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

Berkley Statement On Israel And Gaza Blockade Incident

June 2, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today released the following statement regarding an attempted violation of Israel’s Gaza blockade by a flotilla of ships carrying aid:

“I am deeply concerned about the recent incident involving attempts by a flotilla to break an Israeli blockade of Gaza and I regret the tragic loss of life that followed this provocation.

“Unfortunately, efforts are now underway to unfairly paint Israel as the aggressor in this incident. These assertions come even as mounting evidence points to passengers on the vessel, not Israeli forces, as the instigators of violence.

“Israel’s blockade of Gaza is legal under international law. This policy is in place to ensure that weaponry and rockets do not reach Hamas, a risk to Israeli families that our democratic ally cannot -- and will not -- allow.

“Israel acted to avoid violence by intercepting these boats at sea and offered to bring all aid to Israeli ports for inspection and delivery to Gaza. This offer was flatly rejected, as was a similar invitation to deliver aid made by Egypt that was also refused.

“The government of Israel repeatedly warned flotilla organizers that the boats would be intercepted before reaching Gaza. On five of the six boats, the Israelis were met peacefully and calmly by the passengers, without incident. This demonstrates Israeli personnel had no intention to use force and only did so in self-defense.

“But these activists attempting to illegally break the blockade were not solely intent on delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. They made it clear before their operation ever began that they were seeking conflict with Israel and to break the blockade. Mounting evidence now points to the presence of passengers linked to Hamas on the sixth boat, who attacked Israeli soldiers without provocation.

“In the aftermath of this incident, I call on the world community to stand with Israel against further illegal provocation aimed at Israeli forces pledged to defend innocent lives against terrorist threats.”

Berkley Announces $1.5 Million In Funding For Veterans Housing In Southern Nevada

*** VA-HUD Program Provides Monthly Rent Vouchers for Valley Vets and Their Families ***

June 1, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today announced that Southern Nevada will receive $1.5 million in funding to help veterans in need of permanent housing. The federal funding was awarded to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority through the Department of Housing and Urban Development and VA Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) Program.

“Our nation owes its gratitude to those who served in America’s armed forces and that includes supporting veterans and their families when they need help with housing. This $1.5 million in funding will allow the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority to help an estimated 150 veterans by providing housing vouchers that will cover a majority of the rent each month. Veterans eligible to receive this assistance are referred to HUD through the VA and once they qualify, these Nevadans can begin to receive help so they have a place of their own to call home,” said Berkley, who has been a longtime advocate in Congress for homeless vets.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, through a cooperative partnership, provides long-term case management, supportive services and permanent housing support.

Eligible homeless veterans receive VA provided case management and supportive services to support stability and recovery from physical and mental health, substance use, and functional concerns contributing to or resulting from homelessness.

HUD provides “Housing Choice” Section 8 vouchers designated for HUD-VASH to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority to assist with rent payment.

Berkley Backs Bill To Enhance U.S. Military Readiness, Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

May 28, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today voted for legislation that enhances military readiness for the 21st Century, strengthens counterterrorism and increases support for those serving in America’s armed forces and their families. The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act this afternoon on a vote of 229 to 186.

“We must ensure that America’s armed forces have the tools to keep our nation -- and our families -- safe from harm and terrorist threats. That is why I support the provisions in this package that enhance military readiness and protections for our troops in the field,” said Berkley. “We invest billions of dollars to ensure our forces have the equipment and armor needed on the battlefield, including protections against IEDs and other battlefield threats. And we make historic investments in nonproliferation programs to keep deadly nuclear materials and weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of our enemies.”

The bill ensures soldiers have the support they need on the battlefield when they return to their loved ones.

“As a reward for their dedication, we are giving our troops a 1.9% pay raise, and extending TRICARE coverage to dependent children up to age 26. This package also increases the separation allowance for troops required to live away from their families during deployment,” said Berkley.

Also included in the legislation is a provision that repeals “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” contingent on the Department of Defense completing its review and the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs certifying that the repeal would not impact military readiness.

“Ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will uphold our country’s promise of liberty and equality for all and I am a long-standing supporter of repealing this outdated ban. The legislation we approved will allow lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans to serve proudly in our armed forces,” said Berkley. “When we eliminate discrimination in our armed forces, we make America’s military stronger and our freedoms more secure and it’s the nation that benefits from the talent and skill these brave men and women bring to our fighting forces.”

Berkley Votes To Extend Tax Savings For Nevada Families As Part Of New Jobs Bill

Bill Protects Access to the Doctor for Seniors on Medicare & Military Families, Restores Federal Geothermal Royalties to County, State Coffers

May 28, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today voted for a new jobs bill that extends key tax savings for Nevadans and protects access to the doctor for seniors on Medicare and military families across the nation. The House passed the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act on a vote of 215 to 204.

“My goal is to put workers back on the job and money back in the pockets of Nevada families through tax relief, and I am proud to say this legislation does both,” said Berkley, who helped to author provisions in the bill as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Nevadans will see individual tax saving provisions extended, including the deduction for a portion of the state and local sales taxes they pay each year.

“This bill extends the sales tax deduction, property tax deduction, college tuition deduction and the deduction for classroom teachers, all of which add up to real savings for Nevadans across our State,” Berkley said. “We are also taking steps to make sure that military reservists do not see their pay cut by providing small businesses a tax credit so they can continue to provide paychecks to Nevada National Guard and Reserve employees called to serve,” said Berkley.

Along with significant investments in jobs and tax relief, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act restores geothermal energy payments to Nevada and local counties for energy produced on federal lands in the Silver State.

“Nevada’s federal lands are a rich source for clean geothermal energy. As a result of this fix, 25% of royalties from energy production on federal lands in Nevada will go to local counties and 50% will go directly to the Silver State. These dollars will help Nevada communities struggling to balance their budgets, while also providing additional funding to fill state coffers,” said Berkley.

At a time when Nevada continues to face double digit unemployment, the package extends eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits.

“Our bill extends a helping hand to Nevadans who remain in search of employment. For local families, these checks provide money to pay the bills, buy groceries and fill the gas tank so they can continue the job search,” said Berkley.

Berkley also voted to block a mandatory cut in the reimbursements paid to doctors who treat Medicare patients and military families covered under TRICARE in Nevada and across the nation. In addition to preventing the pending 21 percent cut, the bill provides an update of 2.2 percent, effective June 1, 2010 -- ensuring fairer pay for doctors under Medicare, TRICARE, and TRICARE for Life.

“Nevadans covered under Medicare and military families in TRICARE could find themselves unable to see the doctor if we do not put a stop to these drastic cuts. Our package protects seniors and members of the armed forces in Las Vegas and nationwide by making sure that physicians are fairly paid for the vital healthcare services they provide,” said Berkley. “Allowing these cuts to take effect would force many doctors to stop seeing Medicare and TRICARE patients, creating a crisis in access to care for millions of Americans, so we must act now.”

The bill also expands the availability of low cost bonds that can be tapped by the State of Nevada and communities like Las Vegas to finance projects and spur job creation.

“Through the use of Build America Bonds, Nevada communities have already been able to access nearly $1.3 billion in low cost funding for projects and investments that have created local economic growth,” said Berkley. “The benefit of these bonds is that they allow the State, Clark County and other entities to save on financing costs, while also providing investors with an attractive rate of return. In addition to extending the current program, this legislation contains a provision I championed that also expands eligibility for Recovery Zone Bonds so cities like Las Vegas and Henderson can tap this additional source of affordable financing.”

Build America Bonds have been used by state and local governments across the U.S. to make nearly $100 billion in infrastructure investments nationwide. The bill extends this program through 2012. Nevada projects already funded through Build America Bonds include:

Clark County Highway Improvements $210 million

Lyon County School Improvements $22 million

Las Vegas Valley Water District Utility Improvements $90 million

State of Nevada Public Improvements $68 million

City of Las Vegas Public Improvements $175 million

Las Vegas Valley Water District Utility Improvements $348 million

Clark County Transit Improvements $71 million

The legislation also extends the ability for restaurants and retailers to deduct a portion of expenses for business improvements, and a credit for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and other racing venues to upgrade their facilities.

“Provisions included in this legislation will allow restaurant operators, retailers and others to save on improvements to their businesses. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which attracts race fans of all ages, will also see a continuation of the credit for enhancing its facilities in southern Nevada,” Berkley said.