January '10 Nevada Government—U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus Column

Titus Statement on USO Lounge at McCarran Airport

January 28, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on the announcement that McCarran International Airport will get a USO lounge. Attached is a letter Congresswoman Titus sent to the USO in October offering support for the facility.

“Today’s announcement that McCarran Airport will become home to a new USO lounge is welcome news for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who are serving our nation and protecting the values we hold dear. As home to Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base, it is only fitting that Southern Nevada’s largest airport would house an area for our service members to spend their time comfortably while they are traveling.

“This is an announcement that has been years in the making and is a result of the efforts of many in the community on behalf of our active duty members. Since coming to Congress, I have been proud to work on this important issue with the USO, Senator Reid, and the military community, and I look forward to seeing these efforts come to fruition on behalf of the men and women who are sacrificing for our safety and security.”

Titus Named to Aviation Subcommittee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

January 28, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District announced today that she has been named to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation. Her appointment was approved by the full committee yesterday. This is her third subcommittee assignment in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“I came to Washington to work hard for the people of District Three and this additional subcommittee assignment will enhance my ability to focus on an issue of importance to Southern Nevada,” Titus said. “Tourism is a critical part of Southern Nevada’s economy, and ensuring safe, effective air travel at McCarran International Airport and around the country is vital to our economy.”

“I am pleased that Representative Titus has been appointed to the Aviation Subcommittee,” said Randall Walker, Director of Aviation at McCarran International Airport. “Having a voice from Southern Nevada on the subcommittee is important to ensure that McCarran is well represented as the panel works on the issues affecting travel to and from the Las Vegas area, including development of a Next Generation Air Transportation System and aviation safety and security.”

The Subcommittee on Aviation has jurisdiction over all aspects of civil aviation, including safety, infrastructure, labor, and international issues.

Titus Applauds Efforts of
President’s Middle Class Task Force

January 25, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District applauded the efforts of President Obama’s Middle Class Task Force, which today previewed elements of their recommendations. The full report will be released in February. The Task Force, which is chaired by Vice President Biden, proposed several policy initiatives to help middle-class families get ahead as the country continues to climb out of the greatest recession since the Great Depression.

“The ideas put forth by the Middle Class Task Force are the kind of steps we need to pursue to help Nevada’s hard-working families that have fallen behind due to the failed economic policies of the previous administration,” Titus said. “Southern Nevadans have seen their paychecks shrink, their jobs disappear, and the costs of health care and a higher education rise. Strengthening our middle class is essential to a strong economic recovery that puts people back to work and creates economic growth. Through targeted tax relief and support for our young adults entering the workforce, these efforts will target middle-class families whose resources have been stretched thin over the past few years.”

Titus pointed out that her work on the Congressional Task Force for Job Creation, coupled with the efforts of the Middle Class Task Force and similar working groups, will be critical to efforts to restore economic security for Southern Nevadans.

The Middle Class Task Force has held meetings around the country, resulting in several proposals to help middle-class families, including:

Nearly doubling the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for middle-class families making under $85,000 a year.

Limiting a student’s federal loan payments to 10 percent of his or her income above a basic living allowance.

Creating a system of automatic workplace IRAs.

Expanding tax credits to match retirement savings and enacting new safeguards to protect retirement savings.

Expanding support for families balancing work with caring for elderly relatives.

Titus: Supreme Court Decision Puts
Special Interests Ahead of American People

January 22, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the ban on corporate contributions to election campaigns.

“Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision was a blow to the American people who are tired of the role special interests play in the political process. Allowing big corporations to pour unlimited amounts of money into elections will drown out the voice of everyday Americans.

“The deep pockets of corporations from big oil to Wall Street banks will only give them a louder voice and the opportunity to make a greater impact because of this decision. I will work with my colleagues to look for a legislative solution that respects the First Amendment right of free speech for individuals while ensuring that the American people, not the special interests, are represented in Congress.”

Titus Statement on Unemployment Numbers

January 22, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on Nevada’s unemployment rate increasing to 13 percent in December:

“Over the past year I have talked with families in Southern Nevada that are struggling to make ends meet. I know the toll that this economic recession has taken on our community and I have and will continue to focus all my efforts on creating jobs in Southern Nevada as well as addressing the foreclosure crisis. Today’s unemployment numbers tell us what we already know; our work is far from over.

“When I came to Washington a year ago, the country was losing more than 700,000 jobs a month due to the failed economic policies of the past eight years. The previous Administration steered our economy into the deepest recession since the Great Depression and left us facing a financial crisis that threatened our entire economy.

“The road to recovery has not been easy and there will continue to be bumps along the way, but the steps we have taken—the largest package of tax cuts in history, investments in renewable energy that will diversify our economy and create jobs, and millions of dollars of investments in education and infrastructure—will put us on the path to a stronger economy. It is critical that the Governor puts this money to work quickly and efficiently in order to get people back to work.

“It took years to send our economy into the tailspin that left Nevada facing record unemployment, and I am fighting everyday to turn our economy around and create good jobs. Earlier this week, these efforts resulted in $6 million for Nevada to train workers for the skills they need for emerging industries like energy efficiency and renewable energy. As we work to diversify our economy and take advantage of our abundant renewable resources, we must have a workforce that is prepared to get the job done.

“From extending unemployment benefits that will assist Southern Nevadans weather this storm to holding housing workshops that give families the answers they need from their lenders, I will do everything in my power to fight for the people in District Three during this difficult time.”