NRA, Social Security, 2nd Amendment, Internet, Veterans, Government Shutdown

More of Today's News from the Lawmakers

Republican Social Security Leader Tom Reed Highlights How Social Security Reform Must be Bipartisan
Tom Reed (R-NY, 23rd)
February 6, 2019
“Not once in Social Security’s nearly 100-year history have changes been made to its solvency that didn’t have Republicans and Democrats support in the House,” Republican Leader of the Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady said. “Going it alone, forcing one party, solutions will certainly fail.”

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RASKIN, WHITEHOUSE DEMAND ANSWERS FROM NRA ON ALLEGED CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW VIOLATIONS
Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
February 7, 2019
The NRA is named in four pending complaints to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) alleging campaign finance law violations. In their letter to NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, the Members seek information regarding the NRA’s relationship with media consulting firms that also worked for the Trump Campaign and other Republican candidates.

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Reschenthaler Defends Second Amendment During House Judiciary Committee Hearing
Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA, 14th)
February 7, 2019
“As a lifelong resident of southwestern Pennsylvania and a gun owner myself, I know that the overwhelming majority of American gun owners are hardworking, law-abiding citizens looking to protect their families, hunt with their kids, or just put food on the table,” Reschenthaler said. “I am strongly opposed to H.R. 8 and other legislation that does nothing to address the root causes of gun violence like mental health, and instead limits law-abiding citizens’ ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

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MCMORRIS RODGERS INTRODUCES PROMOTING INTERNET FREEDOM AND INNOVATION ACT
Cathy Rodgers McMorris (R-WA, 5th)
February 7, 2019
At the hearing, Cathy said, “My bill is based on the Washington State law and would codify the “bright line rules” of Net Neutrality, specifically: no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization… The Internet is vital to our future, and the opportunity that it provides is vital to the economic potential of hardworking men and women in the 21st century. I want to once and for all resolve this manufactured political debate and provide certainty to the internet ecosystem so that we can make that opportunity a reality for every single American.”

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House Passes Rose Amendment to Expand Childcare Coverage to Veterans Seeking Addiction Treatment
Max Rose (D-NY, 11th)
February 7, 2019
As one of the few post-9/11 combat veterans who are serving right now in this body, I’ve seen the courage of my fellow former-soldiers who seek the help they so desperately need. I’ve seen that substance abuse counseling at our VA facilities can save lives, save families. And I’ve seen what happens when my brothers and sisters who served do not get the treatment they need, and I’m here to tell my colleagues that I refuse to watch that happen again.

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RUPPERSBERGER INTRODUCES BILL TO REIMBURSE FEDERAL WORKERS AFTER SHUTDOWN – WITH INTEREST
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd)
February 7, 2019
While federal employees impacted by the most recent, 35-day government shutdown will receive compensation for lost wages, many workers were forced to incur additional costs, including fees for late payments on bills and loans. The Back Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 1051) would provide federal workers back-pay with interest matched to the Treasury Prompt Payment policy, the same interest rate federal agencies pay on late payments to vendors and contractors.

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Internet, Military, Female Genital Mutilation, Green New Deal, Prescription Drugs, Great Lakes

Today's News from the Lawmakers

FULL MILITARY HONORS ACT INTRODUCED
Jimmy Panetta (D-CA, 20th)
February 6, 2019
"This legislation provides Medal of Honor and Prisoners Of War heroes the recognition they deserve for their unwavering service to our country. Full military honors ceremonies remind us of the service and valor demonstrated by those who have defended, protected, and sacrificed for freedom and democracy. I am humbled and honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my servicemember and veteran colleagues"

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Perry Offers Bipartisan Legislation to End Female Genital Mutilation in US
Scott Perry (R-PA, 4th)
February 6, 2019
“Now’s the time to stand up for the voiceless and criminalize the horrific practice of Female Genital Mutilation. FGM has absolutely no place in America - or any other place in this world. FGM is an unconscionable, systematic form of abuse perpetuated against the youngest and most vulnerable among us and serves no medical purpose. The recent federal court ruling in Michigan has, once again, brought this issue to the forefront. As our society becomes more transient and diverse, renewed efforts to prevent this atrocity are necessary. In no uncertain terms, FGM must end immediately and those who perpetrate it will be brought to swift justice in the United States,” said Perry.

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QUIGLEY REINTRODUCES BIPARTISAN "GREAT LAKES FISHERY RESEARCH AUTHORIZATION ACT"
Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5th)
February 6, 2019
“It is no surprise that the Great Lakes fishery industry, which generates $7 billion in economic activity and supports 1.5 million jobs, requires cutting-edge research and adequate funding for proper maintenance and preservation,” said Rep. Quigley. “By reintroducing the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act, we are working to protect the waterways that play an invaluable role in our economies, our ecosystems, and our communities—whether it be providing clean drinking water or recreational activities. We must ensure that the USGS Great Lakes Science Center has the tools, resources, and authority it needs to fulfill its vital work.”

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DURING HEARING, O'HALLERAN CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF FREE AND OPEN INTERNET
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
February 7, 2019
“In this highly connected, fast-paced world, the quality and accessibility of internet is critical to the lasting success of small businesses – especially in rural America,” O’Halleran said. “We have a responsibility to support our communities and grow our economy. We can do that by protecting and strengthening net neutrality rules that prevent Internet Service Providers from throttling access and give consumers the privacy and security they deserve. There is bipartisan support in Congress to do this, and I stand ready to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to deliver results for American businesses and consumers.”

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Reps. Peters and Davis Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Rising Student Loan Debt
Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)
February 7, 2019
“I relied on student loans to get through college when the cost of higher education was much lower than it is today. Now, the collective debt among people in the U.S. is more than $1.5 trillion dollars, which hurts economic growth,” said Rep. Peters. “Many employers have successfully helped their employees pay down their debt, and encouraging similar programs across the country can move us closer to solving the student debt crisis. Our economy benefits, too, when young Americans begin making investments like buying a home, starting a family, or saving for retirement. I appreciate Rep. Davis’s commitment to tackling this important issue.”

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Tester, Murkowski, Pingree Reintroduce Bill to Support Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
February 7, 2019
Their Servicemember and Veterans’ Empowerment and Support Act expands the definition of MST to ensure servicemembers and veterans who experience online sexual harassment can access VA counseling and benefits. It also codifies a lower burden of proof so more survivors are eligible for trauma and mental health care related to MST, even if they didn’t feel comfortable reporting the event to their chain of command while in service.

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Pingree Statement on Introduction of Green New Deal Resolution
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
February 7, 2019
“The Green New Deal sets a bold vision for dealing with the climate change crisis, which will soon escalate into a full-blown disaster if we don’t make the kinds of changes outlined in this plan. There are many good ideas in this resolution, but this is just the first step in the process,” said Pingree. "There is a lot of work to be done in the days ahead to iron out the details, like opportunities to work with farmers to trap more carbon in the soil. But I’m confident that we can pass something in the House and send it to the Senate, because the American people have demanded action.”

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Pocan, Kaptur Introduce Legislation to Protect Americans from Prescription Drug Price Gouging
Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)
February 7, 2019
“Despite President Trump claiming victory on declining prescription drug prices, the costs of many drugs are still skyrocketing and becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Americans,” said Pocan. “The Stop Price Gouging Act will hold corporations accountable and protect consumers from egregious year-after-year price spikes that are far too common. While American families struggle over whether to pay an electric bill or buy life-saving medications, drug manufacturers and CEOs should not be making excessive profits. Members of Congress should immediately support this legislation and deliver results for the American people who are being hit with outrageous drug prices daily.”

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