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

Titus Supports Bill to Cut Government Waste and Change How Washington Works

June 17, 2010 – Washington, DC – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District supported legislation that passed the House yesterday that provides Congress with new tools to reduce wasteful and ineffective government spending. Under H.R. 2142, the Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act, there will be more aggressive oversight and better information about how federal agencies are achieving their goals.

“As we work to turn our economy around and lift the nation out of the deepest recession in a generation, it is critical that we are responsible with taxpayer money and get the biggest bang out of each dollar invested,” Congresswoman Titus said. “This legislation will provide the necessary oversight so that Congress can effectively determine if federal agencies are meeting their goals and using resources efficiently. This will help us prevent millions of taxpayer dollars from being wasted and increase the effectiveness of federal programs and projects.”

The Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act requires the federal government to adopt the same type of performance-based budgeting standards that are being used successfully in many state governments to rein in spending and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. Federal agencies would be required to assess performance on a quarterly basis to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent in an effective manner. These performance reviews will also increase transparency and accountability in government.

This bipartisan bill has strong support from a wide range of groups and individuals, including Taxpayers for Common Sense and Robert Shea, Associate Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush.

Titus Letter to Obama Urges Regulation of Reverse Mortgages to Protect Seniors as Part of Financial Reform

June 17, 2010 – Washington, DC – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District sent the following letter to President Obama today urging him to support her efforts to protect seniors by regulating the reverse mortgage industry as part of the larger financial reform package. Titus has been sending monthly letters to the administration on the foreclosure crisis in Southern Nevada.

Below is the text of the letter.

June 17, 2010

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. DC 20500

Dear President Obama,

As the housing market continues to recover across the country, many homeowners will find that they are developing equity in their homes. Some seniors will consider a reverse mortgage to supplement their income. While this financial product can be appropriate for some, it is important that the reverse mortgage lending industry be subject to appropriate regulation to promote transparency and sufficient consumer protections.

During the House consideration of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, I offered an amendment with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky to ensure regulation of the reverse mortgage industry. This amendment, which was endorsed by AARP and received bipartisan support, would provide necessary consumer safeguards by requiring the new Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) to examine the reverse mortgage industry to ensure our nation’s seniors are not exposed to unfair and deceptive practices. In addition, our amendment requires the CFPA to ensure that all disclosures relating to reverse mortgages are just as clear and easy to understand as all other mortgage products. Unfortunately, similar language was not included in the version of the bill that was passed by the Senate.

Along with 15 of my colleagues, I sent a letter to Chairman Barney Frank and Chairman Christopher Dodd asking them to ensure that the language of the amendment is included in the final conference report. I have attached a copy of this letter for your review. I believe it is important that the CFPA have the necessary power and responsibility to protect our nation’s seniors.

In your recent remarks as part of your telephone town hall for seniors, you noted that seniors “are more frequently targeted by scam artists,” and you have asked members of your cabinet to be vigilant in prosecuting those who attempt to scam seniors. I believe this amendment will help to prevent seniors from falling victim to deceptive and unfair practices. I hope that you will work to ensure that this language is included in the final version of this important legislation.

Thank you in advance,

Dina Titus
Member of Congress

Titus Speaks in Support of Legislation to Protect Henderson from Adverse Effects of a Sloan Hills Mine

June 16, 2010 – Washington, DC – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor this morning in support of legislation to block the Sloan Hills mine that would adversely affect residents in Henderson. Later today, a Senate committee will hold a hearing on the legislation. Titus’ testimony for the hearing, which will be submitted for the record, is available here. To watch her floor speech, click here.

“Today the Senate will hold a subcommittee hearing on the Sloan Hills Withdrawal Act introduced by Majority Leader Reid. I am a cosponsor and strong supporter of the House companion to this legislation.

“The bill would withdraw the 640-acre site near the Sun City Anthem community in Henderson from being made available for mining purposes.

“The proposed mining operation would cause air quality deterioration, a serious concern especially for seniors and children who are vulnerable to respiratory diseases. The proposal is also water intensive and will increase traffic in the area.

“Residents of nearby communities, which are in District Three, would be most directly impacted by this project. That is why I attended a public meeting in April of last year with more than 400 concerned residents of the area. I heard loud and clear that the proposed mine was unacceptable.

“The Sloan Hills Withdrawal Act would ensure that an aggregate mine is not developed on this site and will protect the health and wellbeing of my constituents in Henderson, so I urge its passage.”

Titus Releases Report Highlighting Positive Economic Impact of Energy Legislation

June 15, 2010 – Washington, DC – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released a report today prepared by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on the significant impact that clean energy legislation would have on Nevada’s economy. Last year, the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) which provides for critical investments in clean energy. The Energy and Commerce Committee report provides important details on the extent of the impact of the bill, finding it will create jobs in Nevada and spur economic development. The release of the report comes after Titus hosted a round table discussion with local businesses and leaders in the clean energy field to discuss the findings and additional efforts to strengthen and grow Nevada’s economy through renewable energy.

“ACES will help the U.S., and Nevada in particular, become a leader in the field of renewable energy by creating new clean energy jobs that can’t be shipped overseas,” Congresswoman Titus said. “This new report underscores the extent of the positive impact this legislation will have on our economy by investing millions of dollars in new clean energy and energy efficiency technologies, such as solar, wind, carbon capture and storage, and advanced vehicle technology. With high unemployment and the need to diversify our economy, ACES provides the framework to build a new clean energy economy that will put Nevadans back to work.”

The American Clean Energy and Security Act reduces carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 17 percent by 2020 and over 80 percent by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. It also promotes the development of clean, renewable energy by establishing a renewable electricity standard that requires electric utilities to meet 20 percent of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources by 2020. Finally, it invests $580 million in clean energy programs in Nevada by 2020.

According to the Energy and Commerce report, comprehensive clean energy policy will strengthen Nevada’s economy by creating between 9,000 and 17,000 jobs by 2020. Nevada’s gross domestic product will also increase by $500 million to $1.1 billion. Through ACES, Nevada will receive:

$25 to $35 million annually in carbon allowances for projects that improve energy efficiency, deploy renewable energy and smart grid technologies, or reduce transportation-related emissions.

$10 to $15 million annually for renewable energy manufacturing and deployment allowing Southern Nevada to not only become a leader in renewable energy generation, but in clean energy manufacturing as well.

$15 to $20 million per year to improve the energy efficiency of buildings through the implementation of building energy codes, building retrofit assistance, and upgrades of manufactured homes.

$10 to $15 million per year to help adapt to climate impacts that are already occurring or expected to occur for things like agriculture and water management and protection of wildlife and natural ecosystems.

$5 to $10 million annually for local government in Nevada annually for energy efficiency programs and the deployment of local renewable energy technology.

The full text of the report is available here.