Coronavirus: Texas, Vaccines and Scams

=======
Support The Ponder News:

=======

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbot has ordered all restaurants, gyms, schools, and other places of public gatherings where there are more than 10 people to close their doors. Restaurants are allowed to do carry-out and drive-thru, but their dining rooms are off limits to the public, starting at midnight tonight.

The IRS is deferring tax payment due dates and associated tax penalties for 90 days for individuals and small businesses due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Price Gouging in Texas: 1-800-621-0508

Texas is up to 352 confirmed cases of Coronovirus (up from this morning's 307). Only 5 deaths reported, with 4 recovered.

University Hospitals has secured two clinical trials that will provide the investigational antiviral drug remdesivir to hospitalized adults with a pneumonia due to the novel coronavirus. One trial will focus on COVID-19 patients with moderate illness. The second will focus on patients with more severe illness who may require care in the intensive care unit (ICU).

"This is some promising news in the midst of this COVID-19 situation," said Daniel Simon, MD, Chief Clinical & Scientific Officer and President, UH Cleveland Medical. "Our UH research team has worked closely with the manufacturer, Gilead, in recent days to secure the studies. We are grateful to be one of the first sites in the U.S. to participate in these clinical trials. Both trials are now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and our Institutional Review Board, and we are expecting shipment of the experimental drug remdesivir in the next couple of days."

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. Many people, groups and organizations are shifting to remote operations during this crisis. As a result, many businesses are learning and growing online. Even schools and colleges and adapting to the "new norm" in the face of this crisis. The Ponder predicts that, soon, there will be nothing you can't do online. For those who have no internet access and refuse to learn, it is going to be harder to adapt. Our elderly are going to be the most effected and confused by this change.

Trump signs the Defense Production Act to Combat Coronavirus

President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to expand production of ventilators, masks and other emergency medical supplies. The DPA requires companies to accept and prioritize contracts from the government and to prioritize "materials, services, and facilities to promote the national defense."

At the same news briefing, Vice President Pence said that the Department of Health and Human Services soon will issue a regulation to “allow all doctors and medical professionals to practice across state lines to meet the needs of hospitals that may arise in the adjoining areas.”

Trump stated last night that, "I only signed the Defense Production Act to combat the Chinese Virus should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future. Hopefully there will be no need, but we are all in this TOGETHER!"

Read more about it:

What exactly is the Defense Production Act?
Source: Navy Times
March 19, 2020
President Donald Trump on Wednesday invoked a Korean War-era law as part of his response to the coronavirus pandemic, aiming to boost private industry production of supplies needed for the health crisis.
Read more...

New Jersey asks for Military Intervention and More News about the Coronavirus Epidemic

New Jersey has reported over 400 positive cases of COVID-19 and five deaths, according to Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). He is requesting that the military get involved due to shortages of hospital beds. Senator Menendez joined the New Jersey Delegation in a letter to Trump, which reads in part:

“The State of New Jersey is already working around the clock to revitalize and expand hospital infrastructure, but it will need support from the federal government to be sufficiently prepared for the anticipated influx of severe COVID-19 cases,” New Jersey’s congressional delegation wrote in a letter to President Trump. “New Jersey has already mobilized its national guard to investigate how to increase hospital infrastructure. Furthermore, our state’s Health Commissioner has been working with hospitals in reopening closed hospital wings, and is reviewing if it is possible to restore a closed hospital. Support at the federal level will help our state to meet its needs and allow those who contract the coronavirus to receive lifesaving healthcare.”

Mental Health America (MHA) announced that 1,015 additional mental health screeners nationwide have screened with a severe anxiety result in the month since the coronavirus worry began to emerge. “We have been monitoring an overall increase in anxiety screening since the middle of February, when concerns about COVID-19 began to grow,” reported Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO of MHA

In a ruling that blocks the Trump Administration’s stricter work requirements for certain recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of the attorneys general for 19 states, the District of Columbia, the City of New York, and 3 private plaintiffs, to temporarily block the finalized rule that would have gone into effect on April 1, and stripped benefits from an estimated 700,000 able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs.

Even without the ruling, the Family First legislation that was just passed to assist Americans during the Coronavirus crisis suspends this requirement temporarily.

To meet the needs of borrowers who may be impacted by the coronavirus, last week Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (“the Enterprises”) reminded mortgage servicers that hardship forbearance is an option for borrowers who are unable to make their monthly mortgage payment,” Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria said in a statement.

“As with any other event that negatively impacts a borrower’s ability to pay their monthly mortgage payment, FHA’s suite of loss mitigation options provides solutions that mortgagees should offer to distressed borrowers – including those that could be impacted by the Coronavirus – to help prevent them from going into foreclosure. These home retention options are located in FHA’s Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 Section III.A.2,” FHA said in a statement

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), to introduce legislation that would ensure Americans are able to vote this year, despite disruptions caused by COVID-19. The bill would expand early in-person voting and no-excuse absentee vote-by-mail to all states, and allowing voters who did not receive an absentee ballot to use a printable ballot currently only provided for military and overseas voters. The legislation comes as five states have already postponed primaries in response to the pandemic.

Coronavirus, March for Life, Maternal Health, Prescription Drugs, Business Start-ups, Cruise Industry, Immigration, Health Care

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 17, 2020

I would just like to say that, in light of this Coronavirus scare, President Trump is doing an OUTSTANDING job working around the clock to get this thing under control!

He has utilized ALL RESOURCES AVAILABLE and has done his best to put politics aside to make sure every American is cared for during this crisis in a variety of ways -- including financially.

He has done his best to decrease panic, as well as maintain urgency at the same time.

Thank you, Mr. President for being such a strong leader during this time, and I don't think anyone else could have, or even WOULD have, done better!

--Shonda Ponder, Editor-in-chief

UPCOMING EVENT: First-ever official California March for Life to take place in Sacramento on June 23rd, 2020
Source: March for Life
March 17, 2020
March for Life is honored to partner with the California Family Council to organize the first-ever official California March for Life on June 23rd, 2020 in Sacramento, California. Marchers will rally at the state capitol to call for an end to pro-abortion extremism in the state.
Read more...

McBath Leads Legislation, Joins Colleagues to Unveil Historic Legislative Package to Address America’s Maternal Health Crisis
Source: U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA, 6th)
March 10, 2020
Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) joined Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Alma Adams (NC-12), Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), and members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus to introduce a historic legislative package to address the United States’ urgent maternal health crisis. McBath’s legislation, the Social Determinants for Moms Act, is included in the legislative omnibus, or “Momnibus,” and funds access to services and critical research to help save the lives of American women.
Read more...

REPRESENTATIVE MALINOWSKI URGES INSURANCE COMPANIES TO CLARIFY RULES FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG REFILLS
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Malinowsky (D-NJ, 7th)
March 11, 2020
Representative Tom Malinowski led a group of 11 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Matt Eyles, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, and the eight major American insurance providers, to clarify that patients will continue to have access to life saving prescriptions as the coronavirus epidemic grows.
Read more...

SEC adopts McAdams and Hollingsworth proposal to cut red tape on promising start-ups
Source: U.S. Representative Ben McAdams (D-UT, 4th)
March 12, 2020
Legislation by Congressman Ben McAdams and Congressman Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) giving commonsense regulatory relief for America’s growing companies was essentially adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a rule-making action. McAdams introduced the Fostering Innovation Act in 2019 as a narrow fix that allows small emerging growth companies to keep capital working to fund business needs, rather than expensive regulatory filings.
Read more...

MARCH OF DIMES LAUNCHES MOM AND BABY COVID-19 INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT FUND
Source: March of Dimes
March 13, 2020
March of Dimes launched the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund to help protect moms and babies from COVID-19, the new coronavirus disease. As the public grapples with the spread of the disease, March of Dimes is serving as a resource for moms and providing them with the information and resources they need to protect their families.
Read more...

Maloney Helps Pass Second, Bipartisan Coronavirus Response Package
Source: U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
March 14, 2020
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) helped pass Congress’s second, bipartisan COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, response package. The bill will provide: free coronavirus testing for every American who needs a test, including the uninsured, paid emergency leave for workers, unemployment insurance protections for furloughed workers; more money for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), senior and student meal programs, and food banks; and increased federal funds for Medicaid.
Read more...

Rep. Maloney Votes to Pass Legislation to Support America's Families Facing COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
March 14, 2020
As our nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to make sure that families across this country have the resources they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones. We need to make paid leave available so that employees aren’t faced with the impossible decision to give up a paycheck or go into work while sick and we need to make sure that we are looking after American’s financial wellbeing, in addition to their health.
Read more...

MARSHALL SUPPORTS AMERICAN WORKER DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK
Source: U.S. Representative Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)
March 14, 2020
After voting YES on a bill to support American workers and the economy during the COVID-19 outbreak, U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D., issued the following statement: “We are helping President Trump deliver free tests, emergency paid leave, and flexibility for families and small businesses affected by Coronavirus. During his address from the Oval Office earlier this week and today in the Rose Garden, President Trump assured the American people that he would use the full force of the federal government to continue to curb the spread of the coronavirus here at home. As a physician and Member of Congress, my highest concern and priority is the health and safety of Kansans. I'm relieved we could come together to produce a thoughtful, bipartisan piece of legislation with input from the Trump Administration. The health and well-being of American families comes first and I look forward to these measures being implemented as soon as possible.”
Read more...

Congressman McCaul votes to support American families and workers impacted by Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Michael T. McCaul (R-TX, 10th)
March 14, 2020
This virus does not discriminate based on your health insurance, your political party, or your age. That is why I voted in favor of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Read more...

MANCHIN CALLS ON SENATE TO ACT NOW ON EMERGENCY CORONAVIRUS FUNDING
Source: Senator, Joe Manchin, III - (D - WV)
March 16, 2020
“I have no doubt Democrats and Republicans will come together and take care and help people and will come to the aid of the economy of our country and I hope they realize the people that really need help are the people that cannot make it from one week to the next let alone one paycheck to the next. My state also has the most endangered population in the nation,” said Senator Manchin. “But out of 1.8 million people, we have only tested 84. When the virus is found in my state, we are not prepared for it because we don't even have the tests to identify who is ill, who needs these treatments and needs the hospital care, and we don’t have medical equipment we need to support our vulnerable citizens. We need to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act now. This emergency funding that has already been passed in the House is vital to supporting our most vulnerable people. We have to do something and do it quickly. We should sit here and protest until it does come. There is no reason we can't do it tonight. We must come together, all of us, to fight this deadly virus.”
Read more...

MAZON Deeply Concerned About the Adverse Effects of Coronavirus Crisis on Low-Income Women and Families, Urges Further Congressional Action
Source: MAZON - A Jewish Response to Hunger
March 16, 2020
A Jewish Response to Hunger lauds the U.S. House of Representatives for recently passing the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (H.R. 6201) and urges the Senate to immediately follow suit.
Read more...

Matsui Calls on Congress to Oppose Cruise Industry Bailout
Source: U.S. Representative Doris O. Matsui (D-CA, 6th)
March 16, 2020
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-6), sent the following letter to Reps. Richard Neal (MA-1), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Peter DeFazio (OR-4), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, urging them to oppose any bailout of the cruise industry and instead focus on supporting the federal response to the coronavirus.
Read more...

Senator Markey Calls on DHS to Halt Deportations, Release Immigrants from Detention
Source: Senator Edward J.Markey (D-MA)
March 17, 2020
U.S. immigration detention centers have been called a “[public health] disaster waiting to happen,” due to their crowded conditions and Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s history of medical neglect and substandard care. Except in limited circumstances, the DHS has the authority to release noncitizens from detention while they await immigration court proceedings. Senator Markey is calling on the Acting Secretary to use this authority and release eligible individuals from its custody.
Read more...

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Changes To Expedite Health Care Licensing, Increase Support For Local Boards Of Health And Small Businesses
Source: Massachusetts Governor’s Office
March 17, 2020
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced further actions to support residents, health care providers, and small businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Administration today announced several emergency orders expediting the onboarding process of more licensed health care professionals. The Administration is also distributing an initial $5 million in emergency funding to local boards of health throughout the Commonwealth, with more funding to be distributed soon. The Administration also took additional steps to support small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak by formally seeking relief from the Small Business Administration.
Read more...

McConnell on Coronavirus: This is a Moment for Bold and Bipartisan Action
Source: Senator Mitch McConnell (R- KY)
March 17, 2020
Senate Republicans are convinced that the House’s non-comprehensive bill can only be the beginning of our efforts to support our health system, assist individual Americans and families, and stabilize the U.S. economy.
Read more...

The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 15 Days to Slow the Spread
Source: Major City Chiefs Police Association
March 17, 2020
1. Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.

2. If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.

3. If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.

4. If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.

5. If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.

6. If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.

7. Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus:

 Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.

 If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.

 Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.

 Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.

 Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.

 Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.

 Practice good hygiene:
o Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
o Avoid touching your face.
o Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
o Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
Read more...

National Emergency, Coronavirus, CDC Recommendations, Rail Crossings

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 15, 2020

LOWEY QUESTIONS CDC DIRECTOR ON CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE AND FY21 BUDGET REQUEST
Source: U.S. Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY, 17th)
March 10, 2020
“One week ago, my home county of Westchester, New York, had its first confirmed coronavirus case; today we have 98, with a total of 142 throughout New York State and more than 700 nationwide, including, tragically, 26 deaths. This stunning increase requires every level of government to work together and aggressively to contain and stop the spread of Covid-19."
Read more...

Santa Clara County Elected Leaders Call for Vital Information from TSA on Employees at Mineta San Jose Airport who Tested Positive for COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA, 19th)
March 11, 2020
“If these employees were not in direct contact with travelers, we seek to reassure consumers. However, if the employees were posted at security checkpoints and had direct contact with travelers, we believe more information about posting locations and shift times should be made available to the public."
Read more...

LUJÁN STATEMENT ON CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN NEW MEXICO
Source: U.S. Representative Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)
March 11, 2020
“I continue to urge New Mexicans to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Mexico Department of Health to prevent the spread of illness and stay healthy. As we collectively address this threat, I will keep New Mexicans updated at each step.”
Read more...

REP LIEU STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE FAMILY FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
March 12, 2020
“I am pleased the House of Representatives passed the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, so that we can take another critical step to help Americans as we combat this deadly illness,” Rep. Ted Lieu said. “To mitigate the harm of the coronavirus, we must ensure anyone who needs a test can get one at no cost. Additionally, American families and workers must have protections should they get sick or have to change their work arrangements because of the coronavirus. I’m pleased that this bill addresses those issues, in addition to others. We have to give our first responders the resources and support they need to save lives. Stopping the coronavirus requires all of us, regardless of party, to work together for the collective good. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill quickly so we can mitigate this deadly virus.”
Read more...

THE FAMILY FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT includes:

Free coronavirus testing

Emergency paid leave

Enhanced unemployment insurance

Strengthened food security initiatives

Increased federal funds for Medicaid

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides $1.2 billion to help cover the costs of coronavirus testing, including $142 million to eliminate copay requirements for servicemembers and veterans.

The bill includes $1.25 billion to provide emergency nutritional assistance for senior citizens, women, children, and low-income families, including; $500 million for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; $400 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program; and $250 million for senior nutrition.

The bill also includes $15 million for the Internal Revenue Service to administer tax credits.

Coronavirus precautions include:

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently

Covering your cough or sneeze with your arm

Avoiding touching your face

Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Avoiding close contact with others

And staying home if you are sick

If you are sick, Click HERE to find out what to do!

Luetkemeyer Statement on President Trump’s National Emergency Declaration
Source: U.S. Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MI, 3rd)
March 13, 2020
“Today, President Trump took another important step to maintain the health and safety of the American people. The Administration gathered leaders from the American medical community and major retailers to create a plan that will greatly increase our capacity to test, treat and support our country. As Dr. Anthony Fauci stated today, the spread of the coronavirus will eventually end, but this emergency declaration will help it end sooner. Right now, it is important that we continue to practice commonsense health practices like handwashing, while exercising enhanced caution when it comes to our elderly and vulnerable Americans.”
Read more...

Congressman Lipinski Introduces Groundbreaking Bills to Reduce Blocked Rail Crossings, Improve Metra Service, and Limit Trains' Impact on Communities
Source: U.S. Representative Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
March 13, 2020
“I am thrilled to introduce this package of legislation that takes into account months of work holding hearings with community members, rail industry representatives, public officials, and passenger advocates to figure out the best way forward to fix problems we see with trains in our communities,” said Congressman Lipinski. “My staff and I listened closely to the concerns of all interested parties and these bills are the culmination of countless hours drafting and fine-tuning. From exploring innovative solutions that will improve safety and end the gridlock caused by idling or broken-down trains in the Chicago area and around the country, to streamlining functionality at Chicago Union Station, these bills can make a dramatic impact. I look forward to discussing these with my colleagues in the Rail Subcommittee and working with them to pass them into law.”
Read more...

Chairman Lynch, Chairwoman Maloney And Oversight Chairs Issue Joint Statement On President Trump Declaring National Emergency
Source: U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA, 8th)
March 13, 2020
“President Trump’s decision to finally declare this emergency is long overdue. We asked FEMA to testify at our Committee hearing earlier this week to hear about their emergency preparedness and response to the coronavirus crisis, but they declined, claiming that ‘the Agency does not feel as if there is much that we would be able to testify to.’ We could not disagree more. Over the past three months, there should have been intense planning to protect our food supply, expand hospital capacity, and manage a host of other emergency response challenges. Instead, the Trump Administration has been inexcusably slow in responding to this crisis, and the President and some of his top aides have been shockingly dishonest about their actions to counter this threat to the American people. We need leadership, we need competence, we need honesty, and we need to come together as a nation to help each other.”
Read more...

Rep. Long Issues Statement on H.R. 6201 FAMILY FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Billy Long (R-MI, 7th)
March 14, 2020
“The only opportunity Members of Congress had to review the text of the 110-page bill was 30 minutes before we voted on it. That was after two days of trying my best to find out what would be in the bill and what we would be voting on. With the Senate having all weekend to review the bill, I look forward to them sending their version back to the House in a form that I can support. Americans have faced many challenges since the founding of our country and we have always pulled together to fight whatever foe and this battle against the Coronavirus will be no different.”
Read more...

Congresswoman Elaine Luria Votes for Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Source: U.S. Representative Elaine Luria (D-VA, 2nd)
March 14, 2020
“As the coronavirus epidemic spreads to new localities every day, it is Congress’ duty to act to ensure families and workers will stay safe and healthy,” said Congresswoman Luria. “The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides much-needed support for Americans who are most at-risk for the economic and health consequences of this outbreak. I urge the Senate to stand up for families and workers across our nation by quickly passing this urgent legislation.”
Read more...

State of Louisiana Reports Second COVID-19 Related Death
Source: Louisiana Governor’s Office
March 15, 2020
"Sadly, we have lost our second Louisianan to COVID-19,” said Gov. Edwards. “We ask the state to join us in sending prayers to the family members and friends who are going through this difficult time. As the number of positive cases continues to rise, we need every person to take the necessary actions to help reduce the spread of this virus. It is an extremely serious situation that demands all of our attention. Our elderly and those with chronic health conditions are the most vulnerable, but we all need to act responsibly and look out for ourselves and our neighbors.”
Read more...

PRO Act, Coronavirus, Voting Rights, Workers Rights, Refineries, Infrastructure, FISA, DOJ, UPS, Rush Limbaugh

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 10, 2020

LIUNA endorses PRO Act
Source: Laborers’ International Union of North America
March 4, 2020
Read LIUNA's letter to Senator Bobby Scott (D-VA) voicing support for H.R. 2474, the Protecting Right to Organize (PRO Act). The right to join a union is critical to ensure workers receive fair pay and benefits and safe jobsites.
Read more...

Latta Supports Effort to Combat Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
March 4, 2020
Ensuring the American people are safe is the most important job of government. I am relieved House Democrats agreed to put politics aside in order to join House Republicans in providing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and our state and local response efforts the additional tools and supplies they need in order to safely respond to and better prepare for the spread of the coronavirus.
Read more...

U.S. Representative Lawrence Votes to Provide $8.3 Billion in Supplement Funding to Combat the Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)
March 4, 2020
“It is of paramount importance that the federal government takes all steps necessary to proactively address the rise in Coronavirus cases in the United States,” stated Rep. Brenda L. Lawrence. “Following President Trump’s underwhelming supplemental funding request, I worked with my colleagues to provide $8.3 billion in new funding to address the Coronavirus, well over the administration’s $2.5 billion request. This is just a first step—I will continue to work with my local, state, and federal partners to ensure all health departments have the information they need to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.”
Read more...

Rep. Andy Levin Votes for $8.3 Billion to Combat Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Andy Levin (D-MI, 9th)
March 4, 2020
“There’s a lot that federal, state and local health agencies can do to combat the coronavirus, but only if their efforts are fully funded,” Rep. Levin said. “Today, House Democrats acted quickly to pass a bill that would meet the challenges posed by COVID-19. The $8.3 billion we approved today will ensure that prevention, treatment and vaccine development happen swiftly using any resources necessary to keep families healthy and safe.
Read more...

LaMalfa Supports Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Package
Source: U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
March 5, 2020
“This package provides the funds necessary for the U.S. to address the virus at home and abroad, including assisting state and local health departments, making diagnostic tests more widely available, investing in the development of a vaccine, and reserving funds to prevent and respond to future diseases. While Americans’ risk of contracting the disease remains low, Congress has taken the right steps to provide for our country’s needs. The Administration has taken the appropriate steps responding to coronavirus so far; I‘m glad that we were able to get this package through.”
Read more...

CORONAVIRUS READINESS
Source: U.S. Representative Al Lawson, Jr. (D-FL, 5th)
March 5, 2020
Congress cleared an $8.3 billion emergency spending package Thursday that's intended to bolster public health resources as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country.
Read more...

Super Tuesday Minority Voters Were Latest Victims of the Voting Rights Act Gutting
Source: League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
March 5, 2020
The calculated effort to suppress the minority vote during Super Tuesday is a danger to our democracy. In my home state of Texas, we heard from hundreds of minority Americans unable to vote due to too many people at too few polls and malfunctioning machines causing long lines. In California, we also saw how a lack of poll workers delayed lines for hours. This is on top of years of blatant attempts to reduce the number of polling sites in places where the Latino and African-American population is growing by the largest numbers through the gutting of the Voting Rights Act.
Read more...

Statement On Senate Passage Of The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental
Source: Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D - VT)
March 5, 2020
This week, Congress showed strong, decisive leadership in addressing the novel coronavirus. As Appropriators often do, and as members of Congress proved they are still capable of doing even in the most partisan times, we put our labels aside and came together for the American people.
Read more...

Rep. Susie Lee, House Pass Pay Raise, Workplace Protections for TSA Workers
Source: U.S. Representative Susie Lee (D-NV, 3rd)
March 5, 2020
This bill strengthens the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening workforce employees, or Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) workforce, by affording them the same worker rights, protections, and pay-scale guidelines as other federal workers under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. This bill will offer TSOs full collective bargaining rights, opportunities to effectively raise issues in dispute to an independent third party, and subjection to the General Services wage system.
Read more...

Lankford, Inhofe Applaud President’s Commitment to Save Blue-Collar Refinery Jobs
Source: Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
March 6, 2020
“We’re encouraged by the reports that the administration will appeal the Tenth Circuit’s decision on small refineries,” the Senators said. “Thousands of blue collar workers’ jobs are at stake if the ruling were to stand. We’re grateful for President Trump’s commitment to the hardworking men and women of small refineries, and look forward to working with the administration to ensure follow through on the President’s decision.”
Read more...

LAMB INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Connor Lamb (D-PA, 17th)
March 9, 2020
Representatives Conor Lamb (PA-17) and Dan Newhouse (WA-4) introduced H.R. 6097, the bipartisan Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act. This bill expands critical research programs at the Department of Energy for a broad range of commercial nuclear reactors, lowering the price of electricity and extending the lifespan of these critical assets. The legislation also encourages the development of new, advanced reactor designs and funds training programs for the next generation of engineers.
Read more...

Langevin Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Nation’s Infrastructure Workforce
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
March 9, 2020
Congressional leaders on workforce development and transportation policy introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster the nation’s infrastructure workforce by prioritizing strategic long-term planning and investments in career and technical education (CTE) and on-the-job training. The Transportation Workforce Investment Act aims to create a robust workforce pipeline to meet the growing demand for skilled workers to maintain and upgrade the nation’s aging infrastructure. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-chair of the Congressional CTE Caucus, was joined by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Members Troy Balderson (R-OH), Angie Craig (D-MN), and co-chair of the Building Trades Caucus, David McKinley (R-WV), in introducing the bill.
Read more...

Larson Calls for Infrastructure Package to Boost Economy
Source: U.S. Representative John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
March 9, 2020
“Industries across the United States are being impacted by the spread of the COVID-19. Now is the time for Congress to invest in a comprehensive infrastructure package to spur the economy and help support our small and medium-sized businesses across the country. This package must also include medical infrastructure funding to help the United States be more prepared for mass-infections like this. Our roads and bridges are crumbling and this funding is sorely needed. Investing in our infrastructure is one step that we can take to provide economic relief,” said Larson.
Read more...

Lee-Leahy Introduce Bipartisan FISA Reform Bill
Source: Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)
March 9, 2020
“Our Founding Fathers knew well the danger of a government with the power to snoop through the private communications of law-abiding Americans. They included the Fourth Amendment in the Bill of Rights to limit the government’s ability to spy on its citizens,” Sen. Lee said. “This bill brings much needed common sense reforms to our federal government’s foreign surveillance programs so that Americans’ civil liberties are not violated again.”
Read more...

Rep. Mike Levin Slams DOJ for Lack of Enforcement on Anti-Patient Brokering Law
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA, 49th)
March 9, 2020
U.S. Representative Mike Levin slammed the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for failing to prosecute any cases under Section 8122 of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a sweeping measure to address our nation’s opioid crisis that also prohibits the abusive practice known as patient brokering in the addiction treatment and recovery industries. In response to Rep. Levin’s August 2019 letter requesting information on any Section 8122 cases, the DOJ notified Rep. Levin last month that they have not identified any cases. The DOJ also misstated that the statute was enacted less than one year ago, when it was actually enacted in October 2018.
Read more...

UPS Manager Continues Punishing Drivers for Prayer Meetings
Source: God Inspires
March 10, 2020
In spite of scrutiny, the United Parcel Service (UPS) Myrtle Beach, SC Center manager is now retaliating against employees who sought to voluntarily pray together before work, in the form of strict application of work “rules” and harassment, in response to attention over the prayer meetings.
Read more...

UPS Manager Continues Punishing Drivers for Prayer Meetings
Source: God Inspires
March 10, 2020
In spite of scrutiny, the United Parcel Service (UPS) Myrtle Beach, SC Center manager is now retaliating against employees who sought to voluntarily pray together before work, in the form of strict application of work “rules” and harassment, in response to attention over the prayer meetings.
Read more...

Silent Victory to a Loud Cause
Source: Shonda Ponder Enterprises
March 10, 2020
I HAVE a sense of pride. No one remembers me or my contribution. No one believes all I had experienced during that time. No one will ever know the sacrifices I made to launch those who were still here fighting the good fight for TRUTH, JUSTICE and LIBERTY FOR ALL. But, I know. And, I will stand proud and applaud that the fight is now bigger than ever. And when Rush Limbaugh received his Medal of Freedom at Trump's Speech, I was working at the Pitt Grill, listening to the speech, and I applauded with tears of joy in that silent restaurant in the middle of the night, having moved on to a new life.
Read more...

Coronavirus

Washington, D.C. -March 8, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) members will have access to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and prescribed by health providers. Effective immediately, BCBSTX will not require preauthorization and will not apply members' co-pays or deductibles for testing to diagnose COVID-19 when medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidelines.

The CDC recommends these actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick;

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;

Stay home when you are sick;

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe; and

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

At noon on Tuesday, March 3 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 60 cases of COVID-19 from 12 states. Twenty-two of these cases are travel-related; 11 are believed to be person-to-person spread; and for the remaining 27 the source of exposure is still under investigation.

Labels, Coronavirus, USDA

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

Kinzinger & Schrader Introduce Accurate Labels Act
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL, 16th)
March 2, 2020
Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) introduced H.R. 6044, the Accurate Labels Act, to provide clear, accurate, and meaningful nutrition information to consumers across America. This bipartisan legislation would also prevent the companies from issuing inaccurate labels that mislead consumers and drive up prices.
Read more...

Statement on Minnesota Case of Coronavirus
Source: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
March 6, 2020
I have talked to Governor Walz regarding the isolated travel-related case of coronavirus in Minnesota. The state has been preparing for potential cases of coronavirus, and yesterday in the Senate I voted for emergency funding legislation that will deliver at least $10 million in federal resources to Minnesota to combat this virus. Every Minnesotan should follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health to prevent the spread of this disease.
Read more...

Kuster, Fudge Lead Letter Calling on Agriculture Department to Step Up Civil Rights Enforcement
Source: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
March 6, 2020
Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Marcia Fudge (OH-11) led a group of 20 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Devon Westhill. The Members urged Westhill, who assumed office on Monday, to improve USDA civil rights enforcement and protect the rights of USDA workers and program applicants to the full extent and letter of law.
Read more...

Leaders Urge Common Sense Approach to Corona Virus

Washington, D.C. -March 6, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH, 9th), senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in support of H.R. 6074, an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to address the coronavirus outbreak:

“For weeks, Americans in every corner of the country have felt a great sense of concern regarding the new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19,” said Rep. Kaptur. “The reports coming out of China, Italy, and now even some of our own communities are alarming. My heart goes out to the families of Americans and people around the world who have lost loved ones or seen their lives turned upside down since the discovery of the virus.”

“It is evident that COVID-19 is not just a common flu, but something that requires a measured, coordinated, and whole of government response. I have found the mixed, and at times even competing, messages coming out of the Administration, specifically the White House, to be deeply problematic.

“We can right the course if we work together. Today, I joined my House colleagues in voting to pass bipartisan legislation approving $8.3 billion in emergency funding, including $950 million for state and local health departments, to respond to COVID-19 and save lives.

“Our government’s ability to research and develop breakthrough cures and respond to community outbreaks is second to none. That’s why this legislation includes robust funding to equip our forces at the center of the interagency effort, including CDC, NIH, and BARDA, with the necessary funds to successfully combat coronavirus on our shores. What’s more, it is critical that cost not be a prohibitor for Americans seeking testing or treatment for COVID-19.

“Emergency preparedness during a public health threat is paramount. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of panic. I urge the public to take commonsense precautions to prevent infection: wash your hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, and avoid touching your face. We can all do our part to strengthen public health.

“I urge swift, bipartisan action in the Senate.”

U.S. Representative John Katko (R-NY, 24th) spoke to his constituents along similiar lines: “I urge all Central New Yorkers to take preventative measures to limit the spread of disease. I will remain engaged on this issue and will continue my work in Congress to promote the public health and safety of families in Central New York.”

The $8.3 billion emergency supplemental is entirely new funding—not funding stolen from other critical public health priorities—to combat the coronavirus, including:

More than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics;

$2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness, and response, $950 million of which is to support state & local health agencies;

Nearly $1 billion for procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, to support healthcare preparedness and Community Health Centers, and to improve medical surge capacity;

$61 million to facilitate the development and review of medical countermeasures, devices, therapies, and vaccines, and to help mitigate potential supply chain interruptions;

$1.25 billion to address the coronavirus abroad to help keep Americans safe here at home;

Allows for an estimated $7 billion in low-interest loans to affected small businesses, to help cushion the economic blow of this public health emergency;

Provides $300 million so the government can purchase vaccines at a fair and reasonable price;

Allows seniors to access telemedicine services for coronavirus treatment;

Requires the Trump administration to reimburse health accounts that were previously raided to pay for the coronavirus response;

Ensures state and local governments are reimbursed for costs incurred while assisting the federal response.

Last week, the Trump Administration requested $2.5 billion to combat the coronavirus. However, health experts said that more resources are needed to combat the growing health epidemic. Additionally, $1.25 billion of the administration’s proposal would be transferred from funding already allocated to fighting other infectious diseases, including Ebola virus, as well as stealing money from the National Cancer Institute and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The CDC has produced a fact sheet with frequently asked questions about the coronavirus here.

A summary of the package is available here.

$7.8 Billion Coronavirus Response Legislation Passed

Washington, D.C. - March 6, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued a statement after the Senate approved a bipartisan emergency funding bill to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) on a 96-1 vote:

“We are pleased that Congress quickly passed this important coronavirus response package on a bipartisan basis, and with sufficient funding to meet the threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak. While the Trump Administration's initial $1.25 billion request fell far short of what state and federal agencies need to combat the spread of coronavirus, this $7.8 billion package will immediately direct needed resources to Virginia and other states – including funding for diagnostic testing, vaccine development, and additional resources for state and local responders who are on the front lines of a potential pandemic,” said the Senators. “This legislation is about making sure costs don't get in the way of a strong response to the threat posed by the coronavirus. Once it is signed into law, the Commonwealth will immediately receive $13.3 million in federal funding to help cover the costs of preparations for this public health emergency.”

“With the President's signature, state and local agencies in Virginia will be able to apply for further federal funds to reimburse for the costs of detecting, tracking and controlling the spread of the virus. While Virginia is fortunate that we have not experienced an outbreak, this bill sets aside $350 million that will be available to local authorities if our region does get hit. It also provides $500 million for masks, medication, protective equipment, and other much-needed medical supplies that can be distributed directly to hospitals and local health care providers. We are committed to working with federal, state and local health officials to make sure the Commonwealth is getting the federal support it needs to prepare for coronavirus, and we encourage all Virginians to follow the guidance of public health professionals to protect against its spread,” concluded the Senators.

The legislation also includes language based on Sen. Warner’s CONNECT for Health Act of 2019, which reduces restrictions on the use of telehealth for public health emergency response, as well as $500 million to facilitate its implementation.

Earlier today, the Sens. Warner and Kaine wrote to the leadership of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce encouraging the organization's member businesses to commit that workers will not be penalized for following recommended health procedures to protect the public from further spread of the coronavirus. Sen. Warner also led a group of 14 Senators in urging major U.S. employers to make the same commitment.

In a letter sent yesterday, the Senators urged health insurers and federal and state officials to eliminate cost burdens that could disincentivize people with coronavirus symptoms from seeking testing and treatment for the contagious illness. In a separate letter, the Senators called on the Trump Administration to end efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act that could jeopardize America's coronavirus response.

These letters represent the latest in a series of efforts by the Senators to push for a robust response to the threat of coronavirus. In January, Sens. Warner and Kaine asked the Administration to redirect available public health funds to combat the virus and to inform Congress of any additional resources needed to respond to the coronavirus. Earlier this week, in a letter to Vice President Mike Pence – who has been tasked with coordinating the federal government’s coronavirus response – Sen. Warner expressed concern over how the U.S. government has mobilized to combat the outbreak of coronavirus and urged the Vice President to devote the resources, expertise, and manpower needed to prevent this virus from spreading while also improving the government’s communication with Congress and the American public. This week, Sen. Kaine joined letters calling on Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia to provide details on their Departments’ plans for preparedness and response efforts to protect the safety and health of students, teachers, school staff, and workers in light of the emerging threat of the novel coronavirus.

The House of Representatives passed this coronavirus response package Wednesday by a 415-2 vote. With Senate approval, the bill now heads to the President's desk, and President Trump has announced he intends to sign it into law.

Guns, Democrat Lawsuit, Vindman, Coronavirus

Some News from Other Media Sources for February 8, 2020

VICTORY! Federal Court Finds California Magazine Ban Violates the Second Amendment
Source: Break the Matrix
February 3, 2020
In one of the strongest judicial statements in favor of the Second Amendment to date, Judge Roger T. Benitez of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California determined on Friday that California’s ban on commonly possessed firearm magazines violates the Second Amendment.
Read more...

In another Trump win, court tosses Democrats' suit over his businesses
Source: Reuters
February 7, 2020
A federal appeals court on Friday threw out a lawsuit brought by Democratic lawmakers that accused Donald Trump of violating anti-corruption provisions in the U.S. Constitution with his business dealings, capping a week of political victories for the Republican president.
Read more...

Trump Fires Impeachment Witnesses Gordon Sondland and Alexander Vindman in Post-Acquittal Purge
Source: The New York Times
February 7, 2020
President Donald Trump on Friday fired a U.S. ambassador and a White House national security aide, both of whom testified in the House impeachment inquiry, as the newly emboldened president took retribution on officials he believed wronged him during the impeachment process. The Ponder: Vindman leaked the information to the whistleblower. He deserved to be fired. You do NOT repeat private phone calls between the President and a foreign leader. This is BAD for National Security. He deserved to lose his job.
Read more...

White House asks scientists to investigate origins of coronavirus
Source: ABC News
February 6, 2020
The White House on Thursday asked U.S. scientists and medical researchers to investigate the scientific origins of the novel coronavirus, as misinformation about the outbreak spreads online.
Read more...

Sexual Assault, Michigan, Immigration, PG&E, Freedom of Speech, Coronavirus

Today's News for February 1, 2020

As Reports of Sexual Assault Spike at Military Academies, Ernst Leads Calls for Answers
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
January 31, 2020
Following an alarming spike of reports of sexual assault at U.S. military academies, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, is leading a bipartisan group of senators in calling for answers from the Department of Defense (DOD). An annual report from the DOD detailed a 32 percent increase in sexual assault reports at the academies during the 2018-19 school year as compared to the year before.
Read more...

EPI Policy Center applauds Michigan Governor for moving to restore overtime pay for Michigan’s workers
Source: Economic Policy Institute
January 30, 2020
In 2016, the Obama administration published a federal rule that would have increased the overtime threshold to roughly $51,000 in 2020—a modest figure that was well within historic norms. However, the Trump administration abandoned this rule and published a much weaker version that sets the salary threshold at $35,568. In doing this, they cost more than eight million workers overtime protections—totaling $1.2 billion in lost wages. The United Way’s ALICE report on financially struggling households shows that Michigan families need about $61,000 a year to afford the basics. A strong rule would raise the salary threshold for workers who earn up to $61,000 and would also be indexed to inflation to keep pace with overall wage growth.
Read more...

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar Statement on Expansion of the Dangerous “Remain in Mexico” Policy to Brazilian Asylum Seekers
Source: Veronica Escobar (D-TX, 16th)
January 30, 2020
“Today, one year after the Trump administration announced the implementation of the dangerous and unlawful Remain in Mexico policy, DHS began depriving Brazilian asylum seekers due process and endangering their lives by sending them to Mexico, a country proved ill-equipped to safeguard the wellbeing of migrants.
Read more...

Eshoo Demands Accountability from PG&E at Congressional Hearing
Source: U.S. Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA, 18th)
January 29, 2020
“I don’t presuppose that everyone in Washington D.C. knows who PG&E is or what they’ve done. Now, Californians know it, I certainly know it, and my constituents have lived it,” Rep. Eshoo said to PG&E CEO Bill Johnson. “In your testimony on page three you indicate it will take 12 to 14 years—12 to 14 years—to harden and strengthen the grid. That time frame implies that you’ve deferred a lot of the maintenance over the last 10 years. So, my first question is: why did the deferred maintenance happen and why was this allowed to happen?”
Read more...

Victory! Lawsuit Challenging FOSTA Reinstated by Court
Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation
January 24, 2020
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that two plaintiffs in the lawsuit—brought by Woodhull Freedom Foundation, Human Rights Watch, Alex Andrews, the Internet Archive, and Eric Koszyk to block enforcement of the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA)—had “standing” to pursue their constitutional challenge to the statute. The lawsuit argues that the act expansively criminalizes online speech related to sex work and removes important protections for online intermediaries in violation of their First Amendment rights. The plaintiffs are represented by EFF, Davis, Wright Tremaine LLP, Walters Law Group, and Daphne Keller.
Read more...

Emergency Nurses Association Monitoring Novel Coronavirus Developments
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
January 24, 2020
The two confirmed U.S. cases follow an outbreak in China that has prompted several U.S. airports to implement public health entry screenings. As new information develops, ENA President Mike Hastings, MSN, RN, CEN, called on emergency nurses to follow their current policies and best practices when screening patients for infectious diseases, and to revisit the use of personal protective equipment to limit exposure should a patient show symptoms of novel coronavirus.
Read more...

Old Post Office Hotel, Immigrant Detention, Coronavirus, Progressive Campaign Ads, SNAP, FISA Reform, Vaping, USMCA, Mid-East Peace

Today's News for January 29, 2020

CHAIR DEFAZIO STATEMENT FROM HEARING ON GSA OUTLEASES AND THE TRUMP OLD POST OFFICE HOTEL
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
January 29, 2020
The GSA’s own internal watchdog, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), concluded that GSA failed to consider the Emoluments Clauses when evaluating this lease.
Read more...

Immigrant rights advocates across the country demand Sheriff Horton reinstate the Etowah Visitation Project
Source: Detention Watch Network
January 29, 2020
The Etowah Visitation Project coordinators volunteer visits to people detained in the Etowah Detention Center in Alabama. Visitation can be a lifeline for people inside detention, particularly those detained at Etowah who are kept indoors 24/7 with no access to outdoor recreation.
Read more...

USMCA TRADE DEAL A BIG WIN FOR U.S. FARMERS, MANUFACTURERS AND ECONOMY, SAYS REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS
Source: U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN, 4th)
January 29, 2020
The USMCA solidifies the partnership among the United States’ closest trading partners, increasing our country’s negotiating position with others, explained the Congressman. “There’s no doubt this trade deal increased pressure on China to sign a Phase One deal with the United States,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the House Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. “It requires more auto parts be made in North America, a change that will continue the U.S. manufacturing resurgence.”
Read more...

Deutch Statement on Administration's Plan for Peace between Israel and Palestinians
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL, 21st)
January 28, 2020
“As a proud pro-Israel Member of Congress, I have consistently expressed my support for a two-state solution, to be negotiated directly between Israel and the Palestinians, that ensures Israel’s security and establishes a viable Palestinian state.”
Read more...

DeLauro Statement on U.S. Response to Wuhan Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
January 27, 2020
“The latest data on the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus in China and the United States is troubling. Given China’s disappointing record on food and medicine safety, our federal government must be proactive in combatting this virus and transparent in providing available information in real-time. The CDC has more than $100 million in a rapid response fund due to my Appropriations Subcommittee’s funding bill, and I am committed to working with our government’s public health officials to provide additional resources if necessary. I will also be reintroducing the Public Health Emergency Fund Act, which would provide $5 billion to our woefully underfunded public health emergency fund.”
Read more...

Democracy for America launches $50,000 social media campaign ahead of Iowa Caucus
Source: Democracy for America
January 24, 2020
Democracy for America launches an independent expenditure campaign expected to spend $50,000 in Iowa ahead of the caucuses. Our campaign will target Iowa Democratic voters who have expressed support for Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders campaigns to ensure that a progressive candidate wins the Iowa Caucus.
Read more...

DelBene, Schrier Call on Trump Administration to End Attack on 700,000 SNAP Recipients
Source: U.S. Representative Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
January 24, 2020
“I have long been a supporter of SNAP, which helps those in need across the U.S. gain access to nutritious food and supports a basic standard of living,” said DelBene. “The Trump Administration’s new rule would take vital nutrition assistance from those who need it most. Today’s event was important for those of us working to right these wrongs in D.C. to help us understand the true human impact that this rule and others like it will have on our communities. The 68,000 Washingtonians who would lose their benefits are not just a statistic, they are people struggling to get by. This rule will only make things worse for them.”
Read more...

Demand Progress Endorses FISA Reform Bill
Source: Demand Progress
January 23, 2020
Senators Daines (R-MT) and Wyden (D-OR) and Representatives Lofgren (D-CA), Jayapal (D-WA), and Davidson (R-OH) announced the Safeguarding Americans’ Private Records Act. The legislation significantly reforms a number of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authorities, in particular Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act. Section 215 was the legal authority unlawfully relied on by the government to justify the National Security Agency’s bulk telephone metadata dragnet, first revealed by Edward Snowden in 2013. That dragnet and its successor, the Call Detail Records program, have never been shown to offer intelligence value, and the successor was terminated after it acquired an unknown amount of information unlawfully.
Read more...

Lawmakers call on administration to ban flavored vaping products
Source: U.S. Representative Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
January 23, 2020
More than 50 members of Congress – led by U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) called on the Trump administration to issue new rules banning the sale of flavored nicotine products that experts say have led to the nation’s teen-vaping epidemic.
Read more...