On the recordFebruary 9, 2012
With the highest unemployment rate in the Nation, Nevadans are struggling. That's why we in Washington should be focusing on creating good-paying, middle class jobs. Unfortunately, Washington Republicans are focused on a divisive, ideological agenda. Our jobs crisis cannot be fixed by restricting access to mammograms for women. It's not going to be fixed by killing Medicare, by turning it over to private insurance companies. And it cannot be fixed by protecting taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil companies. Our jobs crisis can be fixed by getting real about job creation. We can do that right now by passing legislation expanding our Visa Waiver Program, which allows tourists from certain countries up to 90 days of visa-free travel in the U.S. In 2010, nearly 18 million people visited our country due to this program. What will happen if we expand it? The answer for tourism- dependent States like Nevada is simple: it will put people back to work. I urge my Republican colleagues in the House and the Senate to drop their ideological agenda and join me in making job creation our top priority. ____________________
