U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said Tuesday she is concerned about recent comments from President Donald Trump regarding Iran, as well as what she described as a lack of congressional involvement ahead of potential military action.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that a “whole civilization would die” if Iran failed to meet a deadline he set, drawing criticism from some lawmakers.
Speaking at an affordable housing event in Reno, Cortez Masto said Congress should play a more active role in decisions related to military engagement.
The Nevada Democrat called on the Trump administration to come before Congress to explain how funds supporting the conflict are being used, outline its overall objectives, and provide details on a potential exit strategy.
Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly when it comes to decisions that could lead to broader conflict.
As for the housing event, Masto joined local labor and housing leaders Tuesday to celebrate the renovation and preservation of hundreds of affordable, accessible homes for seniors in Reno.
The event, held at Carville Park Apartments, brought together representatives from the Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada and the Nevada Rural Housing Authority to mark progress on the $80 million redevelopment project.
Cortez Masto called the project a “game changer” for seniors in Northern Nevada, particularly those living on limited incomes.
Originally constructed in the 1970s by building trades using pension funds to support affordable senior housing, the Building Trades Council has owned the complex since 1978. The recent renovation transformed 52 quad-style units into 208 studio and one-bedroom apartments designed for seniors who use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Construction started in December 2024, with a completion date by the end of June.
Rob Benner, executive secretary-treasurer for the Northern Nevada Building and Construction Trades Council, said the previous dorm-style layout proved especially challenging for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the need for a redesign better suited to independent living.
Funding for the project came from a mix of sources, including $7 million from the State Infrastructure Bank, $3 million in state tax credits, and significant backing from the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust.
During the event, Cortez Masto also highlighted the recently passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which aims to expand affordable housing options nationwide, with a focus on rural and tribal communities. She also noted her role in helping secure financing for the Carville Park project and emphasized the importance of partnerships between government and labor organizations in addressing housing shortages.
Looking ahead, the Building Trades Council is preparing for another major development, Clearacre Commons, a proposed $400 million project that would bring more than 700 units of affordable and workforce housing to Reno. Already approved by the Reno City Planning Commission, it is to go to the City Council later this month.
Benner said the council hopes to break ground on Clearacre Commons early next year.
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