Donald Trump (did/said) WHAT?

News about Donald Trump's Latest Antics

President Trump SUES House Democrats To Halt Demands For His Financial Records
Source: The Daily Wire
April 22, 2019
President Donald Trump and the Trump Corporation filed suit Monday against House Democrats, led by House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), to prevent the committee from issuing subpoenas seeking the president's financial records, both from his companies and from an accounting firm hired to handle Trump finances.

Read more...

Bennet, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill Requiring President Trump to Publicly Release His Tax Returns

Washington, D.C. - January 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, this week reintroduced a bill to require current presidents and future presidential nominees to release their tax returns to the public in an effort to increase transparency.

In the two years since Bennet first cosponsored this legislation, revelations about President Trump’s financial ties and his associates’ ties to Russia have surfaced, and it has been reported that Trump and his family spent decades committing tax fraud. President Trump has refused to follow the lead of presidential candidates from major political parties who have voluntarily released their tax returns, upsetting a bipartisan, pro-transparency tradition that has stood for 40 years since Watergate.

“At the foundation of our democracy is the ability of the American people to hold its government accountable,” Bennet said. “The public has a right to know about the financial connections and dealings that could influence President Trump’s domestic and foreign policy decisions.”

Section 6103 of the U.S. tax code grants the Chairman of the House Finance Committee and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee authority to obtain the president’s tax returns from the Treasury Department. According to reports, House Democrats plan to use this authority to demand President Trump’s tax returns, but Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has not said whether he would comply.

In addition to this effort, the Presidential Tax Transparency Act would require all sitting presidents to release their most recent three years of tax returns to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). It also would require that, within 15 days of becoming the nominee at the party convention, presidential nominees must release their most recent three years of tax returns to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Should the sitting president or future candidates refuse to comply, the Treasury Secretary would be required to provide the tax returns directly to the OGE or FEC respectively for public release.

A one-page summary of the legislative proposal is available here. The bill text is available here.

If you would like to tell Bennet what you think, his information is below:

Bennet, Michael F. - (D - CO) Class III
261 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-5852
Contact

Updated: Reactions to the Presidents Choice of Words about Haiti

Apparently, the President has said some words about where our immigrants are coming from that offended people -- again.

The Ponder would like to know, When did the term "s***hole" become racist terminology? When did asking a valid question (regardless of the wording) become racist ideology? The President, in our opinion, has every right to question our policies of allowing people who are most likely coming here to live off the taxpayer dime rather than make a contribution for the betterment of our country. We want immigrants who are eager to live the American Dream, not suck the life out of it by burdening us with more taxes. That's not being racist, that's being prudent.

Leave it up to the Democrats (and a few RINOs) to play the race card, though.



Below are a list of reactions from the newsmakers:

Dwight Evans (D PA, 2nd)

“President Trump's continued hateful rhetoric is vile, reprehensible, and racist. Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection. We, like most Americans, have our problems, but we work to make them better and that’s what has historically made our nation the envy of the world. If we want to be our brother’s and sister’s keeper we must strive to lift each other up, not tear each other down. The President’s destructive and divisive language continues to show his lack of understanding and appreciation for what makes our nation great--our diversity. And let me be clear, Haitians and Africans are real Americans too and any notion to the contrary is unjustified. America's rich history of diversity is something to be celebrated not attacked. Although I am not in any way surprised by the President’s comments, I am again disappointed to see his actions and tone run counter to the society we want to and have worked hard to live in.”

Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)

“Our country has been built by the toil of immigrants. Donald Trump's reported bigoted remarks are disgraceful and embarrassing. He should apologize immediately and work with Republicans and Democrats to fix the DACA crisis that threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent DREAMers that call America their home.”

Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ, 11th)

“The President’s remarks about Haiti and other nations are deplorable and deserve universal condemnation.

“The ‘Dreamers’ are young people who were brought to our country through no fault of their own, often as young children, by their parents. For many, this is the only country they have ever known.

“I look forward to supporting legislation that provides a comprehensive solution to their plight, ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can remain a part of this great country.”

Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI, 2nd)

“Growing up in Hawaiʻi, we learn about and believe in the aloha spirit—showing respect to others no matter their race or religion, what country they come from, how much money or education they have, or anything else. President Trump’s comments fly directly in the face of that aloha spirit and the values our country stands on. The very people that President Trump seeks to exclude are those who have contributed so greatly to making our country the strong nation that it is.”

John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd)

“In 1783, George Washington wrote that the bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respectable stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions. A century later, Emma Lazarus wrote the words that welcomed the wretched refuse of teeming shores—words now inscribed on America’s most iconic beacon of hope and freedom. President Trump’s language is obviously coarse and corrosive. But his values fly in the face of the principles that have guided our country since the days of George Washington. Trump’s behavior and attitudes shame our nation on a daily basis.”

Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)

“Disgusting remarks like these have become all too commonplace for this disgraceful president. With xenophobic, racist rhetoric spewing from the White House at regular intervals, Trump continues to poison national discourse on some of the most important issues facing our nation. Comments like these imperil our ability to reach any agreement on DACA, TPS, and common-sense immigration reform—but this is nothing new for Donald Trump.

“It should come as no surprise that a man who opened his campaign referring to Mexican immigrants as rapists and murderers or stating that African immigrants from Nigeria should ‘go back to their huts’ would not carry himself with the dignity that behooves the presidency.

“The individuals from the countries that Trump singled out in his despicable remarks are just as worthy of being included in our nation as those from any other country. No matter the bigoted character of his attitudes, statements, and actions, we will never hesitate to stand up for our values and defend the dignity of others.

“Republicans are at an important political crossroads, and they must make a decision on whether that will enable this abhorrent rhetoric, or stand up for basic human decency. Anyone—regardless of party affiliation—seeking to represent their constituents in Congress should condemn these remarks and reaffirm their commitment to serving all Americans, regardless of their national origin.”

Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th)

As an American, I am ashamed of the President. His comments are disappointing, unbelievable, but not surprising. We always knew that President Trump doesn’t like people from certain countries or people or certain colors. We can now we say with 100% confidence that the President is a racist who does not share the values enshrined in our Constitution or Declaration of Independence.

He has embraced racists, white nationalists and neo-Nazis and makes excuses for them. He launched his campaign saying Mexicans are rapists and murderers. He has refused to address the crisis facing the American citizens of Puerto Rico. He has tried several times to bar people of certain religions or nationalities from legal entry to the U.S. He attacks professional sports stars to entertain his base and has boasted about his habit of groping women inappropriately. Now he has spent most of the last six months undocumenting immigrants who have work permits and deep roots in the U.S. by killing DACA and TPS.

This is the real Donald Trump and my biggest fear is that his voters will applaud him.

What you should be ashamed of is the Democrat policies about immigration that drove his voters to elect him in the first place.

Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL, 20th)

“President Donald John Trump’s comments about Haiti and African countries were offensive and below the dignity of the office of the President. The President has demonstrated time and time again that he lacks morality or compassion. His ignorant, misguided view of the world was on full display tonight.

“The President is constantly degrading the presidency, thereby degrading America’s image. We all know extraordinary people from Haiti, Africa, and Latin American countries. Fortunately, Donald John Trump doesn’t represent the views of all Americans.

“In the run up to the celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life, I commend one of his comments: ‘Every person must decide whether he or she will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.’

“Trump’s comments are the manifestation of destructive selfishness. He must apologize!”

Maybe Trump should apologize for using the term "s***hole". However, he should not apologize for asking the question. Perhaps he should have been more specific in what he was saying, using multiple words that mean the same thing, such as: "Why are we letting people from underdeveloped countries come here for the sole purpose of living off the taxpayer dime? What can they contribute? Why are we letting them in?" It is not racist to ask the question.

Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)

“I strongly disagree with President Trump’s reported choice of words. Words like these diminish and undermine our standing in the world as a trusted partner and beacon of hope.

“The difficult humanitarian, economic and political situations in certain countries following natural disasters is exactly why I support a program for Temporary Protected Status which provides safe harbor following these unavoidable calamities. We must set good policy for our country while remaining a refuge to displaced peoples facing humanitarian crisis. I support the desire of TPS recipients living in the United States to return to the home they love where they can thrive. However, until their countries can adequately reintegrate their citizens, which U.S. law requires, we should extend protections for these individuals and families living here in the United States.”

Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th)

“The president’s most recent comments about the immigrants from Haiti and Africa are beyond disgraceful. The president’s ongoing war against immigrants appears to be solely directed toward those immigrants of color. America is America because of the slaves who were bought, purchased and shipped here unwillingly from Africa and Haiti to build the infrastructure that makes this country what it is today. And if the president needs a reminder the home where he resides, The White House was built by slaves—immigrants.

“No person’s merits or character should ever be attacked based on where they are from. I have been a strong advocate in protecting DREAMers, children who were unknowingly brought into this country by their parents, and those who benefit from Temporary Protection Status (TPS) who have fled civil unrest or natural disasters in search of a better life. My hope and continuous fight is that we will have the opportunity to fix our immigration system so it continues to be diverse and inclusive of those immigrants who are often overlooked from parts of the world such as Africa. May the president’s ignorance not impact the growth of ideas, innovation and development from immigrants who are willing to contribute to building a better union.”

Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)

As an American, I am ashamed of the comments made by the President. This nation – along with Michigan’s 14th district – was built by immigrants of all races, nationalities, and religions. These hardworking individuals should be welcomed and celebrated, not insulted with ignorant remarks. The President’s comments do not reflect the values of the American people and deserve the strongest condemnation from all sides.

While these comments are racist and shameful, they are unfortunately not surprising. These recent remarks are part of a larger anti-immigrant agenda. It is clear that President Trump would rather do away with the idea of the American dream than provide relief to hard working immigrants who want nothing more than to contribute to this country. The President must take responsibility and apologize for these reprehensible comments and work towards meaningful solutions for DACA and TPS recipients.

Sander Levin (D-MI, 9th)

“President Trump is sinking into lower and lower depths. We must not let him take our beloved nation with him. We must together repudiate his unquestionably intolerant remarks. Together we cannot tolerate his intolerance.

We cannot let anyone excuse the inexcusable. We must speak out against the unspeakable. Silence is not an option”

Pat Meehan (R-PA, 7th)

"If accurate as reported, the President’s words were offensive, divisive, unproductive and unbecoming of the office. They come at a time when important negotiations on immigration issues are at a critical point. It’s possible to fight for principles without resorting to hurtful rhetoric."

Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)

“Donald Trump’s history of divisive, bigoted, and racist remarks is nothing new – goes back a long way, from his discrimination towards minority tenants in New York City in the early 1970s, to his racist comments in a full page ad against the innocent Central Park 5 in the late 1980s.

“What makes this more dangerous now is that as President, Trump’s views and comments guide U.S. policy, and we MUST step up and speak out to prevent Trump’s racism and despicable rhetoric from defining who we are as a country, the way we deal with each other, and how we interact with the world.

“He knowingly and willingly associates and plays to extremist and divisive figures and rhetoric – seen throughout the campaign at his rallies, and in his appointment of people like Steve Bannon, Sebastian Gorka, and Stephen Miller, who help him appease the nationalist, alt-Right elements in his base and in our society.

“After Charlottesville and Trump’s comments failing to condemn the white supremacist neo-Nazi rally, blaming “both sides” for the violence, I introduced the first resolution of censure with House Judiciary Member Pramila Jayapal and CBC Member Bonnie Watson Coleman. Congressman Meeks and I moved to censure Trump in November after the President re-tweeted a British ultra-nationalist propaganda video encouraging anti-immigrant hatred. And now, after Trump’s latest remarks regarding American immigration policy towards Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries, Congress again is compelled to formally censure Donald Trump for his comments and to make clear that this is not the sanctioned policy or official position of the United States government.

“We need to be clear on what President Trump is doing here. He uses remarks like this to stir up peoples’ emotions; to play to his minority base of extremist supporters (i.e. Anne Coulter) who don’t want any solution for Dreamers and support the most nationalist, xenophobic and bigoted policies; and he wants to turn the subject away from other issues that show he is losing control as investigators close in, his influence diminishes, and his popularity continues to plummet.

“We are here today to fulfill Congress’s duty to officially condemn and separate itself and the U.S. government from President Trump’s racist remarks, and I am proud to be standing here with Chairman Richmond, the Congressional Black Caucus, every single Democratic Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and more than 130 of my colleagues to show that we will not stand quietly by and let this Administration continue to unravel our values and divide this country.”

Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In bizarre Washington news of the last week, the raging controversy is whether the President of the United States referred to other countries and a continent as s---holes or s---houses.

As if either word means a drop of difference, especially when you insult other nations in the world as our President did.

Equally worrisome is that the leadership of this branch of government, the U.S. House of Representatives – a co-equal branch of government – has been complicit or silent about how to respond to the comments made by our President.

In fact, Speaker Paul Ryan took 19 hours and 53 minutes to respond – and with all that time – enough time to have driven from Washington to Dallas, Texas, or to watch the movie Jaws nine times – what was his stinging and necessary rebuke after that much time and thought?

“Unfortunate.”

The Speaker said the president’s comments were “unfortunate” and “unhelpful.” Look, it’s unfortunate when you walk outside and step in a puddle of water. This was more like walking into a global sized pile of s---.

We are not on the staff of the White House. We are a co-equal branch of government. And it’s about time we acted like it.

Saying nothing or basically nothing is unacceptable. We need to put our country before our political party.

Calling other countries, and even a continent, names like s---holes or s---houses puts our service members and our Americans overseas at greater risk. And weak words or silence makes Congress complicit with the President’s racist rhetoric.

And by the way, people outside of the beltway just think Congress is full of s---. Everyone else had the proper response to the President’s comments. That they were just pure “BS.”

I yield back.

Talk about undermining the President!:

READOUT OF ENGEL CALL WITH HAITI'S AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES

I happen to agree with the Vice President:

Related News:

Trump derides protections for immigrants from ‘shithole’ countries

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Cosponsors Resolution to Censure President Trump for Racist Remarks Against African Countries, Haiti and El Salvador

Click here for a pdf of the resolution.

Trump attorney sends Bannon cease and desist letter over 'disparaging' comments

Source: ABC News



Lawyers on behalf of President Donald Trump sent a letter Wednesday night to former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon demanding he refrain from making disparaging comments against the president and his family.

Read more about this at ABC News

Text of President Donald Trump’s statement on Steve Bannon

Source: Market Watch



Market Watch has the full text of President Donald Trump’s statement about his former strategist Steve Bannon, who is cited extensively in a forthcoming book by Michael Wolff. The statement was released by the White House.

Read more about this at Market Watch

Pres. Donald Trump Named Operation Rescue’s 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year

By Operation Rescue



Washington, D.C. - January 3, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Operation Rescue is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year Malachi Award is Pres. Donald J. Trump.

The Malachi Award is given by Operation Rescue every year to recognize individuals who sacrificially work to advance the cause of protecting the pre-born.

“Operation Rescue is grateful Pres. Trump for having the courage to keep promises made during the campaign that provide greater protections for the pre-born and deny Federal funds from those who commit abortions,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “He has proven to be the most pro-life president we have had in modern history and has backed up his pro-life rhetoric with action like no other before him.”

Since Trump took office, he has accomplished more for the pro-life agenda than any other president.

• Trump appointed conservative, pro-life Justice Neil Gorsuch to the U.S, Supreme Court.
• He has effectively denied public money to those who commit and promote abortions around the world.
• The Trump Administration Department of Justice has launched a formal investigation into Planned Parenthood’s illegal baby parts trafficking scheme.
• He has actively supported pro-life legislation, such as the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which is currently held up in the U.S. Senate.
• He supports legislation to defund Planned Parenthood in the U.S., and removed an Obama-era mandate that forced states to continue funding Planned Parenthood.
• He has worked to fill his administration with pro-life people and put them in places where they can do the most good.
• Trump’s administration has taken active steps within the Health and Human Services and other agencies to establish pro-life policies that protect the pre-born.
• He has provided protections for those of religious and moral convictions from paying for abortifacient drugs through Obamacare, and continues to work to repeal and replace it.

“We are proud of President Trump and his bold willingness to advance the cause of life. There are more battles ahead, but under the Trump administration, we can now finally see progress within our government toward restoring the sanctity of life and the protections of personhood to the pre-born,” said Newman. “This makes Pres. Trump a deserving recipient of the 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year Malachi Award.”

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Why I love Donald Trump

By Shonda Ponder

I was not a Donald Trump fan. I didn't want to see him win the White House. As a Christian, I found him obnoxious and brazen. I didn't like his gambling business ventures, or the fact he was a rich man married to an ex-porno star The operative word here is "ex". Come on, we all have a past we are not proud of. If that were not so, WE would be running for President. Trump just had the courage to.

No, I didn't want to see Donald Trump elected at all.

But, he was.

And, because he was, I decided that I would do as I always do when a new president comes to office to represent my interests as an American. I was going to give him my full support, and watch him like a hawk -- and when he messed up, I was gonna grind him into the ground with everything I had -- web sites, op-eds, social media. I was gonna rip him to shreds when he messed up.

The people elected him because he wasn't a politician. I could get behind that. It was preferable to what we've had. But, with all his money, could he really pull off not being just another politician?

Then he did the unexpected: He started keeping his promises. He started hammering away at everything that we've lost over the last generation and replacing it with policies and practices that really do "Make America Great Again".

He pulled us out of the Paris Climate Agreement. He socked it to the United Nations. He stood up and proclaimed that the NFL should fire anyone who disrespects America by kneeling during the National Anthem. He stood alone...and he kept standing until millions decided to stand with him. Again. He's making deals right and left that benefit the American people, and he's making the American People proud to be American again.

When he went on that long trip to Asia, not once did he apologize for being American, or for anything we have stood for. Not once did he concede any ground in order to move an agenda along. Instead, he focused on how he could gain the support of the world around us in order to be able to be what God made us to be: Americans.

​He doesn't give up. He doesn't give in. He keeps going like the Energizer Bunny. And, when he makes a mistake, he owns it -- like the time when he endorsed Luther Strange over Roy Moore. When Roy Moore won, he realized that the American people want more of who he really is, and he went full force into giving it to them, in spite of what kind of waves were forming.

Now he fully endorses Roy Moore, and the people love him even more for it.

Jobs are up. Stock Market is up. Unemployment is down. Business is good. Our allies feel better and respect us as a country more.

And, it's all because Donald Trump is not a politician.

No, he's one of us.

For the first time in American History...or, at least, in my lifetime, we have a President who is president because the People wanted someone they felt comfortable with; someone they wanted to feel was their "friend" in the White House. A man who was prone to make mistakes, but could lead us in spite of them by example, learning and growing as he did so.

That is why I love Donald Trump.

He's not just some untouchable politician. He's a man. A real red-blooded American man who loves America because America has made his American Dream come true, and he foresaw that it was increasingly becoming difficult for others to do the same, and the reasons why, and he was in the unique position to be able to do something about it. America is about opportunity -- and Donald Trump decided the time was right for him to take the opportunity to make America Great Again.

I did not support Donald Trump.

But, when he became president, he spoke the name of God in gratitude and heart-felt joy. He stood up for God by declaring that Christmas was going to be Merry because Christ was in the name. No more of this "Happy Holidays crap." We were going to wish people an un-apologetic Merry Christmas and mean it.

He has Bible studies in the White House.

No, he's not a perfect Christian, but it's obvious he is a member of Christ's Church. After all, if there were only perfect people who loved God, God would be lonely. God gave me grace in spite of my imperfections, so I now feel obligated to be graceful and accept that this obnoxious, brazen man who married a Porn star (who, by the way, has shown more grace in the White House than any First Lady I've seen in a long, long time) could lead us back to the blessings God promised to those who follow Him.

As if that wasn't enough, he befriended Israel, drew them close, and gave them the respect of recognition of Jerusalem as their capitol. And, being the man of action that he is, he didn't just say it -- he did it. Our embassy is now moving to Jerusalem.

If Donald Trump isn't genuine, then he's playing a spectacular role.

I can't think of anyone who, day after day, continues to meet the "Fake News" talking heads head on like a wild bull who sees red at every turn, without tiring.

I pray that he retains his strength and that his successes energize him more.

I did not support Donald Trump -- and now I regret that. But, like "The Donald", "The Ponder" knows when to admit she's wrong. She knows how to fix her mistakes and make it right -- and, she's thankful that she doesn't have to live with her mistake today.

Next election, I hope he runs again. I'll be the first in line to vote for him.

If I am alone in voting for him, I'll still vote for him. He is making America Great Again.

And, he's doing it in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. He's making such mountains look like pebbles beneath his feet.

He's only a man -- one we can all relate to.

But...he's a BIG, BIG man.

He's MY President.

And, I fully support Donald Trump.

Read all of Shonda Ponder's Opinions and Articles at The Ponder News by clicking HERE

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

Opinion: Reminder: Donald Trump is NOT a Politician

by Shonda Ponder, editor
The Ponder News

When are people going to realize that Donald Trump was not voted into office because he could talk fancy (he certainly cannot), or because he can SAY the right things at the right times. He was voted in because he was NOT a politician.

The American people don't want a politician in office who will say a bunch of nice things, make it sound good, then not follow through on his promises when he had a clear path to follow.

Donald Trump was hired to get a job done, doing whatever is necessary. If he cannot get the job done, it is because he has not had a clear path to follow. His efforts get blocked by the opposition at every turn...but at least he is MAKING the effort.

So, if the left decides to do whatever to get rid of him, it doesn't matter. If there is another "Donald Trump" or "Roy Moore" for us to vote for, we will. You will then have to get rid of him.

We are fighting back at the ballot box.

Do you really want to stand in America's way?

Trump signs executive order on Healthcare (page 2)

This page is continued from "Trump signs executive order on Healthcare"



House Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH, 8th)

“As a manufacturer and job creator a little over one year ago, I can appreciate that this order expands the ability of small businesses and their employees to participate in new types of health insurance arrangements which is why I supported a similar measure that passed the House earlier this year. While this order makes many positive strides concerning healthcare affordability, Congress must act to make these and other reforms permanent. More importantly, Congress cannot simply give up on our promise and accept failure on Obamacare repeal. Republicans in Congress, and particularly in the Senate, need to pick up the torch and repeal Obamacare so families in Ohio and across the country can finally have the relief they were promised.”

Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)

“This latest act of sabotage by the failing Trump presidency against the ACA will cause a million people to lose insurance in just the first year, drive up premiums and out-of-pocket payments for the rest and cause damaging instability in the insurance markets,” DeGette said. “President Trump is trying to achieve via edict what he couldn’t do through legislation: Dismantle the ACA and replace it with a cruel system that punishes the most vulnerable. This is Trumpcare by a thousand cuts.

“Congress needs to act immediately to provide funding for the cost-sharing reductions,” DeGette noted. “And we must work together in a bipartisan fashion to improve health care coverage in this country, rather than ripping it to bits.”

John Delaney (D-MD, 6th)

“Once again, President Trump is taking a completely backwards approach on health care: instead of trying to solve problems, he is deliberately creating them and instead of trying to expand access to coverage, he is deliberately trying to take it away.

“There’s no attempt at good policy here, no attempt at serving the people, just a blind and frenzied effort to secure some kind of political ‘win’ at any cost, all with nary a voice in his own party willing to speak out. We truly need thoughtful and responsible Republicans to stand up and put country before party, because we can’t let our great country be governed by tweets and empty slogans anymore. Decisions like this have a direct impact on people’s lives. There are bipartisan solutions in front of us that could fix the individual marketplaces – let’s put petty politics aside and actually do what’s right.”

Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA, 11th)

“This is yet another attack by President Trump to undermine the success and stability of the ACA. This irresponsible decision will make it easier for insurance companies to discriminate against Americans with pre-existing conditions and take advantage of those most in need of affordable, comprehensive health coverage. It is appalling that this Administration, despite public opposition, is prioritizing reckless campaign promises over working on behalf of the American people to improve our health care system.”

Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)

“This spiteful decision by President Trump will have devastating consequences for the health care that families, seniors and children rely upon. The President’s action does nothing to improve care or bring down costs for the American people, which should be a shared goal of the President and every Member of Congress. Instead, this decision will directly result in higher costs for working families, create instability in the marketplace, and result in millions being uninsured in 2018.

“This is absolutely unacceptable. The American people have rejected Trumpcare time and again. Since the President was unsuccessful in ramming his awful repeal bill through Congress, he has taken it upon himself to dismantle health care for the American people. This is shameful. President Trump is directly responsible for the negative impacts this will have on families across the country. Congressional Republicans should work with Democrats to reinstate these critical payments and improve, not undermine, the health care Americans depend upon.”

Scott DesJarlais (R-TN, 4th)

“Since its inception, Obamacare has failed America’s middle class, bearing the brunt of increased health care costs, fewer insurance options and a decline in the quality of medical care, as doctors and facilities disappear, particularly in rural districts like mine. Because of excessive taxes and regulations, employers are dropping coverage. At the same time, insurers have fled state exchanges, and millions remain uninsured.

“More federal interference, such as single-payer, is the wrong answer. Giving workers, families and small businesses more choice and flexibility is the right one. The President’s order should help Tennesseans negotiate better prices, find inexpensive, short-term insurance, if necessary, and take advantage of tax-free accounts to purchase better health care. But ultimately, Congress must pass free-market reforms Republicans have advocated for years. The Senate must act.”

Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)

“The President’s decision to cut off cost-sharing reduction payments is his most outrageous act of sabotage against our health care system yet.

“These payments enable insurers to keep consumers’ out-of-pocket costs down. Per the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), ending them will cause premiums to rise and spur insurers to leave markets, in turn leaving Americans with fewer choices – the exact opposite of what the President has promised for months.

“If the President truly believed that action was needed on Congress’s part, he would have called on Congress to act. I have cosponsored the Marketplace Certainty Act, along with dozens of my colleagues, to appropriate funding for the cost-sharing reduction payments and remove any ambiguity on this issue. But, instead, the President chose to put millions of Americans’ health care at risk.

“Just yesterday, the President signed an Executive Order that could bring back the junk insurance policies that, before the ACA, offered little value for your money and punished sick people for their health status. Now, he’s doubled-down with a move that will hike up premiums and limit consumer choice. All of this amounts to the same ‘pay more, get less’ plan that the American people rejected in Trumpcare.

“Make no mistake: any instability in our health care system going forward will be a direct consequence of the President’s actions over the past two days. There is no reason for the President to make this move other than to hurt Americans. I am deeply saddened that in his desperation to see the ACA fail, he has made this egregious decision.”

Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)

“President Trump’s unilateral latest decision to stop making cost-sharing reduction payments will increase premiums for millions of Americans and will destabilize the marketplaces. The President is dead wrong when he calls these payments ‘bailouts.’ The truth is that they help people with modest means reduce their out-of-pocket healthcare costs. This action hurts the working and middle class Americans that President Trump promised to advocate for. He has now turned his back on them and is using them as a bargaining chip.”

“Congressional Republicans must immediately come to the table and work with Democrats to ensure these vital payments are continued and to make healthcare more affordable.”

Ranking Member Cohen Condemns President Trump’s Statements Attacking the Freedom of the Press

Source: Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)

Washington, D.C. - October 13, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today condemned President Trump’s recent tweets challenging the license of NBC and other news networks and his comments attacking the freedom of the press during his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office. During the meeting with the Prime Minister, President Trump said, “It is frankly disgusting the way the press is able to write whatever they want to write.”

“President’s Trump’s recent statements and tweets attacking the freedom of the press and NBC News are a direct attack on the First Amendment and continue a dangerous pattern of the President undermining the Constitution,” said Congressman Cohen. “James Madison said the ‘freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable.’ Yet this President has continued to make statements and act in a way to disrespect and delegitimize the press. He has referred to numerous media outlets as ‘fake news,’ he has called the New York Times the ‘failing New York Times,’ and has called the Washington Post the ‘Amazon Washington Post.’ President Trump retweeted a GIF of himself wrestling the CNN logo and has taken to twitter to attack media personalities such as Mika Brzezinski, Joe Scarborough and Megyn Kelly. He excluded American journalists from covering his meeting with the Russian Ambassador and Foreign Minister and has limited video and audio access to White House press briefings. President Trump even went as far as to call the press ‘the enemy of the American people.’ President Trump’s reckless, authoritarian-like attacks on the legitimacy and accuracy of the press are alarming. Attacks on the press, along with attacks on the courts, are the first signs of fascism. Keeping the citizenry informed with accurate information about government actions is vital for the effective functioning of democratic government and for ensuring the ultimate sovereignty of the people over their leaders.”

Trump signs executive order on Healthcare

Washington, D.C. - October 13, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing his Administration to craft new policies increasing competition, choice, and affordability for health care across the American workforce.

According to the White House, the order:

1. directs the Secretary of Labor to consider expanding access to Association Health Plans, which could potentially allow American employers to form groups across State Lines;

2. directs the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services to consider expanding coverage through low cost shorter-term limited duration insurance; and

3. directs the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to consider changes to Health Reimbursement Arrangements so employers can make better use of them for their employees.

Below are statements from House Representatives about the executive order:

Buddy Carter (R-GA, 1st)

"Thanks to dysfunction in the Senate, Congress has not been able to deliver on our promise to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a patient-centered system." said Carter. "While I would have preferred these moves come from Congress, I am grateful President Trump acted today to deliver relief to Americans suffering under Obamacare. This Executive Order works to deliver choice and control back to patients and is a good step towards lowering health care costs. I look forward to continued work with President Trump to finally repeal Obamacare and lower health care costs for all Americans."

Judy Chu (D-CA, 27th)

“Donald Trump will do anything to avoid working with Democrats to improve the healthcare of Americans – including intentionally sabotaging our country's healthcare system. That is what he is doing with this executive order. It is a craven attempt by the President to justify his party’s attacks on the ACA, which has been successful at increasing coverage for millions. That is why Republicans have been unable to pass a repeal of the law. But refusing to accept his failure, Trump is trying to double down with this plan to peel healthy individuals away from the ACA marketplaces and make costs rise for consumers. By offering cheap plans with poor coverage, he is ensuring that only healthy people will buy them – leaving the sick and elderly with more expensive options. This signals a return to the segmented healthcare system we had before the ACA, where being sick could mean bankruptcy or worse. And it is the most vulnerable Americans who will pay this price to salve Trump’s ego.” 

David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)

“The American people are hurting. And President Trump continues to fail them. This executive order will sabotage the health care market and drive up costs for working people. The President should be working with Democrats to make the Affordable Care Act even stronger. Instead, he’s creating chaos and undermining access.”

Katherine Clark (D-MA, 5th)

“Make no mistake: Trump and Republicans will risk the lives of our most vulnerable to fulfill a dangerous political promise to their base. Trump is using the highest office in the nation to sabotage our healthcare system and ignore the will of the majority of Americans who rejected Trumpcare. Republicans are bent on dragging us back to the days when insurance companies decided who lived or died, and I will fight this every step of the way.”

Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)

“Instead of working with Congress to determine what’s best for Americans and their health care, the President has decided to force his political agenda on the American people. There is a reason why the GOP effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has failed time and time again. The President wants to blame Democrats but the truth is, the proposed health care changes will hurt millions, regardless of their party affiliation. These changes are designed to allow loopholes around ACA core requirements, such as the coverage of essential health benefits.

Associations that band together to buy insurance will be exempt from having to cover certain prescription drug benefits, maternity care, or mental health services. The executive order will allow insurance companies to offer skimpy, short-term plans that don’t actually provide good coverage. This will attract the young and healthy customers at the expense of older or sicker individuals and their families, and will destabilize the insurance markets. The American people have spoken – more than once – and they want Congress to work together to find ways to improve upon the ACA, not continue to roll back patient protections.”

Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th)

"The Trumpcare executive order is the latest act of sabotage on the Affordable Care Act that will threaten coverage of pre-existing conditions and increase costs. Americans have repeatedly rejected Trumpcare. Let’s improve the Affordable Care Act, not leave millions of people more vulnerable."

Jim Cooper (D-TN, 5th)

“Today’s announcement is one of many steps this administration has taken to undermine the Affordable Care Act. It creates an exclusive market for the healthy at the expense of the sick, and is opposed by all kinds of health care experts,” Rep. Cooper said. “In the end, Washington lobbyists stand to benefit the most. This executive order will only hurt Americans, not help them.”

Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota)

“Given the Senate’s unwillingness to repeal and replace Obamacare, I greatly appreciate President Trump’s decisive actions. While an executive order can never take the place of passing meaningful health care reform legislation, it’s the least we can do until another U.S. Senator decides to put the interests of the American people first by voting to fix our collapsing health care system.”

Kathy Castor (D-FL, 14th)

“I am especially concerned that President Trump supports erosion of coverage for pre-existing conditions and other essential health benefits.  This will prove costly to American families.  After the American people fought off Republican attempts to gut the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, President Trump takes another tack to purposely sabotage affordable health care for hardworking families.  He is unwilling to engage in the difficult work to fix and improve affordable health insurance so instead chooses to raise premiums significantly and price people with pre-existing conditions out of the market.  These measures will hurt my neighbors over the long run as affordable coverage options shrink every year, all so the President can settle a political score.  I am calling on President Trump and his administration to stand on the side of hardworking Americans and stop their cruel sabotage of our health care.”

Click Here to go to page 2

McEachin Statement Responding to President Trump's Tweets Attacking San Juan's Mayor

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued this statement in response to President Trump’s tweetstorm directed at the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico:

“This morning’s tweets were disappointing, insensitive and unhelpful to say the least. As the people of Puerto Rico despair of having the most basic of life’s needs – food, water and shelter, our President, and their president, I might add, chooses to attack the mayor rather than invest in meaningful solutions to the ever-mounting problems there.

“Today’s tweets were just the latest in a pattern that speaks to excuses and diversions, rather than solutions. He speaks bombastically of his ability to destroy far off North Korea, but then claimed that he can’t get better aid to Puerto Rico because we are separated by an ocean.

“This morning, rather than acknowledge that Puerto Ricans are in dire need and that, every day on our tv screens, we are seeing scenes of horrific devastation and suffering, he attacks the mayor in personal terms and accuses her of partisan politics. Mr. President, when it comes to needless partisan attacks as a diversion, look in the mirror.

“As the President careens from complimenting himself and his administration on their response to Puerto Rico to bombastic insults directed at San Juan’s mayor, Mayor Yulin Cruz continues to make every effort to help her community recover.

“I call on the President to remember that disasters are not Democratic or Republican, that Puerto Ricans are American citizens and that when we see people in need and suffering, our responsibility and history as Americans is to go to their aid, relieve the suffering and leave partisan politics behind.”

Donald Trump in Phoenix, Arizona

For those of you who want to know what Donald Trump is really thinking, watch this speech.

House Judiciary Democrats Press For Hearing On Trump Conflicts

Washington, D.C. - November 30, 2016 (The Ponder News) -- The Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee, led by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), wrote a letter to Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) after President-elect Donald Trump’s vague announcement this morning to leave his “…great business in total…,” requesting that the Committee hold hearings to examine the federal conflicts-of-interest and ethics provisions that may apply to the President of the United States.

In their letter, the Members wrote, “Although we do not yet know the details of his proposal, this announcement raises a number of questions, including whether Mr. Trump intends to legally transfer ownership of his assets to his children, or simply allow them to manage his assets; the extent his children will continue to be involved in his Administration and whether they will be subject to an “ethics firewall;” whether businesses, foreign governments, and others will continue to able to take actions that benefit Mr. Trump and his family; and what level if any of transparency in these matters Mr. Trump will provide.”

Previously, Mr. Trump claimed that “the president can’t have a conflict of interest.” However, at the request of Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr., the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a non-partisan legislative agency operating out of the Library of Congress, has prepared a list of federal ethics and conflict-of-interest rules that may and should apply to Mr. Trump when he assumes office. This list includes four criminal statutes and the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. In their letter, the Members cite these rules as a cause for concern.

The letter was signed by every Democratic member of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, including: Representatives John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Pedro Pierluisi (D-Res.Comm.- PR), Judy Chu (D-CA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Karen Bass (D-CA), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), David Cicilline (D-RI), and Scott Peters (D-CA).

The CRS memo can be found here.


Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

November 30, 2016



The Honorable Bob Goodlatte

Chairman

House Committee on the Judiciary

2138 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515



Dear Chairman Goodlatte:

As the Committee with jurisdiction of the Ethics in Government Act, we write to urge you to hold hearings immediately to examine the issue of the federal conflicts-of-interest and ethics provisions that may apply to the President of the United States.

This request is all the more urgent in light of president-elect Trump announcement this morning that he will be “leaving [his] great business” to his children, a move he felt would be “visually important.”[1]

Although we do not yet know the details of his proposal, this announcement raises a number of questions, including whether Mr. Trump intends to legally transfer ownership of his assets to his children, or simply allow them to manage his assets; the extent his children will continue to be involved in his Administration and whether they will be subject to an “ethics firewall;” whether businesses, foreign governments, and others will continue to able to take actions that benefit Mr. Trump and his family; and what level if any of transparency in these matters Mr. Trump will provide.

Noted legal experts Norman Eisen and Richard Painter, the chief White House ethics lawyers for Presidents Obama and George W. Bush, respectively, have already expressed concerns about Mr. Trump’s inescapable business entanglements: “unless [Mr. Trump] divests ownership, he will have an interest in the foreign government payments and benefits that flow to his business daily. That creates such a serious conflict of interest that the framers of the constitution prohibited it for presidents in the emoluments clause.”[2]

The issue is particularly important given the continued cascade of reports outlining President-Elect Donald Trump’s apparent disregard for conflicts of interest he may already face.[3] Just last week, Mr. Trump denied that it is even possible for a president to have a conflict of interest.[4] An independent report shows that understanding of the law to be mistaken.

At our request, the Congressional Research Service has compiled a list of federal ethics and conflict-of-interest rules that may apply to the President-Elect when he assumes office. These rules include:

§ Article I, section 9, clause 8 of the United States Constitution, which prohibits the President from accepting any “emolument” from any foreign power.

§ 5 U.S.C. app. §§ 101-111, the Ethics in Government Act, which requires federal officials to make certain financial disclosures.

§ 5 U.S.C. § 3110, which restricts the President’s employment of his relatives.

§ 5 U.S.C. § 7342, which governs the receipt and disposition of gifts from foreign officials and heads of state.

§ 5 U.S.C. § 7353, which restricts the receipt of gifts by federal employees.

§ 18 U.S.C. § 201, which prohibits bribery of public officials.

§ 18 U.S.C. § 211, which prohibits the acceptance of gifts in connection with appointment to public office.

§ 18 U.S.C. § 219, which prohibits officers and employees of the United States from acting as agents of a foreign power.

§ 18 U.S.C. § 1905, which prohibits the disclosure of confidential information, including trade secrets and other proprietary information, learned by an official in the course of his or her official duties.

We have attached the CRS work product for your convenience. This memorandum makes clear that, in addition to the emoluments clause, a number of applicable conflict of interest laws that would apply to a President Trump and his family. In addition, our committee has received legislative referrals of legislation that would further expand these restrictions. We can certainly expect to receive additional legislative referrals in the future.

Donald Trump regularly boasts of the scale and global reach of his companies,[5] and he can be expected to face an array of situations in which his personal business interests are entwined with official policy matters. So far, however, he has indicated only that he will turn over day-to-day management of his holdings to three of his children, each of whom has played a role in his presidential transition, and who may continue to serve as informal advisors during his presidency.[6]

In the weeks since his election, a number of incidents have occurred which may well cross the lines of ethical behavior. Citing to just a few examples:

§ Mr. Trump met with Indian business partners who are seeking to capitalize on his victory to extend the Trump brand throughout India.[7]

§ Foreign diplomats booked rooms in Mr. Trump’s Washington D.C. hotel in an effort to curry favor with him.[8]

§ Mr. Trump reportedly encouraged the leader of a British political party to oppose offshore wind farm projects because such projects could block the views from one of Mr. Trump’s golf courses.[9]

Such conduct may also implicate the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits United States officials from accepting gifts from foreign powers without the consent of Congress.[10] There is concern that foreign governments and government-owned corporations may steer business to him, or offer him favorable business terms, in an effort to gain political influence with his administration.[11]

To avoid such inevitable conflicts, a broad range of scholars has urged President-Elect Trump to liquidate his assets. This viewpoint includes Richard Painter, President George W. Bush’s chief ethics lawyer,[12] Norman Eisen, President Barack Obama’s chief ethics lawyer,[13] conservative columnist Peggy Noonan,[14] and even the Wall Street Journal Editorial Page.[15] It would seem that allowing his children to simply continue to operate his businesses would fall far short of these standards.

The American people should never have to question whether their president is working on their behalf or rather on behalf of his own personal interests.

For all the foregoing reasons, we ask that you schedule hearings, without delay, to examine these critical issues.

[1] Drew Harwell, Trump announces he will leave business ‘in total’ – leaving open how he will avoid conflicts of interest, Wash. Post, Nov. 30, 2016.

[2] Adam Liptak, Donald Trump’s Business Dealings Test a Constitutional Limit, N.Y. Times, Nov. 21, 2016.

[3] See, e.g., Richard C. Paddock et al., Potential Conflicts Around the Globe for Trump, the Businessman President, N.Y. Times, Nov. 26, 2016; Rosalind S. Helderman & Tom Hamburger, Trump’s presidency, overseas business deals and relations with foreign governments could all become intertwined, Wash. Post, Nov. 25, 2016; Donald Trump’s Conflicts of Interest, The Economist, Nov. 26, 2016.

[4] Donald Trump’s New York Times Interview: Full Transcript, N.Y. Times, Nov. 23, 2016.

[5] Donald Trump’s New York Times Interview: Full Transcript, N.Y. Times, Nov. 23, 2016 (“When I filed my forms with the [F]ederal [E]lection [Commission], people said, ‘Wow that’s really a big company, that’s a big company.’ It really is big, it’s diverse, it’s all over the world.”).

[6] See Editorial, The Trump Family Political Business, Wall St. Journal, Nov. 17, 2016.

[7] Editorial, Donald Trump’s Caldron of Conflicts, N.Y. Times, Nov. 25, 2016.

[8] Jonathan O’Connell & Mary Jordan, For foreign diplomats, Trump hotel is place to be, Wash. Post, Nov. 18, 2016.

[9] Danny Hakim & Eric Lipton, With a Meeting, Trump Renewed a British Wind Farm Fight, N.Y. Times, Nov. 21, 2016.

[10] U.S. Constitution, Art. I, Sec. 9, cl. 8 (“no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under [the United States] shall, without Consent of Congress, accept ... any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.").

[11] See Adam Liptak, Donald Trump’s Business Dealings Test a Constitutional Limit, N.Y. Times, Nov. 21, 2016; Ailsa Chang, Trump’s International Business Dealings Could Violate the Constitution, Nat. Pub. Radio, Nov. 22, 2016.

[12] Richard W. Painter, Trump must address conflicts of interest, CNN, Nov. 18, 2016.

[13] Richard W. Painter & Norman Eisen, Trump’s ‘blind trust’ is neither blind nor trustworthy, Wash. Post, Nov. 15, 2016.

[14] Peggy Noonan, No More Business As Usual, Mr. Trump, Wall St. Journal, Nov. 24, 2016.

[15] Editorial, The Trump Family Political Business, Wall St. Journal, Nov. 17, 2016.

Interesting Headlines from Other News Outlets

Trump will not have a registry based on Religion

What is the difference between this and concentration camps? The only difference is that we are not rounding up Americans to put in them.Next question: Why are we keeping them HERE instead of deporting them or processing them in?

This is how God works. Our prayers are being answered...

Facebook working on the Fake News problems

Donald Trump has to do a LOT of hiring just to START his administration