December 3, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed him of its decision to cancel its exercise that faced overwhelming opposition from the local business community.

“I thank the Department of Homeland Security for considering my letter to Secretary Napolitano and reaching the decision to cancel this exercise so quickly.  At a time when Las Vegas is beginning to show signs of improvement, including the first increase in tourism in a year, an exercise of this magnitude would have created unnecessary anxiety and possibly undo our efforts to strengthen the engine of Nevada’s economy.

“I look forward to working with Secretary Napolitano and FEMA in the future to ensure our first responders have every resource and opportunity they need to prepare for, and respond to, such an event.”