In early August I lead a week-long, multi-national Congressional delegation trip assessing our fight against terrorism, global climate change, development and democracy.  My first stop was in Kyrgyzstan, where I met dozens of American troops including five Nevada Airmen at the Manas Coalition Air Base. 

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan- Nevada Senator Harry Reid lead a delegation of United States senators on a multi-national trip focused on progress on terrorism, global climate change, development, and democracy.  Other senators joining Reid include Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ).  Scheduled stops on the weeklong trip include countries in central Asia and Europe.

During the first stop in Kyrgyzstan, Reid and the delegation met with President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.  At the meeting Reid stressed the need for Bakiyev to do more to help the nation build on recent political progress so that it can become a full and free democracy.  He also thanked the president for Kyrgyzstan’s role supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan.

“Kyrgyzstan has made tremendous progress as a developing democracy,” Reid said.  “What we have seen here has been very impressive, but there is more to do to strengthen this democracy and ensure that it is long-lasting. President Bakiyev has a key role to play in that.”

The delegation also met with opposition leaders and discussed concerns over corruption and opening the political system.

Prior to meeting with President Bakiyev, Reid toured the Manas Coalition Air Base located just outside the capital city of Bishkek.  The base serves as a transitioning facility for troops preparing to serve in Afghanistan and supports logistics in Afghanistan.  During his visit Reid had lunch with the five Nevada troops currently stationed at the base.

“I am very proud of all of our men and women who serve in the Armed Forces, but it is always such a privilege to spend time with troops serving from Nevada,” Reid said.  “I am grateful that they took some time out of their day to spend with me and I thank them for their service to our country.”

Reid and the delegation also received an update on development work taking place in Kyrgyzstan.  These efforts, led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), focus on improving the nation’s economy by building and strengthening small businesses through loans and grants.

“While many Americans may have never heard of Kyrgyzstan, as an important developing democracy in Central Asia, ensuring its success is vital, especially given its proximity to Afghanistan and the role this country plays in our fight against terror.”

More on our multi-national Congressional delegation trip next week.

Reid Announces Major Solar Grant For Nevada Company

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid announced that Acciona Solar Power, Inc., a Nevada company, will receive $600,000 in funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) to advance solar energy projects.

Senator Reid, a longtime advocate for clean, renewable energy sources, supports large scale solar thermal projects, especially to demonstrate energy storage.  He has voted for significant increases in Federal funding for such programs.

“I commend the DOE for making this investment in solar energy,” Reid said.  “This grant is a major step in the right direction for renewable energy projects and can take advantage of Nevada’s abundance of both sunny days and skilled labor.”

Reid Leads Defense Department

To Address Servicemembers Baggage Fees

Nevada Senator Harry Reid received good news from the Department of Defense (DOD) following his inquiry into airline baggage fees being charged to servicemen and women being deployed to serve our country.

Because of Reid’s letter, the DOD looked into this issue and all major airlines have recently amended their baggage policies so that members of the military are able to travel with the equipment they need.
 
“I am pleased that the Department of Defense took this issue seriously and, as a result, our servicemen and women won’t have to worry about being charged baggage fees while serving our country,” said Reid. “I look forward to continued discussions between the Defense Department, the airlines and the General Services Administration to ensure our troops aren’t being asked to foot the bill when answering the call of duty.”
 
A copy of Undersecretary Chu’s response is attached.