Nevada News

Addressing High Gas Prices

Skyrocketing gas and energy prices are hurting Nevada’s working families.  That’s why I am pushing Congress to pass legislation to address the root causes of the problem and reduce the burden on consumers and the economy.  Excessive speculation on Wall Street and around the world has helped drive dramatic increases in oil and energy prices. The bill I introduced would curb speculation, go after OPEC for collusion, and convince the oil companies to start investing their huge profits in clean, affordable alternatives like wind, solar and geothermal energy to power our economy.  I've forced votes at least five times this year on legislation to help restrain energy prices and help the consumers.  For those who say we should drill more at home, I believe the oil companies should start using the 68 million acres of onshore and off-shore leases they already own, before asking for more land.  But let me be clear, we can't simply drill our way to lower prices or to real energy independence because America has less than 3% of the world's oil supplies and uses more than 25% of its production.  That is why we must increase our investment in renewable energy sources like the ones that are so abundant in Nevada.

For more information on my energy plans, CLICK HERE.

Nevada has been hit harder than any other state by the national foreclosure crisis, which is why I am working to ensure that the Senate passes legislation to help our homeowners. The Senate Housing Bill gives first time homebuyers an $8,000 tax-credit, and requires mortgage lenders to be up-front with homeowners about potential maximum payments. We also created a new program under the Federal Housing Authority that allows people to move from adjustable- to fixed-rate mortgages. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation and am confident that it will pass the Senate soon and help thousands of Nevadans.

For more information on the Senate Housing Bill, CLICK HERE.

For information regarding foreclosure prevention, CLICK HERE.

 Keeping Medicare Working for Nevada’s Doctors and Patients

Yesterday, we made history.  The Senate passed a bill, by a veto-proof, bipartisan majority, to halt the 10.6% cut in payments to physicians under Medicare. This will protect not only our seniors and people with disabilities, but also our veterans and military families who use TRICARE – more than 350,000 Nevadans in all. The legislation provides key improvements for beneficiaries, including reducing out of pocket costs for seniors seeking mental health care – a provision I have introduced and long fought to enact. This was good, bipartisan legislation – a true compromise – and I am so pleased we are going to get this relief out to our providers and beneficiaries.

To hear my statement on the Senate's Medicare Bill, please CLICK HERE.