Dina Titus

Dina Titus

Alice Constandina (Dina) Titus is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 1st district of Nevada.

Background

Congresswoman Titus grew up in the small community of Tifton, Georgia, with her parents, Joe Titus and Betty Titus, and her younger sister, Dr. Rho Hudson, who is currently a professor of special education at Nevada State College. She is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, holds a Master's degree from the University of Georgia, and earned her Doctorate at Florida State University.

Dina has been married to Professor Thomas C. Wright for over 30 years. Tom, a Latin American Historian, received the prestigious UNLV Distinguished Professor award in 2008. John Wright Hall on campus is named for his father, pioneer professor at UNLV.

As a professor, Dina taught American and Nevada government classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for 34 years, until her retirement in June 2011. A noted non-fiction writer, she is internationally known for her expertise in the history and policies related to nuclear power, weaponry, and waste as well as for her knowledge of the popular lore of "Atomic Culture."

State Senate

In 1988, Titus was elected to represent the people of District Seven in the Nevada State Senate, serving as the Democratic Minority Leader from 1993 to 2008. During her service in the Nevada State Legislature, "Dina was a champion for quality education and renewable energy development, and a strong advocate on behalf of Nevada’s children, seniors, and persons with disabilities".

Congress

In 2008, Dina Titus was elected to represent the Third District of Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives. During the 111th Congress, Dina served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Education and Labor Committee, and the Homeland Security Committee. She also served as Whip for the Western states and was a member of numerous issue caucuses.

After defeat in 2010, Titus returned to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 after being elected to represent the First District of Nevada. She is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she currently serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

National Democratic Institute

In her personal website, Dina Titus references the National Democratic Institute:

"In June 2011 she went to Ukraine as a volunteer for the non-profit National Democratic Institute to offer seminars and lectures on democratic political practices and to encourage women’s participation.

Acknowledgements

From the "Acknowledgements" section of her book "Bombs In The Backyard: Atomic Testing And American Politics" Published by Univ. of Nevada Press, 1986:

"My heartfelt thanks go to several people who have offered their assistance throughout the course of this project on atomic testing: Senator Howard Cannon, who provided the initial opportunity for me to explore this subject; Joseph A. Fry, who critiqued the manuscript and made valuable suggestions for revision; Andrew C. Tuttle, who lent both moral and material support to my efforts; Christine Chairsell, who spent many hours tracking down details; Shari Brown, who patiently typed and retyped; and, of course, Thomas C. Wright, who helped in ways too numerous to mention.

Others who deserve acknowledgment include Judge Roger Foley, James W. O'Neil, Ray Goldsworthy, Margaret Purdue, Mary Manning, Paul Duckworth, Alan and Larry Johns, David Millman, Vera Thompson, and the late Anna Dean Kepper.

I am also indebted to the students of my summer school classes of 1983 and 1984 for indexing the local newspapers of the 1950s, the Las Vegas News Bureau for affording me access to their picture files, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for granting me a sabbatical leave during which I was able to complete this manuscript and a CFAR [Center for Advanced Research] grant in 1999 when I wrote the epilogue chapter.

After being away from the subject of atomic testing for some fifteen years, I was able to chronicle developments in the post-Cold War era by relying on the kindness of several people: Carlos Blumberg and Christina Frye helped me gain access to legislative records, while David Newton assisted in tracing and citing atomic court cases. Tim Carlson shared valuable information on the workings of the NTSDC [Nevada Test Site Development Corporation]; and both Darwin Morgan and Kevin Rohrer of the DOE provided helpful materials from within the agency. The Johns brothers remain an inspiration to me, while Troy Wade epitomizes a Cold Warrior at his best. Finally, I am eternally grateful to Shirley Davis for her help with this manuscript; her patience and support made it possible to finish on schedule.

• Author's note: Ironically, the "CFAR Grant" referenced in Dina Titus' Acknowledgements Page was a grant founded by her professor husband Thomas C. Wright (Center for Advanced Research) to "to provide funding and course reassignments to support more faculty research. "

Abortion

Planned Parenthood

Titus received $6000 in lobbying funds from Planned Parenthood in 2008.

EMILY's List

Titus has been supported by EMILY's List during her campaigning.

NRDC Action

In 2022 the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund endorsed Dina Titus.

No to China committee

Sixty-five Democrats in the House of Representatives voted on Tuesday January 10, 2022, against creating a committee to investigate China and find ways to counter the communist country’s growing international influence.

The House overwhelmingly voted to create the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party on a 365 to 65 margin, in one of the first votes since the Republicans took control of the chamber.

However, even though some members did not vote, all 65 lawmakers who voted against the committee’s creation were Democrats, including Dina Titus.

Korea Peace Now

Humanitarian Needs in Cuba letter

December 16 2021 , House Rules Committee Chair James McGovern (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Greg Meeks (D-NY), House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Chair Barbara Lee (D-CA), and House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Energy Chair Bobby Rush (D-IL) led 114 Members of Congress in a letter to President Biden asking him to prioritize the well-being of the Cuban people as they experience the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in recent history...

In the wake of this year’s protests, the members urged the administration to support the Cuban people by suspending U.S. regulations that prevent food, medicine, remittances, and other humanitarian assistance from reaching the Cuban people...

Signatories included Dina Titus.

US-China Regional Dialogue Series

The US-China Regional Dialogue Series: Hospitality, Tourism and Cultural Exchange took place on October 6 & 7 in-person in Las Vegas, Nevada or via live virtual broadcast. Hosted by the US-Asia Institute, and sponsored by Las Vegas Sands Corp., the U.S.-China Regional Dialogue will focus on Tourism, Hospitality and Cultural Exchange. Speakers will discuss commercial opportunities, people-to-people exchange and workforce development.

This was the second event in this series of important regional dialogues that bring together government officials, community group representatives, and business and thought leaders from both countries to increase communication and engagement at the national, regional and local levels. This event will address the opportunities and challenges in today’s bilateral relationship.

Senior Chinese participants included His Excellency Qin Gang, Ambassador to the U.S. from the People’s Republic of China and Minister Zhang Xu, Vice Minister, Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Wang Yongli, China Education Association for International Exchange, Minister Counselor of Cultural Affairs Zhao Haisheng, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China .

US politicians participating included Steve Sisolak, Governor of Nevada, Dina Titus, Member, US Congress (D-NV 1st District), Billy Long (R-MO), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Carol Miller, Member, US Congress (R-WV 3rd District), Jacky Rosen, Senator, US Senate (D-NV), Steve Daines, Senator, US Senate (R-MT), US-China Working Group Senate, Susie Lee, Member, US Congress (D-NV 3rd District)

Other US dignitaries included Deborah Lehr, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the Paulson Institute, Susan Thornton, Former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian & Pacific Affairs, Jan Berris, Vice President, National Committee on US-China Relations, Glenn Lau-Kee, Chairman, US-Asia Institute, Ambassador Julia Bloch, President, US-China Educational Trust.

APALA conference

Congresswoman Dina Titus August 10, 2019.

It was an honor to stand with the labor men and women at Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) 15th Biennial Convention this morning. I’m proud of the progress you’ve made towards advancing worker, immigrant, and civil rights and bridging the gap between Labor and the #AAPI community. #1UAAPI

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance

Who's coming to Convention? - check out this incredible keynote speaker lineup we have coming up in just TWO days at APALA's 15th Biennial Convention!

Speakers - National Domestic Workers Alliance Political Director, Jessica Morales Rocketto - Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) President Sara Nelson - AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre - Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak - Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Arguello-Kline - SEIU Nevada Executive Director Grace Vergara - Congresswoman Dina Titus for Nevada’s 1st District - Nevada Assemblyman William McCurdy II.

APALA connection

Las Vegas, NV – August 11 2016, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) celebrated its community and labor reception, “For Nevada’s Future: Every Vote Counts,” in Las Vegas as an event in conjunction with the Presidential Election Forum hosted this weekend by the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) and the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).

Former Nevada Attorney General and Senate Candidate Catherine Cortez Masto keynoted the reception and highlighted the crucial role that the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has played in strengthening Nevada’s economy and cultural landscape.

Cortez Masto rallied: “Nevada has been able to succeed because we have embraced our diversity, not rejected it. Unfortunately, Donald Trump fails to recognize this and wants to ban immigration from the Philippines. Yet still, Congressman Heck continues to support Trump’s campaign. We cannot allow Donald Trump or Congressman Heck to get elected and put policies in place that are the exact opposite of what makes America great.”

The reception also welcomed remarks from Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1); Yvanna Cancela, the political director of Culinary Workers Union 226 (UNITE-HERE); Artie Blanco, state director of super-pac For Nevada’s Future; Gloria Caoile, the vice president of civic and political engagement for APALA Nevada; and Luisa Blue, APALA board member and the highest ranking AAPI elected in SEIU.

APALA Executive Director Gregory Cendana commented: “Last night’s reception shows how important the voices of the AAPI community are -- politicians can’t ignore our communities and offend our families by calling us animals or terrorists. We need to stand behind champions like Former Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto who understands our issues.”

Gloria Caoile stated: “The politics of Vegas doesn’t follow the typical saying about Vegas. What happens here in Nevada doesn’t stay in Vegas. Rather, it will be felt throughout the country. We’re doing everything in our power to make sure that our voices are heard and represented in all levels of government.”

Congresswoman Dina Titus added: “I represent the most diverse district in this state, and it’s my honor to be a part of the first AAPI election forum. We’re going to win this election together because we are stronger together.”

Immigration reform press conference

Gloria Caoile of APALA Nevada at an immigration reform press conference with Senator Harry Reid, Representatives Luis Gutierrez and Dina Titus and UNITE-HERE president D. Taylor., July 2013.

Good Trouble vigil

Guillermo Barahona with Dina Titus

In July, 2021, to mark the 1-year anniversary of Representative John Lewis’ passing, Common Cause members helped lead over 100 candlelight vigils across the United States.

These “Good Trouble” vigils served a dual purpose: to honor Lewis’ legacy, and to protect it.

The vigils educated communities about these measures and the ongoing battle to protect the right to vote. They also highlighted the need for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which passed the House in August. It will repair and strengthen the Voting Rights Act to respond to recent Supreme Court decisions like Shelby County and Brnovich that weakened key pillars of the law. It now awaits Senate action.

John Lewis believed that voting is a powerful weapon that should never be taken for granted, and we at Common Cause are dedicated to protecting Lewis’ legacy and furthering his mission.

DSA connections

Socialist staffer

Demi Falcon has known Representative Titus since at least 2015.

• Demi Falcon has worked for Rep. Dina Titus since 2020.
• Deputy Chief of Staff (Jan. 2023-) Deputy Chief of Staff
• Policy Adviser (Nov. 2022-Jan. 2023)
• Deputy Campaign Manager, Titus for Congress (Nevada) (March 2022-Nov. 2022)
• Executive Assistant to Rep. Dina Titus (June 2020-Feb. 2022)

YDS support

In 2006 the Nevada Young Democratic Socialists affiliate, Meadows High School (Las Vegas), based Meadows New Left, membership helped with canvassing, phonebanking, and getting the word out for casino union supporter Dina Titus’ campaign for the governorship of Nevada.

YDS praise

Single Payer Leadership Meeting Agenda

Las Vegas, NV Sep. 30 – Oct. 1, 2017. The Longhorn Room, Binion’s Gambling Hall 128 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV.

• 10:00AM-10:05AM Call to Order: Jean Ross, National Nurses United
• 10:05AM-10:15AM Introducing Nevada for Healthcare-NOW! & Allies: Tista Stemp and Keenan Korth
• 10:15AM-10:30AM Welcome to Nevada: Congresswoman Dina Titus (Nevada’s 1st District)
• 10:30AM-10:45AM Goals & structure of the Leadership Meeting: Benjamin Day, Healthcare-NOW
• 10:45AM-11:45AM Keynote Speakers: Dr. Paul Song and Amy Vilela
• 11:45AM-12:45PM Panel: Organizing Across Issues & Organizations During This “Movement Moment”: Moderator: Eileen Eady, Nevada for Healthcare-NOW!; Rose Roach, Minnesota Nurses Association; Martese Chism, National Nurses United; Erika Washington, Make It Work. Nevada4thePeople; Deborah Harris, Women’s March on Washington.
• 2:30PM-2:50PM Speaker: Preparing for Opposition… from our Enemies and our Friends: Michael Lighty, National Nurses United.
• 3:30PM-4:30PM Panel: Developing Effective Medium-Term Campaigns After the Era of Resistance: Benjamin Day, Healthcare-NOW!; Ben Palmquist, NESRI; Libby Devlin, NNU/NNOC; Donna Smith, PDA.
• 5:10PM-6:00PM Plenary: Lessons from Roundtable Discussions & Open Mic: Lenny Potash, Labor United for Universal Healthcare; Ursula Rozum, Campaign for NY Health; Amirah Sequiera, National Nurses United
• Sunday, October 1 – 10AM-12PM Noon
• 10:00AM-10:15AM Responding to Pushback from Legislators: Dr. Bill Honigman and Dr. Roona Ray
• PDA Arizona State Coordinator Dan O'Neal moderated a discussion.

American Health Care Act press conference

Amy Vilela with Rep. Dina Titus in Las Vegas, May 2017

The day after the U.S. House Trumpcare vote, Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus came home to Las Vegas. She had plenty to say about the rushed health care vote, and so did a few of her constituents. This was not the usual Friday in Downtown Las Vegas.

Rep. Titus held a press conference at her Las Vegas office Friday to break down what she witnessed in D.C. the previous day. She began with a simple explanation of why she voted against the American Health Care Act (AHCA, aka Trumpcare).

She then handed the microphone over to constituents who are at risk of losing health care. Amy Vilela, whose daughter died at Centennial Hills Hospital due to the hospital’s denial of care, had a very clear message on AHCA: “This bill is inhumane.” I later asked her why she feels so strongly. “My fear is more families will have to feel the unimaginable pain we endured.”

At least 390,000 Nevadans stand to lose coverage if AHCA were to become law. For Vilela, “This is based on greed.” She expressed doubt that it’s meant to help consumers at all. “This bill, when you read it, is helping insurance companies increase their profit margins. They get to go back and remove any additional costs for covering people with pre-existing conditions.”

Justine Harrison is an aviation attorney in private practice. During the press conference, Harrison said she would have to shut down her business if AHCA were to become law.

Medicare For All Congressional Caucus founders

In August 2018 Medicare For All Congressional Caucus founding members included Representative Dina Titus.

Medicare for All Act

In February 2019 Rep. Pramila Jayapal introduced H.R.1384 - Medicare for All Act of 2019. By May 29 she had 110 co-sponsors including Rep. Dina Titus.

DSA praise

Las Vegas Democratic Socialists of America March 1 2019·

Huge Shout out to Dina Titus for coming out in support of Medicare for All #M4A . Public polling has shown overwhelming support for M4A, one poll as high as 70% in favor. Makes you wonder why fellow Nevadan representatives Steven Horsford and Susie Lee have NOT come out in support of the bill. If you have time give them a call, let them know how you feel — with Congresswoman Dina Titus, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford.

NARA event

Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans human chain event w/ Rep. Titus July 3, 2013.

ARA PAF endorsement, 2014

The Alliance for Retired Americans Political Action Fund endorsed Dina Titus in 2014, also 2012.

Condemning Criticism of Islam legislation

On December 17, 2015, Rep. Don Beyer, Jr. introduced legislation condemning "violence, bigotry, and hateful rhetoric towards Muslims in the United States." The legislation is based on unsourced claims that there is a "rise of hateful and anti-Muslim speech, violence, and cultural ignorance," and a "disproportionate targeting" of "Muslim women who wear hijabs, headscarves, or other religious articles of clothing...because of their religious clothing, articles, or observances." The resolution, H.Res.569 - Condemning violence, bigotry, and hateful rhetoric towards Muslims in the United States

The legislation was cosponsored by Rep. Michael Honda, Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Joseph Crowley, Rep. Andre Carson, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Scott Peters, Rep. Brad Ashford, Rep. Alan Grayson, Rep. Mark Takai, Rep. Brian Higgins, Rep. William Keating, Rep. Raul Grijalva, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Rep. Ruben Gallego, Rep. Cheri Bustos, Rep. John Delaney, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Rep. Michael Quigley, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, Rep. Robin Kelly, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Rep. Greg Meeks, Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Al Green, Rep. Katherine Clark, Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Alcee Hastings, Rep. Sam Farr, Rep. Frank Pallone, Rep. Jim McDermott, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Donna Edwards, Rep. Robert Brady, Rep. Frederica Wilson, Rep. Michael Doyle, Rep. Albio Sires, Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Jared Polis, Rep. Dave Loebsack, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Steve Cohen, Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, Rep. John Yarmuth, Rep. Niki Tsongas, Rep. Jim Langevin, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, Rep. Jose Serrano, Rep. Hank Johnson, Rep. Paul Tonko, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Rep. Lois Capps, Rep. David Price, Rep. Doris Matsui, Rep. Gwen Moore, Rep. Denny Heck, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. John Carney, Rep. Xavier Becerra, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. John B. Larson, Rep. Dina Titus, Rep. Peter Welch, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Rep. Jim Himes, Rep. Matt Cartwright.

External links

• Dina Titus website with the House of Representatives