As 2024 comes to a close, now is the time to gather with loved ones and reflect on the past year – what we’ve accomplished and the work still ahead. For me, that entails looking back at my efforts in the Senate to hear from Nevadans about what they need and to deliver for our great state.

Like I do every year, I visited all 17 counties in Nevada in 2024. From Humboldt to Douglas to Lincoln, I spoke with community leaders, local business owners, and hardworking families to make sure I’m securing the resources Nevadans need in both our urban and rural communities. Hearing from Nevadans and working with them to find solutions to issues big and small is the best part of my job.

So far this year, my office has assisted 1,495 Nevadans who have reached out looking for help with a federal issue, including veterans, seniors, and workers. I encourage anyone who is experiencing difficulty with a federal agency to reach out to my office.

It’s been my priority this year to expand our supply of housing that hardworking Nevada families can afford. When I found out the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, which has a mission of supporting housing in our communities, wasn’t doing its job and investing in Nevada, I held them accountable and made sure they stepped up. Thanks to my work, the Bank created a targeted fund that’s delivering resources specifically for building affordable housing developments in Nevada, including for seniors. I’ve seen some new federally-funded affordable housing complexes myself, like the Dick Scott Manor in Reno that was completed earlier this year and has 12 brand new units for veterans and their families. I also ensured the Native American Housing Block Grant program had increased funding for housing development so we’re not leaving our Tribal communities – or our elders – behind.

I have seen firsthand how drug and human traffickers have devastated communities throughout Nevada, so combating the fentanyl crisis and prosecuting human traffickers have also been top priorities of mine this year. I worked across the aisle and passed into law my Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act to help stop drug cartels from funding their operations, the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to crack down on transnational drug trafficking, and my Reduce Human Trafficking Through Transportation Act to help airports and their workers recognize and support victims of human trafficking. I even worked with the National Football League to ensure they were taking the necessary steps to combat human trafficking at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

Something I hear directly about from many Nevadans, especially in Northern Nevada, is the importance of protecting Lake Tahoe for future generations. That’s why I was proud to host this year’s annual Lake Tahoe Summit in August, bringing together federal, state, local, and Tribal leaders to put our heads together and do just that. I was also proud to be able to tout a major legislative accomplishment for Lake Tahoe: just before the Summit, I had worked with my colleagues in the Senate to pass my legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, which will help us preserve the lake for another 10 years. The House of Representatives passed the bill shortly after, and President Biden signed it into law on October 1 – the day its authorization was set to expire.

I didn’t just pass legislation this year – I also got to see our federal dollars at work right at home! I joined with local leaders to break ground on several Nevada infrastructure projects that I fought for, including upgrades to Washoe County’s Arlington Avenue Bridges; enhanced transit service along the Maryland Parkway in Las Vegas; and the first-ever high speed rail in the country that’s going to create 35,000 jobs, Brightline West. Here in Nevada, we’re taking advantage of 21st century innovation to strengthen our transportation infrastructure, our businesses, and our economy.

We made important progress together for our state in 2024. I know there’s more to be done in the coming year to lower costs, build housing, and keep families safe, and I will continue working toward those goals with the help of my fellow Nevadans every step of the way.

I wish every Nevadan a warm, safe, and happy holiday season, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together in the new year.