[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 48 (Thursday, March 13, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1740-S1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO ROBERT ``BOB'' JOSEPH MILLER

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, today I rise to recognize 
Governor Robert ``Bob'' Joseph Miller and his lifetime of public 
service and dedication to the State of Nevada. Governor Miller has 
demonstrated inspired service to the people of Las Vegas, Clark County, 
and the State of Nevada. From police officer to the longest serving 
Governor in the State of Nevada, Governor Miller has a diverse and 
honorable public service career and an equally spirited sense of 
community.
  Governor Miller started his career in public service in the U.S. Army 
Reserve from 1967 to 1973, and then while studying law at Loyola 
Marymount University, he continued his service as a police officer for 
the Los Angeles and then Las Vegas Sheriffs' Offices. He then went on 
to join the Clark County's District Attorney's Office and was 
eventually elected the 19th District Attorney of Clark County. In 1986, 
Governor Miller was elected as the 29th Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, 
and on January 3, 1989, he was sworn in as the 26th Governor of Nevada. 
He served as Governor of Nevada from 1989 to 1999 and is Nevada's 
longest serving Governor.
  The son of a gaming pioneer in Las Vegas in the 50s and 60s, Governor 
Miller grew up in a period of immense transformation for the city. As 
Las Vegas was taking off into a new era, so did Governor Miller's 
career. His rise from gambler's son to Governor parallels the rise of 
Las Vegas from the tiny desert town to the Entertainment Capital of the 
World. President Bill Clinton wrote that Governor Miller's ``journey 
could only have happened in Nevada. He is a man of integrity who cares 
deeply about the issues facing his state and nation, and who has always 
been willing to put aside differences to solve problems.''
  At the time Governor Miller entered Nevada's capital, southern Nevada 
was entering a new era of development and rapid population growth. 
Governor Miller was quickly introduced to the high-stakes world of 
Nevada tourism promotion, transportation infrastructure, and economic 
diversity. As Lieutenant Governor and Governor, he was a key supporter 
of Nevada's growing economy, paving the way for necessary 
infrastructure improvements, encouraging foreign air carriers to offer 
nonstop service into Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport, and 
helping Nevada hotels and casinos to embrace business travelers. 
Notably, during his time as Governor, Nevada convention capacity grew 
from just under 1 million to over 7 million square feet. While Governor 
Miller no longer works in public service, he continues to support the 
growth of Las Vegas and Nevada's tourism economy.
  The great work he did has inspired me in my own public service 
career, including elevating the rights of people victimized by crime 
and protecting our

[[Page S1741]]

children from exploitation. As district attorney of Clark County, he 
created a unit dedicated specifically to ministering to the needs of 
crime victims and those who lost a loved one due to a criminal act. 
Governor Miller was also asked by President Ronald Reagan to accept an 
appointment to his President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, one of 
nine delegates selected from across the United States.
  During his time as Governor, I had the honor of working with Governor 
Miller from 1994 to 1998. As I stand here today as a Member of the 
Senate, proud to represent my home State of Nevada, Governor Miller was 
a public servant and leader from whom I gained experience, knowledge, 
and an introduction to my husband Paul. I ask my colleagues to join me 
in recognizing Governor Bob Miller and his remarkable achievements on 
behalf of the State of Nevada.

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