Presidential Candidate Donald Trump Chooses J.D. Vance as his Running Mate

Grand Prairie, TX - July 15, 2024 - (The Ponder News) -- On Monday, during the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC), U.S. Senator J.D. Vance secured the nomination for vice presidential candidate to run on the ticket with presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement celebrating President Trump’s selection of U.S. Senator JD Vance as his running mate.

“Senator JD Vance is a champion for conservative values and I am proud to have partnered with him on multiple critical issues in Congress,” said Rep Hern. “JD has been integral to the bicameral work of the Republican Study Committee and was one of the first Senators to join RSC’s bicameral efforts last year. Together, we have worked to introduce legislation that aligns with our shared vision of putting America First. I look forward to continuing this work with JD in his new role.”

Attempted Assassination of Trump

Grand Prairie, TX - July 14, 2024 - (The Ponder News) -- Former President and Presidential Candidate Donald Trump was grazed in the ear by a bullet from a would be assassin at a rally in Pennsylvania Saturday.

On Sunday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), calling on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman to immediately launch an investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

“This HSGAC investigation must include public testimony, hearings, and robust oversight over the relevant federal departments as they respond to this assassination attempt. Sworn testimony must be heard from Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Nothing should be classified or withheld from the public,” wrote Senator Hawley.

“Our prayers are with President Trump, the family of the slain American, and the innocent civilians who were injured. We owe it to the victims and the American people to get to the bottom of what happened. The American people have questions. And they deserve answers,” he concluded.

Senator Hawley previously released statements following the shooting, condemning the political violence and demanding answers from President Biden’s Justice Department on the identity of the shooter.

Below are some statements made by various sources:

"Thank God President Trump is safe. I’m continuing to pray for President Trump, the innocent Americans killed and injured at today's rally, and our country. May God bless America.” -- U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-MO, 6th)

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"Dr. King was right, we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools. My thoughts and prayers are with you @realDonaldTrump, the family of the life lost as well as those who were injured. -- U.S. Representative Al Green (D-TX, 9th)

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“Any and all forms of political violence are unacceptable. The event in Butler, Pennsylvania involving President Trump is a deeply concerning development. As we wait to hear more from authorities, I urge all Americans to pray for the victims of this incident, the people of Pennsylvania and President Trump.” -- U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)

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"We as Americans can disagree, but we can all agree that hate and violence are not how we solve the problems that face our nation.

We must treat all people, regardless of political party, with dignity & respect. We settle our deep differences with a vote.

Members of Congress must also be briefed on what happened so we can work to make sure this never happens again." -- Senator James Lankford (R-OK)

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“Following the horrific assassination attempt over the weekend, President Trump is working to unite our country and remind everyone there is so much more that unites us as Americans than divides us as Republicans or Democrats. Now is the time for leaders in both parties – and really for anyone with a platform – to tone down incendiary rhetoric and condemn political violence. We should rigorously debate policies, but we should never let policy disagreements descend into hate for one another or violence in any form. Rather than letting election year politics further divide us in the coming months, I hope we will heal as a nation and come together as Americans.” - U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA, 1st)

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"Once again, the ugly reality of political violence has scarred the face of America’s democracy — a nation whose principle is posited on the peaceful resolution of our political disputes.

“Sadly, lives were lost. Thankfully, the former President, Donald Trump, the target of this assassin, was spared. I wish President Trump a fast and full recovery. My thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and my appreciation and admiration is with the men and women of the Secret Service for their brave and committed response.

"Every American must deplore, reject, and condemn any resort to political violence and ensure that it is eliminated from our body politic and our land." -- U.S. Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)

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“I am shocked and saddened about the tragic turn of events at the rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. We are grateful that the former president was only slightly injured and is safe. Our prayers are extended to the Trump family and, to the families of the attendee that was killed, and to those who were injured during the event. We must condemn all violence. There is no place in a political forum for violence of any kind – words or actions. This is a moment in our history where all Americans must come together to help eradicate violence in our society. We must avoid language and rhetoric that can incite violence, and we must do whatever we can to address violence across America because no one is safe until all of us are safe.” -- U.S. Representative Jonathon Jackson (D-IL, 1st)

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“My thoughts and well wishes are with former President Trump and his family—I wish him a speedy recovery. Reports inform that he is safe through the swift actions of Secret Service Agents.

“The violence that occurred today during a political rally is deeply disturbing and goes counter to everything the United States represents as the world’s oldest democracy. Political violence has no place in the United States. This incident should be a catalyst for renewing our commitment to not allow violence to infect the political life of our nation. My prayers are with the families who have been severely impacted by today's unfortunate events. I ask for calm as authorities investigate this incident.

“No one should ever have to experience such an ordeal and no family worry over the safety of a loved one. Unfortunately, too often in communities across America this is not the case. Congress must move swiftly to address gun violence in the United States. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the families who have tragically lost their beloved ones. We also extend our thoughts and prayers to those who have been injured, wishing them a swift and complete recovery.” -- U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX, 18th)

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“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald Trump for a full and swift recovery. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response and that of our first responders. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.” -- U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY, 8th)

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(This page will be updated as new information comes in)

NEW GOMEZ BILL WILL REVITALIZE AMERICA’S DOWNTOWNS WHILE BOOSTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Washington, D.C. - July 14, 2024 - (The Ponder News) -- On Friday, Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Mike Carey (OH-15) announced the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act, an expanded version of Representative Gomez's original Revitalizing Downtowns Act introduced in 2021. This bill encourages the conversion of vacant and underutilized commercial properties into housing.

A one-pager on the bill can be found here.

The bill is co-led by Representatives John Larson (CT-01) and Dan Kildee (MI-08), and cosponsored by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Terri Sewell (AL-07), David Kustoff (TN-08), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Don Beyer (VA-08), Carol Miller (WV-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). A Senate Companion bill is being led by Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI).

According to Pew Research, 49 percent of Americans lack affordable housing in their communities, and the US would need to build an estimated 4.3 million apartments by 2035 to meet the demand for rental housing.

At the same time, commercial properties are sitting vacant. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 30 percent of Americans’ workdays are remote. A chilling effect on commercial real estate has followed, with one study estimating a $413 billion reduction in commercial real estate asset values due to the remote work trend.

“Our legislation is a response to two major parallel problems—empty commercial and office space in downtowns and throughout suburban and rural communities, and a housing crisis that is forcing people to live on the streets. The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act will supercharge downtowns by increasing housing supply and filling vacant real estate, making our cities and towns economic powerhouses," said Representative Gomez.

“Between high housing costs and the rise of remote work, formerly prosperous neighborhoods across the country are struggling,” said Representative Carey. “The solution is right in front of us. But even though vacant commercial and office space is sitting unused, converting these properties into housing is so expensive it is often uneconomical. This bill will allow communities to meet their residents’ need for affordable, abundant housing and allow American downtowns and main streets to thrive.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work, leaving many office buildings empty across the downtown Hartford area and the rest of the nation,” said Larson. “It’s time to make use of this empty space and address the constrained housing market our constituents are facing. I joined Reps. Gomez, Carey, and Kildee in this bipartisan effort to revitalize our downtown spaces, help our restaurants and small businesses, and expand access to quality and affordable housing for Connecticut residents,” said Representative Larson.

“Our new bipartisan bill, supported by Republicans and Democrats, will help breathe new life into Michigan’s older, industrial communities by repurposing vacant and obsolete buildings into affordable housing for Michiganders,” said Representative Kildee. “This will help lower housing costs, create good jobs and grow the local economy in cities and towns across Michigan.”

“With housing costs skyrocketing and supply dwindling, the American Dream of homeownership has become unattainable for far too many families,” said Representative Fitzpatrick. "Bucks and Montgomery counties continue to acutely feel this impact, and I am committed to finding commonsense solutions. Our bipartisan Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act aims to convert empty commercial buildings into housing units. This initiative will help reduce housing costs and increase the housing supply in our community and nationwide."

Specifically, the bill provides a federal tax credit, modeled after the Historic Preservation Tax Credit, to facilitate the conversion of older, underutilized office and other commercial buildings into residential housing.

The credit amount for any taxable year would be equal to 20% of the qualified conversion expenditures with respect to a qualified converted building. The bill ensures converted properties will increase the supply of affordable housing by requiring that during the 30-year period following conversion, no less than 20% of the residential units in the buildings is reserved for individuals with incomes at 80% or less of area’s median income.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

“Downtowns and main streets are the lifeblood of our country’s economy. At a time when significant changes in office work patterns continue and a worsening housing shortage threatens prosperity, converting unused commercial space into residential developments will bring jobs and vitality to city centers while increasing the housing stock. By providing the first-ever federal investment in office-to-residential conversions, the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act will help communities of all shapes and sizes create new economic opportunities for all their citizens,” said David Downey, President and CEO of the International Downtown Association.

“Cities are at a tipping point and need to reimagine themselves to reach pre-pandemic levels of economic activity. The Revitalizing Downtown and Main Streets Act would provide a much-needed boost to restore the vibrancy of our city centers. We’re grateful for this bipartisan leadership that recognizes how crucial downtowns and main streets are to the fabric of our nation,” said Nella McOsker, President and CEO of Los Angeles Central City Association.

Electricity, Brain Injuries, Disaster Loans

Golden presses SBA over issues with disaster relief access
Source: U.S. Representative Jared Golden (D-MN, 2nd)
July 12, 2024
“It is the responsibility of the SBA to provide these loans in a timely, efficient, and predictable manner. Nearly six months after the disaster, these businesses are mired in an inefficient, broken system and may ultimately go out of business without the necessary resources to rebuild from the storms,” Golden wrote in a letter to Isabel Guzman, administrator of the SBA. “ … I ask you and your staff to investigate how the SBA operates these programs and ensure the issues are resolved.”
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Gillibrand Announces Legislation To Address Epidemic Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Service Members And Veterans
Source: Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY)
July 12, 2024
Service members who regularly fire heavy weapons are at increased risk of brain injury as a result of repeated exposure to explosions or blasts from their own weapons and explosives – otherwise known as blast overpressure. These brain injuries can cause depression, anxiety, cognitive problems, hallucinations, panic attacks, violent outbursts, suicidal tendencies, psychiatric disorders, dementia, and a variety of other serious health problems. At least a dozen Navy SEALs who have died by suicide over the past decade were later found to have suffered blast injuries, and many more service members have complained of health issues after blast exposure. Despite this, the Pentagon has struggled to properly investigate the impact of blast overpressure, effectively track the prevalence of blast overpressure-related injuries, or offer appropriate care to service members and veterans. Gillibrand is calling for more research and better treatment for those affected.
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Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Demands Accountability from CenterPoint Energy for Power Outages Endangering Community Safety
Source: U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-TX, 29th)
July 10, 2024
“With scorching temperatures in the area, CenterPoint’s inability to restore power more quickly is creating a public health crisis forcing people to recover from a Hurricane while they survive extreme heat,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “As a resident of Houston and CenterPoint customer, I am tired of CenterPoint’s excuses. Houstonians demand answers and want accountability. Our constituents must be assured that this never happens again.”
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I'll tell you what, Sylvia, why don't you reach into your pocket and hire and train a bunch of electricians for the job, and while you are at it, get your chainsaw out and see if you can remove all those trees laying across the electrical lines that the hurricane blew down so we can get them back up. Let me know how fast you can make that happen. Seriously, you sound like a spoiled brat.

Illegal Voting,

GALLEGO STATEMENT ON OPPOSITION TO H.R. 8281
Source: U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ, 7th)
July 10, 2024
“Of course only U.S. citizens should vote,” said Rep. Gallego. “But this bill isn’t about that, it’s about making it harder for Arizonans to vote, including married women, servicemembers, Native Arizonans, seniors, and people with disabilities. This extreme bill’s only purpose is to disenfranchise tens of thousands of Arizonans, and I will not vote to take away the rights of Arizonans to stop something that is already illegal.”
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REP. MIKE GARCIA SUPPORTS HOUSE PASSAGE OF ELECTION SECURITY BILL
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Garcia (R-CA, 25th)
July 10, 2024
“This bill takes common-sense steps to address those legitimate and undeniable concerns. It implements safeguards – such as requiring an individual to provide proof of citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections – that frankly should already be in place. I urge all my colleagues in the Senate – both Democrats and Republicans – to join this effort to better ensure our elections reflect the will of the American people.”
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Illegal Voting, Education and Workforce, Congressional Stock Trading, SNAP, Cybersecurity

Over 1,400 Organizations Sign Letter Calling on Congress to Protect and Strengthen SNAP
Source: Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)
July 9, 2024
The letter urges Congress to ensure that benefit adequacy, equitable access, and program administration, remain core tenets of SNAP. More must be done to ensure that SNAP benefits reach all those in need, encompassing households with children, older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, and residents of U.S. territories, so that all individuals have access to the nutrition they need to thrive. To safeguard SNAP, efforts to create a cost-neutral Thrifty Food Plan must be rejected. This includes opposing any proposed cuts, such as restricting future Thrifty Food Plan benefit adjustments, which could result in nearly $30 billion in cuts over 10 years. Such a cost-neutral plan would also negatively impact Summer EBT, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program.
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Fitzpatrick & Golden Lead Bipartisan Coalition Demanding Vote on Congressional Stock Trading Ban
Source: U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)
July 9, 2024
“Americans should rightfully expect Members of Congress to work relentlessly on their behalf to tackle the challenges facing our communities and country, rather than exploit their public position for personal gain,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “We must bring this common-sense, bipartisan legislation to the House floor and, once and for all, prohibit Members of Congress from trading stocks. Our constituents deserve better, and it is time to ensure we deliver results that benefit them and our communities across the country, not the pockets and unethical enrichment of elected officials.”
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Finstad Applauds Committee Passage of Education and Workforce Freedom Act
Source: U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN, 1st)
July 9, 2024
“I’ve met with local businesses, truckers, manufacturers, tradesmen, and healthcare facilities across southern Minnesota, and many of them are facing an unprecedented workforce shortage and an increasing need for skilled labor,” said Rep. Finstad. “The Education and Workforce Freedom Act ensures that young people, especially those entering the trades, have access to the programs and resources they need to meet the demands of today’s workforce and succeed. I am pleased to see that this legislation passed the House Ways and Means Committee and I look forward to its progress through the legislative process.”
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Feenstra Supports Legislation to Ban Illegal Immigrants from Voting in American Elections
Source: U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IO, 4th)
July 10, 2024
“Illegal immigrants should never be allowed to vote in American elections. It is a privilege reserved only for American citizens,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I voted for legislation to require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and to ensure that states remove illegal immigrants from their voter rolls. We must ban illegal immigrants from voting in American elections.”

The bill heads to the senate, and Biden has vowed to veto it if it passes.
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REP. FRANKEL STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN-PROPOSED LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION BILL THAT THREATENS PUBLIC EDUCATION, HARMS WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Source: U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
July 10, 2024
“While Democrats work to help families make ends meet, invest in our children, support our seniors, and protect reproductive freedom, Republicans’ proposed funding bill would gut public education, hamstring the delivery of Social Security benefits, and prevent women from accessing reproductive care in any way possible,” said Rep. Frankel. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to reach an agreement on a bill that uplifts all of our families.”
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Congressman Maxwell Frost Defends U.S. Assets from China, Russia Cyberattacks, Introduces New Bill to Enhance Cybersecurity of American Spacecrafts
Source: U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL, 10th)
July 10, 2024
“Cybersecurity threats by organized crime leaders and foreign adversaries are increasing and evolving rapidly, putting at risk our reliance on space for communications, intelligence, and business,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “As we enter a new era of cyber threats, establishing a reasonable timeline for NASA to incorporate cybersecurity measures into their acquisition process is more important than ever. The Spacecraft Cybersecurity Act would safeguard NASA's space missions and continue to advance our country's leadership in space exploration that contributes to our economy, security, and understanding of space.”
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Abandonment

Ernst: Biden Is the Abandoner in Chief
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
July 9, 2024
During her remarks, Ernst cited how Biden botched his Afghanistan withdrawal, emboldened Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, allowed Chinese aggression, and withheld weapons from Israel.
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