing up for an important season of work to meet the expectations set by voters and the Trump Administration.
The Senate is expected to advance a revised version of the House budget resolution this weekend, which paves the way for us to take action on key issues such as border security, energy policies, and tax reform, all of which voters mandated we address back in November.
While the pace here in Washington is fast, my top priority remains serving Nevada.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by recent federal changes or policies and need help navigating the process, my office and I are always here to assist.
TARIFF TALK
There is a fundamental flaw in our trading system.
Our economic stability shouldn’t depend on such a fragile market.
Once we move past hatred for this administration, most people agree that it’s dangerous for our adversaries, especially China, to control key resources like pharmaceuticals, agriculture products, rare earth materials, or even the manufacturing of our defense stockpile.
I think most people also agree it is in our best interest to bring back jobs in manufacturing to the United States. While Wall Street wigging out is not unexpected, the whole story is not going to be told over 48 hours or a week.
We’ll be closely monitoring key indicators of economic stability, such as job reports, inflation, and consumer spending, but nobody said this was going to be instant gratification, and as the President said, “We’re dealing with a very sick patient.”
Under Biden, we saw the largest trade deficit in U.S. history, and the status quo is simply not sustainable. We need significant changes to steer our country toward self-reliance.
There’s a lot of news surrounding tariffs, so stay tuned next week for a special update on that.
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
I had a productive meeting with the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
We discussed solutions aimed at helping Nevadans secure wildfire insurance, as it has been increasingly difficult for homeowners in the high desert and Tahoe basin to be able to fully insure their homes.
Additionally, we discussed the necessity for local fire organizations and emergency management agencies to be fully reimbursed for assisting with fire management outside their direct jurisdictions.
I appreciate the dedication and hard work of these individuals and their teams in keeping our communities safe.
Tourism and travel plays a major role towards the success of Nevada’s economy.
I met with the U.S. Travel Association to better understand our state’s success as a national leader in travel and tourism.
We also discussed strategies in areas we can improve, especially as we prepare for the upcoming mega-decade of events taking place nationwide in the years ahead.
VISITING LITHIUM AMERICA WORKFORCE HUB
During my time in the district, Governor Lombardo joined me in visiting the Lithium America Workforce Housing Hub in Winnemucca to check out the progress made.
Thacker Pass is an amazing project to have right here in Nevada, and it is the most significant opportunity to create a North American lithium battery supply chain.
Currently less than 1% of the world’s lithium supply comes from the U.S., but Thacker Pass will change that.
It was great to get out and see the Workforce Hub firsthand and the progress being made on construction of Thacker Pass, which will generate more than $700 million in economic activity annually for our state.
It’s a win for our economy and for jobs, and a win for national security by significantly reducing the country’s dependency on foreign suppliers like China for this critical metal.
TOURING PANASONIC AND REDWOOD PLANTS
I had the privilege of touring the Panasonic and Redwood plants with the Zero Emission Transportation Association, highlighting the game-changing initiatives that position Nevada as a leader in lithium production.
Nevada is the heart of technological innovation, and this project allows us to be at the forefront of meeting growing demand by advancing critical infrastructure.
I look forward to witnessing the impact it will have on job creation and long-term economic success for our state.
REINTRODUCTION OF THE NORTHERN NEVADA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION ACT
Last week, I reintroduced legislation that focuses on the conveyance and disposal of federal lands in northern Nevada.
Since I joined Congress in 2011, a top priority of mine has been advancing a lands package that drives economic development in my district.
My role involves ensuring that my colleagues understand the unique challenges Nevada faces, particularly due to the fact that 85% of our state is federally owned.
I am grateful to all the local stakeholders, community members, and tribal leaders for their outreach and participation in this process.
With their help, we have made significant progress over the years, and I am optimistic that we will get this across the finish line in the 119th Congress.
Read my full press release here.
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students nationwide.
This is a unique opportunity for students in each congressional district in the country to be recognized for their artistic talent. Artwork will be judged on aesthetics, creativity, and relation to Nevada.
The winning artist’s work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
This year, submissions for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District will be accepted electronically at NV02.ArtCompetition@mail.house.gov or can be dropped off at my Reno office at 5310 Kietzke Lane, Suite 103, Reno, NV 89511.
All interested high school students are strongly encouraged to participate. To be considered for selection, submissions must be no larger than 26 inches wide by 26 inches high, by 4 inches deep, and must weigh no more than 15 pounds when framed.
Submissions must also be two-dimensional and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.
Students must provide their name, address, phone number, email address, and Student Information & Release Form with their submission. They must also include their art title and medium category of the submission.
Click here for more information about the Congressional Art Competition.
Please contact NV02.ArtCompetition@mail.house.gov or call my Reno Office at (775) 686-5760 with any questions.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, thank you for subscribing to the Amodei Report. I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date on the issues you care about most.
For additional information, please call my Washington office: (202) 225-6155, Reno office: (775) 686-5760, or Elko phone: (775) 777-7705 or visit my website at Amodei.house.gov.
To receive updates on what I am doing in Washington and Nevada’s 2nd District follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Sincerely,
Mark E. Amodei
Member of Congress
