Press Releases
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
January 12, 2021
Cortez Masto Applauds $65 Million in Federal Funding to Support Nevada Public Transportation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) applauded the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) announcement of over $65 million in funding allocations to continue to support Nevada's public transportation systems during the coronavirus pandemic. This funding is provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA). "I'm glad that the most recent coronavirus relief package included substantial funding for Nevada's … Continue Reading
January 12, 2021
Cortez Masto Statement on Passing of Sheldon Adelson
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) issued the following statement on the passing of Sheldon Adelson, founder, chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. "Sheldon Adelson's vison helped transform Las Vegas from a small desert city into a world-class tourism destination. The Silver State's massive business, entertainment, and convention industries are what they are today because of his life's work and his dedication to building a Las Vegas that can cater … Continue Reading
January 11, 2021
Cortez Masto Meets With Nevada Tribal Leaders
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) hosted a virtual meeting with Native American leaders from the state of Nevada to hear from them about the needs of tribal nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as related to mental health. "Today I had the opportunity to discuss the needs of tribal nations in Nevada with leaders around the Silver State. The coronavirus pandemic has hit tribes especially hard, and I'm committed to working to … Continue Reading
January 11, 2021
Cortez Masto, Rosen Urge Investigation of Dangerous Statement from Chairman of the Nye County Republican Central Committee
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) sent a letter requesting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initiate an investigation into an open letter written by the Chairman of the Nye County Republican Central Committee and shared on the organization's website. The Senators expressed concerns that the rhetoric expressed in the Chairman's letter may incite violence and insurrection against elected leaders. "As you can see, the letter, … Continue Reading
January 07, 2021
Cortez Masto Statement on Events at U.S. Capitol, Certification of Electoral Vote
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) issued the following statement in response to the violence at the U.S. Capitol and Congress's certification of the 2020 Electoral College votes that have affirmed Joe Biden as the President-elect. "The violence today at the U.S. Capitol is absolutely unacceptable. President Donald Trump's dangerous rhetoric that inspired these events endangers the very foundation of our democracy. I'm proud Congress has chosen to defend democracy … Continue Reading
