[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 77 (Thursday, May 9, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                            Economic Growth

  Madam President, in Nevada, we are leading the way; we are doing 
right by hard-working families in areas like clean energy and 
technology. As a former computer programmer, I am so excited about our 
State's growing tech industry, and I look forward to working with my 
colleagues on the Small Business Committee to provide our tech startups 
the tools they need to succeed and create jobs and on the Commerce 
Committee, where we are tackling important issues like cyber security 
and privacy and, for our rural communities, critical access to rural 
broadband, which they sorely need.
  In all of these efforts, I look forward to bringing new stakeholders 
to the table because we can all gain so much insight when we listen to 
our constituents and we embrace bold ideas to improve their lives.
  We have also grown our economy and created good-paying jobs by 
legalizing recreational marijuana in our State. This industry is 
bringing millions of dollars in revenue to Nevada. Yet our marijuana 
businesses continue to operate on a cash-only basis as a result of 
outdated Federal laws that are blocking their access to important 
financial services. We cannot expect these businesses to succeed when 
the Federal Government refuses to keep up with the times. That is why I 
am supporting bipartisan legislation to give marijuana businesses 
access to our banking system so that they can safely operate and 
continue contributing to our economy.
  It is through bipartisan action that we can encourage economic growth 
in every corner of our State and every corner of our country.
  Since coming to Congress, I have consistently made it a priority to 
reach across the aisle on issues where both parties can find common 
ground. At a time of increasing political division and partisan 
gridlock, it is even more important for both sides to come together, to 
make progress on the issues that are impacting Americans at home.
  I am so proud of the work I have been able to do with my colleagues 
from both parties. Last Congress, I was named one of the most 
bipartisan freshman Members during my first term and was one of the 
first Democrats to be recognized with an award by the U.S. Chamber of 
Commerce for supporting pro-growth policies.
  I will continue to take every action to fight for Nevada's hard-
working families. We must act boldly, and we must do more to provide 
opportunities--opportunities for our children through improving 
education and working across the aisle to invest in our children's 
future.