June '09 Nevada Government - Dina Titus column

Titus Joins Obama’s Call for PAYGO and Fiscal Responsibility

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today in support of President Obama’s call for legislation to reinstitute statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules.

“I join with President Obama in calling for a return to PAYGO rules that will help bring our fiscal house in order. Under PAYGO, which I have long supported, Congress can only spend a dollar if it saves a dollar somewhere else. This is a principle Nevada’s families live by every day when they stick to their budget, and it is a principle this Congress must adhere to in order to address our long-term fiscal health.

“This Congress inherited a fiscal and economic mess after eight years of economic policies that left our nation awash in red ink. We took unprecedented action to address the worst recession in a generation and make critical short-term investments in energy, health care, and education that will create jobs and get our economy back on track. Now is the time to tighten our belt and reign in our nation’s deficit. The PAYGO rule was an important tool in the 1990s when we went from record deficits to record surpluses, and instituting this rule again is critical to our efforts to restore fiscal responsibility.”

Investments in Clean Energy Technologies Will Help the United States Regain Its Competitive Edge

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor this morning (June10) on the importance of investing in clean energy in Nevada. Below are her remarks as delivered.

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of efforts to spur investment in clean energy and energy efficiency technology that will create clean energy jobs back home in Nevada and across our country. Investments in clean energy technologies like solar, wind, geothermal, smart grid, and advanced batteries will help the United States regain its competitive edge in a global green economy, reduce our reliance on foreign oil, and improve our energy security.

“Clean energy jobs – like manufacturing solar panels and wind mills and constructing new energy efficient buildings – are jobs that can stay right here at home in the United States. But, the United States is currently losing clean energy jobs and market share to countries like China, Germany, and Korea. A thriving clean energy economy will ensure that the United States creates a sustainable manufacturing base that will compete with the rest of the world.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make the investments necessary to help create a booming clean energy economy right here in the United States.”

Titus Applauds Release of $33 Million in Stimulus Funds for Regional Transit in Southern Nevada

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third Congressional District applauded the announcement by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood that $33.6 million is now available for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the $8.4 billion for transit capital improvements.

“These funds will not only help improve our region’s growing transportation needs, but it will stimulate our economy by putting people to work at a time when our unemployment is at a 25-year high,” Congresswoman Titus said. “These investments in public transportation can also help relieve congestion while providing travel options that are better for our environment.”

The Federal Transit Administration has made $33,661,651 available for three projects in Southern Nevada: Boulder Highway Bus Rapid Transit Construction, Center City Terminal, and Centennial Hills Transit Center and Park and Ride.

The Boulder Highway Bus Rapid Transit project will connect downtown Las Vegas and the City of Henderson in the southeast part of the valley. The project will include dedicated side-running transit lanes along the majority of the 14-mile stretch, transit signal priority, and 28 stations consisting of elevated platforms, passenger shelters, ticket vending machines, and signage.

The Centennial Hills Transit Center and Park and Ride project will reduce the growing congestion on US-95 and will also complement the introduction of ACE Express Bus Service from the Northwest using the newly constructed High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on US-95.

The Central City Terminal is located in downtown Las Vegas and will replace the existing Downtown Transportation Center terminal. The Central City Terminal will manage existing fixed route operations while accommodating future Bus Rapid Transit systems and express routes from outlying park and ride facilities. The project is being proposed to meet LEED certification.

Titus Amendment Promotes Development and Deployment of Clean and Efficient Energy Technologies

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor this afternoon (June 10) on an amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act that she offered with Congressman Harry Teague of New Mexico and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. The amendment passed by voice vote. Below are Titus’ remarks as prepared.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise today in strong support of the Teague-Titus-Giffords amendment to establish a Global Clean Energy Exchange Program. This new program will strengthen research, educational exchange, and international cooperation with the aim of promoting the development and deployment of clean and efficient energy technologies.

“The development of next generation solar, wind, geothermal, carbon capture and storage, and other clean energy technologies that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil is going to take cooperative efforts from every corner of the world. Our amendment provides much-needed support for educational exchange programs dedicated to developing clean energy and energy efficient technologies. These exchange programs between the United States and other countries will be available to teachers, students, and entrepreneurs. In addition to promoting the development and deployment of clean energy technology, this program will help address issues of energy poverty in developing countries and extend the reach of American clean energy technologies and innovation that can be beneficial to developing countries.

“As a college professor, I understand the special value this type of educational exchange would provide for all participants. And equally important, this program will help make the United States the face of the new clean energy economy around the world.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to Mr. Teague and Ms. Giffords for their work on this important amendment. I urge its passage.”