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Sen. Dean Heller

Mr. President, today I wish to bring awareness to an event being hosted in my State this weekend. The National Handicapping Championship, NHC, will take place on January 27 and 28 at Treasure Island Las Vegas. Tourism and gaming are the backbone of Nevada's economy. It's a legacy that we must continue to nurture and I welcome events like the NHC to my state.

Las Vegas is a world-class destination unmatched by any other, and I have and will continue working to support policies that will keep Nevada's gaming industry growing and prosperous. Travel and tourism are a major part of my State's economy, attracting millions of visitors every year because of the variety of attractions and entertainment options available.

Considered the most anticipated tournament in the world for horseplayers, the NHC marks the conclusion of a year-long series of tournaments endorsed by the Daily Racing Form and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, NTRA, where Thoroughbred racing handicappers wager more than $12 billion each year. In turn, these dollars are put back into the horse industry contributing significantly to this agribusiness' future growth.

I commend the Daily Racing Form and the NTRA for choosing Las Vegas, NV to host this prestigious tournament and wish them a successful event this weekend. I look forward to building upon this success and encourage more events to visit my State. As a United States Senator from Nevada, I will continue do all that I can to make sure that organizations such as these have the opportunity to enjoy all that my great State has to offer.