Foreign Ocean Carriers Blamed for High Shipping Costs

Washington, D.C. - December 13, 2021 - (The Ponder News) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has roiled supply chains around the world, creating bottlenecks that have added costs and delays for small businesses and consumers. In the global shipping industry, all major ocean carriers are foreign-based and have not played fair with American exporters and importers during this crisis: 30 years ago, the largest foreign-flagged ocean carriers controlled around 15% of traffic. Today, they control 75%. As a result, American businesses have found it difficult to get their goods to market for a fair and reasonable cost, leading to shortages and higher prices.

H.R. 4996, which represents the first major modernization of the global ocean shipping industry since 1998, will:

ensure fairness in ocean shipping by prohibiting ocean carriers from unreasonably refusing to transport American cargo;

strengthen the overseas supply chain by combating unfair and disruptive business practices by shipping companies; and

bolster the Federal Maritime Commission so that it has the resources to hold wealthy shipping companies accountable.

Feenstra Renews Call for COST Act After Biden Signs Executive Order Mandating Zero-Emission Government Vehicle Fleet

Washington, D.C. - December 10, 2021 - (The Ponder News) -- On Wednesday, President Biden signed an executive order that bars federal agencies from buying liquid fuel vehicles by 2035, including a transition to all electric vehicles for government-owned passenger cars by 2027. Following the signing of this executive order, Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) released the following statement renewing his call for Congress to pass his Comparison of Sustainable Transportation (COST) Act:

“President Biden’s obsession with electric vehicles isn’t based on facts. Producing batteries for these vehicles, on top of the coal-generated power needed to charge them, requires a significant amount of money, energy, and nonrenewable resources. This is a rhetoric-driven decision that completely ignores the positive role biofuels play in reducing costs and emissions.

“In light of this announcement, Congress should immediately consider my COST Act to compare the full financial and environmental impact of choosing electric vehicles over E85 flex-fuel vehicles. Simply put, the Biden administration should not be so quick to jump to electric vehicles when E85 flex-fuel could provide an even cheaper and cleaner option.”

Biden’s executive order comes after the administration dealt a serious blow to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which Feenstra referred to as the “absolute height of hypocrisy” given the administration’s focus on climate change and gas prices.

The COST Act directs the Comptroller General and the Secretary of Energy to compare the financial and environmental costs of replacing federal government gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles or E85 capable flex-fuel vehicles. The bill then requires the Secretary of Energy to report findings to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

CEOS CALL ON CONGRESS TO ADDRESS SURGE OF RETAIL CRIME

Washington, D.C. - December 10, 2021 - (The Ponder News) -- In a letter to Congressional leadership, 20 CEOs of leading retailers expressed urgent concern over the growing impact of organized retail crime on retail employees and communities across the U.S. The signatories representing apparel, electronics, health and beauty, home improvement, and general merchandise sectors implore lawmakers to pass the INFORM Consumers Act, legislation that will modernize our consumer protection laws to safeguard families and communities from the sale of illicit products.

“Retailers have made significant investments to combat organized retail crime, but as they note in today’s letter, criminals will continue these brazen thefts as long as they are able to anonymously sell their stolen goods via online marketplaces. Fortunately, there is a growing consensus among business leaders, law enforcement, and a bipartisan group of policymakers that INFORM Consumers Act is an important and appropriate step to stemming the tide. Deterring these crimes starts with making it harder for thieves to sell stolen goods online. We urge Congress to seize this opportunity to help protect communities, families, and consumers.”

Retail leaders who signed today’s letter include:

Ken Hicks, Academy Sports + Outdoors

Corie Barry, Best Buy Co., Inc.

Lauren Hobart, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.

Richard Johnson, Foot Locker, Inc.

W. Rodney McMullen, The Kroger Co.

Richard Keyes, Meijer, Inc.

Erik B. Nordstrom, Nordstrom, Inc.

Heyward Donigan, Rite Aid Corporation

Brian C. Cornell, Target Corporation

Steve Rendle, VF Corporation

William Rhodes, AutoZone, Inc.

Neela Montgomery, CVS Health

Todd J. Vasos, Dollar General Corporation

Craig Menear, The Home Depot, Inc.

Chip Bergh, Levi Strauss & Co.

Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Neiman Marcus, Inc.

Ron Coughlin, Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.

Anthony T. Hucker, Southeast Grocers

David Kimbell, Ulta Beauty, Inc.

John Standley, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

Brian Dodge, Retail Industry Leaders Association

Read the full letter here.

Ponder the News... (December 8, 2021)

On December 2, 2021, the House passed a largely partisan spending bill by a vote of 221-212.

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House Democrats also blocked a vote on a Parents Bill of Rights.

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FY22 NDAA has passed with these provisions:

Boosts topline defense spending by $25 billion to reverse President Biden’s woefully underfunded budget

Provides a 2.7% pay raise for and expanded benefits for military families

Ensures historic investments in emerging technology, like AI, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons

Secures funding to defend our allies from Russian aggression, including $300 million for the Ukraine Security Alliance Initiative and $4 billion for the European Detterence Initiative fund

Invests $7.1 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative in preparing our military to prevail in conflict with China

Establishes that it is the policy of U.S. to maintain the ability to resist Chinese efforts to seize control of Taiwan

Prohibits a dishonorable discharge for servicemembers who refuse a COVID-19 vaccination and requires uniform procedures for vaccine exemptions

Removed language requiring women to register for Selective Service at 18 years of age

Eliminated language establishing an Office of Countering Extremism that would have created an ideological litmus test for servicemembers in violation of their First Amendment rights

Removed dangerous “Red Flag” language that could strip servicemembers’ and veterans’ Second Amendment rights.

Additional provisions may be found in the bill text HERE.

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According to the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. will co-sign the World Trade Organization’s joint ministerial declaration on gender equality.

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Monday, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA), Congressman David Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Antitrust Subcommittee, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and 29 other members of Congress sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter urging the Department of Justice to investigate the proposed $43 billion merger of Discovery and WarnerMedia for violations of antitrust laws. In addition, members of Congress are requesting the Justice Department examine whether the proposed merger will reduce diverse content in a more consolidated and less competitive market.

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According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute on Tuesday, "President Biden’s pick for Comptroller of the Currency withdrew today after critics, including the Competitive Enterprise Institute, exposed her many statements sympathetic to communism." We don't have to worry about our bank accounts being made public anymore.

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Last week, Consumer Reports urged Congress in a letter to pass legislation introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Ben Ray Luján that would ban the predatory use of “shopping bots” by scammers to buy up popular products online so they can turn around and sell the items for much more. The Stopping Grinch BOTS Act would protect consumers from these automated software programs and create a more level playing field for shoppers looking to buy the latest gaming consoles or toys topping their kid’s wish list at a reasonable price.

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U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in introducing the Music Under Severe Income Crisis (MUSIC) Act to support the entertainment industry impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This legislation would expand the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) Program to include the many support and service companies, including convention and trade show organizers, that work with live event venues and performers and have been impacted by pandemic closures.

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Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with twelve of his Senate colleagues, have introduced the Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act, legislation aimed at eliminating Palestinian “martyr payments.” The bill would deter foreign banks from making these payments by putting at risk their access to the United States financial system. A one-pager about the bill may be found here. Bill text may be found here.

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U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and John Joyce (R-PA) led 17 of their colleagues in requesting a review of the regulation of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) advertising practices for prescription medical products. Over the past several years, an increasing number of companies are selling prescription products, such as contact lenses and orthodontics, directly to consumers. While these companies have the potential to increase convenience and lower costs, reports of poor quality or adverse events have raised concerns among consumers and health care providers.

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U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act, legislation to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand and improve outreach about the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program to ensure every veteran eligible for VJO is aware of the program.

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S. 610, the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act, passed the House on a partisan vote of 222-212 and now heads to the Senate for consideration. This legislation prevents cuts to Medicare for the over 44 million Americans who depend on the program. Without this bill, automatic spending cuts to Medicare, known as “sequestration,” would go into effect at the end of this year.

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In light of the disturbing revelation that the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division created a “threat tag” based on Attorney General Merrick Garland’s October 4 memorandum, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and every Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee this week sent a follow-up letter to AG Garland demanding that he finally withdraw that memo and make clear that the law enforcement arms of the federal government do not equate concerned parents with domestic terrorists.

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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has sought to pass new legislation imposing sanctions on Nord Stream 2, which if brought online will enable Putin to invade and devastate Ukraine.

Spending, Extremism, World Uyghur Congress, Vaccine Mandate Case, Fentanyl, Child Care, Communism in the Classroom,

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to December 7, 2020

Most popular telemedicine diagnoses no longer include COVID-19
Source: Newsquick24
December 6, 2021
COVID-19 dropped out of the top five diagnoses observed nationally in telemedicine in September, even as the use of virtual assistance began to rise.
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Buchanan Leads Letter with Over 100 GOP Colleagues Opposing New CMS Vaccine Mandate
Source: U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL, 16th)
December 6, 2021
CMS’s vaccine mandate, issued in November, requires health care workers whose employers participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs be fully vaccinated by January 4. There are approximately 76,000 providers that employ over 17 million health care workers that would be required to comply with the mandate. Many of America’s physicians also operate as small businesses and would be required to comply with these new rules and regulations, the same as large hospitals.
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CONGRESSMAN MO BROOKS VOTES "NO" ON CONTINUING RESOLUTION THAT HASTENS AMERICA'S INSOLVENCY AND HURTS NATIONAL DEFENSE
Source: U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-AL, 5th)
December 3, 2021
"America’s debt will soon blow through the $30 trillion mark. That is roughly $90,000 in debt for every man, woman and child in America. America has suffered $3 trillion deficits in back-to-back years for the first time in history. No one knows how bad 2022 will be but this reckless continuing resolution is certain to make America’s insolvency risk worse. We simply have too many economically illiterate and reckless spenders in Congress whose spending binges have contributed to the inflation that’s hammering American families."
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Brown, CBC Chair Beatty, Warner, Booker Urge Inclusion Of A Strong Provision To Combat Extremism In The Military, In The FY22 NDAA
Source: U.S. Representative Anthony Brown (D-MD, 4th)
December 3, 2021
“While the Department has issued directives to address the issue of extremism in the military, including a force-wide stand down, recent reports about rioters reenlisting, interagency data sharing failures, and blanket statements made by military leaders that deny the reality of extremism in the ranks demonstrate that we need legislative action,” the members wrote. “Now is the time for Congress to join this fight and enact its own robust legislative solutions to give the Department the authorities and resources it needs to address these long-overdue issues.”
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Rep. Ken Buck Sends Letter to Marriott International CEO Criticizing Hotel's Refusal to Host World Uyghur Congress
Source: U.S. Representative Ken Buck (R-CO, 4th)
December 3, 2021
"Under the guise of 'political neutrality,' the Prague Marriott Hotel became an extension of the intense persecution against Uyghurs perpetuated by the Chinese government," the Congressman stated. "By shuttering its doors to the WUC, the hotel affiliated itself with the Chinese government’s policies toward the Uyghur people."
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REP. TED BUDD HELPS INTRODUCE CRUCIAL COMMUNISM TEACHING ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC, 13th)
December 3, 2021
The legislation would authorize the congressionally-created Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to develop a high school curriculum to educate students about the dangers of communism and totalitarianism
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Burchett: Throw the book at fentanyl traffickers
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN, 2nd)
December 2, 2021
“It is time we throw the book at fentanyl traffickers. These dirtbags are responsible for killing thousands of American citizens, but the Biden administration wants to lessen prison sentences for fentanyl smugglers. That is wrong. These criminals need to be treated like terrorists wielding weapons of mass destruction. I will soon introduce legislation that will mandate life sentences for smuggling fentanyl into our country.”
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Burgess: Continuing Resolutions are not Appropriate to run a Country in Crisis
Source: U.S. Representative Michael Burgess (R-TX, 26th)
December 2, 2021
“Today, during the Rules Committee hearing on this legislation, I brought up the difficulty of receiving even a phone call back from any federal agency. This is unacceptable,” said Burgess. “Further, Democrats keeping pushing social spending without considering the cost for the American taxpayer. Americans are struggling to pay for the gas just to get to the grocery store and are even more discouraged when they see that the price of milk has jumped too. On top of the inflation crisis, our country is experiencing several others. Congress not taking the time to address each of these crises, induced by this Administration, is legislative malpractice. The legislative branch of our government holds the purse strings, and we, as Members of this branch, have a responsibility to restore the appropriations process so that we can effectively govern and avoid future potential shutdowns.”
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There Is a Better Way to Build on Successful, Existing Child Care Programs
Source: Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)
December 2, 2021
One: Faith-based or religious providers will close, as will small family child care homes and kinship care settings. Two: Child care and preschool costs will rise, dramatically. Three: States will be burdened with huge costs and aggressive federal government control. And four: This entire proposal is built on a series of budget gimmicks to hide the costs to the American taxpayers until it is too late.
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The Buckeye Institute Files Motion Demanding White House Stop Hiding Documents in OSHA Vaccine Mandate Case
Source: Buckeye Institute
December 1, 2021
As outlined in The Buckeye Institute’s motion, the White House has been perfectly clear that it imposed the vaccine mandate through OSHA in order to circumvent limits on federal power, and that its true intent is not related to genuine concern for workplace safety, but is rather to increase individual vaccination rates writ large. Because this rationale would constitute an impermissible basis for any OSHA rule, OSHA produced a pretextual record, making no mention of the White House’s publicly-stated purpose of increasing individual vaccination rates. The White House then failed to include documents about its stated justification for the mandate in the official record it submitted to the court.
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FTC Integrity Act, Jordan Cove Pipeline, Privacy for Federal Judges, Mount Vernon PD, Vaccine Mandate

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to December 6, 2021

BLUNT, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TO STOP GHOST VOTES FROM IMPACTING FTC RULES
Source: Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)
December 6, 2021
“To a cast a vote in the Federal Trade Commission, you ought to actually be on the commission,” said Blunt. “This zombie voting completely ignores the important role of the Senate in the confirmation process, and it’s totally inconsistent with how federal agencies should operate. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill to eliminate this unacceptable practice.”
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Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s Statement on the Justice Department’s Civil Investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department
Source: U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY, 16th)
December 6, 2021
On Friday, the Justice Department announced an investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department following years of ignored claims of planted evidence, illegal body cavity searches, excessive force, abusive tactics and targets on residents and youth, primarily Black, of Mount Vernon, New York.
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Senator Bob Dole of Kansas died on December 5, 2021. The Ponder would like to remember him with a quote:

“For greatness lies not in what office you hold, but in how honest you are, in how you face adversity, and in your willingness to stand fast in hard places.”
Bob Dole

Rep. Boebert Blasts Leftist Environmental Extremists for Killing the Jordan Cove Natural Gas Pipeline
Source: U.S. House Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO, 3rd)
December 3, 2021
Rep. Lauren Boebert stated: “Under the Trump administration, America was a net energy exporter, but under the Biden regime, we have been begging OPEC for energy. American natural gas is some of the cleanest-burning fuel in the world, and to improve the environment, provide American jobs, secure American economic and national security, and project an image of strength to the world, America should pursue energy independence. The cancellation of the Jordan Cove Pipeline is a tragedy for Coloradans and for American energy independence. American energy policy should not hinge on a few radical, well-funded environmentalists on the West Coast.”
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Booker, Menendez Applaud Senate Judiciary Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill To Protect Privacy, Safety of Federal Judges and Their Families
Source: Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
December 2, 2021
“I am grateful that Senators of both parties came together today to support the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act— urgently needed legislation that will help protect the privacy and safety of federal judges and their families,” said Senator Booker, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “No person who takes on the responsibility of serving as a federal judge should ever have to live in fear that they or their family could be targeted by someone who is able to access their personal information easily online. As we continue to grieve and stand with the Salas family in honoring the memory of their son Daniel, we must never forget that tragic day, and we must ensure that this legislation is passed by the full Senate.”
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Senator Joe Manchin joins vaccine mandate challenge, expected to pass next week in Senate
Source: Senator Mike Braun (R-IN)
December 3, 2021
“President Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandate for private businesses is not a partisan issue: it jeopardizes the freedoms and livelihoods of Americans in all 50 states, and I hope that more Democratic Senators and Representatives will follow Senator Manchin’s strong lead and stand up against this federal overreach that will wreak havoc on our recovering economy and trample on the rights of millions of Americans.” - Senator Mike Braun
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U.S. Debt, Vaccine Mandate, Censorship, COVID Relief,

BLUNT, HAWLEY PRESS VA FOR PLAN TO PROTECT VETERANS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES FROM IMPACT OF FEDERAL VACCINE MANDATE
Source: Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)
November 23, 2021
“We are concerned that implementation of these federal vaccine mandates will cause Missouri’s long-term care facilities to lose their status as federal contractors with the VA and jeopardize the well-being of our veterans,” the senators wrote. “Additionally, we are concerned that federal vaccine mandates will create staffing shortages in long-term care facilities in Missouri, and that there will not be an open, compliant facility with sufficient staff capacity to accept veteran patients.”
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Blackburn Blasts YouTube For Aiding Chinese Communist Party’s Censorship of Sexual Assault Claim
Source: Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
November 23, 2021
“Despite the CCP’s history of human rights violations and ‘disappearing’ its own citizens, YouTube chose to demonetize the video. According to YouTube, ‘it isn’t suitable for all advertisers,’ and ‘will continue to run limited or no ads.’”
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Job Creators Network Files Opposition to Biden Administration’s Request to Reimpose OSHA Vaccine Mandate
Source: Job Creators Network
November 23, 2021
Job Creators Network filed a brief asking the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to reject the Biden Administration’s request to reimpose OSHA’s vaccine mandate. The brief argues that not only should the current stay of the mandate remain in place, but it should actually be expanded to make clear it applies to the entire Biden Administration, which insists on strong-arming compliance despite the stay. It reiterates the mandate’s many fatal flaws that are a sufficient basis to maintain the stay.
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Blumenauer Leads 165 Lawmakers in Urging Biden Administration to Support Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment
Source: U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR, 3rd)
November 22, 2021
U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) is leading 165 lawmakers in urging the Biden administration to support and advocate for the swift replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).
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BPC Updates Debt Limit “X Date” Timing: Could Arrive as Soon as Mid-December
Source: Bipartisan Policy Center
November 18, 2021
The Bipartisan Policy Center now projects that the debt limit “X Date”—when the United States will no longer be able to meet its obligations in full and on time—will most likely arrive between mid-December and early February. Today’s update narrows BPC’s previous range of mid-December to mid-February. While the projection no longer entails a caveat for the Highway Trust Fund transfer, which has been confirmed and incorporated, the result is a greater likelihood than usual that the X Date will fall towards the front portion of BPC’s range.
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Build Back Better Bill

It's up to the Senate to save us!

Bennet Statement on House Passage of Build Back Better Act
Source: Senator Michael F. Bennet (D-CO)
November 19, 2021
It has been a long time since the American people saw the federal government working for them and believed that anything we did in Washington made any difference in their lives. With the Build Back Better Act, along with the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Americans will finally see themselves in the work we’re pursuing in Washington.
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CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SECURES HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN AMERICAN FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
Source: U.S. Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr (D-GA, 2nd)
November 19, 2021
“Earlier this week, our monumental commitment to repair and modernize our physical infrastructure became law. Today it is matched by our historic investment in America’s families,” said Congressman Bishop. “The Build Back Better Act addresses the challenges that families face today — from soaring prescription drug costs to needing child care as more and more families have all parents working to put food on the table. This bill bolsters programs that train and bring more physicians and nurses to our rural communities so families can get the care they need closer to home.”
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Bishop Votes Against Democrats’ Socialist Spending Agenda
Source: U.S. Representative Dan Bishop (R-NC, 9th)
November 19, 2021
“What is the actual need for a nearly $2 Trillion socialist tax and spend plan that will add almost $400 Billion to our deficit? Democrats and President Biden cannot seem to answer that. And they don’t need to, it’s clear that this is their radical political agenda being rammed through Congress without consideration for who it will harm. For starters, Biden’s unchecked inflation crisis is crushing America’s working class, and spending trillions of dollars that we don’t have is only going to make our economic crisis worse. They also laughably promised this plan would be ‘fully paid for.’ That was always a lie, and we didn’t need to wait for a CBO score to tell us that. Democrats brazenly added radical provisions, such as mass amnesty, tax breaks for the wealthy, and federally funded abortions. The ‘Build Back Broke’ agenda, coupled with the Green New Deal ‘infrastructure’ plan, will do irreparable harm to American families. There’s simply no reason to be supporting this socialist agenda.”
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BILIRAKIS TAKES A STRONG STANCE AGAINST SOCIALISM - VOTES AGAINST LEFTIST TAX AND SPENDING SPREE
Source: U.S. Representative Gus M. Bilrakis (R-FL, 12th)
November 19, 2021
“My constituents and countless small businesses in my district are already suffering due to the reckless behavior of this Administration and Congressional Democrats. They are grappling with government intrusion into all aspects of their lives, spending more on everything due to skyrocketing inflation, and seeing unnecessary delays due to the national supply chain shortage,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “The items funded in this bill do not reflect the priorities and values of my constituents. This package also does not offer the solutions American families need to the real challenges they are facing. In fact, many of its provisions will only make their situations worse, which is why I voted no!”
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Congressman Biggs Releases Statement After the Passage of Biden's Build Back Better Act
Source: U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)
November 19, 2021
“What a sham. The American people sent us here to make their lives better, not to thicken the swamp with more bad actors and policies,” said Congressman Andy Biggs. “Passing legislation like Biden’s Build Back Better Act is the very reason why Americans have lost faith in Congress. Pelosi and the Far Left continue to prove they are willing to sacrifice American prosperity for personal power gains. Bottom line, this bill is criminal, just like the people running our country. And the Far Left will reap what they have sown come 2022.”
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Rep. Bera Votes to Pass Historic Build Back Better Act, a Once-in-a-Generation Investment in American Families
Source: U.S. Representative Ami Bera (D-CA, 7th)
November 19, 2021
“The Build Back Better Act delivers once-in-a-generation action to lower costs for American families while strengthening the backbone of our country – the middle class. This legislation will provide American families with a historic middle-class tax cut, expand access to health care, make child care affordable and accessible for every American family, create millions of good-paying jobs over the next decade, and help fight climate change. I am proud to help deliver this historic bill for Sacramento County families and small businesses, and I urge the Senate to quickly pass this legislation so the President can sign it into law.”
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Congressman Bentz Statement on Vote Against Multi-Trillion Dollar Build Back Better Act
Source: U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz (R-OR, 2nd)
November 19, 2021
“Thank you to Leader McCarthy who made history in the House of Representatives last night and into the early hours this morning. He held the line by delaying the massive $1.9 trillion (but more like $4 trillion) Democrat-welfare spending bill on the House Floor for 8 hours and 32 minutes. Every second he spoke was one more moment we were spared the terrible policies in this bill: higher inflation, amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants, higher taxes on middle class families, taxpayer funding of abortion, and federal overreach in our schools and our children’s education - to name just a few!”
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REP. JIM BANKS SLAMS PASSAGE OF DEMOCRATS’ BIG GOVERNMENT SOCIALIST TAKEOVER BILL
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
November 19, 2021
“Today’s vote is shameful. Democrats just cast a vote to turn our country into a socialist country. Working Americans and families will come out on the losing end as Democrats massively expand government’s control over our lives.”
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Barr Votes Against Biden’s Big Government Socialist Bill
Source: U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY, 6th)
November 19, 2021
While Democrats passed a crushing, $1.2 trillion tax hike on families, small businesses and job creators, their bill gifts a tax cut to the vast majority of high-income earners. This includes a tax cut averaging $17,000 for the top 66 percent of taxpayers earning over $1 million in income.
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House-passed bill includes Barragán priorities from her legislation on climate and health care
Source: U.S. Representative Nanette Barragan (D-CA, 44th)
November 19, 2021
Several of Barragán’s legislative priorities are included in the House-passed Build Back Better Act. It must be approved by the Senate and signed by President Biden before becoming law.
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Barrasso: Democrat Spending Bill Will Meet a Buzz Saw of Resistance in the Senate
Source: Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)
November 19, 2021
“House Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree will meet a buzz saw of resistance in the Senate,” said Barrasso. “Gas prices, heating bills, and grocery costs are all skyrocketing, and the Democrats are determined to make inflation much worse by spending trillions of taxpayer dollars. Their plan includes billions of dollars to hire an army of IRS agents, gives millionaires in New York and California a massive tax cut, and sticks families in Wyoming with the bill.
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Babin Votes NO on Biden’s Build Back Broke Act
Source: U.S. Representative Brian Babin (R-TX, 36th)
November 19, 2021
“House Democrats have forced through the most radical and ill-conceived bill in history. Clearly, the Democrats want to destroy the America we love and replace it with something mirroring Communist China. From granting amnesty and benefits to millions of illegal aliens, to weakening our military, to weaponizing the IRS to spy on our bank accounts, to raising taxes on middle-class Americans by 30 percent, this monstrous, 2,145-page bill checks every socialist box on the Left’s agenda.
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Chair Beatty Instrumental to Passage of Biden’s Build Back Better Act
Source: U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
November 19, 2021
“Today, thanks to the tireless work of Democrats from across the ideological spectrum, we have delivered President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. I was proud to play an important role in negotiations that helped to pave the way for this moment,” said Beatty. “By empowering families with tax credits, child care, and universal pre-K, the Build Back Better Act delivers once-in-a-generation action to lower the everyday costs that burden working families – from health care to child care – while also fighting inflation. This is what it means to deliver For The People.”
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Infrastructure, Voting Rights, Vaccine

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to November 6, 2021

AAM Statement: Factory Workers and Manufacturers are Ready to Rebuild America’s Infrastructure
Source: Alliance for American Manufacturing
November 6, 2021
The House of Representatives on Friday voted to pass a $1.2 trillion investment package to rebuild America’s infrastructure. The passing of this legislation offers a historic opportunity to boost America’s competitiveness, revitalize supply chains that have moved offshore, create strong jobs for American workers, and strengthen our national security.
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House Passes Infrastructure Bill With Over 100 Million For American Samoa
Source: U.S. Representative Aumua Amata (R - American Samoa, At Large)
November 6, 2021
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata said Friday that American Samoa’s share of funding in one of two major spending bills has passed the House and will be sent to President Biden to be signed into law. The House-passed $550 billion infrastructure bill includes over $100 million for American Samoa, now secured, that will go toward transportation, roads, bridges, ports, airports, broadband, cyber security, sewer and safe drinking water.
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Infrastructure and Investment: A Breakthrough Victory for Working Families
Source: American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
November 5, 2021
Victories like this are why we campaigned so hard for President Biden. Finally, at long last, infrastructure week is really here. Today’s final passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a monumental political and legislative accomplishment. After decades of delay and decline, America’s workers stand ready to rebuild our country. This $1 trillion investment in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, resilient transmission lines and more is centered around the creation of good union jobs.
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Allred Statement on Senate GOP Blocking John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Source: U.S. Representative Colin Allred (D-TX, 32)
November 3, 2021
Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), a former voting rights attorney, released the following statement after the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act was blocked by 48 Republican senators.
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American Academy of Pediatrics Applauds CDC Advisory Committee's Approval of Safe, Effective COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
November 2, 2021
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports today’s recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to recommend the use of a COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5-11. The AAP urges families to check with their pediatrician and community health care providers about how to get their eligible children vaccinated, pending a final recommendation from the CDC.
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Residents seek healing as details emerge in grocery shooting

What do you want to bet that it was payment for entry into the US?

"The shooter’s parents live in Nashville and are part of a community of Christian refugees from Myanmar who have settled there, according to Aung Kyaw, a friend of the family who came to pray with them at their home on Friday."

Quick note: If anyone else had been taking advantage of this new law in the grocery store, the gunman may not have injured as many, nor may he have killed one. He'd have been dead before the 2nd shot.

"Earlier this year, Tennessee became the latest state to allow most adults 21 and older to carry handguns without first clearing a state-level background check and training. The measure was signed into law by Republican Gov. Bill Lee over objections from some law enforcement groups and gun control advocates concerned the measure would possibly lead to more gun violence."

I have family in Collierville. One member of my family was at that store one hour before the shooting. It is by God's grace and mercy that they were safe when it happened.

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Two women who had been strangers prior to Thursday’s mass shooting at a Tennessee supermarket clenched each other’s hands and fought back tears Friday, as they gathered at a vigil to pray for healing from the previous day’s rampage at a Kroger where the shooter worked.

Hollie Skaggs and Sara Wiles happened to be running errands at the same Kroger in Collierville. A day later, after a gunman killed one person and himself and wounded 14 others, Skaggs called Wiles her guardian angel.

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House Representative Gibbs Asks House GOP to Consider Impeachment of Biden

Source: U.S. Representative Bob Gibbs (R-OH, 7th)

Washington, D.C. - September 24, 2021 - (The Ponder News) -- Following the blatantly unconstitutional directive from the CDC on eviction moratoriums, Congressman Bob Gibbs wrote to his Republican colleagues asking them to consider and debate filing articles of impeachment against President Joe Biden.

After sending the letter, Congressman Gibbs released the following statement:

“The rule of law, the separation of powers, and the limitations of executive authority are not just talking points conservatives and Republicans use on the campaign trail. When we see clear violations of the oath entrusted in elected officials, it is time to consider our constitutional duties. We cannot have a repeat of the DACA debacle, in which an unconstitutional order metastasized into acceptable administrative policy. The President is derelict in his duty, having repeatedly said he lacks the authority to extend the CDC’s eviction moratorium, then extending it anyway. His actions on the border represent a negligence in keeping America secure. We need to cut this off at the pass now and show we will not stand for clearly unconstitutional actions.”

The letter discusses the unconstitutionality of the CDC’s directive, the President’s acknowledgement it is unconstitutional, and the dereliction of duty with respect to the situation on the southern border:

“President Biden’s recent actions on the border represent a blatant dereliction of his constitutionally prescribed duties. Moreover, his shameless disregard for the limitations of his executive authority is a violation of his oath of office. “Many of us were witness to the politically motivated impeachment proceedings of the previous four years. As conservatives and Republicans, I believe we understand impeachment is a serious constitutional mechanism, meant to be used only in the rarest and most grave circumstances. Sadly, we saw our Democrat colleagues debase it and use it as a talking point for electoral gain. We must strenuously avoid such trivial treatment of our duty.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Israel, Colonial Pipeline, Airline Pilots, Religious Freedom

REP. ALLEN STANDS WITH ISRAEL
Source: U.S. Representative Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
May 14, 2021
The recent rocket attacks launched by Hamas terrorists against innocent Israelis must be unequivocally condemned, and our support for Israel’s right to defend herself must be crystal clear.
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Representatives Adams, Ross Urge House Leadership to Investigate Cyber-Attack on Colonial Pipeline
Source: U.S. Representative Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
May 12, 2021
Congresswomen Alma Adams (NC-12) & Deborah Ross (NC-02) led the North Carolina Democratic delegation to request a full investigation into the May 7th cyber-attack on Colonial Pipeline in a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Energy & Commerce, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Science, Space, & Technology Committees. Specifically, the letter calls for the inclusion of mandatory cybersecurity standards for our energy systems in the upcoming infrastructure package, especially for the millions of miles of pipelines which currently lack stringent mandatory security standards.
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“President Biden continues to govern counter to what he promised in his inaugural address when he pledged to not be a partisan President. Instead, he is pushing a liberal, wish list, spending frenzy that Franklin Roosevelt could never have dreamed of and sending the American taxpayer the bill. And because he is pushing such partisans spending bills, he will get partisan results from Congress. This is not the Joe Biden of old who worked across the aisle, but a new Joe Biden who seems to be a trojan horse for the radical left.” -- U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL, 4th)

ALPA Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Fair and Open Skies Act
Source: Airline Pilots Association International
May 11, 2021
"The Fair and Open Skies Act enables the Department of Transportation to cement the rights of U.S. workers in the basic structure of this country’s air services agreements. Strong worker protections have positioned the U.S. pilot workforce to help create and contribute to a risk-predictive safety culture that has made the U.S. air transportation system the safest in the world."
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ADF to 8th Circuit: All viewpoints should be treated equally on campus
Source: Alliance Defending Freedom
May 10, 2021
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing a student group, a national nonprofit, and conservative speaker and author Ben Shapiro will be available for media interviews Tuesday following oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in Young America’s Foundation v. Kaler, a lawsuit challenging the University of Minnesota’s use of its “Large Scale Events Policy” that was used to suppress and censor Shapiro’s 2018 appearance on campus.
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Donald Trump Highway, Troop Deployment, Democrat Retaliation, New Republican Donor Group, Immigrants

Oklahoma House Passes Bill To Name “President Donald J. Trump Highway”
Source: The Gateway Pundit
April 24, 2020
The Oklahoma House passed SB624.SB624 would name a highway in Oklahoma “President Donald J. Trump Highway”.
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DOD: More Troops Will Be Deployed To Afghanistan Before Sept. 11
Source: OAN
April 24, 2020
The Pentagon has released new logistical details regarding the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. On Friday, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had approved additional support to aid the withdrawal movement, which is slated to conclude by September 11.
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Democrats threaten retaliation against Republicans over move to censure Rep. Maxine Waters
Source: The Blaze
April 24, 2020
Democrats are threatening retaliation after House Republicans forced a vote on censuring Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) over her incendiary comments related to the Derek Chauvin trial.
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“Beat The Democrats At Their Own Game”- Trump Backs New Donor Group To Take On The Democrats
Source: The Gateway Pundit
April 24, 2020
President Trump is backing a new Republican donor group. According to Trump, this group will help “beat the Democrats at their own game”.
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“Floodgates Open: Biden Admin To Increase Number Of Migrants Released Into U.S. By 800%, Reports Say
Source: Daily Wire
April 24, 2020
Democrat President Joe Biden is reportedly moving to significantly increase the number of migrants released into the U.S. who were apprehended by U.S. officials for trying to illegally enter the country.
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Here Comes The Persecution

Here comes the persecution:

"While “equality” sounds good, it’s actually a very controversial bill designed to completely overhaul our nation’s civil rights laws to now include the LGBT agenda. Under Biden’s Transgender Equality Act, disagreement with transgenderism is considered discrimination.

If this bill passes, anyone who opposes things like gay marriage, biological males competing in women’s sports, or gender reassignments will be considered a criminal."

I guess this also makes The Bible "insurrectionist paraphenalia"

Read this: Joe Biden’s Anti-Christian Bill is Set to be Voted on Next Week in Congress

Attempting Action to Hold the WHO and China Accountable

Washington, D.C. - January 23, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. House Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO, 3rd) introduced legislation to hold the World Health Organization (WHO) and China accountable for their role in the global COVID-19 pandemic on Friday.

"The WHO is China-centric and panders to Beijing at every turn. There is no reason U.S. taxpayers should contribute more than $400 million annually to an organization that covered for China and failed to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We must not let the Chinese Communist Party off the hook. We must hold the WHO accountable. Joe Biden failed to do either of those things and his edict yesterday only emboldens Beijing. Rejoining the WHO without ensuring accountability for the American people is the wrong move,” stated Boebert.

Thursday, Joe Biden signed an executive order reversing President Trump's decision to leave the WHO.

Friday, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) introduced her first three bills as a Member of Congress.

H.R. 374, the World Health Organization Accountability Act, ensures America holds both the WHO and China accountable for their failures that contributed to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The text of the bill can be viewed HERE.

Members of Congress that cosponsored H.R. 374 so far include Representatives: Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Tedd Budd (NC-13), Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Jody Hice (GA-10), Ralph Norman (SC-05), David Rouzer (NC-07), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21).

H.R. 374 prohibits contributions to the WHO until the State Department and Health and Human Services conduct a thorough investigation into the activities by the WHO and the Government of the People’s Republic of China that contributed to global COVID–19 pandemic.

Media reports indicate China initially downplayed and covered up the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak which resulted in a three-week delay in responding to the virus and a corresponding inability to contain it.

If China had been forthright, estimates suggest we might have seen 95 percent fewer cases and perhaps averted the global pandemic

Doctors in Wuhan knew in early December 2019 that there was a problem, but China did not notify the WHO until December 31st. China also refused to let the WHO in to investigate the growing epidemic. For its part, the WHO provided cover for China’s missteps and even participated in spreading its disinformation.

The U.S. was the largest single donor to the WHO in 2019 and reportedly gave more than $400 million. This contribution represents nearly 15% of the WHO’s entire budget.

Attempt to Block Paris Climate Agreement

Washington, D.C. - January 23, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Lauren Boebert (R-CO, 3rd) has introduced the Paris Agreement Constitutional Treaty Act to try to block Biden from re-entering the Paris Climate Accord.

"My bill prohibits Congress from spending a single penny on the Paris Agreement until this treaty is ratified by the United States Senate. Joe Biden took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. If he wants to keep it, he must transmit the job-killing Paris Agreement to the U.S. Senate for ratification. Unilaterally entering the Paris Agreement was wrong in 2016 and it's wrong now. Responsible energy production supports more than 230,000 Colorado jobs. The Paris Agreement puts these jobs at risk and will increase energy costs. $4 per gallon gasoline, here we go again!" said, Boebert.

Friday, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) introduced her first three bills as a Member of Congress.

H.R. 376, the Paris Agreement Constitutional Treaty Act, blocks all actions and funds for carrying out the Paris Agreement until a treaty is passed by the U.S. Senate.

The text of the bill can be viewed HERE.

Original cosponsors that joined Representative Boebert in introducing her bill include Representatives: Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Mo Brooks (AL-05), Tedd Budd (NC-13), Ben Cline (VA-06), Bob Good VA-05), Yvette Herrell (NM-02), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Mary Miller (IL-15), Alex Mooney (WV-02), August Pfluger TX-11), Randy Weber (TX-14).

Article II, Section 2, Clause 2, the Treaty Clause, grants the President the “power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur.”

It is clear that the Paris Agreement is a treaty, not an administrative agreement as falsely claimed.

Thanks to President Trump's leadership, the U.S. formally exited the job-killing Paris Agreement on November 4, 2020.

Implementing the Paris Agreement could destroy up to 2.7 million jobs in the United States by 2025 alone.

Yesterday, President Biden signed the instrument to rejoin the Paris Agreement and announced and the U.S. will officially become a Party of the Paris Agreement in 30 days.

Simply put, the Paris Climate Agreement places an economic handicap on the U.S. for generations to come while yielding no discernible benefit to the environment worldwide. It allows bad actors, like China, to keep increasing CO2 emissions until at least 2030 with no penalty.

Compliance with this unconstitutional agreement will also ensure that the U.S. increases dependence on foreign countries for our energy needs – a huge national security risk. The U.S. has the highest regulatory standards in the world and shifting production to hostile nations is not only bad foreign policy, its bad environmental policy as these countries don’t operate under the same regulations.

American ingenuity and innovation have allowed the U.S. to become a global leader in reducing carbon emissions. Unshackling job creators by reducing overreaching regulatory burdens has resulted in voluntary actions and technological advancements that have yielded significant benefits for the environment. That is the path America should be pursuing, not unrealistic and unattainable climate goals not based in science that yield no benefit.

Attempt to Block Biden's Mask Mandate

Washington, D.C. - January 23, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) has introduced a bill to overturn Joe Biden’s federal mask mandate.

“You can’t make this stuff up. Joe Biden was on federal land without a mask the same day he signed a federal property mask mandate. Sadly, this is what we’ve come to expect from hypocritical Democrats. ‘Mandates for thee, but not for me.’

“The Biden administration is already headed in the wrong direction. Instead of focusing on reopening our economy and getting Americans back to work, this president wants more mandates and more lockdowns. Continued federal overreach won’t end the COVID-19 pandemic or put food on the table.”

says Boebert. On Thursday, Joe Biden signed an executive order mandating masks be worn at all times on federal properties and in federal buildings.

The Biden edict also applies to interstate commerce, requiring masks to be worn at airports as well as on planes, buses and trains.

On Friday, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) introduced her first three bills as a Member of Congress.

H.R. 375, the No Mask Mandates Act, blocks the Biden federal mask mandate.

The bill allows for masks to be encouraged but not mandated when people are on federal property or engaging in interstate commerce.

The text of the bill can be viewed HERE.

Doom

As Biden goes on a rampage to undo everything President Trump has accomplished, the Democrats are hell-bent on destroying anyone who supports a way that is not their own. This is only the beginning.

First, all Conservatives who voted to support the Trump agenda, or anything that goes against the Democrat agenda will be locked out of social media. They will not be able to communicate with each other online. This will leave the next generation of Americans at the sole power of their own propaganda.

The next generation will see conservatives as "stupid" and it will further their claims of domestic terrorism. It's fixing to get bad, folks. It's already started.

If we conservatives do not get together now to fight this by creating our OWN servers, our OWN networks, and our OWN social media outlets that do not depend on Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook and Twitter, we are doomed!

Democrats Are Framing Americans As Domestic Terrorists So They Can Do To Us What They Did To Trump In Spygate
Source: The Federalist
January 20, 2021
Democrats have moved swiftly to use the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol mayhem to push for a frightening expansion of federal surveillance and police powers under their sole control for two years, smearing anyone who voted for Donald Trump as a potential terrorist. Joe Biden himself called the Capitol protesters “domestic terrorists” and “insurrectionists” and said his administration will prioritize legislation to increase federal crackdowns on what Democrats consider to be “domestic terrorists.”.
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Proud Boys Say Ashli Babbitt, Woman Shot at Capitol, 'Not a Criminal like George Floyd'
Source: Newsweek
January 22, 2021
The Proud Boys, who frequently deny they are white supremacists, also suggest that Babbitt did not commit any crime while taking part in the siege in comparison to Floyd, the Minneapolis man whose death at the hands of police last May sparked worldwide Black Lives Matter protest..
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Heritage President Kay C. James on Social Media Censorship

Washington, D.C. - January 8, 2021 - (The Ponder News) -- Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James made the following statement about recent actions by social media companies:

“Americans have legitimate concerns about the role of Big Tech in shaping and influencing political speech. Time and again, social media companies have squandered the public’s trust and don’t deserve the benefit of the doubt.

“Letting dictatorial regimes from China and Iran use their platform while banning the democratically elected leader of the United States shows the hypocrisy and political motivations of these companies.

“Shutting off legitimate debate and intellectual diversity comes at a very high cost. Big Tech is not going to stop with the president of the United States. They can ban you next and everyone reading this.

“This is why it is time for Congress to reform Section 230 and Americans to exercise their power by continuing to put pressure on Big Tech.”