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Showing posts with label Attorney General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Attorney General. Show all posts
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Ponder the News January 30, 2022
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services Partner to Distribute More Than Half a Million Medical Supplies Confiscated from Price Gougers
by U.S. Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. - April 2, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the distribution of hoarded personal protective equipment (PPE), including approximately 192,000 N95 respirator masks, to those on the frontline of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response in New York and New Jersey.
The FBI discovered the supplies during an enforcement operation by the Department of Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force on March 30 and alerted HHS which used its authority under Defense Production Act (DPA) to order that the supplies be immediately furnished to the United States. In addition to the N95 respirator masks, the supplies found included 598,000 medical grade gloves and 130,000 surgical masks, procedure masks, N100 masks, surgical gowns, disinfectant towels, particulate filters, bottles of hand sanitizer, and bottles of spray disinfectant.
"If you are amassing critical medical equipment for the purpose of selling it at exorbitant prices, you can expect a knock at your door," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "The Department of Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force is working tirelessly around the clock with all our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors cannot illicitly profit from the COVID-19 pandemic facing our nation."
"Cracking down on the hoarding of vital supplies allows us to distribute this material to the heroic healthcare workers on the frontlines who are most in need," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "Thanks to the quick work of the White House, the Department of Justice, and HHS, the seized resources were distributed in days to the doctors, nurses and first responders who need them. President Trump's all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus involves an aggressive approach to stopping hoarding, and the American public can play a role by being on the lookout for this behavior."
HHS will pay the owner of the hoarded equipment pre-COVID-19 fair market value for the supplies and has begun distributing to meet the critical need for the supplies among healthcare workers in New York and New Jersey.
Specifically, after inspecting the supplies, HHS arranged for the delivery of the PPE to the New Jersey Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
"This is the first of many such investigations that are underway," said Peter Navarro, DPA Policy Coordinator and Assistant to the President. "Our FBI agents and other law enforcement agencies are tracking down every tip and lead they get, and are devoting massive federal resources to this effort. All individuals and companies hoarding any of these critical supplies, or selling them at well above market prices, are hereby warned they should turn them over to local authorities or the federal government now or risk prompt seizure by the federal government."
Vendors interested in selling PPE to the federal government should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help. Anyone who learns of hoarding or price gouging of PPE should report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by dialing 1-866-720-5721 or emailing disaster@leo.gov.
HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue to collaborate with private industry to overcome the shortage of PPE across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Defense Production Act and Presidential Executive Order are intended to prevent accumulation in excess of reasonable demands of business, personal, or home consumption, or for the purpose of resale at prices in excess of prevailing market prices, also known as hoarding and price gouging, of medical supplies critical to the COVID-19 response.
Washington, D.C. - April 2, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the distribution of hoarded personal protective equipment (PPE), including approximately 192,000 N95 respirator masks, to those on the frontline of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response in New York and New Jersey.
The FBI discovered the supplies during an enforcement operation by the Department of Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force on March 30 and alerted HHS which used its authority under Defense Production Act (DPA) to order that the supplies be immediately furnished to the United States. In addition to the N95 respirator masks, the supplies found included 598,000 medical grade gloves and 130,000 surgical masks, procedure masks, N100 masks, surgical gowns, disinfectant towels, particulate filters, bottles of hand sanitizer, and bottles of spray disinfectant.
"If you are amassing critical medical equipment for the purpose of selling it at exorbitant prices, you can expect a knock at your door," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "The Department of Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force is working tirelessly around the clock with all our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors cannot illicitly profit from the COVID-19 pandemic facing our nation."
"Cracking down on the hoarding of vital supplies allows us to distribute this material to the heroic healthcare workers on the frontlines who are most in need," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "Thanks to the quick work of the White House, the Department of Justice, and HHS, the seized resources were distributed in days to the doctors, nurses and first responders who need them. President Trump's all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus involves an aggressive approach to stopping hoarding, and the American public can play a role by being on the lookout for this behavior."
HHS will pay the owner of the hoarded equipment pre-COVID-19 fair market value for the supplies and has begun distributing to meet the critical need for the supplies among healthcare workers in New York and New Jersey.
Specifically, after inspecting the supplies, HHS arranged for the delivery of the PPE to the New Jersey Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
"This is the first of many such investigations that are underway," said Peter Navarro, DPA Policy Coordinator and Assistant to the President. "Our FBI agents and other law enforcement agencies are tracking down every tip and lead they get, and are devoting massive federal resources to this effort. All individuals and companies hoarding any of these critical supplies, or selling them at well above market prices, are hereby warned they should turn them over to local authorities or the federal government now or risk prompt seizure by the federal government."
Vendors interested in selling PPE to the federal government should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help. Anyone who learns of hoarding or price gouging of PPE should report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by dialing 1-866-720-5721 or emailing disaster@leo.gov.
HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue to collaborate with private industry to overcome the shortage of PPE across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Defense Production Act and Presidential Executive Order are intended to prevent accumulation in excess of reasonable demands of business, personal, or home consumption, or for the purpose of resale at prices in excess of prevailing market prices, also known as hoarding and price gouging, of medical supplies critical to the COVID-19 response.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Statements on Firing of AG Sessions
Booker Statement on Trump Firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
November 7, 2018
“Jeff Sessions’ firing at the hands of the President is an alarming development that brings us one step closer to a constitutional crisis. I’m concerned that President Trump made this decision based on his fear of being implicated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and frustration with Sessions’ recusal from that investigation."
Read more...
Boozman Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Resignation
Senator John Boozman (R-AR)
November 7, 2018
“Jeff Sessions has served our country with integrity and distinction throughout his career as a U.S. Attorney, U.S. Senator for Alabama and as Attorney General in the Trump administration. I have always respected and admired his unwavering commitment to the rule of law. I thank Jeff for his decades of service to the nation, and particularly for his strong advocacy and leadership of the men and women of America’s law enforcement.”
Read more...
Casey Statement on Attorney General Sessions’ Forced Resignation
Senator Robert P.Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
November 7, 2018
“Pressuring and forcing Attorney General Sessions to resign is an unacceptable effort to interfere with the chain of command in the Russia investigation. This is part of President Trump’s pattern of obstructing Special Counsel Mueller’s independent investigation. He has attempted to fire, demand loyalty of and interfere with any official investigating Russia’s attack on our nation during the 2016 election. Now, President Trump is removing his own Attorney General in order to install a lapdog who will do what he has called for repeatedly- end or hamstring an independent investigation that is vital to our national security. Congress must immediately act to protect Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation from interference by this Administration.”
Read more...
Sen. Coons’ statement on AG Sessions’ forced resignation, appointment of Matthew Whitaker as Acting AG
Senator Christopher A .Coons (D - DE)
November 7, 2018
President Trump has repeatedly attacked both the Attorney General and the Department of Justice over the Mueller investigation,” said Senator Coons. “I am deeply concerned that President Trump, both in forcing Attorney General Sessions’ resignation and effectively stripping Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein of his authority to supervise the Mueller investigation, is now in position to easily interfere with or even end the Mueller investigation. That is a red line which President Trump has been warned not to cross by Republicans and Democrats alike for months.
Read more...
Cornyn Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
November 7, 2018
“Attorney General Sessions has selflessly dedicated more than 40 years to serving the people of Alabama and the nation. As our country’s top law enforcement official, he has been integral in fighting the opioid epidemic, keeping violent criminals off our streets, and supporting victims. Those who know him understand his commitment to the rule of law, and his deep and abiding concern for our country.”
Read more...
Ernst Statement on New DoJ Leadership
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
November 7, 2018
“Jeff Sessions has always been a strong leader who has served our nation and the state of Alabama well, both in the United States Senate and as the U.S. Attorney General. He should be commended for prosecuting the largest number of violent offenders and firearm defendants in our nation’s history; taking on violent gangs like MS-13 and restoring immigration enforcement to the United States. He also has been on the forefront of the charge against our nation’s opioid epidemic, by increasing prosecutions and stopping illegal drugs at the border. Our nation owes him a debt of gratitude for his service and commitment to the rule of law.
Read more...
Feinstein, Nadler, Schiff, Cummings Send Letters to Top Officials Demanding Preservation of Records Following Firing of Attorney General Sessions
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
November 8, 2018
“Committees of the United States Congress are conducting investigations parallel to those of the Special Counsel’s office, and preservation of records is critical to ensure that we are able to do our work without interference or delay." the members wrote in their letters. "Committees will also be investigating Attorney General Sessions’ departure. We therefore ask that you immediately provide us with all orders, notices, and guidance regarding preservation of information related to these matters and investigations.”
Read more...
Saturday, November 4, 2017
CORKER STATEMENT ON IMPORTANCE OF AN INDEPENDENT JUSTICE SYSTEM
Source: Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) - (R - TN)
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on the importance of an independent justice system after reports that President Donald J. Trump refused to rule out firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions if the Department of Justice does not investigate what the president wishes.
“Like me, most Americans hope that our justice system is independent and free of political interference,” said Corker. “President Trump's pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American people’s confidence in our institutions.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on the importance of an independent justice system after reports that President Donald J. Trump refused to rule out firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions if the Department of Justice does not investigate what the president wishes.
“Like me, most Americans hope that our justice system is independent and free of political interference,” said Corker. “President Trump's pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American people’s confidence in our institutions.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Attorney General, Israel, terrorism, Russia
Pursuing a Christian Idea of Criminal Justice in the Jeff Sessions Era
Christianity Today
MAY 18, 2017
Since assuming office, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has shown little interest in expanding the efforts of his predecessors in curbing policies that criminal justice reform advocates blame for America’s high rates of mass incarceration. Instead, he’s doubled down, recently instructing federal prosecutors to pursue the harshest penalties for drug dealers and gun violence offenders.
Read more...
7 Prophetic Prayer Insights In Response To Manchester Suicide Bombing
Hello Christian
May 22, 2017
In what Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May is calling a “callous" terrorist attack—one of the worst ever in British history—a suicide bomber struck at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night. The attack left 22 dead—including children—and 59 injured.
Read more...
President Trump: 'I Marvelled At God's Presence'
Hello Christian
May 23, 2017
President Donald Trump has given a powerful address at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, explaining his encounter with God at the Western Wall, and reiterating his commitment to the state of Israel and the Jewish people. Reports indicate that the President left a note in the crack of the sacred wall as he prayer, and now he has revealed his experience of God in that moment.
Read more...
Intelligence Leaks and Our Hypocritical Press
The Christian Post
May 23, 2017
The overdramatic hype about Trump doing what every president before him has done to share information with an ally to prevent a terror attack is a head-scratcher to those who recall the events of September 11, 2001 as a bad thing.
Read more...
Christianity Today
MAY 18, 2017
Since assuming office, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has shown little interest in expanding the efforts of his predecessors in curbing policies that criminal justice reform advocates blame for America’s high rates of mass incarceration. Instead, he’s doubled down, recently instructing federal prosecutors to pursue the harshest penalties for drug dealers and gun violence offenders.
Read more...
7 Prophetic Prayer Insights In Response To Manchester Suicide Bombing
Hello Christian
May 22, 2017
In what Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May is calling a “callous" terrorist attack—one of the worst ever in British history—a suicide bomber struck at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night. The attack left 22 dead—including children—and 59 injured.
Read more...
President Trump: 'I Marvelled At God's Presence'
Hello Christian
May 23, 2017
President Donald Trump has given a powerful address at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, explaining his encounter with God at the Western Wall, and reiterating his commitment to the state of Israel and the Jewish people. Reports indicate that the President left a note in the crack of the sacred wall as he prayer, and now he has revealed his experience of God in that moment.
Read more...
Intelligence Leaks and Our Hypocritical Press
The Christian Post
May 23, 2017
The overdramatic hype about Trump doing what every president before him has done to share information with an ally to prevent a terror attack is a head-scratcher to those who recall the events of September 11, 2001 as a bad thing.
Read more...
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Legal Council for Illegals ...and more.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th) is introducing her first bill, the Access to Counsel Act, to make certain that those held or detained while attempting to enter the United States are guaranteed access to legal counsel.
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Congressman Pete King (R-NY, 2nd) is warning constituents to be on the lookout for debt relief service scams targeting consumers with credit card debt by falsely promising to negotiate with their creditors to settle or otherwise reduce consumers' repayment obligations.
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U.S. Representatives Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN, 2nd) this week reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) access treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill, H.R. 927, makes MST survivors eligible for benefits to cover expenses when they need to travel long distances to receive treatment.
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Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) took to the House floor to address the recent announcement made by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai revoking Lifeline Broadband Provider status to nine companies that provide broadband access to low-income households.
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Rep. Raul R. Labrador (R-ID, 1st), has introduced a constitutional amendment imposing term limits in the House and Senate.
Labrador’s H.J. Res. 50 was introduced in the House and has 12 original cosponsors. The resolution would amend the Constitution to limit service to six two-year House terms and two six-year Senate terms.
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The House passed H.J. Res. 40, Providing for Congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act.
In December of 2016, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a rule that finalizes the criteria for sending the names of certain beneficiaries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). An individual’s name can be sent to the NICS if they receive disability insurance based on having a mental condition, are between the age 18 and the age of full retirement, and if the SSA determines that the individual needs a representative payee to manage their benefits. Once an individual’s name is added to the NICS list, there is no adequate due process for these individuals to have their name removed. This Joint Resolution will repeal this rule, and prevent a serious breach of Second Amendment and due process rights.
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Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd) introduced the Buy American Improvement Act of 2017 to create American jobs, promote the domestic manufacturing industry, increase transparency and accountability in government procurement, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the U.S. whenever practicable.
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Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure no veteran seeking in-patient psychiatric care at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is ever denied such care again. Last year, Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, a veteran from Davenport, Iowa, was turned away from a VA facility after seeking psychiatric help. After being denied care, he tragically took his own life. Sgt. Ketchum’s tragic death reinforces the need for a change at the VA to ensure any veteran who is suffering from a mental health issue gets the treatment they need and deserve. Simply put, under the Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act, if a veteran asks for mental health care from the VA, they will get it.
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H.R. 861, a bill to close down the Environmental Protection Agency, has been introduced, and if implemented, would go into effect on December 31, 2018.
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By signing the Executive Order directing financial regulators to review the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, the President has taken a bold step toward achieving the priority of faster economic growth and job creation, and expanded economic opportunity for hard-working Utahns. Moreover, by directing the Department of Labor to review and delay a rule that would make it harder and more expensive for average Americans to receive advice about their retirement savings, the Administration is helping to ensure that all of us can better plan for a secure financial future.
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Jeff Sessions has been confirmed as Attorney General.
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Congressman Pete King (R-NY, 2nd) is warning constituents to be on the lookout for debt relief service scams targeting consumers with credit card debt by falsely promising to negotiate with their creditors to settle or otherwise reduce consumers' repayment obligations.
#####
U.S. Representatives Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN, 2nd) this week reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) access treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill, H.R. 927, makes MST survivors eligible for benefits to cover expenses when they need to travel long distances to receive treatment.
#####
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) took to the House floor to address the recent announcement made by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai revoking Lifeline Broadband Provider status to nine companies that provide broadband access to low-income households.
#####
Rep. Raul R. Labrador (R-ID, 1st), has introduced a constitutional amendment imposing term limits in the House and Senate.
Labrador’s H.J. Res. 50 was introduced in the House and has 12 original cosponsors. The resolution would amend the Constitution to limit service to six two-year House terms and two six-year Senate terms.
#####
The House passed H.J. Res. 40, Providing for Congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act.
In December of 2016, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a rule that finalizes the criteria for sending the names of certain beneficiaries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). An individual’s name can be sent to the NICS if they receive disability insurance based on having a mental condition, are between the age 18 and the age of full retirement, and if the SSA determines that the individual needs a representative payee to manage their benefits. Once an individual’s name is added to the NICS list, there is no adequate due process for these individuals to have their name removed. This Joint Resolution will repeal this rule, and prevent a serious breach of Second Amendment and due process rights.
#####
Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd) introduced the Buy American Improvement Act of 2017 to create American jobs, promote the domestic manufacturing industry, increase transparency and accountability in government procurement, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the U.S. whenever practicable.
#####
Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure no veteran seeking in-patient psychiatric care at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is ever denied such care again. Last year, Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, a veteran from Davenport, Iowa, was turned away from a VA facility after seeking psychiatric help. After being denied care, he tragically took his own life. Sgt. Ketchum’s tragic death reinforces the need for a change at the VA to ensure any veteran who is suffering from a mental health issue gets the treatment they need and deserve. Simply put, under the Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act, if a veteran asks for mental health care from the VA, they will get it.
#####
H.R. 861, a bill to close down the Environmental Protection Agency, has been introduced, and if implemented, would go into effect on December 31, 2018.
#####
By signing the Executive Order directing financial regulators to review the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, the President has taken a bold step toward achieving the priority of faster economic growth and job creation, and expanded economic opportunity for hard-working Utahns. Moreover, by directing the Department of Labor to review and delay a rule that would make it harder and more expensive for average Americans to receive advice about their retirement savings, the Administration is helping to ensure that all of us can better plan for a secure financial future.
#####
Jeff Sessions has been confirmed as Attorney General.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Sessions Nominated to AG
Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) offered the following statement:
“Today President-elect Trump made an excellent choice for United States Attorney General by nominating Senator Jeff Sessions to serve our nation in his Administration,” said Palmer. “As a former U.S. Attorney in Mobile and Alabama’s Attorney General, as well as a United States Senator, Senator Sessions defended the Constitution and held firm to our founding principles. Over the past 20 years, Senator Sessions has proven himself to be an intelligent, trustworthy conservative in the Senate becoming a voice for millions of Americans who felt ignored by Washington. His track record of success and sound decisions make him the best possible candidate for the job. I truly believe that Senator Sessions is the right man to restore the public's confidence in our justice system.”
“Today President-elect Trump made an excellent choice for United States Attorney General by nominating Senator Jeff Sessions to serve our nation in his Administration,” said Palmer. “As a former U.S. Attorney in Mobile and Alabama’s Attorney General, as well as a United States Senator, Senator Sessions defended the Constitution and held firm to our founding principles. Over the past 20 years, Senator Sessions has proven himself to be an intelligent, trustworthy conservative in the Senate becoming a voice for millions of Americans who felt ignored by Washington. His track record of success and sound decisions make him the best possible candidate for the job. I truly believe that Senator Sessions is the right man to restore the public's confidence in our justice system.”
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