March '10 Nevada Government—U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley Column

Berkley: Clean Energy Development Good
For Nevada And The Nation

*** Sun, Wind, Geothermal Expansion Creating Jobs,
Increasing U.S. Energy Independence ***

March 11, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today welcomed the announcement of plans for a new wind turbine manufacturing facility in the Las Vegas Valley and pointed to the project as another sign of how renewable energy expansion benefits the Silver State and the nation.

“Nevada is already becoming a leader in the use and development of clean energy and this wind turbine manufacturing facility will mean even more new employment opportunities tied to this rapidly growing marketplace. In addition to creating jobs and new business opportunities in Nevada, increasing the amount of green power we produce from geothermal, wind, solar and other renewable sources will increase America’s energy independence,” said Berkley.

Berkley supported passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included funding for grants to train local workers in the green economy.

“Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation has received $6 million in Recovery Act funding to train workers for jobs in the green energy and efficiency field,” said Berkley. “Valley job seekers will have the opportunity to learn valuable new skills as a result of this grant. Through their participation in this training program, we could see thousands of workers back on the job and bringing home a paycheck. And this is just one more example of how the stimulus is helping Nevada as we continue to recover from the financial crisis.”

The Nevada State Energy Sector Partnership—announced earlier this year—will play a key role in developing a national green economy by targeting energy efficiency and renewable energy and other green industries. The partnership will teach workers the skills required in emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, leading to job placement, job creation and economic growth.

“Businesses and homeowners are realizing the savings that come from making buildings in Las Vegas and nationwide more energy efficient. Solar production and the use of other forms of renewable energy are also rapidly expanding and these funds will prepare Nevadans to help tap America’s abundance of clean energy resources,” Berkley said. “These grants, which I strongly supported with my vote for job creation under the stimulus plan, will enable program participants—including veterans and disabled Nevadans—to receive the technical training and job skills needed to qualify for industry-recognized credentials.”

Comprehensive training activities will be provided through the State’s system of higher education, which includes universities, colleges and community colleges, select high schools, strategically located training facilities, apprenticeship programs and energy partners.

Berkley Announces $218,000 Grant For
Nevada Minority Business Development Center

March 10, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today announced the Nevada Minority Business Enterprise Center (NMBEC) has been awarded $218,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and an important source of jobs at a time when Nevadans need new work opportunities. This funding will enable the Las Vegas-based NMBEC to continue providing assistance to minority-owned businesses in need of expert guidance on issues ranging from financing and accounting to marketing and contracting. The more we do to help develop local minority-owned businesses in Las Vegas and across the state, the more Nevada’s economy benefits,” said Berkley.

The grant will enable the Center to continue providing assistance and services to minority business enterprises in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada in order to help these companies and employers compete successfully in today’s global marketplace. Services provided by the Las Vegas-based NMBEC include:

Financing and Bonding—NMBEC assists firms in securing financing to meet their capital needs.

Accounting Services—NMBEC helps small and minority businesses develop accounting systems, procedures and policies that will improve decision making. NMBEC also trains office staff to implement and operate these systems.

Procurement and Contracting—NMBEC identifies public and private sector sales and contracting opportunities, and can help entrepreneurs identify and receive notifications on upcoming contracts.

U.S. Small Business Administration Program Certification—NMBEC assists qualified companies in applying for certain SBA programs certifications including 8(a) certification and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) certification.

Berkley Pays Tribute To Law Enforcement, Security Officers Who Stopped Las Vegas Courthouse Attack

March 10, 2010 – Las Vegas, NV – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today recognized the heroic actions of fallen Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, U.S. Marshal Joe Gardner and the other southern Nevada law enforcement officials who responded to a January shooting at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas. Berkley is a cosponsor of a resolution adopted this morning by the House recognizing Cooper’s sacrifice and the heroic actions of law enforcement and security officers in protecting the public during the shooting incident (full bill text below).

The Congresswoman also delivered remarks from the floor of the House of Representatives to honor the memory of Officer Cooper and actions of U.S. Marshal Gardner and to support passage of the resolution recognizing the actions of the security and law enforcement personnel involved. Video of Berkley’s speech can be viewed below http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW3XM05sP88 and the text of her remarks follow video below:

“I particularly want to thank my colleague from Nevada, Dina Titus, for introducing this resolution. I think it’s very important to honor those in Las Vegas who have given so much to their country. I rise today in strong support of this resolution and the law enforcement personnel who put their lives at risk every day in order to protect their fellow Americans. Today we honor two Nevada heroes, Stanley Cooper and Joe Gardner, for their courageous actions while protecting the staff and visitors at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Officer Cooper was downed during this senseless act of violence and gave his life while bravely serving his country. We should never forget the heroic sacrifice he made and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. U.S. Marshal Gardner thought quickly and acted bravely in responding to the armed assault and I wish him a speedy recovery from the wounds he received in the line of duty.

“I also commend the other court security officers, U.S. Marshals and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their quick and courageous response to this attack and for protecting the public and preventing further loss of life. This resolution honors these public servants’ courageous actions and officer Cooper’s legacy of bravery and selflessness. This resolution serves as tribute not only to officer Cooper and U.S. Marshal Gardner but to all public servants who put their lives on the line daily while serving their country.

“I encourage my colleagues to support this measure, but if I may take an additional minute, for those of our fellow citizens who are so frustrated with their government or so angry with life or with what is happening in this country or in their lives, there has to be a better way than this to express your anger and frustration.

“In the aftermath of these tragedies, the government continues to function, Congress continues to meet, and life goes on, except for the perpetrators. Their lives don’t go on. More often than not they are brought down by those that protect and defend the rest of us. Their families are destroyed and can’t figure out why their loved ones reacted in this manner. And the misery they caused to their innocent fellow citizens who are only doing their jobs is beyond mention. So I ask those that are angry and frustrated -- do not do this. It creates a misery in this country that has no place in the United States of America.

“With that I yield back the balance of my time and again offer Officer Cooper’s family my condolences and officer Gardner a very speedy recovery.”

H. RES. 1061

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Honoring the heroic actions of Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ‘Joe’ Gardner, the law enforcement officers of the United States Marshals Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Court Security Officers in responding to the armed assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse on January 4, 2010.

Whereas, on January 4, 2010, during an assault at the entrance of the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas, Nevada, Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper was fatally wounded and died heroically in the line of duty while protecting the employees, occupants, and visitors of the courthouse;

Whereas Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ‘Joe’ Gardner was wounded in the line of duty while protecting the employees, occupants, and visitors of the courthouse;

Whereas the Court Security Officers and members of the United States Marshals Service and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department acted swiftly and bravely to subdue the gunman and minimize risk and injury to the public; and

Whereas the heroic actions of Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ‘Joe’ Gardner, and the law enforcement officers who responded to the attack prevented additional harm to innocent bystanders: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives --

(1) commends the brave actions and quick thinking exhibited by Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper during the assault at the entrance of the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse;

(2) offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty;

(3) commends Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ‘Joe’ Gardner for his actions and bravery in responding to the assault;

(4) wishes Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ‘Joe’ Gardner a speedy recovery from the wounds he sustained in the line of duty; and

(5) applauds the Court Security Officers and members of the United States Marshals Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their brave and courageous actions in responding to the assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse.

Berkley Bill Would Tighten Enforcement Of Iran Sanctions

*** Firms Avoiding Restrictions Against Doing Business with Iran ***

March 8, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley is cosponsoring new legislation that would tighten restrictions on U.S. firms under the existing Iran Sanctions Act. The bill is needed to stop companies, including U.S. firms with overseas arms, from exploiting loopholes that have allowed them to do business with Iran in violation of existing prohibitions.

“We know U.S. firms with overseas operations and others are still finding ways to do business with Iran and it’s time we get tough on those violating the Iran Sanctions Act. This law was designed to keep pressure on Iran as a way to discourage its nuclear weapons ambitions, but it cannot be an effective tool if those breaking the rules are never held accountable. The law must be enforced if it’s going to be an effective economic and diplomatic tool against Iran,” said Berkley.

The Iran Sanctions Enhancement Act, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Ron Klein (FL) and Mark Kirk (IL), requires the President to complete investigations of violators within 45 days and to notify Congress of entities in violation of the Iran Sanctions Act. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would also be required to publish a list of potential Sanctions Act violators every month.

Berkley has consistently warned that the U.S. cannot ignore the threat posed by Iran’s drive to develop nuclear weapons and supports economic and trade sanctions as a means of pressure.

“A nuclear Iran poses as much of a threat to the U.S., Europe and the Middle East as it does to Israel. The effective use of sanctions can prevent having to look at utilizing a military option, but when the Iranian regime is unwilling to negotiate, no response can be taken off the table,” Berkley said. “We want to show the Iranians that America and its allies will use every tool we have to stop them from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” said Berkley. “But when companies can still do business even with sanctions in place, it’s clear there needs to be more enforcement.”

Berkley is also a cosponsor of The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194). The bill was approved overwhelmingly by the House with bipartisan support in December 2009. The bill includes further sanctions on Iran’s banking sector and gives the President the power to impose sanctions against companies that supply Iran with—or support its domestic production of—gasoline and other refined petroleum products.

Berkley: Use $100 Million In Federal “HFA Hardest-Hit” Funding Now To Aid Nevada Homeowners

*** Congresswoman Working with NV Housing Division to Develop Programs to Stabilize Housing Market, Aid Underwater Homeowners ***

March 05, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today pledged to work with the Nevada Housing Division to develop programs that will provide relief to homeowners in Las Vegas and statewide who are caught in the foreclosure crisis and have seen their home values plunge. As one of only five states targeted, Nevada was awarded more than $100 million under the federal Housing Finance Agencies Innovation Fund for the Hardest Hit Housing Markets program (“HFA Hardest-Hit Fund”). Berkley is closely monitoring the development of plans for utilizing this federal funding, including discussions at a State Housing Division hearing held this morning in Las Vegas.

“President Obama announced that Nevada was one of only five states selected to receive this federal funding during his recent trip to Las Vegas. As a result, we are receiving more than $100 million to develop innovative approaches to help families hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis,” said Berkley. “Nevada will be able to submit proposals for using this funding to develop custom tailored programs designed to prevent foreclosures and stabilize housing markets. Among those who may qualify for help are borrowers who are unemployed, homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages and Nevadans struggling with second liens,” said Berkley.

The HFA Hardest-Hit Fund was designed to allow the maximum possible flexibility to Housing Finance Agencies in designing locally-focused programs that have foreclosure prevention and housing market stability as their primary objectives. The fund is designed to address housing problems in Nevada and other states that have experienced the most severe home price declines. Programs are designed to protect home values and preserve homeownership.

Possible assistance allowed under the Hardest-Hit Fund Includes:

Mortgage Modifications—Programs may provide for mortgage modification of loans held by HFAs or other financial institutions or provide incentives for servicers / investors to modify loans.

Mortgage Modifications with Principal Forbearance—Programs may provide for paying down all or a portion of an overleveraged loan and taking back a note from the borrower for that amount in order to facilitate additional modifications.

Short Sales / Deeds-In-Lieu of Foreclosure—Programs may provide for assistance with short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure in order to prevent avoidable foreclosures.

Principal Reduction Programs for Borrowers with Severe Negative Equity—Programs may provide incentives for financial institutions to write-down a portion of unpaid principal balance for homeowners with severe negative equity.

Unemployment Programs—Programs may provide for assistance to unemployed borrowers to help them avoid preventable foreclosures.

Second Lien Reductions—Programs may provide incentives to reduce or modify second liens.

Berkley Announces $2.1 Million In Recovery Act Funding For Nevada Transportation Needs

*** NDOT Says Funds Will Be Used to Purchase New Buses ***

March 5, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today announced that Nevada has received $2.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for transportation needs. The funding will be utilized by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to purchase three buses and for miscellaneous support equipment.

“These new buses are another reminder of how the Recovery Act is helping Nevada meet the transportation needs of communities across our state. Public transportation provides residents of all ages with a safe and reliable option for getting to work, school, or the grocery store and these resources will allow NDOT to purchase new buses for rural areas and other needed equipment,” said Berkley. “More than $250 million in transportation funding has been provided to the Silver State as a result of the Recovery Act and state officials say that by the end of this year, transportation jobs will have been created in every one of Nevada’s counties paid for by these stimulus dollars,” said Berkley.

Berkley supported passage of the Recovery Act and has worked with Nevada transportation officials to ensure that all funding is being utilized in a timely manner to create jobs and to improve roads and highways statewide.