(Washington, DC) – Today U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) addressed Democrats, Republicans, Independents, lawmakers and journalists and urged them to work together to find ways to make Congress work.  The video address was offered at the No Labels “Meeting to Make America Work,” which was held in New York City this morning.

In the video, Senator Heller explained that he was unable to attend this morning’s event because his son-in-law, Democrat Ed Ableser, was being sworn into the Arizona State Senate. He focused the brief message on how his legislation, “No Budget, No Pay,” exemplifies the No Labels attitude of working together.

No Labels has been a powerful partner in advocating for Senator Heller’s legislation, “No Budget No Pay.” This legislation withholds pay from Members of Congress if they don’t pass a budget every year. Considering it has been more than 1,350 days since Congress has passed a budget, drastic changes are clearly needed in the budget process.

Senator Heller initially introduced “No Budget, No Pay,” during his first term in July 2011. Since then, the legislation has garnered numerous cosponsors, including Democrats and Republicans, and was considered during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

During the No Labels meeting, a number of lawmakers praised the common-sense approach of “No Budget, No Pay.” Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Senator Angus King (I-ME), and Governor Jon Huntsman (R-UT) were just a few of the lawmakers present at the event. President Bill Clinton, Senator John McCain (R-AZ), and Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) also offered video messages.

“Hi, I’m Dean Heller, Senator from the great state of Nevada.

“Thank you to the men and women of our Armed Forces not only for your service but for everything you do to keep our nation safe. I also want to thank our nation’s military families. We are grateful for the unparalleled sacrifices you make and the never-ending support you provide.

“Our nation can never fully express our gratitude for all that you have experienced on our behalf. Your continued acts of valor to ensure the safety and security of our nation stand as an example for us all.

“You have answered your country’s call and exemplified the utmost bravery. You chose to serve the United States to preserve and protect our freedom, and for that I am forever grateful.

“We appreciate all that you have done and continue to do, especially during this holiday season. Whether you are at home or abroad, I hope you are able to find a few moments to enjoy time with your families, friends, or fellow troops over the next few weeks.

“On behalf of everyone who enjoys the freedoms that are unique to our great nation, I hope you have a very joyous holiday season and a happy New Year.”

###

(Washington, D.C.) – On the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) spoke about the fiscal cliff.

“We must move forward knowing that the only way to build a better, stronger nation is by working together and finding solutions on which both Republicans and Democrats can agree. Any solution to the impending fiscal cliff must be a bipartisan effort that fairly weighs the concerns of both parties.  We must find a way to come together right now.  The severe spending cuts and looming tax increases require it.

“Nevada is already struggling to overcome the highest rates of unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies in the nation. The threat of this fiscal cliff and any failure to find a solution would have a real and negative impact on recovery in my state.

“There are a number of issues that Republicans and Democrats can work to address immediately. First, we must stop living by a temporary tax code. 

“Second, we need fundamental tax reform. As with many small businesses across this country, businesses  want nothing more than to grow, hire more people, and pass on a legacy to their children and grandchildren that shows with hard work and dedication anything is possible in America. 

“Third, we need to put a stop to the ever-increasing number of regulations. Instead of encouraging businesses to develop and grow, Washington has increased their burden with miles of regulatory red tape, passed a health care law that is costing jobs, and continues with a top down Washington knows best mentality that has led to an anemic economy. 

“Divisive partisan politics does a great disservice to every American.  Far too many Nevadans are forced to stay up late at night wondering how they are going to make their mortgage payment, send their child to college or feed their family. While people across our country are struggling to get by, Congress has a responsibility to prioritize the people over the party, and find a way to avoid this looming crisis and get our economy back on track…”

###

(Washington, D.C.) – On the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) spoke about jobs, the economy, and the importance of small businesses.

“No state has felt the brunt of this recession like the State of Nevada.  There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about what can be done to create jobs and get our economy moving.  In order to help small businesses thrive again, we must tear down the barriers to growth and opportunity and launch this great nation into its next great chapter."