Washington Report, December 1983

United States Senator Chic Hecht's Washington Report VOLUME 1 NUMBER 2 WASHINGTON D.C. DECEMBER 1983 Dear Fellow Nevadan: I'd like to take this opportunity to wish each and every Nevadan a happy holiday season. These newsletters are designed to keep you informed on the current issues facing Congress. I hope this reaches you addressed properly. Computers which apply the address labels sometimes make mistakes. If there is an error, please let me know. I will have it corrected. As we move toward the second session of the 98th Congress, I hope you will continue to let me know how you feel about legislative issues. Also, if you ever encounter a problem with an agency of the federal government, please don't hesitate to let me know, either in Washington or at one of the three offices in Nevada. I am here to serve you. Sincerely, U.S. Senator Chic Hecht Statement on Reagan Address October 28, 1983 In one of his most eloquent addresses, President Reagan clearly stated our foreign policy objectives, boiling down a complex situation to its essentials. In the final analysis our national security is being threatened in the Middle East and in the Caribbean by Moscow. In my view, he helped restore a sense of pride in all Americans who believe it is vitally important to stand up for our principles of freedom and democracy. On the situation in Beirut, Mr. Reagan was reassuring that we would accelerate the search for peace and stability, work closely with our allies and ensure that our heroic Marines are given the greatest possible protection. On Grenada you may recall, the President warned months ago that a runway being constructed there was designed not to expand tourism, but to expand the Soviet influence in Central America. The President has effectively removed a cancer from the Western Hemisphere and exposed the communists Newly appointed Interior Secretary William Clark visits with Senator Chic Hecht prior to confirmation hearings before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Hecht is a member of the Committee. as aggressors determined to dominate the world. The President's bold rescue mission of the medical students, coupled with his strong resolve to maintain our peacemaking role in Lebanon, clearly demonstrates that America will remain firm to our commitment to peace and not buckle under to the threats of Soviets or terrorists working on their behalf. The President has reinforced his policies and Americans will back him. King Holiday: Too Costly We don't need another National Holiday! The cost estimates vary, from millions to literally billions if you consider the impact on the production of the Gross National Product. In October, the United States Senate voted 78-22 to approve a federal holiday in the memory of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. I opposed the measure, not on the grounds Continued that Dr. King doesn't deserve to be remembered. In fact, I voted for a number of alternatives that would not have been a burden on taxpayers. These included measures to link the King holiday to the creation of national days of recognition for Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, creation of a "National Heroes Day," "National Civil Rights Day" and "National Equality Day." These amendments, however, were defeated. There is currently only one American whose birthday anniversary is celebrated as a national holiday: George Washington. Even President Lincoln is not so honored, nor Jefferson, nor either of the Roosevelts, all of whom have more claim to national recognition. An additional holiday also sets a bad precedent. Where do we draw the line? How many different leaders can we afford to honor? ALTHOUGH ENERGY PRICES AT THE GASOLINE PUMP ARE DECREASING, HOMEOWMER5 FACE RISING' COSTS FOR NATURAL GAS. SENATOR j|jv\: /mURE (fWD) MAS SUPPORTED RELIEF THROUGH THE NATURAL GAS CONSUMER REGULATORY REFORM AMEND-MENTS OF 1985. SOME OF "ML PROBLEMS... m 1978, IN ONE STATE, ILLINOIS, GAS BILLS ROSE BY AS MUCH AS 2 9 0 % IN ONE YEAR, AND 1 0 0 % IN ONE MONTH. CURRENT GOVERNMENT regulations ALREADY Z(d SEPARATE. CATEGORIES OF NATURAL GAS, INCLUDING OLD GAS, NEW GAS, GAS FROM 5)000-FOOT WELLS GAS FROM MORE THAN 5,000 FEET.... THOUGH NATURAL GAS PRICES WAVE RISEN STEADILY FOR TUE PAST TAVO YEARS, SURPLUS GAS SUPPLIERS HAVEL GROWN 2 5 0 % NATIONALLY DURING THE SAME. raer PERIOD. \ are: -niansiR TW^ EVER BEFORE Deregulation Of Natural Gas There has been much debate in Congress on how we can best utilize our energy resources. An issue of critical importance to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, of which I am a member, is the deregulation of natural gas. The history of natural gas regulation is a good example of how government interference distorts, and then disrupts, the process of fair, equitable, and productive use of our resources. There is no better regulator of our energy resources than the marketplace. Government may think itself smarter, but history has proven otherwise. For example, during the debate over the decontrol of oil, supporters of big government argued that deregulation would send gasoline prices soaring. The supporters of big government were wrong. They should not be too quick to condemn natural gas deregulation. Many of the problems in the natural gas industry today can be traced back to decades of government intervention. It was government regulation that caused massive shortages of natural gas in the mid-1970s. Washington responded to that serious situation with more government intervention. For example, while most Nevadans' monthly gas bills continued to increase, producers have supplies of gas they can't sell because the federal government has gummed up the basic laws of supply and demand. Under current government price controls, there are 28 different price categories for natural gas, ranging from about 20 cents per million cubic feet to $9.50 for the same amount. Frustrating the marketplace even further are federal restrictions which prohibit burning natural gas in industrial plants and utilities. Consequently, we have gas we can't sell and wells that have to be capped. There is every indication that, if natural gas were decontrolled, and the marketplace allowed to work, the beneficiaries would be American consumers. The two primary benefits would be reasonable and stable prices because of increased competition, and a plentiful supply. After about 40 years of government control, the natural gas problem has become extremely complicated, very costly for consumers, and detrimental to the industry. It is time for the free marketplace to be given a chance to prove again that it is the best regulator of our natural resources. Hecht State Tour An Annual Event The August recess was spent traveling throughout Nevada with members of my staff. I believe the trip was highly successful and if possible should be repeated each summer when Congress is out of session. Not only did we have an opportunity to bring government closer to the people, my staff - 10 of whom were from Washington, D.C. -- learned a lot about Nevada and the unique problems facing each community. Members of my Reno and Carson City staff also accompanied us on the trip. We met the people on courthouse lawns, at luncheons, at fairs, barbeques, parades, at town hall meetings and at military installations. Everywhere the feeling was optimistic and upbeat. Nevadans believe we are finally on the right track economically and militarily. Of course, there were plenty of complaints, mostly about high interest rates and the budget deficit, but most seemed to agree that America is on the mend. The tour began August 10 with a "Chat-with-Chic" Town Hall meeting in Las Vegas. Then it was on to Pahrump, Searchlight, Laughlin, Overton, Alamo and Caliente. Then my Washington staff joined me in Reno for the swing north, which included stops in Lake Tahoe, Carson City and more than a dozen Cow County communities from Tonopah to Elko. The local issues varied widely from one side of the State to the other. Health care and a lack of industrial development are major problems in Fernley. White Pine County had been striving to obtain an economic development grant and wanted help. The grant was approved in September. In Winnemucca, airport improvements are badly needed. Our visit in Hawthorne at the Army Ammunition Plant was a stroke of luck. A proposed drastic increase in housing rental costs for federal workers at the Plant had been scheduled to go into effect October 2. After hearing that some residents faced rental increases as high as $135 a month, I contacted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers real estate division in Sacramento and asked for a complete investigation into the method of appraisal and the justification for the proposed increases. In the meantime, the rent increase was "indefinitely postponed" to the delight of the base personnel who cheered when Lt. Col. William R. Holmes, commanding officer of the ammunition depot, made the announcement. One man walked up with tears in his eyes saying he had no idea where the rent money would have come from. All of us left Hawthorne feeling we had accomplished a great deal. Although we were not able to solve every problem as quickly, my staff has been busy working on a host of issues ranging from agri-cultural matters to sonic booms. One issue became clear to all the staff as we traveled more than 1,650 miles in two vans over the northern half of the State: The 55 mph speed limit should be repealed. It was important for the people on the trip, especially those who staff my Washington office, to have a better understanding of our State and its local problems. I believe they are now in a position to do a better job for all of you. On this first trip, we concentrated on the rural Cow Counties because they do not have the convenience of my other offices located in Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City. The reaction we met along the way was very favorable. There is no question that we would all be better off if Congressmen and Senators spent less time in Washington and more time listening to the folks back home on how they feel about the issues. As a result, I plan to make the trip every August, so if we missed you this summer, we will look forward to seeing you next year. SENATOR HECHT AND MEMBERS OF HIS STAFF TOUR NEVADA DURING AUGUST RECESS. Speaking to employees at Inspecting the DuVal the Hawthorne Ammunition Depot. Gold Mine at Carlin. Questionnaires were distributed during numerous "Chat with Chic" Town Hall meetings such as this one outside the Courthouse in Yerington. Nevadans Speak Out I was extremely pleased to have the opportunity to listen first-hand to the views and comments of Nevadans while on my August tour. As part of my continuing efforts to keep abreast of the opinions and views of the people of Nevada, I distributed a questionnaire at each meeting I held. Here is a brief summary of the results of the questionnaire: President Reagan's policies in Central America are largely supported by the majority of Nevadans who responded. Most do not think the Vietnam experience can be related to Central America, but Nevadans do take seriously the threat to our southern border. Concern over the state of our strategic forces was shown by the overwhelming opinion among respondents who agree with the present upgrading and modernization now underway by the Reagan Administration. Nevadans are very concerned with the enormous deficits the federal government is presently running. I found opinion for a balanced budget amendment, which I have co-sponsored to be great. There was also strong feeling that the government must live within its means and reduce government spending. Additionally, a majority consensus felt that no new taxes should be enacted. Hecht Repeals Unneeded Federal Program The elimination of the Federal Riot Insurance Program was a major achievement during my first year as Chairman of the Senate Insurance Subcommittee. The Riot Insurance program was repealed and the Federal Crime Insurance Program was reauthorized for only 10 additional months when Congress approved the Comprehensive Housing Bill as part of the Supplemental Appropriations measure. I am extremely pleased we have eliminated an unnecessary federal program that was in direct competition with the private sector. Office Addresses and Phone Numbers WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE 302 Hart Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone (202) 224-6244 LAS VEGAS OFFICE 300 Las Vegas Blvd., Suite 426 Las Vegas, NV 89101 Phone (702) 385-6605 RENO OFFICE 300 Booth Street, Suite 2014 Reno, NV 89509 Phone (702) 784-5007 CARSON CITY OFFICE 308 N. Curry Street, Room 201 Carson City, NV 89701 Phone (702) 885-9111 UNITED STATES SENATE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510 PUBLIC DOCUMENT OFFICIAL BUSINESS L RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED POSTMASTER: DO NOT MARK ON OR ABOVE THE LABEL ? OCR.