U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto touted bipartisanship Tuesday as she highlighted provisions in the recent defense spending bill that increased pay for military service members and earmarked millions of federal dollars for Nevada facilities. President Donald Trump signed the $900 billion bill in December, which included 3.8 percent pay bumps and military housing improvements.

Veterans across the nation report seeing suspicious activity in their email inboxes. Ross Bryant, Executive Director of UNLV’s Military and Veteran Services Center, said discussions in the federal government about cuts to veteran benefits play into scammers’ hands.

Of the states that will decide the 2024 election, Nevada has the highest percentage of its population who are veterans — a civically minded voting bloc of an estimated 200,000 with the power to swing a swing state.

Many colleges and universities have military and veteran resources for students, and the University of Nevada Las Vegas' center for military and veteran resources has fared fairly well since its inception 12 years ago. It recently ranked in the top 10 most military friendly schools in the nation.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is doing its part to help those who have served this country as the school has been ranked a top choice nationwide for active military and veterans.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is doing its part to help those who have served this country as the school has been ranked a top choice nationwide for active military and veterans.

The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act — introduced by Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Ted Budd, R-N.C., on Wednesday — would add up to 10 more years in prison for individuals convicted of mail fraud and similar crimes when the victim is a veteran. In many cases, that could double the sentence already allowed under federal law.

“I wanted to serve to make my parents proud.” Andrew Ho, 30, enlisted in the air force and served for 7 years. When his contract ended, he said continuing his education was his goal, but adjusting to civilian life was not easy. “It was rough,” said Ho. “I didn’t know too many people. My high school friends had graduated college. It was a different experience.”