Showing posts with label Anti-semitism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anti-semitism. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Renewable Energy, Trumpcare, North Korea, Hot Cars, Free Speech, Transgender Military, Privatization, Anti-Semitism, Prisoner Rights

Ernst on RFS Renewable Volume Obligations for 2018 and 2019
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
July 5, 2017

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2018 at 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol, meeting the levels Congress prescribed in 2007, along with setting the 2019 RVOs for biodiesel at 2.1 billion gallons:
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Feinstein: Republican Health Care Bill Increases Costs
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
July 5, 2017

“Under the Senate Republican health care bill, between 3 million and 4 million Californians would have their health coverage taken away. Those Californians who are able to keep their coverage would end up paying much more for less health care.
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Fischer Statement on North Korea Missile Test-Launch
Senator Deb Fischer- (R - NE)
July 5, 2017

“The latest test-launch demonstrates a sobering reality: the threat of North Korea is quickly advancing. As the threat increases, we must bring greater pressure to bear on North Korea, and its international patrons, China and Russia, but we should have no illusions that they will solve this problem for us.
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Sen. Franken Announces Bill to Prevent Children from Becoming Trapped in Hot Cars
Senator Al Franken - (D - MN)
July 5, 2017

Tragically, an average of 37 children die each year in overheated cars, and more than 700 have died nationwide since 1998. The Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seat Act (HOT CARS Act) would seek to save the lives of children before they become trapped in a hot car. The bill would require newly manufactured cars to come equipped with technology to alert drivers if a child is left in the back seat once the car is turned off. Such technology exists and is available in some vehicles-including many of GM's 2017 and 2018 models-but has not yet been implemented on a larger scale.
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Michigan college stops T-Rex-clad student from speaking, acts as if free speech is extinct
Alliance Defending Freedom
July 5, 2017

In April, campus police approached three members of the Turning Point USA chapter at the college who were on a large open area of the MCC Clinton Township campus to raise awareness about the value fossil fuels provide to society. The police told the students, one of whom was wearing T-Rex dinosaur costume, that they could not talk to other students, offer educational literature, or collect signatures in support of the issue. They further warned the students that they were violating the college’s speech permit policies because they had not obtained pre-approval from an administrator on a different campus, and that they could be deemed to be trespassing if they did not immediately cease their activities.
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American Family Association Urges Congress to end military transgender policy
American Family Association
July 5, 2017

Next week Congress will be voting on a military funding bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2018 (NDAA). Congress will then have an opportunity to put an end to the Obama administration's transgender military mandate.
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New Video: Why privatizing public services hurts everyone (except big business)
American Federation for Government Employees
July 5, 2017

A new video from the American Federation of Government Employees illustrates how Americans suffer when the government hands over our public services to for-profit corporations.
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AJC: United Church of Christ Continues Demonization of IsraelAJC: UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CONTINUES DEMONIZATION OF ISRAEL
American Jewish Committee
July 3, 2017

AJC denounced the United Church of Christ (UCC) for adopting a resolution that criticizes Israel but ignores Palestinian leadership responsibility for the human rights of Palestinian children. The resolution, “A Call for the United Church of Christ to Advocate for the Rights of Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation,” passed at the UCC General Synod by a vote of 79 percent in favor, 13 percent against, and 9 percent abstaining.
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Lawsuit Accuses Los Angeles County Jail of Federal and State Civil Liberty Violations
Human Rights Defense Center
July 5, 2017

A national human rights organization is accusing the Los Angeles County Jail of federal and state civil liberty violations. The jail holds the largest number of pre-trial detainees in the United States, and was previously the target of a federal investigation that resulted in the conviction of the former sheriff and jail officials.
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Monday, March 6, 2017

From the Senate: Substance Abuse, Wilbur Ross, Rick Perry, Abortion, Anti-semitism, Timber, Colonoscopies, Rosie the Riveter Day

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren, (D-MA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) re-introduced the Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment Act (LifeBOAT Act), which would establish a permanent funding stream to provide and expand access to substance abuse treatment.

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Wilbur Ross was confirmed as Commerce Secretary.

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Rick Perry was confirmed as Energy Secretary.

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U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) was joined by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA-27), Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11), and Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) introduced the Women’s Health Protection Act. The Women’s Health Protection Act would protect a woman’s right to safe and legal abortion by stopping restrictive regulations and laws – such as those in place in states including Texas and Wisconsin – intended to curtail reproductive health services for women.

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A St. Louis man, Juan Thompson, who is accused of making bomb threats against Jewish Community Centers and other facilities across the country was arrested.

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John Boozman (R-AR) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced legislation to ensure that timber companies are treated more fairly under the tax code. The senators re-introduced the Timber Revitalization and Economic Enhancement (TREE) Act, which amends the IRS Code to restore parity and facilitate competitiveness for timber companies organized as C corporations. These businesses have faced a different tax rate than alternatively structured companies with timber holdings.

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U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to protect seniors from out-of-pocket costs for preventive colonoscopies.

Currently, Medicare charges seniors for colonoscopies when a polyp is removed during the procedure even though colorectal cancer screenings are promoted as a free service under Medicare. The Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act would make a long-overdue fix to Medicare to ensure seniors aren’t charged for a colonoscopy – regardless of whether or not a polyp or tissue is removed. Removing harmful tissue during these procedures is key to preventing cancer, yet the fear of having to pay unexpectedly could prevent Medicare recipients from getting these important screenings.

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To kick off Women’s History Month, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), along with Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Christopher Coons (D-Del.), introduced a Congressional resolution to designate March 21, 2017, as National Rosie the Riveter Day, a national day of recognition for the millions of women who supported the war effort on the home front during World War II.

Saturday, March 4, 2017

House News: Regulations, Jeff Sessions, gun loopholes, Classified Information, Digital Currencies, Congressional Address, Anti-Semitism, tax returns, invasive species

The United States House of Representatives' passed H.R. 998, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome (SCRUB) Act of 2017. It now heads to the Senate.

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Democrats are calling for the resignation of Jeff Sessions, in spite of the press conference he has attended. They are simply out for blood with no thought to what is best for America. Sessions, on the other hand, has stated explicitly that the question asked in the investigation was did he meet with Russians concerning the Trump Campaign, and his answer was, truthfully, NO. He did meet with the Russians about other matters but that is not the question that was asked. Therefore he did not lie under oath and does not need to resign.

However, there is at least one reasonable Democrat in the House:

“It is imperative that we hold a full and fair investigation into Russian election interference and ties between Russian officials and the Trump campaign. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the investigation is a big step towards that goal,” said Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th).

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Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced the introduction of legislation to close the “ghost guns” loophole which allows purchasers to avoid federal background checks by buying unassembled firearms online.

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Congressman Peter Welch (VT-AL) introduced the Department of Defense Overhead Cost Savings and Transparency Act which would declassify the entirety of a report from the Pentagon which revealed $125 billion in administrative waste. The Pentagon commissioned the report in 2015 and subsequently covered up its findings. The report lays out suggested ways to cut through bureaucracy and obsolete technologies at the department, ultimately saving $125 billion over five years in administrative waste. Isn't this just like a Democrat? Wanting to declassify sensitive documents for any reason? Just because we might not have needed to spend money on it doesn't make it less sensitive.

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Congressman Schweikert sent a letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding digital currencies and their underlying technologies. The Congressman has been an avid supporter of blockchain technology, the technology behind many cryptocurrencies and distributed ledgers, as sees this as the future of financial services. In the letter, the Congressman asks for clarification from the OCC on how it plans to regulate the future of this space. Interesting.

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“I had hoped that in his first address to a joint session of Congress the President would have provided more concrete details about his vision for our country. Instead we heard more empty rhetoric with very little specifics.” Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)

I didn't hear empty rhetoric, did you?

“In tonight’s Joint Address, President Trump outlined a straightforward and optimistic vision for the future of this nation. He spoke to the concerns of every American and extended an olive branch across the aisle, highlighting the need to work cooperatively to find serious, lasting solutions to the fundamental issues that weaken our economy, hurt hardworking American families, and threaten our country’s future.” James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI, 5th)

Sensenbrenner obviously didn't, either.

“Finally, now more than ever, our country needs to put politics aside and find common ground for the greater good. I am willing, many of my colleagues are willing, and the American public needs to be willing as well to seek and pursue what unites us in order to move our country forward.” Mike Simpson (R-ID, 2nd)

Simpson is preaching to the choir.

“The President’s address tonight was a home run. How could anyone disagree with putting Americans first?" Lamar Smith (R-TX, 21st)

AMEN!

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“This week the House worked to put this agenda in motion by passing three critical measures that responsibly reform our regulatory system while enforcing measures of accountability, transparency, and integrity. Regulations have run rampant these last eight years but enough is enough. Republicans have made a concerted and focused effort to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations to give the American people the relief that they need.” Pete Sessions (R-TX, 32nd)

For more information on H.R. 1009, OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act, click here
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For more information on H.R. 1994, Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017, click here.

For more information on H.R. 998, SCRUB Act, click here.

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House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) engaged in a colloquy on the House Floor today with Majority Leader McCarthy, where he asked to see the House GOP’s draft Affordable Care Act repeal bill and whether committees will mark that bill up next week.

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The Members of Congress joined in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to share a deep concern with increasing number of alarming bomb threats targeting Jewish Community Centers in over thirty states, sowing fear and anxiety in our communities. The letter requests that in the wake of these threats, as well as the desecration of Jewish cemeteries, the DOJ and FBI must tirelessly investigate these matters, and prosecute all offenders to the fullest extent possible.

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U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th) introduced the “Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act” or SMASH Act. This bill supports and expands programs for mosquito-borne and vector-borne disease, surveillance and control.

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Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14) on Thursday introduced the Strengthening Investigations into Foreign Entanglements Act, bipartisan legislation that would give congressional intelligence committees the authority needed to acquire tax returns – including those of the President and future presidential candidates.

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Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Invasive Species Caucus, re-introduced two pieces of legislation to help combat and raise awareness about the threat invasive species pose to our ecosystems.

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

House News: Congressional Address, Obamacare, Welfare, Domestic Violence, Immigration, WOTUS, Anti-semitism, Small business, Jeff Sessions

REP. RATCLIFFE ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

Reed Fights for Choice in ACA Changes

Reichert Statement on President Trump's Joint Address to Congress

Renacci Introduces Bill to Help Ohioans Move from Welfare to Work

Reps. Rice & Demings to Demand ICE End Courthouse Detentions for Victims of Domestic Violence

Roby Statement on President Trump’s Address

Roe Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address

Rogers on Trump’s Address before Joint Session of Congress

Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Trump's Executive Action

ROKITA REACTS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

Rooney Statement on WOTUS Executive Order

Members Relaunch the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Anti-Semitism

Roskam Statement on President’s Joint Address

Ross Votes to Limit Outdated, Burdensome Regulations on Small Businesses and Families

Rouzer statement on POTUS speech

Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on Presidential Address

Royce Statement on Joint Session of Congress

Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Communication with Russians

Rush Calls for Civil Rights Cold Cases to Be Declassified to Bring Justice and Closure to Families


“Trump’s Speech Was… Campaign Promises on Steroids” and, Chicago Needs Solutions Not Rhetoric


Congressman Tim Ryan Calls for AG Jeff Sessions’ Immediate Resignation and Independent Commission Investigation

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

More from the House: Congressional Address, Anti-semitism, Obamacare, Marijuana, Border Security, Foreign Language Education

Pallone Statement on President Trump’s Budget Outline

Rep. Pascrell Urges Action on Rise in Anti-Semitism


Paulsen Statement on the President's Joint Address to Congress


Payne, Jr. Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Speech to Congress

PEARCE VOTES TO RETURN POWER TO STATES


Pelosi Statement on Republican Vote to Keep Trump’s Tax Returns Secret


Perlmutter Statement on Possible Federal Enforcement against Recreational Marijuana


Rep. Peters Responds to Trump Address to Congress

Peterson Calls on Border Security Agency to Update Technology

Statement on President Trump's first address to Congress

PLASKETT FIGHTS REPUBLICAN EFFORT TO UNDERMINE FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Pocan Statement on the President’s Joint Address to Congress

POE ANNOUNCES BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL COALITION TO STOP GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE AND HACKING

REP. POLIQUIN’S STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S FIRST ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

PRICE INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Polis statement on Trump administration’s stance on recreational marijuana

PANETTA STATEMENT ON THE RECENT IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN SANTA CRUZ