Friends –

There is nothing I take more seriously than the safety of Nevadans and Americans across this country. We owe a great deal of gratitude to those who protect us from harm, and when it comes to providing them with the tools they need to ensure our safety, only the best will do. With this in mind, I am pleased to inform you of the passage of the Defense Appropriations bill in which I was able to secure more than $93 million for a variety of high-tech programs being developed by the military, UNR, Desert Research Institute, UNLV, and private sector in Nevada.

With $66.95 million for Northern Nevada and $26.4 million for Southern Nevada, our state will have the funds it needs to invest in our safety and strengthen our military. I applaud the passage of this bill – a product of hard work by both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate.

In addition to funding the high-tech programs being developed, the bill includes a provision to allocate $150 million for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, a program that seeks to eradicate breast cancer by funding innovative, high-impact research through a partnership of scientists and consumers. I also supported $50 million for medical research programs that will fund peer-reviewed research aimed to prevent, control, and cure disease.

If you would like a detailed list of the projects expected to receive funding in Nevada, please click here. As always, feel free to contact my office or visit my website if you have any questions.

Friends,

Our country is facing a foreclosure crisis and Nevada is being hit especially hard. With one out of every 165 homes being foreclosed, our state has the highest foreclosure rate in the nation. This not only affects those who are being forced out of their homes, but our communities and economy as well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Senator Reid dedicates the newest Habitat for Humanity home for Las Vegas resident Maria Martinez and her family.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a complex issue that will require a multi-layered solution that no one agency – government, private, or non-profit – can solve alone. While in Reno last week I called a meeting of state, federal, and agency leaders, as well as representatives of the lending community, to come up with a way we can work together to help Nevadans with foreclosure problems. We identified Clark, Douglas, Elko, Nye, and Washoe counties as the areas of our state where foreclosure rates have increased the most, in some casesby as much as 300 percent over the last two years. To address the problem, we will be setting up mobile resource centers in these five counties. Housing experts, lenders, nonprofit organizations and others will be on-hand to help those at risk of losing their homes. For more information you can contact the forclosure hotline at 888-995-HOPE or locally in Nevada at 800.... As always, please feel free to contact any of my offices for more information about these centers.

Additionally, in Washington I am working to secure federal funding for housing counseling agencies so they can help families in Nevada and around the country that were misled into abusive loans stay in their homes. Think about this: for less than one day’s spending in Iraq we could help keep 130,000 families in their homes; that for one week of spending on the Iraq war – roughly $2.3 billion – the federal government could provide housing counseling agencies the resources they need to help 1.7 million families, about the same number of Adjustable Rate Mortgage resets we are expecting in the next 14 months. The costs to these families, Nevada communities and homeowners brought by foreclosures are too high to stand idly by.

This problem is real and it is time for solutions. As promised, I will continue to work with state, federal, and agency partnerships to identify ways to help get our state through these challenging times.

Friends,

Our country is facing a foreclosure crisis and Nevada is being hit especially hard. With one out of every 165 homes being foreclosed, our state has the highest foreclosure rate in the nation. This not only affects those who are being forced out of their homes, but our communities and economy as well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Senator Reid dedicates the newest Habitat for Humanity home for Las Vegas resident Maria Martinez and her family.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a complex issue that will require a multi-layered solution that no one agency – government, private, or non-profit – can solve alone. While in Reno last week I called a meeting of state, federal, and agency leaders, as well as representatives of the lending community, to come up with a way we can work together to help Nevadans with foreclosure problems. We identified Clark, Douglas, Elko, Nye, and Washoe counties as the areas of our state where foreclosure rates have increased the most, in some casesby as much as 300 percent over the last two years. To address the problem, we will be setting up mobile resource centers in these five counties. Housing experts, lenders, nonprofit organizations and others will be on-hand to help those at risk of losing their homes. For more information you can contact the forclosure hotline at 888-995-HOPE or locally in Nevada at 800.... As always, please feel free to contact any of my offices for more information about these centers.

Additionally, in Washington I am working to secure federal funding for housing counseling agencies so they can help families in Nevada and around the country that were misled into abusive loans stay in their homes. Think about this: for less than one day’s spending in Iraq we could help keep 130,000 families in their homes; that for one week of spending on the Iraq war – roughly $2.3 billion – the federal government could provide housing counseling agencies the resources they need to help 1.7 million families, about the same number of Adjustable Rate Mortgage resets we are expecting in the next 14 months. The costs to these families, Nevada communities and homeowners brought by foreclosures are too high to stand idly by.

This problem is real and it is time for solutions. As promised, I will continue to work with state, federal, and agency partnerships to identify ways to help get our state through these challenging times.

BERKLEY VOTES TO EXPAND CLEAN ENERGY
Package Will Increase Renewable Power, Up Gas
Mileage Standards
Dear Tony,

On Thursday, I voted for The Energy Independence and Security Act. The landmark energy package, which passed on a vote of 235 to 181, will increase renewable energy development, strengthen gas mileage standards, address greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependence on foreign oil. The legislation repeals billions of dollars in taxpayer giveaways to big oil and gas companies and is free of subsidies for the nuclear power industry.

“Creating more clean energy is good for families, good for our economy and good for our environment. Investing in solar and other renewable power resources will increase America’s energy independence, while creating more jobs and new businesses. This legislation also repeals billions in taxpayer giveaways to big oil and gas and invests these dollars in the development of solar, geothermal and wind energy, which are free of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Berkley.

“I am very pleased that we are not spending a single dime in this bill to subsidize new nuclear power plants. Unlike nuclear power, renewable energy does not create toxic high level waste with no safe means of disposal. Subsidizing the construction of new nuclear reactors will only increase the pressure to dump toxic radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain. These dollars are far better spent encouraging more renewable energy development,” said Berkley, who successfully fought to block any nuclear subsidies from being added to the energy bill.

In addition, the Democratic package increases gas mileage standards for the first time in decades, a move that will mean more fuel efficient cars and trucks for Nevada drivers who stand to see a savings at the gas pump.

“Strengthening gas mileage standards will translate into savings at the gas pump for consumers who will be able to drive more fuel efficient cars. Using less oil will help break America’s dependence on Saudi Arabia and on nations that are hostile toward the U.S. and our allies,” said Berkley.

The Energy Independence and Security Act:

Increases the efficiency of vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020;
Requires for the first time that 15% of our electricity come from renewable sources;
Improves energy efficiency of a wide range of products, appliances, lighting and buildings;
Makes an historic commitment to American-grown biofuels;
Invests in clean renewable and alternative energy tax incentives to build viable markets and create jobs.
While Nevada already has its own law requiring green energy use, Berkley noted that the legislation passed by the House today would create a national renewable electricity standard (RES) for the first time. A strong advocate for green energy development in Nevada and nationwide, Berkley has consistently supported legislation in Congress that utilizes the same concept as Nevada’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) law.

“Passage of a renewable electricity standard will encourage the production of more solar, wind and geothermal power and help move America toward real energy independence. As we have seen in Nevada, having such a requirement in place will promote the development of new clean energy sources for families, while also protecting our environment and addressing climate change,” said Berkley, referring to the requirement in Nevada law that 20% of energy consumed in the Silver State be drawn from renewable sources by 2015.

Berkley pushed for inclusion of a nationwide RES as part of a comprehensive energy bill authored and passed by House Democrats earlier this year. President Bush has repeatedly threatened to veto legislation establishing such a mandatory renewable requirement. Berkley and fellow Democrats in Congress are preparing to stand their ground and challenge the President and his supporters on the clean energy issue.

BERKLEY VOTES TO EXPAND CLEAN ENERGY
Package Will Increase Renewable Power, Up Gas
Mileage Standards
Dear Tony,

On Thursday, I voted for The Energy Independence and Security Act. The landmark energy package, which passed on a vote of 235 to 181, will increase renewable energy development, strengthen gas mileage standards, address greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependence on foreign oil. The legislation repeals billions of dollars in taxpayer giveaways to big oil and gas companies and is free of subsidies for the nuclear power industry.

“Creating more clean energy is good for families, good for our economy and good for our environment. Investing in solar and other renewable power resources will increase America’s energy independence, while creating more jobs and new businesses. This legislation also repeals billions in taxpayer giveaways to big oil and gas and invests these dollars in the development of solar, geothermal and wind energy, which are free of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Berkley.

“I am very pleased that we are not spending a single dime in this bill to subsidize new nuclear power plants. Unlike nuclear power, renewable energy does not create toxic high level waste with no safe means of disposal. Subsidizing the construction of new nuclear reactors will only increase the pressure to dump toxic radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain. These dollars are far better spent encouraging more renewable energy development,” said Berkley, who successfully fought to block any nuclear subsidies from being added to the energy bill.

In addition, the Democratic package increases gas mileage standards for the first time in decades, a move that will mean more fuel efficient cars and trucks for Nevada drivers who stand to see a savings at the gas pump.

“Strengthening gas mileage standards will translate into savings at the gas pump for consumers who will be able to drive more fuel efficient cars. Using less oil will help break America’s dependence on Saudi Arabia and on nations that are hostile toward the U.S. and our allies,” said Berkley.

The Energy Independence and Security Act:

Increases the efficiency of vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020;
Requires for the first time that 15% of our electricity come from renewable sources;
Improves energy efficiency of a wide range of products, appliances, lighting and buildings;
Makes an historic commitment to American-grown biofuels;
Invests in clean renewable and alternative energy tax incentives to build viable markets and create jobs.
While Nevada already has its own law requiring green energy use, Berkley noted that the legislation passed by the House today would create a national renewable electricity standard (RES) for the first time. A strong advocate for green energy development in Nevada and nationwide, Berkley has consistently supported legislation in Congress that utilizes the same concept as Nevada’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) law.

“Passage of a renewable electricity standard will encourage the production of more solar, wind and geothermal power and help move America toward real energy independence. As we have seen in Nevada, having such a requirement in place will promote the development of new clean energy sources for families, while also protecting our environment and addressing climate change,” said Berkley, referring to the requirement in Nevada law that 20% of energy consumed in the Silver State be drawn from renewable sources by 2015.

Berkley pushed for inclusion of a nationwide RES as part of a comprehensive energy bill authored and passed by House Democrats earlier this year. President Bush has repeatedly threatened to veto legislation establishing such a mandatory renewable requirement. Berkley and fellow Democrats in Congress are preparing to stand their ground and challenge the President and his supporters on the clean energy issue.

I'm with Obama
By Edward M. Kennedy

[ To WBTI at Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:24:26 -0500 from U. S. Sen. Ted Kennedy {info@barackobama.com)]

Dear mike,

When I endorsed Barack Obama on Monday, I was also endorsing a candidate with the power to transform America.

As President Kennedy said in 1960, "It is time for a new generation of leadership."

This campaign is about a new generation of leadership today. A generation ready to be part of something bigger than themselves. A generation ready to change the country, and a generation ready to change the world.

I'm doing everything I can to elect Barack Obama. With less than a week before my state and 21 others make their voices heard, there is no time to lose.

Please join me by making a $50 donation now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/newgeneration

Like my son Patrick and my niece Caroline, I have found a new generation of leadership for America in Barack Obama -- and I hope you have too!

Sincerely,

Senator Edward M. Kennedy

P.S. -- You may have already seen clips of my speech or parts of it on Monday. But take a look here. The energy in that room was amazing, and it's spreading across America:

I'm with Obama
By Edward M. Kennedy

[ To WBTI at Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:24:26 -0500 from U. S. Sen. Ted Kennedy {info@barackobama.com)]

Dear mike,

When I endorsed Barack Obama on Monday, I was also endorsing a candidate with the power to transform America.

As President Kennedy said in 1960, "It is time for a new generation of leadership."

This campaign is about a new generation of leadership today. A generation ready to be part of something bigger than themselves. A generation ready to change the country, and a generation ready to change the world.

I'm doing everything I can to elect Barack Obama. With less than a week before my state and 21 others make their voices heard, there is no time to lose.

Please join me by making a $50 donation now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/newgeneration

Like my son Patrick and my niece Caroline, I have found a new generation of leadership for America in Barack Obama -- and I hope you have too!

Sincerely,

Senator Edward M. Kennedy

P.S. -- You may have already seen clips of my speech or parts of it on Monday. But take a look here. The energy in that room was amazing, and it's spreading across America: