America's
Armed Forces are unequaled in strength, unrivaled in
professionalism, and unprecedented in success. As our troops
defend our nation in Iraq, and Afghanistan we must ensure that
our military stays the strongest fighting force in the world. As
Nevada's soldiers and premier military facilities make valuable
contributions to America's defense, I remain committed to
ensuring that Nevada's military personnel and their families
have the necessary resources and support. America's security
must come first.
Education has always been at the heart of achievement in
America. As someone whose life was transformed by education, I
know first hand the importance of giving 
Energy independence is one of the greatest challenges of
our generation. An average family of four will spend over three
thousand dollars more on gasoline this year. Heating bills are
expected to rise about four-hundred dollars for homes that rely
on natural gas or heating oil. America can do better.
One of the best legacies we can leave to our children is a
clean environment and a history of preservation of our natural
beauty and wilderness. We always will need clean water to drink
and safe air to breathe. While we have made much progress over
the last thirty years, it is critical that we maintain our
strong commitment to safeguarding our nation's natural heritage
and protecting our environment.
Police, firefighters, and emergency personnel are our first
line of homeland defense, and we must provide them with the
necessary resources to protect Nevada's residents and visitors.
Nevada had 37 million visitors in 2004. Additionally, McCarran
International Airport is the nation's seventh largest airport,
and southern Nevada is home to 18 of the 20 largest hotels. In
the case of an emergency such as a terrorist attack, these
tourists as well as our residents would need the protection of
our local emergency responders.
When I was raising my family and attending law school, I
also worked as a U.S. Capitol Police Officer. Today, I still
feel a special bond with those who protect our communities. I
have worked to provide more resources for our law enforcement
community, meet the greater demands of homeland security since
September 11, 2001, protect an officer's right to carry
firearms, fight the drug war domestically as well as
internationally, and protect our children from abduction.
Social Security reflects the best of America's values. It
promises all Americans that if they work hard and play by the
rules, they can retire and live in dignity. Social Security is
not a handout. It is a benefit that senior citizens earn, by
working and paying into the system.
Technology has transformed our economy over the last ten
years. I have been working hard to strengthen Nevada's
high-technology sector, to close the digital divide, and to
provide our students with the skills they need to thrive in
high-technology industries. I was proud to be named the
Information Technology Industry 
Nevada is the
fastest growing state in the nation with about 6,000 new
residents every month and millions of visitors every year. We
must continue to invest in our transportation infrastructure to
keep pace with this rapid growth and reduce traffic congestion,
accidents, and pollution. This is why improving our
transportation system is one of my top priorities. I have been
working hard to bring federal funds to Nevada to build better
roads, public transit, and airports in the Silver State.
I share the concerns of many women in Nevada who worry
about how they can access quality health care, advance in the
workplace, and support their families. We must continue to
address the needs of half of Nevada's residents, or the more
than one million women who call the Silver State home. Since
entering the Senate, I have launched several initiatives to
expand opportunities and open doors for Nevada women.
The Department of Energy (DOE) wants to move the most
deadly, high-level nuclear waste in America to a dump at Yucca
Mountain, Nevada. Ever since I was elected to Congress, I have
been fighting this project because it threatens our health and
safety. Nevadans are overwhelmingly opposed to this Project, and
some have been led to believe that its completion is inevitable.
I disagree. We have solid scientific evidence behind us, and I
believe we can defeat this ill-conceived project.
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