[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 151 (Thursday, December 11, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6688-S6689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

 Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to recognize the 
annual National Finals Rodeo, which takes place at the Thomas & Mack 
Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The 
National Finals Rodeo has been held in Las Vegas for the past 30 years 
of the event's 55 year history. Often noted as the foremost

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championship rodeo event in the United States, I, along with my fellow 
Nevadans, am proud that it has called the Silver State home for so many 
years.
  The National Finals Rodeo was established in 1958 by the Professional 
Rodeo Cowboys Association in order to determine the world champions in 
various events from bull riding to tie-down roping. First held in 
Dallas in 1959, the National Finals Rodeo was held in many different 
cities until 1984, when Las Vegas became its permanent home. An 
integral part of the Las Vegas community for 30 years, the National 
Finals Rodeo has brought more than 170,000 fans annually to see some of 
our Nation's toughest cowboys and cowgirls compete in 10 days of 
competition. This event has become a yearly tradition not only for 
Nevadans, but for people across the nation and the world. As rodeo 
lovers and horse enthusiasts, my wife Lynne and I were thrilled to 
attend this year's event.
  The National Finals Rodeo offers Nevadans and rodeo goers nationwide 
a place to truly experience the gritty, energetic entertainment the 
Wild West is best known for. In one of the hardest hit regions during 
the recession, this event plays an integral role in Nevada's tourism 
economy. Tourism continues to be a prominent economic driver within the 
Silver State, and I am thrilled to learn this event will be a part of 
the Las Vegas community through 2024.
  I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in recognizing the 
National Finals Rodeo, a special event that has proudly called Las 
Vegas home for the past 30 years, and I would like to offer the best of 
luck to all who are participating in this year's events.

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