Nevada is projected to grow with the addition of 1.3 million people over the next 10 years.  Our state welcomed close to 53 million visitors last year, which supported over 450,000 jobs.  All of this means Nevada is growing and will need to invest in the necessary infrastructure to ensure people can move around safely, quickly, and efficiently.

I believe it is important to find creative solutions to build new and repair existing roads, bridges, and other important infrastructure without increasing our nation’s deficit.  As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and as co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee’s Working Group on Infrastructure and Community Development, I am well positioned to strongly advocate on behalf of Nevada’s and our nation’s transportation needs.  I strongly believe that infrastructure plays a key role not only in our nation’s economic growth, but also in Nevada.

Almost 53 million visitors came to Nevada last year alone, supporting over 450,000 jobs.  Our cities rank second to none when it comes to providing the best hospitality, trade shows, special events, and convention services. In fact, for 20 consecutive years, Las Vegas has been the number one meeting and convention destination in North America.

The impact of tourism to Nevada cannot be understated.  It is truly is the lifeblood of our economy. Some tremendous work by the citizens of Nevada has taken place over many years to build our state up.  However there is more that we can do in Washington, D.C., to increase tourism nationwide and in Nevada. We must continue to identify key growth markets to ensure that tourism in the United States remains competitive.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I am fighting for policies that facilitate additional tourism. These policies will create jobs and boost the Nevada economy.