Weekly Update from Senator Reid

May 14, 2010

While leading the Senate debate of the Wall Street Reform bill, Nevada Senator Harry Reid made significant progress in his effort to help Nevada homeowners who have had difficulty dealing with Bank of America.  Reid met with Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan who agreed to step up their level of service to Nevadans.

Nevada Will Miss You Rev. Scott

Monday, May 10^th – Reverend Jesse Scott passed away on Monday, leaving behind a life of hard work, public service and devout faith.  Rev. Scott was a long-time friend and will be missed by many Nevadans.  To read my statement about the good Reverend please click here.

National Travel & Tourism Day

Monday, May 10^th – National Travel and Tourism Day offered a chance to celebrate the industry that has long been the lifeblood of our state’s economy.  Nevada is at its strongest when resort destinations like Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe become the temporary home of visitors from around the world.  Click here to read what I had to say about National Travel Day.

Health Insurance Reform Already Working for Nevada

Tuesday, May 11^th – Dozens of health insurance companies, including two with a significant presence in Nevada, have begun implementing provisions of the new law ahead of schedule.  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Tuesday released a fact sheet on one of these provisions – adult children up to the age of 26 staying on their parents’ insurance.  Many companies have also ended rescission, the practice of dropping people from insurance when they get sick.  To read my statement on this and see some of the information from HHS please click here.

Introducing Elena Kagan, Nominee to be the Next U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Wednesday, May 12^th – U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan, President Obama’s nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, began her confirmation process with a visit to my office.  I had met Ms. Kagan before this meeting, as the Senate confirmed her last year to her current post as Solicitor General.  I am confident that Elena Kagan is the right choice to replace Justice Stevens and I will do my best to ensure a swift, fair and respectful confirmation process.  The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that initial reviews show support for her nomination.  Please click here to read the article.

Honoring Nevada’s Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

Thursday, May 13^th – National Police Week is a time for honoring the brave men and women of law enforcement who lost their lives in the line of duty to keep us safe.  As a former Capitol police officer, I understand the importance of having the support of family and friends while wearing the uniform.  I was honored to have the families of some of Nevada’s fallen officers in the Senate Gallery as I honored their service to Nevada in a speech on the Senate floor.  Please follow this link to see the speech in full.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan Pledges Help for NV Homeowners

Thursday, May 13^th – I have been a vocal critic of Bank of America and their failure to provide adequate assistance to homeowners in Nevada who have mortgages with the bank and are struggling to keep their homes.  Mr. Moynihan told me he wants to fix the problem and pledged to improve the bank’s service to Nevadans.  To read more about the help coming to Nevada please click here.  KTNV-TV, Ch.13 in Las Vegas has been covering this story and has a good report with video on their website.

Two Nevada Businesses Selected as Finalists for Freedom Award

Thursday, May 13^th – Newmont Mining Corporation of Elko and Legacy Sports International of Reno were named finalists for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.  This award is the highest recognition given by the federal government to honor employers for their outstanding support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves.  Please click here to read my congratulatory statement to the companies.