Posted by: Dean Heller in Untagged on
November 11, 2009
The following originally appeared as an op-ed in the Nevada Appeal. -Staff
Representing Nevada in Congress, I am reminded every day of the precious liberties we enjoy in our country because of selfless generations of patriots who have risked their lives to defend our great nation. On Veterans Day, we thank our veterans and troops who selflessly fought to preserve our way of life in America. It is only because of their devotion and sacrifice that we enjoy today's freedoms.
Nevada is home to 339,000 veterans, and I work every day to meet our nation's obligations to care for our veteran community. One of the most pressing matters for veterans and their families is the burden and cost of traveling to Veterans Affairs (VA) health facilities to receive critical health care.
The following originally appeared as an op-ed in The Hill. -Staff
Cap and trade equals energy tax. That is why I strongly oppose and voted against H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act. In fact, as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee which has jurisdiction over tax issues, I helped lead the debate in opposition to this bill. This new energy tax will affect every man, woman, and child in our country. Every time you turn on a light, cook your family dinner, or take your kids to school you will be taxed. Air travel, food prices, electricity costs and transportation costs will skyrocket. This tax increase will kill jobs and further damage an already struggling economy. The mining, housing, farming, ranching, and tourism industries will all be devastated at a time when Nevadans are hurting the most.
Posted by: Dean Heller in Health Care Reform on
June 16, 2009
The following originally appeared as an op-ed in the Reno Gazette-Journal. -Staff
Today, health care coverage is unattainable for many American families. About 182 million Americans currently receive some form of employer-sponsored health care. With so many affected, Congress should ensure that any changes protect those already with medical coverage. If you like your coverage, you should be able to keep it -- not be forced into a "one size fits all" government program.
The following originally appeared as an op-ed in The Hill. -Staff
Economic recovery is the one issue that should bring Democrats and Republicans together. Nationwide the unemployment rate is over 8 percent. My home state of Nevada has over 10 percent unemployment and leads the country in home foreclosures. Yet, as American families struggle, the administration and the majority party are pursuing fiscal policies that penalize working Americans and small businesses. Unfortunately, in our current climate, ideology takes priority over common sense. Congress is recklessly spending money at nearly $1 billion per hour without regard for future generations. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle often use the phrase "inherited debt" and point to past transgressions. However, two wrongs do not make a right.
Posted by: Dean Heller in Fiscal Responsibility on
March 5, 2009
The following originally appeared as an op-ed in the The Ely Times. -Staff
I don't need to tell Nevadans that our economy is struggling.
Congress can help hasten an economic recovery by embracing pro-growth policies that place more money in the pockets of Americans. At the same time, we need to assist those who have lost their jobs and need help.
Unfortunately, Congress recently passed a $1.1 trillion dollar spending bill that invests in big government instead of the American people. Getting our economy back on track will require three things: the stabilization of our financial institutions; recovery of our housing market; and putting the federal government's fiscal house in order.
The roots of our economic troubles are found in the volatility of the stock markets and our banking institutions. In response, Congress passed a $700 billion bailout of our financial institutions. I was the only member of the Nevada delegation who opposed this legislation because it made taxpayers responsible for Wall Street greed without solving our economic troubles. Solutions to this problem exist that do not place current taxpayers and future generations at risk or push our country further in debt. Congress should instead pass legislation that protects the taxpayer, assists with bad assets, and allows the market to correct itself.
Posted by: Dean Heller in Untagged on
November 12, 2008
The following originally appeared as an op-ed in the The Ely Times. -Staff
Veterans Day may be over, but our gratitude for our nation's heroes who defended liberty and gave their lives for freedom should not end on Nov. 12.
I want to thank every veteran for their service to our country. As we all know the people who make the greatest sacrifices for our country are the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. Generations of Nevadans will enjoy greater peace and security because of the tireless sacrifices of our service members.
We should take a moment to discuss important issues for Nevada's veterans. Some of the most pressing matters for veterans and their families are critical veterans' benefits and access to healthcare.
Posted by: Dean Heller in Energy Independence on
July 2, 2008
The following originally appeared as an op-ed in the Nevada Appeal. -Staff
High fuel prices is the No. 1 issue in Nevada, and Americans are demanding congressional action. Record high gas prices are crippling family budgets, public safety efforts, educational institutions, small businesses, and causing inflation on all manner of products and commodities. Nevada is one of just five states projected to lose more than 10 percent of its airline routes because of the high price of fuel, according to USA Today.
