Press Releases
Cortez Masto Cosponsors Resolution to Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) cosponsored a resolution to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978. Prior to the passage of the ICWA, studies had shown that a significant number of Native American children were being separated from their families by state child welfare and adoption agencies. Since its enactment, the rate has been reduced from 85 percent to 56 percent. "The ICWA was enacted to address the staggering and … Continue Reading
November 26, 2018
Cortez Masto Applauds EPA Grant to Reduce Diesel Vehicle Pollution in Nevada
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for awarding $412,457 in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant funds to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). The funds will be used to support Clark County School District's (CCSD) plans to replace 17 older diesel school buses with new 2019 buses certified to EPA's cleanest emission standards. "I applaud the EPA and the State of Nevada's combined … Continue Reading
November 16, 2018
Cortez Masto, Colleagues Recognize Native American Heritage Month
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, in introducing a Senate resolution marking November as Native American Heritage Month. "Native American Heritage Month is a time for all of us to celebrate the immense economic, cultural and political contributions that Native Americans have made to our … Continue Reading
November 16, 2018
Cortez Masto Cosponsors Legislation to Improve Resettlement Process for Unaccompanied Children, Protect Sponsors
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) cosponsored the Families Not Facilities Act, legislation that would prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using information gathered from unaccompanied immigrant children to detain and deport their prospective sponsors. The legislation would also redirect ICE funding to programs that would provide for the safety and welfare of unaccompanied children. The bill was introduced by Senators Kamala Harris … Continue Reading
November 15, 2018
Cortez Masto Remarks Honoring Reno Health Care Advocate Emily Fay Reese
She was a Battle Born woman and she bore her fight against cancer and for healthcare for every American with grace, dignity, and courage Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) spoke on the Senate floor to honor her friend and courageous advocate for protecting healthcare for every Nevadan, Emily Fay Reese, from Reno. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery: I rise today to honor my dear friend, Emily Fay Reese, who passed away on November 3rd at age 44 after … Continue Reading
November 15, 2018
Cortez Masto Applauds $450,000 NTIA Grant Award to Assist Nevada’s Implementation of Public Safety Broadband Network
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement applauding the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for awarding the State of Nevada Department of Public Safety in Carson City, Nevada $450,000 to assist in identifying, planning, and implementing the operation of a public safety broadband network, titled FirstNet, in the region. "In times of crisis, the use of innovative technology can improve timely and reliable … Continue Reading
November 14, 2018
Cortez Masto Encourages Nevadans to Get Covered During ACA Open Enrollment
"Too often, unexpected medical bills can cause financial hardship or even lead to bankruptcy. Nevadans shouldn't be forced to decide between paying for their medical bills and putting food on the table." "Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Nevadans can purchase affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans on the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange and coverage is available at a reduced or no cost for most families." Washington, D.C. - As open enrollment season kicks into full gear, … Continue Reading
November 13, 2018
Cortez Masto Applauds Grant to Help Senior Veterans Live Independently
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today applauded Senior Corps, part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, for awarding $450,000 to the Jewish Family Service Agency in Las Vegas. This grant award will fund volunteer support for 150 senior veterans in Southern Nevada, helping them build and maintain independent living skills, including meal preparation, self-care, and medication compliance. "Americans are forever indebted to our veterans for their … Continue Reading
November 09, 2018
Cortez Masto Statement on Veterans Day
Las Vegas, Nev. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day, which falls on Sunday, November 11th. "On Veterans Day, we are reminded of the thousands of Nevadans, and millions of Americans, who have put their lives on the line to protect and defend our freedom. As veterans of the United States Army, my father and grandfathers taught my sister and I the values of hard work, integrity, and respect as well as reminded … Continue Reading
November 08, 2018
Cortez Masto: New Asylum Rule Targets Central Americans Fleeing Violence
Las Vegas, Nev. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement in response to a new Trump Administration rule to restrict asylum eligibility for individuals who make unauthorized entry into the United States from Mexico. "This refugee ban is just the latest example of the Trump Administration targeting immigrants and refugees of color. From ripping children from the arms of their parents, to trying to deport hardworking TPS families living and working in our … Continue Reading
November 03, 2018
Cortez Masto Delivers Remarks at 7th Annual Awaken Banquet
Reno, Nev. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) spoke at the 7th Annual Awaken Banquet in Reno. Awaken is the only non-profit in Northern Nevada that works to increase awareness and education on commercial sexual exploitation and provides housing, support, and rehabilitation services for its survivors. "I want to thank Awaken for its dedicated advocacy and the essential services it provides to survivors of sexual exploitation in Northern Nevada. Sex trafficking is a serious … Continue Reading
November 02, 2018
Cortez Masto Attends SEMA Show
Las Vegas, Nev. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) attended the final day of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. "I thank the organizers of SEMA for giving me an inside look at one of the most important trade conventions in Las Vegas. These conventions are perfect opportunities to highlight local small businesses in Nevada, and throughout the country, while also continuing to highlight Las Vegas as one of the premier … Continue Reading
November 02, 2018
Cortez Masto Applauds $5.8 Million for Environmental Improvements on Tribal Lands in Nevada
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) announced $5.8 million in environmental and water infrastructure funding to 18 Nevada tribes awarded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "The EPA is one of our most important federal agencies, and its grants help ensure that tribal communities have clean air and safe drinking water," said Cortez Masto. "I'm thankful that, even with the Trump Administration's vicious attacks on the EPA and its staff, Nevada's tribes … Continue Reading
November 02, 2018
Cortez Masto Visits Mineral, Esmeralda, and Nye Counties
Goldfield, Nev. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) met with the Walker Lake Working Group in Hawthorne, Nevada, to discuss federal support for local conservation efforts. She later toured the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project in Tonopah, Nevada, and visited the Historic Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield, Nevada. "Today I heard from members of the Walker Lake Working Group about the importance of preserving Walker Lake for Nevada's ecological and economic future. I will continue to … Continue Reading
November 01, 2018
Cortez Masto Statement on Latina Equal Pay Day
Hawthorne, Nev. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement marking Latina Equal Pay Day: "It is unconscionable that in 2018 Latinas must work nearly two years to earn what their white male colleagues make in a year. These lost wages make it harder for Latinas to achieve economic security and success and perpetuate the widening wealth gap between Latino and white families. As U.S. Senator, I'm fighting to give all Americans a fair shot at the American … Continue Reading
November 01, 2018
Cortez Masto Meets with Walker River Paiute Tribe, Discusses Challenges Facing Tribal Members
Schurz, Nev. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) visited with the Walker River Tribe in Mineral County. "I was honored today to meet with leaders of the Walker River Paiute Tribe in Schurz, Nevada. We discussed the need for important reforms to support economic development for tribes, protect indigenous rights, and uphold the scared trust responsibility. I look forward to continuing to work with the Walker River Paiute Tribe in years to come in order to ensure that their … Continue Reading
October 31, 2018
Cortez Masto Meets with Lovelock Paiute Tribe Leadership, Hosts Rural Affordable Housing Roundtable
Reno, Nev. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) visited Pershing, Churchill, and Lyon counties to meet with leaders of the Lovelock Paiute Tribe and discuss how best to continue to advocate for them at the federal level. She also hosted a roundtable with local stakeholders to discuss the need for greater access to affordable housing in Nevada's rural communities. "I was honored to meet with leaders of the Lovelock Paiute Tribe to discuss the challenges facing Indian Country. … Continue Reading
October 31, 2018
Cortez Masto Applauds Federal Funding Awards to Improve Healthcare in Nevada
Fernley, Nev. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) applauded the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for awarding Health Insight of Nevada $3,726,982 to help improve the quality of care and reduce avoidable hospitalizations for those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid programs. She also thanked the United States Department of Agriculture for awarding over $603,449 to support telehealth services in rural Nevada through the Distance … Continue Reading
October 30, 2018
Cortez Masto Visits Eureka, Humboldt and Lander Counties, Hosts Rural Broadband Roundtable
Winnemucca, Nev. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) visited Eureka, Humboldt, and Lander counties and met with Lander County officials. In the afternoon, Cortez Masto hosted a roundtable in Winnemucca where local business owners, telecom industry representatives, public safety officials and state and local leaders discussed the importance of broadband access for rural communities. "Today, I heard from Nevadans in Eureka, Humboldt and Lander counties about their needs for … Continue Reading
October 30, 2018
Cortez Masto Meets with Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, Tours Elko & Eureka County Ranches
Beowawe, Nev. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) visited Elko and Eureka Counties to meet with the Nevada Cattlemen's Association, Association President Sam Mori, and local ranchers. She toured the Maggie Creek Ranch in Elko and the Horseshoe Ranch in Beowawe, where she discussed the federal government's role in supporting wildfire fighting and mitigating the economic impact of wildfires on rural communities. "For generations, ranching has been the backbone of the Silver State's … Continue Reading
