California Eye » Dean Heller

Votes of Nevada’s Congressional Delegation

Featheriver — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:07:47 +0000

December 12, 2011 In this MegaVote for Nevada’s 1st Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Cloture on the Nomination of Richard Cordray to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Senate: Motion to Proceed; Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 Senate: Motion to Proceed; Temporary Tax Holiday and Government Reduction Act House: Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011 House: Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 Upcoming Congressional Bills House: Payroll tax cut extension House: Defense authorization House: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2012
Recent Senate Votes
Cloture on the Nomination of Richard Cordray to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection – Vote Rejected (53-45, 1 Present, 1 Not Voting) The Senate failed to reach the sixty votes needed to move forward on the nomination of Richard Cordray to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB, which was created by the Dodd-Frank financial regulatory overhaul, is responsible for overseeing financial products like home loans and credit cards. Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Motion to Proceed; Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 – Vote Rejected (50-48, 2 Not Voting) The Senate rejected a motion to move forward on this Democratic proposal to reduce the employee share of the payroll tax from 4.2 to 3.1 percent for 2012. The employer share would stay at 6.2 percent. The payroll tax funds the Social Security trust fund. A law passed in December 2010 is set to expire at the end of 2011 that reduced the employee share from 6.2 to 4.2 percent. Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Motion to Proceed; Temporary Tax Holiday and Government Reduction Act – Vote Rejected (22-76, 2 Not Voting) The Senate rejected a motion to move forward on this Republican proposal to freeze the employee share of the payroll tax at 4.2 percent. The proposal offsets the cost by freezing federal pay and reducing the federal workforce by attrition. Sen. Harry Reid voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (241-184, 8 Not Voting) This bill would require congressional approval of federal regulations that are expected to cost the economy $100 million or more or have a significant effect on consumer prices. Currently, regulations take effect unless both Congress and the president approve a resolution disapproving of them. The White House opposes the bill. Rep. Shelley Berkley voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (268-150, 15 Not Voting) This House-passed bill would prevent the EPA from revising air standards concerning dust from farm operations for one year. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill. The White House has also issued a veto threat. Rep. Shelley Berkley voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Upcoming Votes
Payroll tax cut extension – H.R.3630 The House is expected to take up a payroll tax bill this week. Defense authorization – H.R.1540 Congress may wrap up work on the conference report for the 2012 fiscal year defense authorization bill. Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2012 – H.R.2055 Congress may also wrap up work on this $900 billion omnibus spending package that combines the nine remaining annual appropriations bills. The current stopgap spending bill runs out December 16.

Recent House Votes

Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (241-184, 8 Not Voting)

This bill would require congressional approval of federal regulations that are expected to cost the economy $100 million or more or have a significant effect on consumer prices. Currently, regulations take effect unless both Congress and the president approve a resolution disapproving of them. The White House opposes the bill.

Rep. Mark Amodei voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (268-150, 15 Not Voting)

This House-passed bill would prevent the EPA from revising air standards concerning dust from farm operations for one year. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill. The White House has also issued a veto threat.

Rep. Mark Amodei voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (241-184, 8 Not Voting)

This bill would require congressional approval of federal regulations that are expected to cost the economy $100 million or more or have a significant effect on consumer prices. Currently, regulations take effect unless both Congress and the president approve a resolution disapproving of them. The White House opposes the bill.

Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (268-150, 15 Not Voting)

This House-passed bill would prevent the EPA from revising air standards concerning dust from farm operations for one year. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill. The White House has also issued a veto threat.

Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Nevada Congressional Delegation Votes

Featheriver — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:33:23 +0000

Recent Senate Votes

National Defense Authorization Act, FY2012 – Vote Passed (93-7)

The Senate passed this bill authorizing $662 billion in defense spending for the current fiscal year. The bill contains provisions requiring suspected terrorists to be held in military custody and places sanctions on Iran. The House passed its version of the bill in May. A conference committee will meet to work out a compromise bill.

Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act – Vote Passed (235-188, 10 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would build in a waiting period between the time workers file petitions to unionize and the time the vote occurs. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

Rep. Shelley Berkley voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

To reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions and by terminating the Election Assistance Commission – Vote Passed (235-190, 8 Not Voting)

This House bill would terminate taxpayer funding of presidential campaigns and conventions. Public funding began in 1976. The bill would also eliminate the Election Assistance Commission, which was established in 2002 to help states to update their voting machines. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

Rep. Shelley Berkley voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (263-159, 11 Not Voting)

This bill would allow the Small Business Administration to intervene in the regulatory process when small businesses are affected. The Senate is unlikely to act on the measure, which is also opposed by the White House.

Rep. Shelley Berkley voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Regulatory Accountability Act – Vote Passed (253-167, 13 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would require federal agencies to choose the “least costly” option when writing new federal regulations. Agencies would also be required to provide indirect cost estimates and predictions of job gains or losses. The White House opposes the bill.

Rep. Shelley Berkley voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act – Vote Passed (235-188, 10 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would build in a waiting period between the time workers file petitions to unionize and the time the vote occurs. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

Rep. Mark Amodei voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

To reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions and by terminating the Election Assistance Commission – Vote Passed (235-190, 8 Not Voting)

This House bill would terminate taxpayer funding of presidential campaigns and conventions. Public funding began in 1976. The bill would also eliminate the Election Assistance Commission, which was established in 2002 to help states to update their voting machines. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

Rep. Mark Amodei voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (263-159, 11 Not Voting)

This bill would allow the Small Business Administration to intervene in the regulatory process when small businesses are affected. The Senate is unlikely to act on the measure, which is also opposed by the White House.

Rep. Mark Amodei voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Regulatory Accountability Act – Vote Passed (253-167, 13 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would require federal agencies to choose the “least costly” option when writing new federal regulations. Agencies would also be required to provide indirect cost estimates and predictions of job gains or losses. The White House opposes the bill.

Rep. Mark Amodei voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act – Vote Passed (235-188, 10 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would build in a waiting period between the time workers file petitions to unionize and the time the vote occurs. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

To reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions and by terminating the Election Assistance Commission – Vote Passed (235-190, 8 Not Voting)

This House bill would terminate taxpayer funding of presidential campaigns and conventions. Public funding began in 1976. The bill would also eliminate the Election Assistance Commission, which was established in 2002 to help states to update their voting machines. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (263-159, 11 Not Voting)

This bill would allow the Small Business Administration to intervene in the regulatory process when small businesses are affected. The Senate is unlikely to act on the measure, which is also opposed by the White House.

Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Regulatory Accountability Act – Vote Passed (253-167, 13 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would require federal agencies to choose the “least costly” option when writing new federal regulations. Agencies would also be required to provide indirect cost estimates and predictions of job gains or losses. The White House opposes the bill.

Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Nevada Congressional Delegation Votes

Featheriver — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:02:14 +0000

November 21, 2011 In this MegaVote for Nevada’s 1st Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations House: National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 House: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations House: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States Editor’s Note: The Senate and House are in recess this week.
Recent Senate Votes
Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Agreed to (70-30) The Senate gave final approval to this “minibus” spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The president signed the bill into law the next day. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess. Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (272-154, 7 Not Voting) This House bill would allow citizens with a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun across state lines. The bill’s future in the Senate is unclear. Rep. Shelley Berkley voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Passed (298-121, 14 Not Voting) The House passed the conference report for this “minibus” spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The Senate passed the bill later in the day, clearing it for the president. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess. Rep. Shelley Berkley voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States – Vote Failed (261-165, 8 Not Voting) The House fell 23 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass this balanced-budget constitutional amendment. Under the terms of the August debt limit law, both chambers are required to consider a balanced-budget amendment by the end of 2011. The Senate is expected to consider the proposal in December. Rep. Shelley Berkley voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

November 21, 2011 In this MegaVote for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations House: National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 House: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations House: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States Editor’s Note: The Senate and House are in recess this week.
Recent Senate Votes
Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Agreed to (70-30) The Senate gave final approval to this “minibus” spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The president signed the bill into law the next day. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess. Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (272-154, 7 Not Voting) This House bill would allow citizens with a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun across state lines. The bill’s future in the Senate is unclear. Rep. Mark Amodei voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Passed (298-121, 14 Not Voting) The House passed the conference report for this “minibus” spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The Senate passed the bill later in the day, clearing it for the president. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess. Rep. Mark Amodei voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States – Vote Failed (261-165, 8 Not Voting) The House fell 23 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass this balanced-budget constitutional amendment. Under the terms of the August debt limit law, both chambers are required to consider a balanced-budget amendment by the end of 2011. The Senate is expected to consider the proposal in December. Rep. Mark Amodei voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

November 21, 2011 In this MegaVote for Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations House: National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 House: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations House: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States Editor’s Note: The Senate and House are in recess this week.
Recent Senate Votes
Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Agreed to (70-30) The Senate gave final approval to this “minibus” spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The president signed the bill into law the next day. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess. Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (272-154, 7 Not Voting) This House bill would allow citizens with a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun across state lines. The bill’s future in the Senate is unclear. Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Passed (298-121, 14 Not Voting) The House passed the conference report for this “minibus” spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The Senate passed the bill later in the day, clearing it for the president. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess. Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States – Vote Failed (261-165, 8 Not Voting) The House fell 23 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass this balanced-budget constitutional amendment. Under the terms of the August debt limit law, both chambers are required to consider a balanced-budget amendment by the end of 2011. The Senate is expected to consider the proposal in December. Rep. Joe Heck voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Looking for political buttons?

Featheriver — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:34:57 +0000

I sort of stumbled across some websites today I’ve never seen before. Some of you might be interested. This one is a part of CafePress called Irregular States. It is a commercial site site selling buttons, lapel pins, etc. Here are some examples, enjoy:

Berkley–Heller a Tossup in Nevada

Featheriver — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:11:14 +0000

Berkley-Heller a Nevada Tossup

When John Ensign, the disgraced Republican Senator, resigned earlier this year, Republicans moved quickly to install Representative Dean Heller in his stead, hoping to give him a jump start for 2012. His competition will be a fellow House member, Representative Shelley Berkley. Party registration favors Ms. Berkley, who hails from Clark County, which is more populated than Mr. Heller’s heavily Republican former district to the north. But Nevada’s ailing economy and its swing-state status combine to make this race a tossup.

[Source: New York Times]

Odds of Dean Heller’s Election in 2012

Featheriver — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:10:26 +0000

Sen. Dean Heller—What are the odds he will win election to the seat in his own right?

…

Eric Ostermeier’s analysis of the 188 appointed senators (before Heller) since the 17th Amendment introduced direct Senate elections “finds that just 62 were elected to the office for the seat’s subsequent special or general election, or just 33 percent of all appointees.”

…

History aside, Heller “is anything but a safe incumbent,” considering he also faces an unrestful electorate and an energetic opponent in Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley, the analyst wrote.

[Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal]

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller’s Votes

Featheriver — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:36:35 +0000

November 14, 2011 In this MegaVote for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Motion to Proceed; Net Neutrality disapproval Senate: Motion to Proceed; Cross-border air pollution rule disapproval Senate: Government Contractor Withholding Repeal Act Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Energy-Water, Financial Services, State-Foreign Operations appropriations House: Government Contractor Withholding Repeal Act House: Coast Guard authorization House: Balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution House: National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011
Recent Senate Votes
Motion to Proceed; Net Neutrality disapproval – Vote Rejected (46-52, 2 Not Voting) The Senate rejected a move to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission’s “net neutrality” rule from taking effect on November 20. The rule will prohibit broadband service providers from blocking content or applications. Sen. Harry Reid voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Motion to Proceed; Cross-border air pollution rule disapproval – Vote Rejected (41-56, 3 Not Voting) The Senate rejected this move to nullify an Environmental Protection Agency rule on cross-state air pollution targeting emissions from power plants. Sen. Harry Reid voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Government Contractor Withholding Repeal Act – Vote Passed (95-0, 1 Present, 4 Not Voting) The Senate voted to repeal a requirement that government agencies withhold 3 percent of payments to government contractors. The chamber amended the bill to give tax credits to companies that hire unemployed veterans. The House is expected to take up the amended bill after the Veterans Day recess. Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Upcoming Votes
Energy-Water, Financial Services, State-Foreign Operations appropriations – H.R.2354 The Senate is scheduled to work on this bill combining the 2012 Energy-Water, Financial Services, and State-Foreign Operations appropriations bills. Government Contractor Withholding Repeal Act – H.R.674 The House is scheduled to take up the amended version of the bill to repeal a 3 percent withholding requirement on government contractor payments. The Senate amended the bill to include tax credits for companies hiring unemployed veterans. Coast Guard authorization – H.R.2838 The House is also scheduled to work on this three-year Coast Guard authorization bill. Balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution – H.J.RES.2 The House may also take up this balanced-budget constitutional amendment. National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 – H.R.822 This House bill would allow citizens with permits to carry concealed firearms in their home states to carry the firearm in other states.

Recent Harry Reid and Dean Heller Votes

Featheriver — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:28:41 +0000

November 7, 2011

In this MegaVote for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District:

Recent Congressional Votes

Senate: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations
Senate: Motion to Proceed; Rebuild America Jobs Act
Senate: Motion to Proceed; Long-Term Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011

Upcoming Congressional Bills

Senate: Government Contractor Withholding Repeal Act
Senate: Fiscal 2012 Appropriations
Senate: Net neutrality disapproval

Editor’s Note: The House is not in session this week.

Recent Senate Votes

Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Passed (69-30, 1 Not Voting)

The Senate passed this “minibus” bill making appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. The bill provides the five departments with $128 billion in discretionary funds for the 2012 fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2011. House and Senate conferees have begun meeting to work out a compromise bill.

Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Motion to Proceed; Rebuild America Jobs Act – Vote Rejected (51-49)

The Senate fell short of the 60 vote threshold needed to move forward on this part of the president’s jobs bill that would have provided $60 billion for transportation projects and created a national infrastructure bank.

Sen. Harry Reid voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Dean Heller voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Motion to Proceed; Long-Term Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011 – Vote Rejected (47-53)

The Senate also fell short of the 60 votes needed to move forward on the Republican alternative that would have reauthorized highway programs for two years and overhauled certain regulations.

Sen. Harry Reid voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Dean Heller voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Government Contractor Withholding Repeal Act – H.R.674

The Senate is scheduled to take up this House bill to repeal a 3 percent withholding requirement on government contractor payments.

Fiscal 2012 Appropriations – H.R.2354

The Senate is also scheduled to begin work on this bill combining the 2012 Energy-Water, Financial Services, and State-Foreign Operations appropriations bills.

Net neutrality disapproval – S.J.RES.6

This Senate resolution would disapprove of the Federal Communications Commission’s “net neutrality” regulations adopted in December 2010.

Republican Senator Dean Heller voted to ship jobs to China

Featheriver — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:53:09 +0000

Las Vegas, NV – You can’t make this up. On the same day unelected Senator Dean Heller voted to continue shipping American jobs to China, he voted against creating jobs in Nevada. After again voting to protect the Chinese government’s unfair trade policies that are cheating Nevada workers out of their jobs, Heller then preceded to vote against the American Jobs Act, which would create jobs immediately in Nevada.

“Dean Heller had an opportunity today to finally do something that will create jobs in Nevada, but he again demonstrated that getting Nevadans back to work isn’t his priority and protecting the Chinese government is,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson. “Nevada has the highest unemployment in the country and instead of making job-creation his top priority, our junior Senator continues to focus on killing Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies, while protecting the Chinese government’s cheating Nevada workers out of their jobs. Heller’s votes today highlight the clear choice Nevadans have between Shelley Berkley’s commitment to fighting for seniors and unemployed Nevadans, and Dean Heller who has repeatedly thrown Nevada’s seniors and middle class under the bus to protect the Chinese government and reward the Big Oil companies bankrolling his campaign with taxpayer giveaways.”

[Source: Nevada State Democratic Party]

Republican Dean Heller voted twice to end Medicare

Featheriver — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:32:57 +0000

Las Vegas, NV – Today unelected Senator Dean Heller doubled down on his reckless plan and voted again in the Senate to end Medicare. Heller has even bragged that he’s “proud to be the only member of Congress who will get to vote for it twice.”

Heller will vote twice for a plan that ends Medicare to pay for billions of dollars in tax giveaways to the Big Oil companies that have contributed over $80,000 to his campaign. Heller’s plan would dramatically cut the benefits Nevada seniors receive, increase the out-of-pocket cost of their healthcare by $6,000 a year, nearly double the amount they pay in prescription drug costs and put private insurance companies in charge of seniors’ healthcare.

His plan also puts insurance company bureaucrats between seniors and their doctors, giving insurers the power to decide what tests and treatments seniors get.

“For the second time, Dean Heller put the health and livelihood of Nevada seniors at risk and voted to end Medicare to pay for tax giveaways to the Big Oil companies that bankroll his campaign,” said Zach Hudson, spokesperson for the Nevada State Democratic Party.

“Dean Heller once again made clear that his priorities are with his special-interests campaign donors, not Nevada seniors. Nothing could highlight more why we need Shelley Berkley in the Senate fighting to protect Medicare, not a politician like Dean Heller who would rather shill for Big Oil than stand up for Nevada seniors.”

[Source: Nevada State Democratic Party]