AGUILAR INTRODUCES BILL TO MONITOR PRIVATE JET TRAVEL BY

Source: House Representative Pete Aguilar (D-CA, 31st)

This week, Rep. Pete Aguilar introduced H.R. 3974, the Justifiable and Efficient Transportation Substitutes (JETS) Act.  This bill prohibits most cabinet officials from using taxpayer money for official travel on private planes until a system is developed to provide the necessary oversight and accountability for private air travel. The bill also includes a public disclosure provision, allowing the American public to track exactly how their tax dollars are being spent. The bill was introduced in the wake of revelations that Trump Administration officials have been regularly misusing taxpayer money to charter private flights, including for nonofficial business.

“To think that a cabinet official would spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on private jets, and then stick taxpayers with the bill, is appalling,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “This bill is about demanding accountability from this administration. The president’s cabinet has made it clear that they intend to travel around the country by private jet, and we need a system that provides a check on this kind of reckless spending.”

The JETS Act establishes a moratorium on the use of taxpayer funds for private jet travel by cabinet officials until the president issues guidelines for the use of private jets. The bill provides exclusions for national security officials such as the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence.

Statements on Immigration Legislation: Priorities and Principles

Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke

"When crafting the Administration's immigration principles, the President asked us to focus on measures that will assist the Department of Homeland Security’s law enforcement personnel with what they need to enforce our immigration laws, secure our border, and protect American communities across this country.

"DHS frontline personnel identified many of the principles outlined today, including closing loopholes in our ability to enforce immigration laws and eliminating the magnets for illegal immigration.  I look forward to working with Congress on legislation that will enact many of these common sense and necessary reforms that will inevitably better secure our nation.”

House Representative Nanette Barragan (D-CA, 44th)

“These principles are a slap in the face to Dreamers everywhere who hoped Trump would stop treating them like bargaining chips.

Dreamers need the Dream Act, not another useless round of talk about a border wall, which would be ineffective and wasteful. Time is running out to find a solution for nearly 800,000 young men and women who came here as children. We should be looking for bipartisan areas of agreement. Instead, we got a  cruel wish list of repressive and anti-immigrant measures. 

My colleagues and I will not stop fighting for the Dream Act. Now the real fight begins.”

House Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)

“President Trump released a list of immigration principles that include building a border wall, hiring additional ICE officers, discouraging Sanctuary cities from their unconstitutional practices, and eliminating incentives for illegal immigrants who break the law to come here. I am confident that, if enacted by Congress, these actions would secure our open borders and reduce incentives for illegal immigrants to remain in or enter the United States. We are a nation of laws, and those laws must be enforced to defend our national security and protect the sanctity of our statutes. President Trump committed to enforcing these laws if he were to become President, and he is following through with his words and oath of office.

“For too long, Congress has talked about border security to remain in office, but Members have reneged on their promises once back in Washington, D.C. The American people are tired of these flip flops, and we must give them the results they deserve – before any other reforms are enacted.

“One of the major hindrances to accomplishing these goals is the Senate’s 60-vote rule, which allows a minority of Senators to directly block these vital issues of national security from even coming to the floor. I pray that the Senate does the right thing for the good of the nation and removes the 60-vote rule to allow these policies to receive up-or-down votes.”

Tax Reform Statements Continued

Paul Mitchell (R MI, 10th)

“During today’s discussions, we made significant progress toward developing a tax reform plan that will deliver the fairness and simplicity Americans deserve.  As I have said repeatedly throughout this process, we need a tax reform plan that focuses on delivering relief to those who need it most – the middle class.  The framework released today would double the standard deduction so that families and individuals can keep more of their hard-earned dollars, simplify the code into three tax brackets, and eliminate unfair taxes like the ‘Death tax’ that place an undue burden on farmers and family owned businesses,” said Representative Mitchell.

“The American people asked for tax relief; it’s time for both parties and both chambers of Congress to come together to deliver.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, and with President Trump, to turn today’s framework into legislation that will put American workers and families first.”

Markwayne Mullin (R-OK, 2nd)

“Our nation’s tax code is broken.  For far too long, our tax code has burdened American families, stunted our economy’s growth, and limited the ability of our businesses to compete in global markets,” said Mullin.  “With our federal tax code exceeding more than 70,000 pages, we can’t expect any individual, family, or small business to keep up.  It’s time that our tax code worked for the American people, not against them.”

“We want to make sure that every American keeps more of their hard-earned paycheck in their pocket.  We want to make sure that filing your family’s taxes is so simple and affordable that you don’t have to hire an expert,” said Mullin.  “Our framework lowers rates for everyone across the board, eliminates loopholes, and allows our businesses—both big and small—to be competitive in the market.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to deliver on our promise to the American people to make our tax code fair and simple for the first time in over 30 years.” 

Tim Murphy (R-PA, 18th)

“This framework is a solid foundation to build a more competitive Southwestern Pennsylvania economy with more opportunities for families to move ahead.

“As Congress gets to work on fixing the broken U.S. tax  code, my focus remains the same: simplifying the tax code; ensuring hardworking families keep more of their paychecks; and growing our local economy by making sure good-paying jobs stay in Southwestern Pennsylvania.” 

Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st)

“Despite Republican claims that their tax plan would benefit the middle class, today’s analysis from the Tax Policy Center confirms that the Ryan-McConnell tax plan would overwhelmingly favor the rich at the expense of the middle class and hardworking Americans. Alarmingly, this analysis found that the middle class would be likely to pay more in taxes, directly contradicting claims made by Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell. Paying for massive tax cuts for the wealthy at the direct expense of the middle class would cause great harm to our nation’s economy and further exacerbate income inequality. To put it simply, this tax plan is a gut punch to the middle class and a golden goose for the rich.”

Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st)

“Americans want more jobs, higher wages and tax relief. But instead of focusing on working families, the Republican tax reform plan is just another giveaway to billionaires and huge corporations. It fails the President’s own ‘Trump Test’ to not benefit the wealthy.

“This proposal crushes New Jersey’s middle-class by eliminating critical state and local tax deductions. More than a third of New Jersey tax filers would be hit with a large tax increase if Republicans get rid of the State and Local Tax deduction.

“This plan amounts to welfare for the wealthy, paid for out of the pockets of hardworking Americans. It’s a bait and switch. Republicans continue to avoid explaining details about how they plan to pay for this, which means Americans can expect cuts to the vital services they rely on, like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

“I urge Americans to reject this plan and demand that Republicans finally work with Democrats to actually create jobs, raise wages, and bring real relief to working families.”

Steve Pearce (R-NM, 2nd)

“Small businesses are the cornerstone and families are the backbone of our state. For too long, our nation’s complex, antiquated, and one-sided tax code has caused stress, undue burden, and hard-earned money to ensure compliance. This is simply wrong, and must change not only for the success of our communities, but for the success of New Mexico and the nation. The tax framework released today has the potential to finally bring the relief that has long been needed. Done right, it will strengthen the middle-class and working-class, ease the burden and stress on families, make small businesses a priority, and put America back on the competitive global playing field.

This framework simplifies the tax code for businesses, doubles the amount families and individuals are able to deduct, and has the potential to lower rate for individuals and families throughout the nation with a straightforward tax rate. These changes will allow everyday middle-class families to spend less on taxes and tax preparation allowing those hard-earned dollars to be saved and used where needed. Even more, this framework will help businesses expand, but also allow them to create jobs in communities with desperate for growth and services.

New Mexicans have struggled long enough to find good-paying jobs and deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to reform America’s tax code to make New Mexican businesses and families a priority.”

Scott Perry (R-PA, 4th)

“The outline is good, but we need to see the brackets and some other details. As it stands now, I'm supportive of the proposal,” said Perry. “The American People deserve a tax code that prioritizes their needs - one that's simple, fair and easy to understand. Everyone should be able to keep more of their own hard-earned money, and our role as a government is to create the opportunity for small businesses to generate jobs and prosperity.”

Erik Paulsen (R-MN, 3rd)

“This is an exciting week for Minnesota’s middle-class families and small businesses,” said Congressman Paulsen. “After more than three decades since the last major tax reform, the framework released today outlines how fixing our broken tax code will lead to more jobs and bigger paychecks. Tax reform is about one thing: Restoring the hope of prosperity for American workers, their families, and, most importantly, the next generation.”

Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)

“Republicans have apparently decided to approach tax reform with the same failed strategy that they employed for months in the health care debate. Instead of engaging in bipartisan discussions to come up with the best ideas, holding open hearings to solicit expert input, and publicly debating the merits of different policies, Republicans are reportedly meeting in secret behind closed-doors on a one-party basis to come up with a tax plan.  I fear that what follows will be an attempt to ram another lopsided proposal through Congress with no transparency, no public debate and no meaningful opportunity to improve the legislation.

“Democrats stand prepared and ready to work with Republicans to dramatically simplify the tax code, get rid of special interest loopholes and giveaways, and make the whole tax system fairer for middle-class families.  But real tax reform without blowing up the deficit will only be achievable through a thoughtful, public and bipartisan process—the exact opposite of what our friends across the aisle did with their serial health care repeal debacles. I urge the GOP leadership to abandon its secretive partisan tactics and work to engage Democrats – and the American people – in this important discussion so we can produce the best possible legislative outcome.  Regular order and bipartisan collaboration is the only way to make this work.”

David G. Reichert (R-WA, 8th)

"Over the years as I have traveled to all corners or Washington’s Eighth District and met with individuals and families from all walks of life, I have heard the same message over and over again: Americans want a simpler, fairer tax code that leads to more jobs and bigger paychecks.

Today, the House released a framework for a tax reform plan to put us on that path.

The framework outlines a plan that provides tax relief and a simplified code to middle-class families, making Americans’ day to day life more affordable so individuals and families can focus on the things that matter.

And it sets out a path for significant economic growth, by lowering tax rates for American businesses and encouraging investment here at home. America’s outdated tax code has weighed down American workers and businesses as our foreign competitors move forward. We simply must have a tax code that supports the creation of good-paying jobs in America.

This is a once in a generation opportunity that will improve the lives of American families for generations to come. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle over the coming months on a tax plan that will give Americans a raise, help our businesses compete, and simplify the tax code."

Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)

“Since 1986 Washington has stood by and let the rest of the world tilt the playing field against the American worker. The decline of the American middle class and the growing income inequality that both Democrats and Republicans complain about is a direct result of the continued deterioration of America for a place to do business, in large part because we’ve failed to make ourselves competitive.

Our current tax code puts American businesses at a disadvantage and that translates to the loss of millions of middle class American jobs. If we really want to grow the middle class, give them a raise, reduce income inequality, and stop jobs from leaving our shores, we must make our tax code competitive in the world. That has got to be our number one goal and this plan helps get us there.”

Martha Roby (R-AL, 2nd)

“It was a productive meeting, and the message I would relay to those I represent is simple: We want to lower tax rates for every taxpayer so that Americans can keep and invest more of what they earn,” Roby said. “You should be able to keep more of your money in your pocket.”

“I’m ready to get this done. It is time to deliver some meaningful results to the American people. Tax reform presents a tremendous opportunity to move this country ahead, and I’m committed to getting it done.”

Mike (AL) Rogers (R-AL, 3rd)

“I strongly support the tax reform framework outlined today by President Trump and the House Republican Leadership. Tax reform is the single best way to grow our economy. Hard working Americans are due a fairer and simpler tax code.

“The tax reform framework is just the first step towards helping families keep more of what they earn, create more good-paying jobs in America and help small businesses.

“I look forward to working with President Trump as we work to make our broken tax code fairer and simpler for the folks across East Alabama and the country so they can keep more of what they earn.

Todd Rokita (R-IN, 4th)

“I’m ready to reform our nation’s tax code. It will help your wallet and it will help this business and businesses just like it. We have some of the best products in the world, and it’s time our country’s policies give our businesses the ability to thrive.” 

Peter J. Roskam (R-IL, 6th)

“This is a transformational moment we have to reform a tax code that hasn’t been updated in over 30 years. This is about improving the lives of every single American. It’s about increasing paychecks and giving families, working students and small businesses an easier and fairer tax code. American families are counting on Congress and the White House to work together to fix a tax code that is too complicated and too unfair,” said Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL). “This framework puts us on the right path to accomplishing those goals and I invite my Democrat colleagues to join us in making the changes necessary to enact common-sense, fiscally-responsible measures that grows our economy, supports our middle-class, defends our workers and protects our jobs.”

David Rouzer (R-NC, 7th)

“This week, the House, the Senate, and the Trump Administration released a tax reform framework to bring back jobs and money from overseas and create real prosperity for all Americans.  This is a tax reform plan focused on simplicity and growth that will lead to significant investments and generate better paying jobs, while also enabling every individual and family to keep more of what they earn.  For southeastern North Carolina, this is a first step to enacting into law a tax code that would benefit every individual and family —  including our farm families and small businesses — and so simple you would be able to file your tax return on a postcard.”

And even more Tax Reform Statements from The House of Reps

Lamborn Statement on GOP Tax Reform
Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
“This new framework overhauls the 1986 tax code to reflect where we have come as a nation, taking tried and true principles and applying them for the biggest economic benefit. The code is not only simplified, but includes several measures that will help all Americans. Most notably it provides immediate expensing, which means businesses can immediately write off the cost of new investments for at least five years. This is an unprecedented opportunity for businesses to grow. Also, families at all levels of the tax bracket will benefit from the simple and fair new model with income tax rate cuts. It retains incentives, gives businesses deductions, brings trillions of dollars stranded overseas back home for investment, and creates more jobs with bigger paychecks.”
Read more...

Lance Statement on Tax Reform Outline
Leonard Lance (R-NJ, 7th)
“There is a lot I agree with in the tax reform outline announced today. Lower individual rates on middle-class families and a competitive corporate rate will unleash tremendous economic growth and job creation. These reforms will have a positive effect on take-home pay in every state and should enjoy large bipartisan support. I hope these items are included in the final package.
Read more...

Levin Statement on GOP Tax Reform Framework
Sander Levin (D-MI, 9th)
“While critical details have been left out, the general trajectory of the Republican tax plan is clear – too much help for the wealthy and an enormous deficit tax for everyone else.
Read more...

Lewis on Tax Reform: Our Families Need Relief
Jason Lewis (R-MN, 2nd)
“American families and businesses suffer under some of the highest tax rates in the world, and consequently families have less income and businesses create fewer jobs. Our economy has been stuck in low gear for years, growing far slower than the post-WWII average of 3.3%. As a result, median family incomes have failed to keep pace since the 2007 recession.
Read more...

MARSHALL PRAISES TAX REFORM BLUEPRINT
Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)
More than anything else, the most common complaint I hear about the existing tax system is it's complexity. With this in mind, we aim to make it possible to file your taxes on a postcard. This simpler, quicker and easier system will give working and middle class Kansans the same access to the tax code as someone who has hired teams of accountants and lawyers to seek out every loophole.
Read more...

House Freedom Caucus Supports Tax Reform Framework, Will Support House GOP Budget
Mark Meadows (R-NC, 11th)
"President Trump has delivered a forward looking tax reform framework that will let hard working Americans keep more of their money, simplify our system, end carve outs for special interests, and will help make our businesses competitive abroad. The Freedom Caucus looks forward to sending a final bill based on this framework to President Trump's desk as soon as possible."
Read more...

GOP Tax Framework a “Serious, Thoughtful Path to Revamping a Broken Tax Code”
Pat Meehan (R-PA, 7th)
“Our tax code is a mess,” said Congressman Meehan. “It’s riddled with overlapping and conflicting provisions that leave taxpayers frustrated and confused. Its rates are too high, and too many loopholes enable the elites to avoid them. It’s holding us back in the modern economy. Too much of a middle class family’s paycheck is going to Washington. A top-to-bottom rewrite is long overdue.”
Read more...

Rep. Messer Urges Support for Tax Cuts During President Trump’s Visit to Indiana
Luke Messer (R-IA, 6th)
"This is a great day for Indiana's workers and a great day for the American economy," Messer said. “President Trump's tax plan will bring more jobs, fairer taxes and bigger paychecks to Hoosiers. I’m excited the President is here in Indiana, where we’ve led the nation in delivering the kind of tax cuts and pro-growth policies that get our economy moving. I look forward to working closely with him and anyone else ready to deliver for Hoosier workers."
Read more...

DR. DUNN INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM OPIOID ABUSE

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02), today introduced the Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act, an important step in the fight against the nation’s opioid epidemic.

Dunn’s bill directs Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin to connect VA health care providers to a national network of state-based prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). PDMPs track prescribing data to identify abuse patterns in patients.

Just like private sector physicians, VA doctors consult state-based PDMPs before prescribing potentially dangerous pain medications to veterans. VA doctors, however, lack the ability to consult a national network of state-based PDMPs that can identify someone from another state who is at high risk for abuse, overdose, and death.

“More than 140 people in the U.S. die from opioid abuse each day, and veterans are twice as likely than civilians. This is unacceptable,” said Dr. Dunn, himself an Army veteran and member of the House VA Committee. “This bill instructs the VA to do what more and more private doctors are doing – connect to the national drug monitoring databases so no one slips through the cracks.”

The President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis issued a preliminary report in July that cited the lack of cross-state interoperability as one significant shortcoming of state PDMPs. The Commission recommended “enhancing interstate data sharing among state-based prescription drug monitoring programs.”

Existing national networks of state PDMPs allow providers to confidentially access prescribing data and history across state lines. Access to these networks will help VA health care workers prevent and stop opioid abuse among our veterans.

“We cannot stand silent and watch prescription opioid abuse destroy the lives of those who fought for our freedoms,” added Dr. Dunn.
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In February, Dr. Dunn questioned VA officials in committee about the epidemic of prescription drug abuse among veterans and VA handling of controlled substances.

The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).

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DelBene Calls for Clean Reauthorization of Home Visiting Program

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) has called on Republicans to work with Democrats on a clean reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program to ensure states and communities can continue helping children and families thrive. This traditionally bipartisan program provides in-home help to ensure new parents can raise children who are healthy, happy and ready for school.

“I strongly support reauthorization of the Home Visiting program before it expires on September 30th. We know it has an incredible track record of success improving child and family outcomes in our most vulnerable communities,” DelBene said in a floor speech that can be seen HERE. “Unfortunately, Republicans have put forward a partisan bill — with reckless policy changes that are not supported by experts — and with only three legislative days remaining. It’s incredibly disappointing.”

The House passed H.R. 2824, which would reauthorize MIECHV through 2022, but impose policy changes that would reduce the number of states and communities that offer home visiting. Last year, more than 29,000 eligible families in Washington state were already unserved.

Among the policy changes made by Republicans were requiring states and tribal communities to match funding in order to receive federal dollars. States and tribes have said this requirement would result in home visiting programs shutting down or reducing services, particularly in areas already struggling economically. DelBene offered an amendment to remove the matching requirement on tribes, which passed the House. Her floor remarks can be found HERE.

However, when DelBene offered a second amendment to make the bill a clean reauthorizations, Republicans blocked it. Now H.R. 2824 heads to the Senate for further action. If they fail to act by Sept. 30, the authorization for MIECHV will expire.

DelBene serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over MIECHV.

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Investigation into Alleged Pill Dumping in West Virginia Amid Opioid Crisis

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) and other Energy and Commerce Committee leaders have sent a letter to Miami-Luken, a drug distributor, expanding on their investigation into alleged pill dumping in West Virginia. The letter requests documents regarding what steps the company has taken to comply with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations regarding suspicious orders for drugs, as well as information about the dosage and amounts of drugs the company had shipped to regional pharmacies.

Signing the letter along with DeGette were Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Rep. David McKinley (R-WV).

The committee has been investigating alleged pill dumping in West Virginia since earlier this year. This work stems from news reports by the Charleston Gazette-Mail and The Washington Post detailing an unusually large opioid presence in the state of West Virginia.

“It would appear that the state of West Virginia may have received extraordinary amounts of opioids from distributors beyond what the population could safely use,” the five members of Congress wrote

“There are specific allegations in the public domain relating to Miami-Luken’s distribution of opioids,” they added, noting that the DEA was seeking to revoke the company’s ability to operate in West Virginia because it allegedly failed to maintain effective controls over distribution there, including the disclosure of suspicious orders for controlled substances including oxycodone and hydrocodone.

The lawmakers set a deadline of October 9 for the company to respond to their letter.

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Democrats Move to Force Vote on DREAMERS

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Democrats took action to protect Dreamers and force a vote on the bipartisan DREAM Act, which would provide a permanent solution to allow young undocumented immigrants brought here as children to remain in this country legally.

Over 100 House Democrats signed a discharge petition. Once the petition is signed by a majority of members, the House would be forced to take a vote on the legislation. Rep. Davis is also urging her Republicans colleagues to participate in this effort to force a vote.

“For Dreamers, America is the only country they truly know, having lived here nearly their whole lives,” said Rep. Davis, who is a cosponsor of the DREAM Act. “They are contributing in a positive way and are an essential part of building our country’s future. I hope every member – both Democrat and Republican – will do the right thing and uphold our highest American values and join in signing this petition to bring this bipartisan, bicameral bill to the House floor for a vote.”

According to a press release by Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd), the San Diego region is home to nearly 40,000 recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects them against deportation. They are among 800,000 Dreamers across the nation. President Trump’s recent decision to end DACA has these young people and their families now living in fear unless Congress acts.

Davis says that there is a real economic impact if the Dreamers were to be deported. California would lose more than $11 billion in economic activity. Nationwide, it would mean almost half a trillion dollars lost. One study showed that employers would spend over $4 billion dollars to recruit and replace Dreamers who are deported.

Rep. Davis has met with Dreamers from the 53rd and participated in events in the community calling attention to the unique challenges they face, including the many who know no other home than the United States and may not even speak the language of their countries of birth.

H.R. 3440, the DREAM Act, is bipartisan, bicameral legislation which would permanently protect DREAMers from deportation. It was originally introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).

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Davidson Introduces "CBO Show Your Work" Act

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

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Rep. Mark Walker (NC-06) introduced the “CBO Show Your Work” Act in the House on Monday pushing for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to disclose the formulas it uses when providing budget and economic information to Congress and the public.

"Transparency provides a strong safeguard against errors, omissions and bias.

"The algorithms, datasets and methodologies in use by the CBO should be readily available for everyone to inspect and use at their own discretion. Having this data available will save precious time and staff resources as it lets congressional offices vet their legislation before submitting a final product to the CBO.

“The CBO’s delay in providing timely analysis to the House and Senate during efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare punctuates a long list of reasons why transparency and peer review are essential," said Davidson.

Claudia Tenney (NY-22) and Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) are co-sponsors to the “CBO Show Your Work” Act H.R.3822.

Background: Davidson’s bill requires the Congressional Budget Office to make the fiscal and mathematical models, data, and other details of computations used in cost analysis and scoring publicly available online.

In the Senate, Sen. Mike Lee introduced The CBO Show Your Work Act of 2017 on August 4, 2017 which is a companion to Davidson’s bill. The bill has 14 co-sponsors including, Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Rand Paul (R-KY), David Perdue (R-GA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

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Pelosi Says Dems Won't Approve Hurricane Tax Relief Until DACA Reinstated.

Source: House Representative Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota)

Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, put politics over policy by opposing a six-month extension of the Federal Aviation Administration and hurricane tax relief:

“Citing no movement on DACA as a reason to obstruct the otherwise bipartisan FAA reauthorization is not only puzzling, but it’s reckless and it puts the safety of the traveling public at risk. I’m baffled by Nancy Pelosi’s willingness to use DACA individuals as pawns to score political points.”

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program created under the Obama Administration in 2012, which according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, allows certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

The Ponder wants to know: What does DACA have to do with the FAA? If this is not a blatant attempt to undermine Trump, once again, I don't know what is. Will voters PLEASE vote these whiney-babies out next election!

I'm sure there are a lot of voters out there stranded because of lack of Hurricane Relief who will remember her -- I hope.

COLLINS STATEMENT ON RESPECTING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Source: House Representative Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th)

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) released the following statement in response to the question of how NFL players and representatives choose to respond to America’s national anthem:

“The National Football League is home to some of the most talented athletes in the greatest nation of the world. While I respect their right to protest, I commend to them the examples of their colleagues Pat Tillman and Alejandro Villanueva. These men defended that freedom and their fellow citizens as Army Rangers, and their actions illustrate a patriotism that unifies Americans.

“NFL players have a professional duty to deliver a compelling product on the field. I encourage them to pursue that duty wholeheartedly and can, if need be, recommend a few SEC teams to inspire them on that journey. In the meantime, I’m grateful to stand for an American flag that welcomes diversity and promotes unity more deeply than any jersey has ever done.”

Chabot Statement on Passage of the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act

Source: House Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH, 1st)

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH), senior Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the overwhelmingly bipartisan passage of H.R. 2061, the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2017.

“While the rogue regime in Pyongyang continues to threaten the world with its nuclear arsenal, the North Korean people are denied the most basic human rights,” said Chabot. “Public executions, trafficking, forced labor, and starvation plague many North Koreans who know no life outside of their borders. As technology continues to advance, so do our methods of spreading truth. H.R. 2061 modernizes U.S. technology efforts to inform North Koreans and advocate for freedom and democracy.”

Byrne Attends STEM Education Signing at the White House

Source: House Representative Bradley Byrne (R-AL, 1st)

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, attended a special ceremony at the White House for the signing of a Presidential Memorandum to promote STEM education.

The Presidential Memorandum calls on the Department of Education to devote at least $200 million of its grant funds each year to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, including computer science.

Byrne said: “I applaud President Trump and his administration for their commitment to advancing STEM education. STEM is no longer a thing of the future, but it is the reality for today’s workforce. By focusing grant funding in this area, we can help ensure that our students are exposed to the skills necessary to excel in today’s 21st Century economy.”

Irma Wipes Out 70 percent of Florida's Orange Crops

Source: House Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL, 16th)

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- After Hurricane Irma wiped out as much as 70 percent of Florida's orange crop, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan called for immediate action in Congress to help struggling citrus farmers recover.

“Florida farmers are facing an emergency,” Buchanan said. “Between Irma and the devastating citrus greening disease, we can't wait any longer to provide citrus growers with the relief they need.”

Prior to Hurricane Irma, the Florida citrus industry had already experienced a 75 percent drop in production due to citrus greening, an incurable bacterial disease that has infected nearly all of Florida’s commercial citrus groves.

According to Michael Sparks, executive director of Florida Citrus Mutual, Hurricane Irma had a catastrophic effect on Florida citrus. Sparks estimated that nearly every grove in the state has been damaged to some degree by the storm.

Buchanan’s Emergency Citrus Disease Response Act would make it less costly for growers to replace trees damaged by Hurricane Irma or citrus greening. The bill provides tax incentives for farmers who cannot afford to replace damaged trees.

Under current law, growers are allowed an immediate deduction for the cost of replanting trees, but the farmer must bear the full cost. Buchanan’s proposal would allow struggling farmers to use this deduction even if they bring in investors to raise capital for replanting costs, as long as the grower continues to own a major stake in the grove.

“This bill will go a long way toward protecting the livelihoods of the 62,000 hardworking Floridians in our signature citrus industry,” Buchanan said.

Every member of Florida’s 29-member congressional delegation in both the U.S. House and Senate has co-sponsored Buchanan’s legislation, which passed the House by a 400-20 vote in 2016 but did not pass the Senate before Congress adjourned.

The bill has been endorsed by the Bradenton Herald, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the Lakeland Ledger, Sun Newspapers, the Panama City News Herald and the Ocala Star-Ledger. The Ledger called Buchanan's legislation a “must pass” while the Bradenton Herald said it was a “no-brainer.”

Experts estimate a 50 to 70 percent crop loss in south Florida from Hurricane Irma. Florida growers are seeing up to 90 percent losses in some places.

Shannon Stepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus, said “before Hurricane Irma, there was a good chance we would have more than 75 million boxes of oranges on the trees this season; we now have much less.”

Buchanan is a senior member of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax legislation.

House Extends Critical Veterans Programs That Brownley Is Fighting to Make Permanent

Source: House Representative Julia Brownly (D-CA, 26th)

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement after House passage of the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017, which extends critical veterans programs through September 2019, including the VA’s child care pilot program, women veterans retreats pilot program, and support services for homeless veterans:

“I am happy the House passed bipartisan legislation extending critical veterans programs. Whether it’s ensuring veterans have access to child care when they have VA appointments, to providing mental health services tailored to the unique needs of women veterans, to putting roofs over the heads of those who are homeless, these VA programs are essential parts of our sacred commitment to care for those who served our nation. Today’s vote is a testament to the success, effectiveness, and popularity of these programs, and I will continue fighting to make them permanent so that every veteran gets the care they have earned and deserve.”

Congresswoman Brownley has been spearheading the effort in Congress to secure the future of important veterans programs, including introducing legislation in January to make permanent the VA’s pilot program on retreats for women veterans (H.R. 91), to expand and make permanent the VA’s child care pilot program (H.R. 95), and to make permanent several homeless veterans assistance programs (H.R. 104). H.R. 91 passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in May, and H.R. 95 passed the full House in July.

Trump Extends Travel Restrictions

Source: House Representative Lou Barletta (R-PA, 11th)
Source: The White House

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, applauded President Trump’s announcement that he will be using his constitutional authority to strengthen security standards for foreign nationals traveling to the United States. President Trump’s enhancement of national security measures per Executive Order 13780 temporarily suspended travel to the United States from eight countries that have strong connections to terrorism, inadequate information sharing services, and poor screening and vetting processes. Five of the countries listed in the executive order have failed to improve their vetting processes to the administration’s baseline standard, and therefore restrictions will be maintained on foreign nationals traveling from these countries. In addition, after further review of our national security protocols, Chad, North Korea, and Venezuela have been added to the original five countries and will also face enhanced restrictions.

Barletta released the following statement:

“We are a compassionate nation, one built on legal and orderly immigration, and one which has always offered a place for people seeking better lives. However, our enemies continuously seek to use our generosity against us, and the president has a duty to protect the American people first. We know that ISIS has expressed their intent to use our refugee program to sneak their fighters and sympathizers into our country because our security measures are lacking. We cannot allow this.

“It is also important to recognize that citizens of foreign nations simply do not have the right to unfettered admission to the United States. In hearings before the House Homeland Security Committee under both the Obama and Trump administrations, numerous national security experts and professionals have stated that we simply cannot accurately screen all foreign nationals because we have no information from their home countries to verify their identities. In many cases, we have no idea who is trying to enter our country. I fully support President Trump’s actions to keep America safe, which I believe are only prudent as we work on a system that allows us to verify the identity and background of applicants.”

President Trump said in a press release announcing the restrictions:

“Our government's first duty is to its people, to our citizens -- to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights, and to defend their values.”

Other statements:

Source: House Representative Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th)

“Donald Trump cannot camouflage his Muslim Ban by adding new countries to it. Its discriminatory roots are still plainly visible. This policy is an attempt to use racial and anti-religious animus to divide people for political ends.

As with previous bans, the Administration provides no evidence that they enhance public safety. Meanwhile, the ban continues to stigmatize millions of Muslim Americans, as well as our key allies in the war on terror.

This policy has been wrong from the start, it is wrong still, and I will continue to oppose it.”

FAA faces partial shutdown as authorization approaches expiration

Source: Ralph Abraham (R-LA, 5th)

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Due to news that the Federal Aviation Administration is facing a partial shutdown, Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., issued the following statement in response to a proposed six-month extension of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"I will read the bill that’s been proposed and determine whether it is the best path forward at this time. However, I still maintain that we ultimately need a long-term FAA authorization that does not place control of our nation’s skies in the hands of a corporate board," Dr. Abraham said.

Statements about Trump's UN Speech

Not too many House Representatives weighed in on their thoughts after the President spoke at the United Nations. I guess most of them were left speechless by the audacity the President showed the world by stating loud and clear that America's priorities were for America FIRST. Below are all the statements I could find so far:

House Representative Tom Cole (R-OK, 4th)

“President Trump’s speech was clearly one of the best and most consequential speeches of his presidency thus far. He gave a spirited defense of American values and interests to the UN, and he put America first.”

“In addition, he sent a direct, blunt and clear message that unambiguously called out North Korea, Iran and Venezuela for activities at odds with the best interests of the civilized world. In doing so, President Trump made it clear that America continues to lead and uphold the international order. He was also quick to remind other countries to do their part in reigning in rogue nations and terrorist organizations.”

“Make no mistake about it, this speech was a major statement defining America’s role on the international stage. I believe historians will look back on this speech as a defining moment in the Trump presidency. It asserted and redefined America’s role as the leader of the free world.”

House Representative Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)

“President Trump’s speech before the UN General Assembly was a tour de force. Trump directly addressed key foreign policy issues and laid out an agenda rooted in America's national interests.

Trump forthrightly condemned those who threaten global security, including the Rocket Man’s suicide mission in North Korea and Iran’s malevolent nuclear ambitions. His speech also empowered those fighting for freedom and democracy in places such as Venezuela and Cuba by acknowledging their courageous struggle against socialist governments.

President Trump bluntly challenged the UN to live up to its mission – something that is sorely needed given the utter fecklessness that the UN has characteristically displayed when confronting serious global problems.”

House Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN, 4th)

"I'm heartened to see President Trump reasserting American values and strength. The days of apologizing for our country's greatness and leading role in the world are over. The United States will protect itself and our allies and hold the United Nations to the same promise."

House Representative Daniel Donovan (R-NY, 11th)

“President Trump delivered a forceful and inspired vision for a peaceful and prosperous world order based on sovereignty and mutual interest. President Trump emphasized his commitment to putting America first, and called on world leaders to do the same in their own countries. He’s right to meet provocations from rogue regimes with strength, especially after years of ‘strategic patience’ haven’t stopped Kim Jong-Un.

“International progress comes from the productivity and innovation of the world’s diverse people. They should all be free to pursue their interests within their own countries – countries that respect one another’s sovereign rights to seek peace and prosperity.

“I wholeheartedly support President Trump’s vision. America has been the greatest force for good in history based on the principles he embraced in this morning’s speech.”

House Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)

“I appreciate the President’s strong address to the United Nations today in New York. He was right to call out regimes in North Korea, Iran, Syria and Venezuela; each of these regimes have subjugated their own people and continue to make threats and acts against world order and peace. The UN must help align an international coalition against these states and their leaders. The President also highlighted the importance of reforming the UN to carry out its noble mission of promoting freedom, cooperation and human rights. This is crucial, and something Ambassador Haley has been an outspoken advocate for. I support that endeavor wholeheartedly. I will continue working with both parties in Congress and on the Foreign Affairs Committee to advance an American foreign policy that promotes peace and stability for all people.”

House Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ, 7th)

“President Trump once again delivered an embarrassing performance with the whole world watching. But more than his various cringe-worthy statements, it was his continuing failure to project the kind of calm, steady leadership that the international community has come to expect from American presidents that was most alarming.

“As a veteran, Trump’s speech only served to heighten my grave concerns that he could steer the United States into war through bluster or sheer incompetence.

“At the United Nations, the President implied that he would pull out of the Iran Deal, despite the fact that the agreement has unquestionably slowed or stopped Iranian progress toward a nuclear weapon. Scrapping the deal would isolate us from the world community, encourage Iran to seek a nuclear breakout, and prime the Middle East for a massive conflict. Without the deal, Trump is choosing a nuclear Iran, a war with Iran, or both.

“The President also fundamentally misunderstands what a war with North Korea would entail. There is no ‘winning’ a war with Pyongyang. Destruction of the North is within our power, but doing so would mean the deaths of millions of South Koreans, Japanese, and yes, American troops and civilians in South Korea and perhaps farther away. It could – and likely would – mean war with China. That is no ‘victory.’

“Simply put, every time President Trump opens his mouth, America’s leadership and global standing diminishes.”

It is becoming more and more apparent how unpatriotic and against America's best interest Democrats are.
Just listen every time they open their mouth.

House Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)

“President Trump’s speech to the United Nations will be remembered not for rallying the international community around our common challenges, but instead for threatening another nation with annihilation. Let us be clear: the issue is not whether the U.S. is capable of destroying North Korea, but rather whether we are willing to allow South Korea, Japan, and potentially Guam to be destroyed in the process—along with hundreds of thousands of American lives."

“Name-calling and brash rhetoric make America neither great nor safe. I am also disappointed that President Trump failed to include a single mention of climate change, which poses an existential threat to America and the world.”

North Korea is about to Nuke us, ISIS is taking over the world, people are being kidnapped and sold for sex slaves and people are dying because they are Christian, and this man is focused on climate change. Is there any doubt that the Democrats have the wrong priorities?

House Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)

“President Donald Trump’s speech at the United Nations today betrayed America’s values and abandoned our nation’s legacy of global leadership. The world witnessed a provocative, unstable demagogue threaten to start a conflict that would risk nuclear war and imperil millions of lives.

“President Trump’s dangerous rhetoric, coming from a man with the nuclear codes, is a global threat that puts every American at risk. I strongly condemn both his speech and the foundation of ignorance in which it was rooted.”

Thank God it doesn't matter what the Democrats think about Trump. What matters is what the UN thinks about Trump's speech.

House Representative David Price (D-NC, 4th)

“President Trump’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly served only to further alienate the United States from its allies, and to sow doubts among our adversaries and rivals as to our steadfastness and resolve. In an incoherent series of brash threats, the President called on the international community to ‘totally destroy’ a nuclear-armed North Korea, while undermining the international effort to restrain Iran’s nuclear program. Furthermore, the President failed even to mention serious concerns like climate change, cyber-warfare, and heightened tensions with Russia. The President’s hypocritical threats and childish name-calling do nothing to advance American interests or project American strength. Instead, they send a clear signal of incoherence and incompetence.”

Really? I thought he was quite clear and coherent. The only people alienated are those who wish to take away our sovereignty. We will work with anyone to preserve their sovereignty, is it too much to ask for them to do the same? AMERICANS SHOULD BE FOR AMERICA FIRST.

House Representative Todd Rokita (R-IN, 4th)

“President Trump has shown our world tremendous leadership since taking office. His speech to the United Nation’s General Assembly showed a strong, and clear stance in regards to North Korea, Iran and the threats they pose to the United States and the world. As a Member of Congress during this Administration and President Obama’s, I can confidently say that this is a night and day difference from President Obama’s stance eight years ago.”

“President Trump reminded the rest of the world that we have fought for them, and we have lost American lives because of this fight. We continue to support our allies and the rest of the world. But, the American people must always come first just like the citizens of each other country should come first for their government. This is the way to achieve peace and I am proud to stand with President Trump to work towards this goal.”

“Our great friend and ally, the State of Israel, was also in the audience for the President’s speech. Israel is represented by another great leader, Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

House Adopts Tonko Amendment to Upgrade Mental Health Crisis Response Systems

Source: House Representative Paul D. Tonko (D-NY, 20th)

Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously to adopt an amendment by New York Congressman Paul D. Tonko that would allocate $12.5 million to states to establish real-time bed registries to assist individuals experiencing a psychiatric or substance abuse crisis.

Rep. Paul Tonko: “When a person is going through a mental health or substance use crisis, getting immediate and effective treatment can be a matter of life and death. Today, many states today lack a reliable system for keeping track of which treatment facilities have space available, meaning vulnerable patients are left waiting while overburdened healthcare workers call each area hospital, one by one, in the hope that they can find an appropriate placement. Even at its best, this is an inefficient and time-consuming process. At its worst, the results are tragic. By streamlining the process of finding the appropriate treatment placement for patients in crisis, this program promises to save lives, increase system efficiency, and provide a higher standard of care for those who urgently need it.”

The Strengthening Community Crisis Response Systems grant program was authored by Rep. Tonko and included as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, which was signed into law by former President Obama.

Bed registries supported by this legislation would collect and provide real-time Internet-based information regarding available beds, the type of patient that may be admitted, the level of security provided, and any other information that may be necessary to allow for the proper identification of appropriate facilities for treatment of individuals in psychiatric or substance abuse crisis.

These systems include psychiatric hospitals, crisis stabilization centers, first responders, emergency health care providers, primary care providers, law enforcement, court systems, health care payers, social service providers, behavioral health providers, and residential community resources.

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act Passes House, Opposed by Congress Member

Source: House Representative Dina Titus (D-NV, 1st)

Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District released the following statement after the U.S. House passed H.R. 3697, the so-called “Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act.”

The legislation creates new grounds for removal of “gang members,” but the bill’s poorly-written and broad language captures many individuals who have no involvement in any gang activity: members of the religious community, humanitarian workers, and green-card holders, among others. The bill strips away due process rights by allowing law enforcement to take action based on the mere belief of an association with criminal activity. There have been no hearings, no mark-ups, and no opportunities to offer amendments.

“A vote for this bill is a vote to attack, profile and deport immigrants. I stand with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to say that this legislation’s dangerous and sweeping provisions ignore due process rights and change the definition of ‘criminal gang’ to target nuns, ministers, rabbis, humanitarian workers, and others who harbor immigrants who are often fleeing danger. Instead of infringing on constitutional rights and ramming through bills without normal order, Republicans should work with Democrats to debate and pass comprehensive reform bills to fix our nation’s broken immigration system and fight crime.”

Denies Admission to Individuals on the Mere Belief of Wrongdoing.

The bill denies the admission of many categories of immigrants—including persons sponsored for family- and employment-based green cards, as well as certain lawful permanent residents returning from abroad—based on nothing more than an immigration officer having a “reason to believe” of an affiliation to gang or certain other criminal activity.

Under this bill, many immigrants could be denied admission or even deported with little due process based on no real evidence of a gang affiliation. The “reason to believe” standard is a low burden of proof similar to probable cause, and it does not require a conviction or even an arrest. The government need only have grounds to “believe” an affiliation to certain wrongdoing.

Classifies Religious Workers and Humanitarian Aid Workers as Gang Members.

The bill refers to a broad range of criminal activity, including the “harboring” of immigrants under INA § 274. This “harboring” provision is not restricted to those in the business of smuggling immigrants, but includes anyone who provides shelter, transportation, or support to undocumented immigrants. The federal courts have found that “harboring” includes offering a known undocumented individual a place to stay. This statute has been used against religious workers, as well as persons who live with undocumented family members.

As noted above, the bill would not even require a criminal conviction (or even an arrest) in order to support a finding of harboring for purposes of this provision. Instead, the mere belief of involvement in harboring could be used to classify individuals as criminal gang members.

This provision could thus be used against religious or humanitarian workers who provide aid to undocumented immigrants. The bill thus would turn nuns who assist undocumented immigrants into gang members overnight. And it is retroactive, so any non-citizen religious or humanitarian aid worker who has harbored an undocumented immigrant in the past could be detained and deported.