The Ponder happens to agree with Lynch. Do we really want mercenaries who will work for who pays them the most to do our dirty work? American wars should be fought by Americans who are willing to sacrifice everything for their country, regardless of the pay scale. Freedom is priceless. The pay is a bonus. This is why I salute our brothers and sisters in arms. They don't do it for the pay, although they deserve the highest pay for what they do. They don't do it to glorify themselves or to become the best, because they are ALREADY the best! Real heroes don't do it for the pay. They do it because it is the right thing to do.
Washington, D.C. - August 11, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, led by Representatives Tom MacArthur (R-NJ), Annie Kuster (D-NH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Donald Norcross (D-NJ) is calling on Congress and the Administration to take immediate, meaningful action to address the opioid epidemic. The Task Force is committed to working in a bipartisan way and with the Administration to advance solutions to this national crisis. The recently released report by the White House’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis details specific recommendations for fighting the opioid crisis in the United States. Many of the proposals included in the report mirror the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force’s agenda, which includes:
Immediately addressing the IMD exclusion
Enhancing medical education for prescribers and providers
Encouraging the wide-spread use and accessibility of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
Enhancing Narcan availability
Prioritizing funding to DHS’s Customs and Border Protection to improve drug detection technology
Ensuring federal health care systems share data with Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP).
Making it easier to share addiction-specific medical information with healthcare providers.
Additionally, the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force supports the Commission’s recommendation of declaring a National Public Health
Emergency and enforcement of mental health parity laws. The Task Force is committed to working together across party lines and with the Administration to move these efforts forward.
“In my home state of New Jersey, 2,000 people died from overdoses in 2016, surpassing car accidents, shootings and suicides combined,” said Congressman MacArthur. “It’s clear this epidemic is hurting so many lives. Throughout the year, the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force has been working together to find commonsense solutions to this crisis and I’m thankful to see much of our agenda aligns with the Administration’s proposals. This report is an aggressive step and I would encourage my colleagues on each side of the aisle to continue to focus on helping those struggling with addiction, specifically in curbing the supply of drugs coming into our country. ”
“It’s time for real action from the Administration on the opioid epidemic,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I’ve been encouraged by my colleagues on the Bipartisan Heroin Task force and their willingness to come together and work toward real solutions to this crisis. Earlier this year, our Task Force announced legislative proposals, some of which were outlined in President Trump’s own Opioid Commission findings. We need a comprehensive approach that expands access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services if we’re going to stem the growth of this epidemic. Law enforcement officials agree that we can’t simply arrest our way out of this crisis. I urge the Administration to listen to our Task Force and work with Congress to pass our bipartisan agenda and make a real difference for people in New Hampshire and across the country.”
“There are few issues more pressing in our own neighborhoods than the devastation caused by the growing epidemic of opioid and drug abuse,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. While community groups, local government and law enforcement have undertaken the Herculean challenge of addressing this issue from all its sides, it is clear there is a crucial role for Congress to play in supporting and expanding these efforts.”
“The disease of addiction is a national emergency and every delay means more loved ones will die,” said Congressman Norcross. “The Bipartisan Heroin Task Force has been offering commonsense legislative solutions to deal with this national emergency and the Administration’s own Commission is now suggesting many of the same solutions. There’s no time to wait to put these policies in place.”
Leaders of Bipartisan Heroin Task Force React to Study Showing Increase in Emergency Room Visits, Inpatient Stays for Opioid-Related Issues Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
June 20, 2017
“This study is alarming but not surprising,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “The opioid crisis is putting severe strain on our healthcare system and is impacting communities throughout New Hampshire and across the country. This study underscores the need to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services and strategies for those who are struggling with substance misuse. This crisis requires a comprehensive approach and I’m committed to working across the aisle to improve access to treatment services.” Read more...
Congressman LaHood Introduces Legislation to Increase Opportunity to Restore Abandoned Mines Darin Lahood (R-IL, 18th)
June 21, 2017
“While mining is an important part of Illinois’ economy, abandoned mines continue to present safety dangers and missed opportunities for new development. That is why I have introduced this bill, which would protect third-party groups from frivolous lawsuits when they attempt to clean up or re-purpose these abandoned mines. No group should be punished for wanting to help out their local community in this way,” stated LaHood. “I look forward to seeing this bill move forward with bipartisan support.” Read more...
LaMalfa’s Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act Passes House Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
June 21, 2017
The bipartisan legislation provides streamlined processes for the removal of hazardous trees or other vegetative overgrowth within or adjacent to electricity infrastructure – such as power lines – on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands, reducing the risk of forest fires and electrical grid blackouts. The bill passed the House by a margin of 300-118. Read more...
At E&C Hearing, Latta Discusses Increasing Broadband Access In Rural America Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
June 21, 2017
During his questioning, Latta said, “Broadband support programs aim to increase broadband coverage in rural America where agricultural production generate significant value to the national economy and are an essential source of revenue and jobs in rural communities. Today, modern high precision farming operations require access to high-speed broadband to support advanced operations and technologies that significantly increase crop yields, reduce costs, and improve the environment. A program that only seeks to measure broadband coverage based on population centers, households, or road miles will overlook coverage gaps in agricultural communities. Read more...
Congresswoman Lawrence Sends Letter to DHS on ICE Raids in Michigan Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)
June 16, 2017
I have sent this letter in order to receive clarity on the rationale and methods used for targeting individuals with final orders especially if some of these orders appear to be decades old and do not reflect the current conditions in the countries of origin. Read more...
HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES LAWSON BILL TO HELP SPUR INNOVATION IN SMALL BUSINESS Al Lawson (D-FL, 5th)
June 15, 2017
His bill would create a pilot program under the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). This pilot program will provide additional funding for Phase II of the SBIR program which helps small business startups bring their products and services from commercialization into the marketplace. Read more...
Lewis leads bipartisan Drone Innovation Act Jason Lewis (R-MN, 2nd)
June 19, 2017
“America continues to lead the world in technological advances. It’s clear to me that drones have a growing role to play in interstate commerce, and that’s vital to maintaining our economic strength at home and competitiveness on the world stage. The Drone Innovation Act will promote that spirit of invention by establishing a clear framework for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Importantly, my legislation also lays out clear protections for your right to privacy and gives local governments the primary responsibility in forming guidelines for how drones can be used in our communities. I look forward to working with the FAA to maintain an environment that works for all stakeholders, and thank my colleagues for their support.” Read more...
4 VETERANS IN CONGRESS WRITE TO SECRETARY MATTIS EXPRESSING "GRAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
June 21, 2017
“Secretary Mattis is right – we definitely aren’t winning in Afghanistan. And it’s completely unacceptable that 6 months into the new administration, President Trump and his advisors still can’t agree on a strategy,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a Marine Corps combat veteran. “Deploying a few thousand additional American troops might buy the struggling Afghan government more time, but it certainly won’t produce any lasting gains. I strongly object to sending more brave young Americans into harm’s way without a real plan, simply to kick the can down the road.” Read more...
Lipinski Joins Bill to Protect DACA Recipients from Deportation Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
June 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) has signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 496, the BRIDGE (Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy) Act, which would protect recipients of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) from the threat of deportation. This past Friday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continued the uncertainty for DACA recipients when it stated, “The future of the DACA program continues to be under review with the administration.” Read more...
