Dean Heller

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside so I can call up amendment No. 1227.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business.

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, Monday was a sad day for my home State of Nevada. This week we learned that Congresswoman Barbara Vucanovich passed away in Reno just a few weeks after her 92nd birthday. As the first woman elected to represent Nevada in Congress, Barbara was a dedicated and effective legislator, admired by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle. As the first person to represent Nevada's 2nd Congressional District--a district I was privileged to represent in the House of Representatives--Barbara was a role model to countless Nevadans. She exemplified the highest standards of public service. Moreover, Barbara was a dear friend. When I came to Washington for the very first time, Barbara invited me to join her for lunch, even though I was a total stranger. It was a kind and considerate gesture I will never forget. Even today, when constituents come to Washington to visit, I tell them the story about Barbara and how I aspire to the high standards she set. During her seven terms in Congress, she was a vigorous advocate for important issues, including breast cancer research and was herself a breast cancer survivor. As chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Military Construction--at the time one of only two women ever to serve as chairman of an appropriations subcommittee--she was a strong and effective voice for America's men and women in uniform, and she played a pivotal role in protecting Nevada's vast resources while serving on the House Interior Committee, helping to create the Great Basin National Park. Barbara served in Congress at a time when Members of different parties could come together and find solutions for the American people. She served at a time when compromise and common sense guided decisionmaking, when results were more important than petty partisanship, and the same was certainly true of Barbara. Barbara was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an admired and beloved public servant, a patriot, a proud Nevadan, and a dear friend. My heart goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time. My wife Lynne and I join our fellow Nevadans in remembering the inspirational life and legacy of Barbara Vucanovich. Thank you. I yield the floor.

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, there is very little disagreement about the fact that America's immigration system is broken and in need of reform. For far too long, our immigration system has punished those who come to this country to pursue the American dream and play by the rules while rewarding those who do not respect our laws. As a result, our Nation is suffering. That is why it is important for this body to have an open and transparent amendment process as we move forward on this immigration reform legislation and try to fix what is broken with our immigration system. No State feels the impact of this broken immigration system more than my home State of Nevada. Nevada is a top destination for travelers all over the world, and it is an international hub through which tens of millions of people pass each year. Our State benefits from the cultural diversity of Filipino, Cuban, Chinese, and Armenian communities, just to name a few, and we are couched between two States that border the country of Mexico. Las Vegas is known for McCarran International Airport, which sees tens of millions of international tourists each year and is merely a short drive away from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix. Nevada's unique location leaves it highly vulnerable to our flawed immigration system and open to the exact same problems faced by other southwestern border States such as Arizona, Texas, California, and New Mexico. Despite the fact that Nevada is, in many respects, a border State that copes with the exact same immigration problems facing a State such as California, this bill in its current form excludes Nevada from the list of States that are eligible to join the southern border security commission. So my amendment No. 1227 would include Nevada with other southwestern border States whose Governors would comprise the southern border security commission. This amendment ensures the commission created in the underlying bill is fully representative of issues affecting southern border and Southwestern States. Although Nevada does not touch the southern border, its current demographics and State issues are reflective of other southern border States, and Nevada should have a voice on this commission. The problems of our immigration system are not simply geographic problems of latitude and longitude. They impact my home State in profound ways. I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. As I have said, this immigration reform legislation is important, and we have an opportunity to provide much needed solutions to the problems with our immigration system. But we must also ensure the bill does not make matters worse by creating more confusion and placing heavier burdens on the economy and on the American people. My home State of Nevada continues to lead the Nation in high unemployment, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. It is absolutely critical that this immigration bill does not hinder Nevada's already struggling economy. That is why I filed two amendments, amendment No. 1234 and amendment No. 1235, which will help to safeguard Nevada's recovering tourism industry in a way that meets our Nation's border security needs. The bill before us mandates the implementation of an entry-exit system that will include a biometric data system for all ports of entry, including the 10 highest volume airports. The implementation of such a system is long overdue in order to comply with current law, but we can take steps to make sure it does not negatively impact international travel. While I firmly believe we need to process our visitors both in and out of this country safely and securely, it is also essential that this mandatory exit system not cause increased travel delays for international passengers at high-volume airports such as McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. So I filed an amendment that will require DHS to submit a report to the Homeland Security and Government Reform Committee within 60 days of the enactment of the underlying bill detailing how DHS intends to implement this biometric exit system. Requiring DHS to outline its implementation plan will provide the necessary guidance and clarity to airports that will first be required to comply with the system as well as ensuring they provide the necessary staffing at these airports in an effort to minimize the impact on the flow of travelers. Additionally, my amendment No. 1235 will require DHS to create a wait-time reduction goal and increase, as deemed necessary by the Department, the number of Customs and Border Protection officers so airports with high volumes of international travelers can process them in a timely manner. Under this amendment, DHS will be required to develop a viable plan to reduce wait times by 50 percent at airports with the highest volumes of international travelers. Wait times for international visitors at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas are already significantly high, largely due to a lack of Customs and Border Protection officers. This amendment will help to alleviate these wait times and to reduce the congestion that is discouraging travel and ultimately hurting our economy. The underlying bill is far from perfect, but as GEN George Patton famously said, ``A good plan executed today is better than a perfect plan executed next week.'' The amendments I am filing today will increase government transparency and help to make sure this bill does not add more confusion to the immigration process, which would only make the problems with our immigration system worse. I urge my colleagues to join me in that effort by supporting these amendments. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Ceasar Salicchi for being named a Distinguished Nevadan by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents during the commencement ceremony at the University of Nevada, Reno, UNR. Mr. Salicchi is a military veteran and advocate for people with disabilities. He is truly deserving of this prestigious honor, which is awarded to current and former Nevadans who have made significant contributions to the cultural, economic, and scientific or social advancement of Nevada and its people. Mr. Salicchi served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947. After he contracted polio at the age of 25 in 1952, he became an advocate for others with disabilities. He is a founding member of the Elko Association for Retarded Children, established in 1969, and served as the office manager for Elko General Hospital from 1962 to 1970. Mr. Salicchi went on to serve four different Nevada Governors as a committee member for the Developmental Disabilities Act as well as the Employ the Handicapped Act. His lifetime dedication to serving those with disabilities is inspiring. Not only is Mr. Salicchi a strong advocate and proponent for those with disabilities, but he is also a dedicated public servant. He has served the people and community of Elko County with dignity and honor as the county treasurer from 1971 to 2006. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ceasar Salicchi for his accomplishments and contributions to Nevada. I hope Mr. Salicchi's example of public service and advocacy will be an example to all of us of the power that one individual can have on the positive progression of the Silver State and its people. He is a truly a distinguished Nevadan and has earned our admiration and gratitude.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize three of Nevada's brightest students--Caolinn Mejza, Sharon Fang, and Justin Joseph--for earning the prestigious title of Presidential Scholar from the U.S. Department of Education. Presidential scholars are chosen for outstanding test scores, essays, grades, and community service commitments. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars named only 141 scholars throughout the United States this year. Caolinn Mejza, who attends the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing & Visual Arts, Sharon Fang of Clark High School, and Justin Joseph of Valley High School will represent Nevada as our State's winners. Each Presidential scholar will receive a medallion at a ceremony on June 16 in Washington, DC. While honoring these students' academic achievements, it is also important to recognize the value and importance of education in our State. We must continue to support teachers and to improve our education system for students at all stages. I am dedicated to increasing the quality of education and ensuring that every student graduates prepared to enter college or the workforce. On behalf of the residents of the Silver State, I am proud to recognize Caolinn, Sharon, and Justin for their accomplishments and their contributions to our State. They are undoubtedly some of the finest and most talented students in Nevada. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these exceptional young Nevadans.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Dr. Michael Harter, senior provost and chief executive officer of Touro University's Western Division. After more than three decades of dedication to excellence in higher education, Dr. Harter is retiring. My home State of Nevada has benefited tremendously from Dr. Harter's contributions as a researcher, educator and advocate. As he enters retirement, Dr. Harter leaves an inspiring legacy of leadership that will be long felt in the lives and careers of the countless medical professionals he helped to educate. Since 2004, Dr. Michael Harter has shown exceptional commitment as the administrative and academic head of Touro University's Western Division, including its Nevada campus. He not only helped to establish Touro University Nevada, but his leadership and vision has also contributed to Touro's development as one of the fastest growing medical schools in the region. Despite significant challenges associated with rising costs and a difficult economic climate, Dr. Harter has shown remarkable perseverance and commitment, and he has enhanced Touro University's reputation as an institution. Prior to his tenure at Touro University, Dr. Harter served as vice dean of the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and he was also the founding executive director of Family Development Programs, Inc. of Ohio. In addition to his educational experience, Dr. Harter has served Nevada's medical profession and health care community as a passionate and dedicated advocate, and has received numerous recognitions and awards for his service. The Nevada State legislature recently recognized Dr. Harter for his ``dedication and contributions to the elevation of the educational system in Nevada to the highest caliber.'' I want to acknowledge and thank Dr. Michael Harter for his many years of dedicated service as an educator, researcher, administrator, and community advocate. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Harter on his retirement, and in wishing him many successful and fulfilling years to come.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Nevada educator and veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Norbert Czech, for his retirement as the District Army Instructor, DAI. His selfless work for the District JROTC Program and with the veterans of Northern Nevada make him truly deserving of our appreciation. LTC Czech received his commission through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School in 1970. He served honorably with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment along the East/West German border as the Regimental Adjutant and Executive Officer. His final assignment was as the Professor of Military Science at the University of Nevada, Reno, UNR, where he was responsible for the recruitment, training, and commissioning of more than 100 Army Second Lieutenants. Following his retirement from the U.S. Army, LTC Czech established the Army JROTC Program at Galena High School. He went on to serve as the Director of the Washoe County JROTC Programs for 5 years. Last year he was honored as the Nation's best District Army Instructor. Not only has LTC Czech had a lasting impact on the young students of Nevada through the JROTC program, but he has helped his fellow military veterans in Northern Nevada. He is an active member of the 82nd Association, the Westmoreland Chapter of Association of the United States Army--AUSA--and the Veterans Guest House, which was created as a place for military veterans and their families to stay when they are receiving treatments at area hospitals. I am continually humbled by the sacrifices made by the brave men and women in the Armed Forces who fight to preserve freedom in the United States. They faced dangerous situations in order to protect Americans from harm and deserve our utmost respect. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue fighting for veterans' benefits and supporting all of our men and women in uniform. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating LTC Norbert Czech for his accomplishments and expressing my sincere gratitude to him for his service and contributions to Nevada's students and military veterans. He is a true American hero.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Katy Simon as she retires from the position of Washoe County Manager, a title which she proudly held for 15 years. Ms. Simon's diligence and determination has made her an extraordinary leader to the people of Washoe County. Ms. Simon was appointed Washoe County Manager in 1998 after serving 2 years as assistant county manager for Finance and 1 year as deputy county manager. Prior to her appointments, she was the owner and principal consultant for Simon and Associates Management Consulting, providing services both here in the United States and overseas. She also served executive positions with Washoe Health System. Ms. Simon's dedication to the people of Northern Nevada has not gone without notice. During her implementation of the employee classification and compensation system, she was recognized twice by the State legislature for objectivity and fairness. Additionally, she was accountable for the successful startup of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. These are just a few examples of Ms. Simon's efforts to promote the growth and development within her community and the State. Resilience and persistence aided Ms. Simon as she helped Washoe County through 5 years of the toughest economic times this great county had ever seen. She took Washoe County from a strong, well-managed county to being one of the very best local governments in the Nation. I applaud Ms. Simon's commitment to the people of Washoe County and all of Northern Nevada. She serves as a shining example for all Nevadans, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on her retirement.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Sergeant Timothy Hall, an extraordinary Nevadan who sacrificed his well-being in defense of this great Nation. The State of Nevada and the U.S. Army are proud and grateful for his selfless service and dedication to protecting our freedom. Sergeant Hall put service to his Nation above his personal safety in 2010 when he was deployed to Afghanistan. He was willing to stand up and defend the United States in some of the harshest conditions. Just 6 months into Sergeant Hall's deployment, he was critically wounded in an enemy mortar attack that resulted in the loss of both his legs. Since then, Sergeant Hall has endured more than 60 surgeries and countless hours of rehabilitation. In Sergeant Hall, I see the values of integrity, service, and excellence that define the brave men and women in our Armed Forces. It is these virtues that will define the rest of his life as he continues to adapt to the civilian world as a disabled veteran in his hometown of Hawthorne, NV. Sergeant Hall is the kind of patriot who, at the end of the day, is a hero that dedicated himself wholly to the most professional fighting force the world has ever known. America is an exceptional nation because of heroes like Sergeant Hall who are dedicated to securing our freedom no matter what the situation, no matter what the challenge. All of our Nation's service men and women know all too well the price that is paid for freedom. Each and every day, our troops are serving the United States to protect our liberties. They dedicate their lives in service and constantly make grave sacrifices to ensure the safety of our country. For all who served and all who continue to serve, I cannot thank you enough, and you will continue to have my unwavering support. I ask my colleagues to stand with me in honoring Sergeant Hall's service to our Nation. Let us continue to be mindful of our dedicated service members who fight to protect and preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Dr. John Anthony Scire, who has been awarded the 2013 Dean's Award for Teaching by a Member of the Contingent Faculty of the University of Nevada, Reno. My home State of Nevada is proud and privileged to acknowledge an extraordinary educator and leader. Since 1993, Dr. John Scire has dedicated himself to the students and faculty of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno, UNR, as an adjunct professor. His extensive education in areas of international relations, international finance, and political science has prepared him for his service to the students of UNR. Nevada is fortunate to have such great educational leadership serving the students across our great State. Prior to working in higher education, Dr. John Scire served nearly three decades in the U.S. military. His work included intelligence, counterintelligence, and psychological warfare operations that were vital to maintaining the national security of our country. Dr. Scire, like all of our military men and women, dedicated his life to serve this great Nation, and I am grateful for his sacrifices. I want to acknowledge and thank Dr. John Scire for his faithful service to our country, both in the classroom and protecting America. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. John Scire and celebrating the achievements of our Nation's teachers, administrators, and staff who help guide our students to educational excellence.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to congratulate former University of Nevada, Las Vegas, UNLV, Runnin' Rebel basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian for being selected for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Coach Tarkanian will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on September 8, 2013. Jerry Tarkanian headed the Runnin' Rebels for 19 seasons with an aggressive and up-tempo style that captivated basketball fans in Las Vegas and across the Nation. Coach Tarkanian posted an impressive winning record at UNLV with a 509-105 winning record--in fact, he never had a losing season with UNLV. He led the Runnin' Rebels to four NCAA Final Four appearances, and a national championship in 1990 with a 103- 73 runaway victory over Duke. The 1990 National Championship is still the highest margin of victory in NCAA tournament championship game history. Not only did Jerry Tarkanian help bring UNLV basketball to national prominence, he aided the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in gaining exposure and distinction in Nevada. It would be impossible to quantify the impact that Coach Tarkanian has had on the progress and success of UNLV, but his contributions to the State of Nevada certainly deserve our deep appreciation. Although Coach Tarkanian has not nervously chewed on a towel in the `Shark Tank' for more than two decades, he is still a beloved figure in the Silver State. Fans and the university community honored him when the court at the Thomas & Mack Center was named in his honor on November 26, 2005. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this great Nevadan and iconic figure in NCAA basketball history. He may now just be officially joining the Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA, but he has long been in the Hall of Fame in the minds and hearts of UNLV fans.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to congratulate Hall of Fame Nevada football coach Chris Ault on his retirement after 28 seasons coaching the Nevada Wolf Pack football team. Not only has Coach Ault been an unparalleled football coach, but he was also an extremely talented student-athlete at the University of Nevada Reno, UNR, as the Wolf Pack's star quarterback from 1965 to 1967. Coach Ault was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002 after guiding the UNR football program from Division II to Division I-AA to Division I-A. Coach Ault restored championship-caliber football to the University of Nevada by taking the Wolf Pack to seven straight bowl appearances and two WAC Championships. In 2010, he coached the team to a nearly perfect 13-1 record and finished the season ranked No. 11 in the final top 25 polls. Throughout his career, Coach Ault was named by his peers seven times as the conference's Coach of the Year, and became the 54th coach in NCAA history to win 200 games, and the 30th to win 200 games at one school. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Coach Chris Ault for a distinguished coaching career in Nevada. It is my hope that he will serve as an example of what great things a person can accomplish when they work with commitment, determination, and persistence.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Larry Ruvo, a Nevada businessman and philanthropist, for receiving the Horatio Alger Award. This award is reserved for outstanding Americans who exemplify dedication, purpose, and perseverance in their personal lives. Recipients of this award traditionally have started life in humble circumstances and have worked with great diligence to achieve success. Larry Ruvo is one of only 11 recipients of this year's award and exemplifies the dedication that has helped make the State of Nevada great. Mr. Ruvo was born and raised in Las Vegas and graduated from Las Vegas High School. He has had a successful career as a local businessman and founder of Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada. In memory of his father, Mr. Ruvo has worked tirelessly to establish a cognitive disease center in Las Vegas. His efforts and generosity helped in the creation of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health located in Las Vegas. Larry Ruvo's efforts to give back to his local community are admirable and inspiring. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Larry Ruvo for receiving this distinguished honor, and it is my hope that he will serve as an example of what great things a person can accomplish when they work with dedication, purpose, and perseverance.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Mrs. Zan Peterson Hyer, who has been recognized as the 2013 Nevada Mother of the Year, and Mrs. Montsdarrat Wadsworth for being named the 2013 Nevada Young Mother of the Year. These two outstanding mothers have been honored for their commitment to strengthening the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and home. These exceptional Nevada mothers have received this designation from the American Mothers, Inc. of Nevada, a nonprofit interfaith organization dedicated to honoring motherhood while offering support to mothers in the State of Nevada. American Mothers, Inc. is the official sponsor of Mother's Day and the Mother of the Year. As a mother of five children and four grandchildren, Mrs. Hyer has demonstrated the great responsibility of motherhood and dedication to living and teaching her children outstanding qualities, such as love, understanding, courage, service, and compassion. As a recipient of this award, Mrs. Hyer will help deliver this message about motherhood to community organizations in Southern Nevada and throughout the State. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors and congratulate her on this well-deserved award. Mrs. Wadsworth is also a devoted and honorable mother. She and her husband are raising 10 children in Winnemucca, NV. They live and work on an alfalfa hay farm, and Mrs. Wadsworth homeschools all 10 of their children. I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating these two outstanding Nevada Mothers. It is my hope that they will stand as examples of the important work that mothers do in strengthening our communities.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I am proud to recognize one of Nevada's veterans whose overwhelming sacrifice on behalf of those who served our great Nation is inspiring. On April 1, 2013, Jesse Daunis began his journey on foot across the State of Nevada to raise money and awareness to assist veterans dealing with depression, post- traumatic stress disorder, and many other issues related to the difficult transition from soldier to civilian. The brave men and women who served our country and fought to protect our freedom are coming back to a struggling economy. Our Nation's servicemembers have made great sacrifices for our country, and they deserve our gratitude and support. We must welcome them home and help them transition to civilian life. Assisting our Nation's veterans and families is of the utmost importance. I am grateful Mr. Daunis is raising awareness for an issue about which I care deeply. Having a family member who has served in the Armed Forces, I have always been an advocate for our troops. As a member of the United States Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, I will continue to vocalize my support for our servicemembers. I applaud Mr. Daunis for undertaking this 448-mile journey over 18 days from Reno to Las Vegas, and I stand with him. Mr. Daunis' selfless efforts to honor and acknowledge our Nation's veterans embodies the value of service over self. I commend Mr. Daunis for his steadfast determination in raising awareness for those who keep us safe. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Daunis for his service to our country and commitment to helping veterans in need.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, my amendment reinforces the important role of States having primary responsibility for wildlife management. If the sage-grouse is listed as an endangered species, it will hurt most States in the western portion of the country. It will make important activities, such as renewable energy and grazing, in many cases impossible. I need help and support. I urge support for this amendment, and I appreciate the help and support I have gotten from Senators Hatch, Crapo, and Risch. I thank the Chair.

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I thank the Senator from Washington for providing time. I rise to discuss three of my amendments that I filed to the budget, amendment Nos. 293, 476, and 477. My first amendment deals with an issue that is very important to my home State of Nevada and nearly one dozen Western States where a bird called the sage grouse is found. The Department of the Interior has engaged Western States in developing State-specific Greater Sage-Grouse management plans to address the threat of an Endangered Species Act listing for the bird. Nevada is one of several Western States have convened task forces to develop recommendations for their respective Governors to serve as a foundation for State-level sage-grouse management. These State plans are designed to conserve the species and its habitat while maintaining predictable land use policies as well as the ability to foster a healthy economy and preserve the Western way of life. These goals can only be achieved if the States, Federal Government, and other concerned stakeholders use this opportunity to forge a partnership under the ESA. My amendment simply reaffirms the importance of this partnership. It ensures that States can continue to be drivers in ways to find a balance between economic development and reasonable protections for wildlife. My two other amendments, Heller Nos. 476 and 477, deal with another issue important to Nevada, namely, veterans. My first amendment is a straight forward amendment that says that the Department of Veterans' Affairs needs to ensure that they meet the needs of a growing veterans population, female veterans. As the dynamics of our Armed Forces are changing so, too, are our veterans. This measure simply calls on the VA to take into account the population of female veterans when planning, leasing or building infrastructures that will house veterans. Ensuring that our female veterans have a lock on their door or a separate wing in the VA facility or separate restroom ensures a level of safety and privacy that should be provided without question. Last Congress I introduced legislation that focused specifically on meeting the needs of female homeless veterans. My amendment builds upon this legislation to ensure that it includes all VA facilities. Another important component of our growing homeless veterans population are their dependents. My other amendment, Heller No. 477 simply ensures that dependents of homeless veterans who are receiving services at a VA-funded shelter are eligible for services as well. In Las Vegas last year, there were more than 1,300 homeless veterans roaming the streets. Some of these individuals have their children with them. Right now if a homeless veteran brings their child to a VA facility for the night, that facility is not authorized by Congress to provide services to the child. My amendment ensures that children of homeless veterans--veterans who bravely fought to preserve our freedoms--are not turned away from receiving services if they are with their parent at a VA facility. I urge my colleagues to support these amendments. I yield the floor.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Judge Elliot as he retires from the bench having honorably served on Nevada's Second Judicial District Court for 16 years. Judge Elliot's wisdom and temperance has made him an extremely effective and admirable judge. His distinguished career as an attorney, judge, and public servant in Nevada is worthy of our appreciation. After graduating from Stanford University and earning his juris doctor from the University of Denver, Judge Elliot was first elected Sparks City Attorney in 1979 and held that position until his election to the district court. While working as city attorney for Sparks, he founded the Washoe County Domestic Violence Task Force and supported the Washoe County DUI Task Force. Judge Elliot also crafted legislation requiring land developers to dedicate water rights to local governments, saving taxpayer dollars. In 1997, Judge Elliott assumed his position as district judge where he was assigned in the family division and general jurisdiction dockets working on civil and criminal cases. As chairman of the Employee Relations Committee, he led a year-long task force to revise the employee manual. He also served on the Nevada Statewide Court Security Task Force to improve security for judges and the public in courthouses throughout Nevada. In addition to his responsibilities in the court, he has also been very active in many community organizations. He has tirelessly worked to improve the life of Nevada's young people and abused and battered women, as well as promoted clean and safe communities in Nevada. I applaud Judge Elliot's commitment to upholding the law of the land as well as the betterment of his community. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Judge Elliot for his accomplishments and contributions to Nevada and his retirement from the Second Judicial District Court of Nevada. He is a truly exceptional Nevadan.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize one of Nevada's own, Wayne Wilson, for being named as a finalist for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. His efforts to assist disabled veterans have earned him this distinct honor, and I am both humbled and honored to recognize him today. After graduating from the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy in 1976, Wayne served in the National Guard for over four decades. He served as command sergeant major of an engineer group and a combat engineer battalion. In 1984, he transferred to the Nevada National Guard and moved to Carson City. Throughout Wayne's lifetime, he has always remained an active member in the veteran community and has dedicated his free time to looking after this community's needs. Wayne was one of the original founders of the Veterans Guest House, is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, DAV, and has been named the Silver State's Veteran of the Month. In 2008, Wayne founded the Northern Nevada Wheelchair Program to distribute wheelchairs to disabled veterans. Providing our Nation's greatest heroes with mobility and independence is a unique gift and a singular act of heroism. His commitment to putting others first is a true example of sacrifice for the betterment of others. In October 2012, I had the privilege of meeting Wayne when he was recognized by Governor Sandoval as Nevada's Veteran of the Month. His continued service and sacrifice to our country and veteran community makes me proud that Wayne calls Nevada home. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Wayne for his tireless efforts to better the Silver State.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to congratulate one of my home State's finest community organizations, the Rotary Club of Carson City, for its 75 years of service to the Carson City community. The Rotary Club of Carson City has been committed to their ideal of ``He Profits Most Who Serves Best'' for three quarters of a century. In 1937, Hans Jepson and Rev. John L. Harvey formed the Carson City Club with 25 members on their chapter roll. Today, the Rotary Club in Carson City has grown to over 90 members who live by their motto ``Service Above Self'' while providing vitally important community service to the Carson City area. In addition, the club has been committed to fostering and promoting the educational pursuits of students in Carson City. Each year, they award a 4-year college scholarship to a non-traditional student, as well as sponsor high school students to participate in an international youth exchange program. The Carson Rotary Club also recognizes excellence in the classroom and academic achievement by honoring a local student of the week and teacher of the month throughout each school year. The Rotarians are an important example of the kind of dedicated service which makes our communities great. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Rotary Club of Carson City for 75 years of service to the people of Nevada.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of a world renowned gaming authority and professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, UNR, Bill Eadington, whose passing on February 11, 2013, has brought great sadness to the Silver State. After 18 months, Mr. Eadington lost a courageous battle with cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Bill Eadington joined the faculty at UNR as an economist in 1969. He is the author of several books on the social and economic impacts of gambling and was a world-renowned authority on gaming issues. Mr. Eadington founded the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at UNR and served as its director since 1989. Outside of the classroom, he has served as a resource for governments and private sector organizations worldwide on gaming laws, casino operations, regulation, and public policy. In 2011, Bill Eadington was given the honor of being inducted into the American Gaming Association Hall of Fame and was honored with a Special Achievement Award for Gaming Education. Mr. Eadington was a board member on the National Council on Problem Gambling for 30 years, and in 2012 the board presented him with the Goldman Lifetime Award for Advocacy. Gaming is a uniquely important industry in Nevada, and Mr. Eadington's academic contributions and expertise in this field have been invaluable to the State of Nevada and to UNR. Coupled with the tourism industry, it is our economic backbone, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. I have been proud to support policies to keep Nevada's gaming industry and economy growing and prosperous and thank Mr. Eadington for all his work on an issue vitally important to our State. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of this honorable Nevadan.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Monsignor Leo McFadden, a priest, an Air National Guardsman, and a spiritual leader for thousands of Nevadans whose recent passing is a saddening loss to the Silver State. Monsignor McFadden was a beloved member of our community, and I am grateful for his work as a priest and chaplain for the less fortunate and spiritually needy in northern Nevada. Not only was Monsignor McFadden a man of God, but he was also a Pulitzer Prize-nominated columnist who spent 20 years writing and editing for the Nevada Register. He also served in the Nevada Air National Guard for decades, and he was the first Guardsman chaplain to be a general line officer. Monsignor McFadden was a priest at Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Carson City and at Reno's Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church. In 1977, Leo McFadden was given the distinct designation as a monsignor. His work included the formation of the Catholic Newman Club at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and serving as a chaplain at the University of Nevada, Reno. Monsignor McFadden dedicated his entire life to his faith and to the members of his parish. He was an important figure in our State, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.