Press Releases
Cortez Masto, Scott Introduce Bill to Ease Access to Telehealth Services
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will introduce bipartisan legislation, the Ensuring Parity in Medicare Advantage for Audio-Only Telehealth Act of 2021, to facilitate Medicare Advantage enrollees' access to telehealth during the pandemic, even if they can only make an audio connection to providers. "Many of Nevada's seniors have been following guidance to rely on telehealth services during the coronavirus … Continue Reading
January 26, 2021
Cortez Masto Votes to Confirm Antony Blinken as Secretary of State
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) voted today to confirm Antony Blinken as Secretary of State. "Tony Blinken understands the importance of strong partnerships and continued engagement with our allies abroad to ensure a secure and prosperous place for America in the world. I was especially glad to hear him recognize the challenge China represents to our economy and to the human rights we value. In working with Secretary Blinken, I will continue to advocate for … Continue Reading
January 25, 2021
Cortez Masto Votes to Put Yellen at Helm of Treasury
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) voted today to confirm Dr. Janet Yellen as Secretary of the Treasury. "From her time as chair of the Council of Economic Advisors to her stewardship of the Federal Reserve, Secretary Yellen has the broad experience necessary to help stimulate the economy, support struggling Nevadans, and put the country on a path to recovery. Based on our conversations, I believe that she understands the coronavirus pandemic's impact on Nevada's … Continue Reading
January 22, 2021
Cortez Masto Votes to Confirm General Austin as Secretary of Defense
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) voted to confirm General Lloyd J. Austin III as Secretary of Defense. The Senator voted to confirm him today based on his merits and qualifications, independent of the concerns she voiced yesterday about the waiver for him to serve in the position. "The United States is facing many pressing security threats, both at home and abroad. Secretary Designate Austin is extremely qualified to take on the important tasks of protecting our … Continue Reading
January 22, 2021
Cortez Masto, Rosen Call for Changes to PUA to Help Unemployment Assistance Reach More Nevadans
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) sent a letter to President Biden calling on the Administration to support extending unemployment benefits and changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which ensures that workers not eligible for traditional unemployment benefits can receive support. States have struggled to get PUA to workers in a timely fashion, and the policies the Senators suggest would extend the program, ensure … Continue Reading
January 21, 2021
Cortez Masto Statement on Congressional Waiver for General Austin as Secretary of Defense
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement in response to her vote on the Congressional waiver to permit the confirmation of retired General Lloyd J. Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense. While Senator Cortez Masto believes General Austin is qualified for the position, she voted against the waiver due to concerns about the erosion of civilian control over the U.S. military. Under current law, military officers cannot serve as … Continue Reading
January 21, 2021
Cortez Masto, Rosen Applaud $177 Million for COVID-19 Prevention and Tracing
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $177,412,608 to entities in Nevada to support monitoring, investigation, and tracing of COVID-19 outbreaks in the state. "We are glad to see these funds get to the Silver State so that we can monitor and prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. We will continue working in the Senate to get Nevadans more … Continue Reading
January 20, 2021
Cortez Masto Statement on the 59th Presidential Inauguration
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement following the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the 46th President of the United States and Kamala Harris as Vice President: "After a free and fair election, our country enters a new era of leadership today under President Biden and Vice President Harris. I'm heartened by the actions the Biden Administration has already taken on day one and am prepared to work with the new … Continue Reading
January 19, 2021
Cortez Masto Raises Hospitality Industry, Housing Issues With Treasury Secretary Nominee Yellen
Washington, D.C. - During today's Senate Finance Committee Hearing, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) questioned President-elect Biden's nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, Dr. Janet Yellen, about ways to relieve the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on Nevada's hospitality industry and on the state's ongoing housing crisis. Cortez Masto asked, "Before the pandemic, the travel and tourism industry was one of the largest sectors of the economy. … Continue Reading
January 18, 2021
Cortez Masto Speaks With DHS Nominee Mayorkas
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today met virtually with President-elect Biden's nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Alejandro Mayorkas. "The United States faces an array of national security threats, from cybersecurity breaches to domestic terrorism. At the same time, DHS is tasked with overseeing our outdated and broken immigration system. I was glad to have the chance to discuss national security issues and how to create an … Continue Reading
January 18, 2021
Cortez Masto Reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Activism
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of integrity, intelligence and determination. His legacy lives on in the women and men who are standing up to oppression and injustice in Nevada and across the nation. Many of Dr. King's powerful words still ring true today as we continue to fight against hate, racism and injustice in all forms. As we celebrate and … Continue Reading
January 15, 2021
Cortez Masto Meets with Treasury Nominee Janet Yellen
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), member of the Senate Finance Committee, met with former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen today to discuss her nomination for Secretary of the Department of the Treasury. "My first priority is to ensure that Nevada's communities and economy have the resources they need to address the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. From providing further relief to Nevada's state and local governments and supporting our hospitality … Continue Reading
January 15, 2021
Cortez Masto Speaks With LGBTQ Leaders, Physicians
(Cortez Masto Speaks With LGBTQ Leaders) (Cortez Masto Speaks With LGBTQ Leaders) Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today met virtually with LGBTQ leaders in Nevada to discuss with them the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on LGBTQ Nevadans. She also held separate conversations with physicians to address their concerns during the pandemic. "I'm thankful that leaders among LGBTQ Nevadans took the time to speak with me today about … Continue Reading
January 15, 2021
Cortez Masto Meets With HUD Nominee Rep. Marcia Fudge
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today met with Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio-11), who has been nominated by President-elect Biden for Secretary of the Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD). "I believe that every family deserves a safe and affordable home-and this need is even more urgent during the coronavirus pandemic. Stable, quality housing allows Nevadans to socially distance, work from home, and attend school … Continue Reading
January 14, 2021
Cortez Masto Meets with Nevada Labor and Faith Leaders to Discuss Priorities for 117th Congress
(Cortez Masto Meets With Labor Leaders) (Cortez Masto Meets With Faith Leaders) Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) held separate virtual meetings with organized labor representatives and faith community leaders from across Nevada to discuss ways she can advance their priorities in the 117th Congress, from supporting hardworking families to ensuring all Nevadans have access to quality health care. "Nevada's union members have been especially hard hit … Continue Reading
January 14, 2021
Cortez Masto Holds Meetings With Haaland, Granholm
(Cortez Masto Meets With Deb Haaland) (Cortez Masto Meets With Former Michigan Governor Granholm) Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today met virtually with Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D.-N.M.-01), who has been nominated by President-elect Biden to be Secretary of the Interior, and former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, who has been nominated to be Secretary of Energy. "More than 85 percent of Nevada is publicly-held land, which gives rise to many … Continue Reading
January 14, 2021
Cortez Masto Attends Virtual Opening for Hope Springs Bridge Housing Community
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today attended the virtual opening of Hope Springs, one of the first bridge housing projects in Northern Nevada. "The vision behind Hope Springs is close to my heart. Everyone working at HOPES appreciates how important housing is for health and stability. Having a safe place to call home at Hope Springs is going to help so many residents get treatment to improve and strengthen their physical and mental health. I'll continue to … Continue Reading
January 13, 2021
Cortez Masto Meets with HHS Nominee Xavier Becerra
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) met with Xavier Becerra, the current Attorney General of California and President-elect Biden's nominee to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Attorney General Becerra's nomination will come before the Senate Finance Committee, of which Senator Cortez Masto is a member. "With COVID-19 disproportionately affecting communities of color, HHS will play a vital role in ensuring we … Continue Reading
January 13, 2021
Cortez Masto Consults African American, Nonprofit Leaders About Coronavirus Needs
(Cortez Masto Meets With African American Community Leaders) (Cortez Masto Meets With Nonprofit Leaders) Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today hosted virtual meetings with African American community leaders from across the Silver State, as well as leaders of nonprofit organizations, to hear from them about continuing needs in Nevada during the coronavirus pandemic. "I appreciated the opportunity to hear from Nevada officials, business owners, and other … Continue Reading
January 13, 2021
Cortez Masto Meets with AAPI and Latino Community Leaders to Discuss Priorities for the 117th Congress
(Cortez Masto meets with AAPI leaders) (Cortez Masto meets with Latino Leaders) Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) hosted virtual meetings with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Latino community leaders from across the Silver State to hear directly from them about the needs of Nevada's communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide an update on priorities for the 117th Congress. "As we enter the 117th Congress, I have made it my … Continue Reading
