Same-Sex Marriage, Immigration arrest of U.S. Citizen, NRA Alaska Governor Endorsement

For those of you who don't know, the "Respect for Marriage Act" passed the House yesterday with a total of 267 votes, 47 of which were Republican votes.

The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (H.R. 3396) and ensures that marriages valid under the law of the state where they were performed are recognized for purposes of federal law and benefits. It also provides additional legal protections for marriage equality from those fighting against it while acting under the color of state law.

===

Carlos Rios, a United States citizen, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, last week, against Pierce County and Pierce County Jail deputies, seeking declaratory relief and damages for his unlawful imprisonment and violations of his civil rights under federal and state law. He is represented in the case by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), the ACLU of Washington, and Rekhi & Wolk, P.S.

Apparently, he was arrested on a misdemeaner, charges were dropped, but immigration officials ordered him to be held for immigration violation, even though he is a U.S. citizen.

===

The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is proud to announce its endorsement of Mike Dunleavy for Governor in the 2022 Alaska Primary.

"Mike Dunleavy has demonstrated steadfast support for our Second Amendment freedoms," said Jason Ouimet, chairman, NRA-PVF. “He has worked tirelessly to secure Alaska's rich hunting heritage and defend our Constitutional right to self-defense."

Small Business, Health Worker Shortage, Education Loans, Cattle Market, Immigration, Educator Pay, Pharmacy, Police

NFIB Statement on President Biden’s Small Business Roundtable
Source: National Federation of Independent Business
April 28, 2022
“Small businesses continue to face numerous challenges including historic inflation, high gas prices, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and threats of significant tax hikes,” said Kevin Kuhlman, NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations. “These challenges are dragging down small business optimism and outlook, as expectations of better business conditions is at a 48-year low, according to NFIB’s Research Center. The administration, along with Congress, should focus on solutions to promote and accelerate the fragile small business recovery and reject any legislation, such as the Build Back Better Act, that increases taxes and imposes unaffordable mandates and penalties on Main Street, which threaten to worsen the small business challenges.”
Read more...

States Collaborate To Combat Health Worker Shortage
National Governor’s Association
April 28, 2022
“Every state is facing health workforce challenges, and the pandemic has revealed how quickly the challenge can become a crisis when the system is strained – especially for rural communities,” said Timothy Blute, director of the NGA Center. “Governors are leading on this critical issue, and we look forward to working with states to develop and share creative solutions.”
Read more...

Advocates Applaud ED Approval of $238M Discharge for Marinello School of Beauty Borrowers
Source: National Consumer Law Center
April 28, 2022
“Today’s actions could be a turning point in how the Department of Education provides relief to borrowers who were scammed by their schools. For the first time in over five years, ED has finally deployed its group discharge authority to provide loan cancellation to defrauded borrowers without requiring them all to submit borrower defense applications. This shift is long overdue.
Read more...

NCBA President Urges Congress to Adopt Broadly Supported Cattle Market Policies
Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
April 28, 2022
“The only people who know exactly how cattle producers should navigate these uncertain times are the individuals who work around the clock, day in and day out, to raise the safest and highest quality beef in the world—in other words: cattle producers,” said Schiefelbein.
Read more...

======
Visit Shonda Ponder Enterprises by clicking HERE!
======

Speakers Call for Consensus on Border, Immigration
Source: National Immigration Forum
April 27, 2022
“Without question, we need border-management and immigration solutions,” said Laurence Benenson, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the National Immigration Forum. “With the release of the Department of Homeland Security’s border plan on Tuesday, the Biden administration has added some important detail to its post-Title 42 strategy. But the need for legislative reform is stronger than ever. Members of Congress should come together in good faith and reach agreement on immigration reforms.”
Read more...

======
Visit The Stuff Gazette by clicking HERE
======

NEA Unveils New Nationwide Data on Educator Pay and School Funding
Source: National Education Association
April 26, 2022
“For decades, America’s educators have been chronically underappreciated and shamefully underpaid,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Throughout this persistent and ongoing pandemic, they have demonstrated their commitment to all students, no matter their ZIP code, the language they speak, or the gender with which they identify. After persevering through the hardest school years in recent memory, our educators are exhausted and feeling less and less optimistic about their futures.
Read more...

======
Visit God Inspires by clicking HERE!
======

NCPA, State Pharmacy Groups Comment on NAIC’s Rutledge v. PCMA Analysis
Source: National Community Pharmacists Association
April 25, 2022
The National Community Pharmacists Association and 41 state pharmacy associations are providing input to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on educational material it is developing regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s December 2020 decision in Rutledge v. PCMA. In this case the Court unanimously found that federal law does not preclude states from enforcing reimbursement and pricing regulations against pharmacy benefit managers, giving states greater authority to protect their local businesses and patients from PBM overreach.
Read more...

Traffic Stops: Understanding and Addressing Citizens’ Concerns
Source: National District Attorneys Association
April 25, 2022
Across the United States, police departments and policing as a whole are in the spotlight. The horrific event in Minneapolis nearly two years ago has served as the example for many to illustrate systemic issues of racism and violence within the law enforcement profession. This perception of the law enforcement profession sparked discussion about defunding the police and some communities actually implemented this concept. How one views this spotlight on a law enforcement agency depends on one’s perspective. Some law enforcement agencies have become defensive, hoping the winds of change will pass them by or, like a vast majority of law enforcement agencies, view this challenge as an opportunity to bring even greater professionalism and better practices to a profession to which most officers are deeply dedicated.
Read more...

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to May 22, 2020

Historic LGBTQ Victory: U.S. House Passes Equality Act
Source: National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund
May 17, 2020, 2020
Now that it’s been successfully passed in the House, we will turn our attention to building grassroots support and momentum to advance the Senate version of the Equality Act that is led by Senators Jeff Merkley, Susan Collins, Tammy Baldwin, and Cory Booker.
Read more...

Farm and Environmental Organizations Rebuke New USDA Regulatory Review
Source: National Family Farm Coalition
May 18, 2020, 2020
“USDA’s release of its new GE regulatory framework has dealt a devastating blow to the security of farmers’ livelihoods, the health of their farms and communities, and their ability to build the biodiverse, climate-resilient, and economically robust farming systems that we so urgently need. We’ve already seen how GE seeds engineered to resist herbicides like glyphosate, 2,4-D, and dicamba, are driving widespread pesticide drift that is damaging crops, destroying farm businesses and wreaking havoc across the country. By abdicating the last of its responsibility to protect the public good in favor of corporate profit, USDA is encouraging a flood of new, untested genetically engineered organisms into our rural landscapes, putting farmers, ecosystems and our food supply at risk.”
Read more...

NIH-funded study to investigate pregnancy outcomes resulting from COVID-19 pandemic
Source: National Institutes of Health
May 19, 2020, 2020
The National Institutes of Health has launched a multipronged study to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during and after pregnancy. Researchers will analyze the medical records of up to 21,000 women to evaluate whether changes to healthcare delivery that were implemented as a result of the pandemic have led to higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and cesarean delivery. They also seek to establish the risk of pregnant women with COVID-19 infection transmitting the virus to their fetus. Newborns will be monitored and assessed until they are discharged from the hospital.
Read more...

======

======

With Millions Of Jobs At Stake, State And Local Government Associations Call On Congress To Approve Aid
Source: National Governor’s Association
May 20, 2020, 2020
With millions of jobs and the economic recovery at stake, the seven leading organizations representing state, territorial and local governments called on Congress to approve an aid package that would sustain vital services to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more...

New rules from OCC: Banks can now get CRA credit for funding digital inclusion
Source: National Digital Inclusion Alliance
May 20, 2020, 2020
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal agency that oversees national banks and savings associations, has just added support for community digital inclusion programs to its official list of “qualified activities” that could help a regulated bank meet its obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).
Read more...

HHS clarifies that pharmacists are authorized to administer COVID-19 testing despite state law
Source: National Community Pharmacists Association
May 20, 2020, 2020
On May 19, HHS' Office of General Counsel released an advisory opinion clarifying that pharmacists are authorized to order and administer FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests in states where they are not be authorized to do so.
Read more...

The HEAL Act Expands Access to Health Care Regardless of Immigration Status
Source: National Immigration Law Center
May 20, 2020, 2020
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Health Equity and Access under the Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Women and Families Act to expand immigrants’ access to crucial and comprehensive health care, with support from more than 250 organizations. This year marks the bill’s first-ever introduction in the Senate, and it comes at a time when it is abundantly clear that health coverage and care are critical for every person, family, and community.
Read more...

More Than 170 Businesses and Community Organizations Call on Congressional Leaders to Provide Direct Federal Aid to America’s Cities, Towns, and Villages
Source: National League of Cities
May 20, 2020, 2020
More than 170 businesses, associations, and community organizations sent a letter to congressional leaders in the House and Senate today urging them to provide direct federal assistance to America’s cities, towns, and villages in the next congressional recovery bill. The coalition is coming together following the bipartisan decision to shut down the nation’s economy due to COVID-19, which has strained the budgets of cities of all shapes and sizes, urban and rural, and of all political stripes.
Read more...


======

======

Majority of Small Businesses Have Received PPP Loan Funding, Fewer have Received an EIDL Loan
Source: National Federation of Independent Business
May 21, 2020, 2020
“Small businesses continue to face many challenges in operating their business in these difficult times,” said Holly Wade, NFIB Director of Research & Policy Analysis. “Congress and the Administration have the authority to further lighten the burden for many of their immediate concerns, especially in offering more flexibility for PPP loans.”
Read more...

Amid Pandemic, Migrants Face Impossible Choices
Source: National Immigration Forum
May 21, 2020, 2020
A new Trump administration policy is reportedly forcing migrant parents to choose between family separation and indefinite detention in crowded facilities, adding to a growing list of troubling immigration policies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more...



======

======

Los Angeles County Ends PACE Program Marred by Fraud, Abuse, and Unaffordable Loans
Source: National Consumer Law Center
May 22, 2020, 2020
Effective May 13, 2020, Los Angeles County has discontinued new financing under its Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan program, concluding the County could not be certain the program can “provide sufficient protection for all consumers.”
Read more...

======

======

======

======

Coronavirus, Outdoors, Immigration, Polls, Seniors, Hiring Freeze

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 24, 2020

COVID-19 RESPONSE: OIA TAKES ACTION TO HELP STIMULATE US ECONOMY
Source: Outdoor Industry Association
March 18, 2020
Outdoor companies have been severely impacted by the punitive tariffs imposed on certain U.S. imports from China. Products like backpacks, leather ski gloves, camp chairs, some camp stoves and bikes (List 3) have been hit with an additional 25 percent tariff, while some outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment (List 4A) face a 7.5 percent tariff. These higher costs and the uncertainty of when or if the punitive tariffs will be removed have hampered innovation, U.S. job growth and new business opportunities for outdoor companies.
Read more...

======
Put your ad here for just $1.00
======

Olson Joins Houston Colleagues to Issue Bipartisan Joint Statement on COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Pete Olson (R-TX, 22nd)
March 19, 2020
“The spread of COVID-19 represents a serious and unprecedented threat to the health and safety of our communities. As members of the Houston Congressional Delegation, we are committed to working together for our region and our country. We will work to acquire the resources, guidance, and support it needs to combat this pandemic. Now is the time for all of us to work together to minimize the spread of coronavirus across our community and our country, protect hard-working families that will be hit the most by this disease, and help small businesses stay afloat while we tackle this ongoing threat. We are Houston Strong and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the community ready to make it through this together.”
Read more...

======
Put your ad here for just $1.00
======

Rep. Omar Leads Letter Calling for Deportation Freeze, Comprehensive Plan to Prevent Outbreak in Immigration Detention Facilities
Source: U.S. Representative Lihan Omar (D-MN, 6th)
March 20, 2020
Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) led a letter to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf calling for a suspension of interior immigration enforcement, a deportation freeze, a freeze to in-person immigration court proceedings, and a comprehensive plan to prevent an outbreak in immigration detention facilities during the COVID-19 epidemic. The letter was signed by Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Debbie Dingell, Joseph P. Kennedy III, Barbara Lee, David E. Price, Raúl M. Grijalva, Scott Peters, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Mark Takano, Mark Pocan, Judy Chu, Tony Cárdenas, Jan Schakowsky, and Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Read more...
Is it surprising that this Democrat-Muslim is more concerned about illegal immigrants than American Citizens? But, just to be fair, Trump did say in a press conference that he has no interest in deporting anyone right now, because to do so would just put other countries at risk, and we are trying to stop the spread of the virus, not give it to surrounding countries.

New Poll Highlights Support for Aggressive COVID Response
Source: OxFam America
March 20, 2020
US voters overwhelmingly and enthusiastically support aggressive action by Congress and the President to address both the public health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, according to a new poll released by Oxfam America and Data for Progress released today. The poll showed high support for paid sick leave for all workers, emergency funding for food supplies for those affected by the crisis, free testing for the virus, and moratoriums on evictions, foreclosures, and utility shutoffs.
Read more...

======
Put your ad here for just $1.00
======

O’Halleran, Smith Lead Bipartisan Group to Call on Congressional Leadership to Prioritize Seniors’ Health During Coronavirus Crisis
Source: U.S. Representative Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ, 1st)
March 23, 2020
“While the administration has acted to encourage the use of telehealth in order to prevent unnecessary travel and face-to-face interactions, our nation’s safety net providers in rural health clinics and federally qualified community health centers are currently unable to provide distant site telehealth visits to their patients under Medicare,” wrote O’Halleran, Smith, and cosigners. “Until we resolve this, Medicare patients who receive their care from physicians and practitioners in these facilities must physically come in to receive care.”
Read more...

Governor DeWine Orders Hiring Freeze for State Agencies, Boards, and Commissions
Source: Ohio Governor’s Office
March 23, 2020
"Commercial activity is slowing down across Ohio, and as a result, state revenues will also go down dramatically. It is important, as Governor, that I take action now," said Governor DeWine. "The earlier we start slowing down the spending, the more impact it will have."
Read more...

======
Put your ad here for just $1.00
======

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Shonda Ponder, Editor-in-chief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today's News for February 1, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reps. DeFazio, Bonamici Visit U.S.-Mexico Border to Investigate President Trump’s Remain in Mexico Policy

by U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st)

Washington, D.C. - January 24, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Reps. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) participated in a Congressional delegation trip to Brownsville, TX and Matamoros, Mexico to investigate the Trump Administration’s Remain in Mexico policy and the use of tent court facilities to adjudicate Remain in Mexico asylum cases.

“I’ve visited refugee camps around the world, and what I saw today is a disgrace to the United States of America and the ideals on which our nation was founded,” said Rep. DeFazio. “The conditions to which we are submitting asylum-seekers—including widespread disease, inadequate medical care, rampant violence and sexual assault, and non-existent infrastructure—is inhumane, plain and simple. This crisis is the direct result of President Trump’s cruel and ineffective Remain in Mexico policy, and Congress must put an end to it as soon as possible.”

“Walking around this enormous camp just over the bridge from America – the land of opportunity – we saw families and so many children living in squalor trying to make a life for themselves,” said Rep. Bonamici. “We met a family from El Salvador and the mom was trying to explain to us how sick her child is. She took us around to the opening of her tent and let us look inside to see her sick baby on the floor. This is no way to treat families who are coming to the United States because they are seeking a better life. They are escaping violence. They are escaping countries where they don’t feel—and are not—safe. We need to open our arms and open our hearts and let these families make their case here in the United States of America.”

In January 2019, the Trump administration enacted Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the Remain in Mexico policy, which allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to return applicants for admission to the United States to the contiguous country from which they arrived (on land) pending removal proceedings. The MPP sends migrants back to Mexico to await their court proceedings for the duration of their case.

Since last winter, DHS has sent an estimated 60,000 asylum seekers back into Mexico under the MPP. The Wall Street Journal reported that through the end of November, more than 15,000 of those people have been ordered deported, and 117 have been granted asylum or some other relief.

The tent encampment in Matamoros is the largest of its kind on the U.S.-Mexico border, with an estimated 3,000 asylum-seekers waiting for their claims to be processed. Reports indicate widespread disease, inadequate infrastructure, and a high incidence of violence and sexual assault.

China, Predatory Lending, Housing, Labor, Immigration, Vaping, Environment, Horse Racing

China

Rep. Jim Banks Introduces House Bill Banning Intelligence Sharing With Countries Using Huawei
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
January 21, 2020
“Huawei is a Trojan Horse for the Chinese Communist Party to spy on and infiltrate other nations. Our allies must choose: Adopt Huawei and lose access to U.S. intelligence, or remain our trusted partner,” said Rep. Banks.

Read more...

ATA Applauds Ratification of USMCA Trade Deal
Source: American Trucking Association
January 16, 2020
“Trade is central to the trucking industry – 76% of all surface freight between the U.S. and our nearest neighbors moves by truck – so the newly ratified USMCA will be a boon to our economy and our industry,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “This agreement will boost both U.S. exports and gross domestic product, meaning more truck movements and delivering measurable returns for our industry.”

Read more...

Predatory Lending

OCC Proposal Could Greenlight Predatory Lending Schemes
Source: Americans for Financial Reform
January 22, 2020
A coalition of more than 100 organizations yesterday submitted a public comment in opposition to a proposed rule from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) that would make it easier for payday and other high-cost lenders to use banks as a fig leaf to offer predatory loans at interest rates of 100 percent APR or higher that are prohibited under state rate cap laws. This scheme is known as “rent-a-bank” or “rent-a-charter.”

Read more...

Housing

Carson’s housing fairness rule is a winner for America
Source: Americans for Limited Government
January 17, 2020
“Since 2015, Americans for Limited Government has led the charge to reform the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing regulation to remove any requirements for localities that take community development block grants to make changes to local zoning. We are pleased that HUD Secretary Ben Carson produced a final rule that protects local zoning prerogatives while encouraging evaluation as to whether regulations have an adverse impact on housing affordability. This rightly stops the nationalization of zoning while still encouraging fair housing, once again placing primacy on cities and counties to make the best decisions for their communities. The last thing Americans needed was Washington, D.C. bureaucrats dictating zoning requirements based on Census maps, and Secretary Carson successfully ended this overreach.”

Read more...

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Dips in November
Source: Associated Builders and Contractors Association
January 21, 2020
Nonresidential construction backlog has generally been trending lower since the spring of 2019, but as a practical matter, this represents little cause for concern,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “There are at least two reasons for this. First, backlog reached a record high of 9.5 months in March 2019, buoyed by seasonal factors and an economy that had yet to feel the full effects of ongoing trade disputes. Second, for much of 2019, those who consume construction services, including developers, were faced with elevated levels of uncertainty due to America’s trade disputes with China, a rapidly softening global economy, a stock market that had suffered losses and exhibited substantial volatility in late 2018, an inverted yield curve and a weakening manufacturing sector.

Read more...

Labor

Americans for Prosperity Applauds Administration Joint Employer Rule
Source: Americans for Prosperity
January 22, 2020
Americans for Prosperity applauded the U.S. Department of Labor for its final rule to revise and update its regulations interpreting joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The rule eliminates barriers that have hindered small businesses’ ability to improve their workplace and create jobs in recent years.

Read more...

Immigration

AAJC Files Supreme Court Brief Against Statute That Violates First Amendment Rights
Source: Asian Americans Advancing Justice
January 22, 2020
AAJC (Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC) filed an amicus brief before the Supreme Court in United States v. Sineneng-Smith to urge the Court to strike down a federal statute that makes it a felony to “encourage or induce” individuals to enter or remain in the U.S. unlawfully. This statute has the potential to chill the everyday work of immigrants’ rights advocates and service providers who often assist undocumented individuals, their families, and their communities. The brief was joined by 33 community-based, advocacy, and social services organizations.

Read more...

Vaping

BALDWIN HELPS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HOLD E-CIGARETTE COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE YOUTH VAPING CRISIS
Source: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D - WI)
January 22, 2020
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined her bipartisan colleagues led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to introduce legislation to protect children from the dangers of e-cigarettes. The Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act would require that e-cigarette manufacturers pay user fees to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help fund more activity at FDA to conduct stronger oversight of the e-cigarette industry and increase awareness of the dangers of e-cigarettes. The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Mitt Romney (R-UT).

Read more...

Environment

Bank of America Achieves Carbon Neutrality
Source: Bank of America
January 21, 2020
“We are delivering responsible growth by focusing on serving our clients, investing in our teammates, supporting the communities where we operate – AND by addressing important societal priorities,” said Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America. “Being carbon neutral is core to our $300 billion, 10-year environmental business initiative that is helping finance the transition to a low-carbon future.”

Read more...

Horse Racing

Statement from Congressman Andy Barr on “Legislation to Promote the Health and Safety of Racehorses” Hearing
Source: U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY, 6th)
January 21, 2020
“This hearing is an important step in furthering the conversation around the need for transparency and standardization in horseracing,” said Congressman Barr. “I look forward to a robust discussion with Members of the Energy and Commerce Committee and equine industry experts on how to ensure the integrity and safety of the sport. As the Representative of the Horse Capital of the World, I will continue to fight for the future of horseracing and build on this momentum to bring this vital legislation to the House floor for a vote.”

Read more...

China Trade Deal, Student Loans, ERA Amendment, Impeachment, Immigration, Seniors, Uzbekistan, War Powers

China Trade Deal

Lucas Applauds Signing of U.S.-China Phase-One Trade Deal
Source: Frank Lucas (R-OK, 3rd)
January 15, 2020
Beginning in 2015, then presidential-candidate Donald Trump promised to defend America’s farmers and workers and renegotiate the unfair trade policies between the United States and our trading partners. Since then, President Trump and his Administration have stood behind that promise and today, are delivering a strong and enforceable commitment from China leveling the playing field for America’s farmers, workers, manufacturers, and businesses.

Read more...

President Trump is Standing Up for Our Agricultural Community
Source: Kevin McCarthy (R-CA, 23rd)
January 15, 2020
“Once again, President Trump is supporting our farmers and agricultural producers through the signing of this first phase of a new trade pact. As part of today’s negotiations, the President secured a commitment from China to purchase $80 billion worth of California and American food, agricultural, and seafood products over the next two years. This will help ensure that California agricultural products retain a presence in the Chinese market despite China’s tariffs on our exports. Additionally, China has agreed to expand access to its market for beef and pork products and rice, among others. The state of California is the fifth largest agricultural producer in the world, and I am confident that these measures will help continue to ensure that our state remains an agricultural leader globally.”

Read more...

Student Loans

Maloney Votes to Protect Students and Reject DeVos’ Giveaway to Predatory, For-Profit Colleges
Source: Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
January 16, 2020
“Students and their families shouldn’t have to worry their college is cheating them out of money and a quality education. Unlike Betsy Devos, who’s working to line the pockets of for-profit colleges, we’re fighting to protect students and crack down on the scams hundreds of thousands of students and taxpayers face from these predatory schools,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.

Read more...

ERA Amendment

Maloney, House Sponsor of the ERA, Celebrates Virginia Ratification Votes
Source: Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
January 15, 2020
“As the long-time sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment in the House of Representatives, witnessing today’s votes is truly exhilarating. I commend the leaders in Virginia for prioritizing this historic legislation, and celebrate this tremendous victory with them. In less than three years, three states have voted to ratify the ERA, rejecting arguments that the time for the ERA had passed. I am confident that more will follow. I am committed to working to ensure a vote in Congress to remove the time limit that was attached to the amendment when it passed in 1972. We will keep moving forward until the ERA is adopted into the Constitution, where it belongs.

Read more...

Impeachment

Luetkemeyer: Articles of Impeachment Moving to Senate After Month Long Delay
Source: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MI, 3rd)
January 15, 2020
“Nearly a month after passing the articles of impeachment Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats continually called ‘urgent’ and a ‘national security concern,’ they finally agreed to release the articles to the Senate. This on again off again strategy has, once again, shown the American people that this process has been nothing more than a political game,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer. “Just like the timing of the House vote was designed to distract the far left from the passage of President Trump’s historic USMCA trade deal, the Speaker’s delay in transmitting the articles is more about political expediency than Democrats’ false claims of wrongdoing by President Trump. I’m glad the House can finally put this sham investigation behind us and get back to work for the American people.”

Read more...

MARSHALL VOTES TO MOVE ON TO THE PEOPLE'S WORK
Source: Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)
January 15, 2020
“For months, Democrats said impeachment was urgent and that they’d already proven their case. Then Nancy Pelosi refused to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate for four weeks and now says we need to see more evidence. It is clear this impeachment circus was, and is, nothing but an attempted political railroading of the President. This is a total waste of time. It is time to get on to the people’s work.”

Read more...

Immigration

LUJÁN, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALL ON ICE TO END TRANSGENDER MIGRANT DETENTION
Source: Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)
January 15, 2020
In a letter to Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf and ICE Acting Director Matthew Albence, Luján, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), and dozens of Members of Congress sharply criticized the treatment and lack of humanitarian care in ICE facilities for transgender immigrants. LGBTQ+ immigrants are 97 times more likely to be sexually victimized in detention than cisgender immigrants. At least two women, Roxsana Hernandez Rodriguez and Johana Medina León, have died in ICE custody.

Read more...

Seriously? JUST the transgenders? If we let them go, we might as well let all the little girls go, too. They might be too pretty and attract child traffickers. Then, we'd have to let all the pregnant women go, because detention centers are nowhere to have a baby. Then the other children who might be missing out on a great education. Let's just let the men go, too. Their families depend on them. Seriously?

Seniors

Congresswoman Luria Votes to Protect Older Americans from Workforce Discrimination
Source: Elaine Luria (D-VA, 2nd)
January 15, 2020
“It is unacceptable that older Americans are routinely discriminated against in the workplace simply because of their age,” Congresswoman Elaine Luria said. “Ageism has no place in today’s society and Congress must stand strongly against it in order to ensure that we have the most competitive workforce in the world—which includes our seniors. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that seniors are treated with the respect that they earned.”

Read more...

REPRESENTATIVE MALINOWSKI RESTORES WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS FOR OLDER WORKERS
Source: Tom Malinowsky (D-NJ, 7th)
January 15, 2020
In 2017 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received over 20,000 complaints of age discrimination, which accounted for 23% of all discrimination charges filed. It takes unemployed older workers nearly a full year, on average, to find another job, and once they do land a new job, it’s often for less money. This can have a serious impact on older workers’ long-term financial security and ability to live independently as they grow older.

Read more...

Uzbekistan

Chairman Lynch Seeks Information Related To Hazardous Conditions At Uzbekistan Air Base
Source: Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA, 8th)
January 15, 2020
“The Subcommittee is requesting information related to recent reports that U.S. servicemembers and special operations forces who deployed to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K-2) in Uzbekistan in the early years of the Global War on Terrorism may have been exposed to chemical and radioactive contamination, which is now causing them severe adverse health effects, including death,” Lynch and Maloney wrote.

Read more...

War Powers

LOWEY SUPPORTS WAR POWERS RESOLUTION TO RECLAIM CONGRESS’ ROLE IN AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTION
Source: Nita Lowey (D-NY, 17th)
January 9, 2020
That is why I’m proud to cosponsor and vote for the War Powers Resolution, which would require the President to obtain Congressional authorization before taking military actions against Iran without limiting the President’s ability to respond to an imminent attack. The President’s actions put us on the brink of war. While tensions seem to have deescalated for now, the American people deserve a public debate before the U.S. enters into another Middle East war.

Read more...

Impeachment, FEMA, Iran, Cybersecurity, Social Security, Drugs, PFAS Action Act, Taxes, Boeing, Immigration

Impeachment

Rep. Billy Long Votes 'No' on Resolution Appointing and Authorizing Impeachment Trial Managers
Source: Billy Long (R-MI, 7th)
January 15, 2020
“After 28 days, the House finally voted on a resolution appointing and authorizing managers for the impeachment trial of President Trump. I voted against this resolution because I believe that the managers named by Speaker Pelosi have repeatedly demonstrated their hatred for President Trump and are therefore unable to be objective. In the months leading up to impeachment and all throughout the hearings, Speaker Pelosi and her cohorts insisted that this was an ‘urgent’ matter, yet these articles have collected dust on her desk for nearly a month. In an effort to justify her actions, the speaker has claimed that she wanted to ensure that the trial was ‘fair’ which is incredibly ironic given the highly-partisan witch hunt House Democrats led. For the past few months, House Democrats have attempted to remove a duly-elected president from office by any means necessary, and the American people are understandably sick of it. It is time for the American people to hear all of the evidence House Democrats previously withheld, and I am confident that Leader McConnell will give them that opportunity by conducting a fair and transparent trial.”

Read more...

FEMA

LaMalfa Statement on FEMA Seeking Reimbursement from Wildfire Victim Compensation Fund
Source: Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
January 14, 2020
I recently sent a bipartisan letter asking FEMA to stand down on seeking a reimbursement from PG&E’s settlement fund for the wildfire victims. While FEMA is in the wrong, this letter did not mention that the State of California is seeking reimbursement from the PG&E compensation fund at the price tag of $3.3 billion. When preparing to respond to the needs of the victims, the state received $2.5 billion of the $3.3 billion from the federal government. The State of California is purposefully slighting its citizens by trying to earmark money from the victims’ compensation fund for themselves.”

Read more...

IRAN

Larsen Votes to Hold President Accountable to the American People, Limit Use of Military Force Against Iran
Source: Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)
January 10, 2020
For all the President’s talk about getting out of the Middle East, his actions continue to foreshadow even more involvement in the region, including the recent airstrike and the deployment of 4,500 additional U.S. personnel. The U.S. must work with allies and partners to de-escalate tensions and focus on ensuring the lasting defeat of ISIS.

Read more...

LAMB STATEMENT AFTER SECURITY BRIEFING ON IRAN
Source: Connor Lamb (D-PA, 17th)
January 9, 2020
“It is one of the highest forms of patriotism to speak out when a government engages in reckless military action that can lead us to war” said Lieu. “I previously served active duty in the United States military. The goal of any military action should be to make us more safe, not less safe. Unfortunately, as a result of Donald Trump's impulsive decision making, the following negative consequences have happened: Iran is no longer abiding by any limits on its nuclear program; the Iranian people who previously were protesting their own leadership have now rallied behind their government; and the Iraqi parliament voted to kick U.S. troops out of their country. We don't need the President make any more reckless decisions. We don't need him to tweet out flag pictures. We need the President to articulate a coherent Iran strategy, which he still hasn’t offered.”

Read more...

REP LIEU STATEMENT ON HOUSE EFFORT TO PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN
Source: Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
January 8, 2020
“The administration still will not explain why Soleimani suddenly was an ‘imminent’ threat after multiple U.S. and Israeli administrations declined to kill him. Nonetheless, we know the following has resulted from the administration’s policy in the Middle East. We now have 15,000 more American troops there than we did six months ago. Our mission to defeat ISIS has been slowed down by the need to defend from additional Iranian attacks. Iran is now closer to developing a nuclear weapon.

Read more...

Cybersecurity

Langevin Statement on Microsoft Windows Cybersecurity Vulnerability Identified by NSA
Source: Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
January 15, 2020
Today’s disclosure of a critical Windows vulnerability shows that the vulnerabilities equities process is working. When government researchers discover a vulnerability in a widely used commercial product, the bias must be towards disclosure. This is a feather in the cap of the NSA’s new Cybersecurity Directorate, which is committed to helping partners, whether government customers or private sector critical infrastructure owners and operators, defend against malicious activity. I strongly support the United States government’s continued leadership on coordinated vulnerability disclosure, leadership enhanced by the recent binding operational directive directing government agencies to have their own vulnerability disclosure policies. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and on the Solarium Commission to strengthen operational relationships between the private sector and government, particularly through the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Cybersecurity Directorate.

Read more...

Social Security

Larson, Neal, and Davis Slam Harmful Draft Social Security Rule
Source: John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
January 13, 2020
“Yet again, the Trump Administration is going out of its way to make life more challenging for the most vulnerable people in our country. The United States government already has extremely stringent disability standards. In fact, fewer than four in 10 applicants are found eligible for Social Security disability benefits, even after all levels of appeal. This rule would further restrict eligibility, making it even harder for disabled people to access the essential income they’re qualified to receive. We are particularly alarmed that news of this latest proposal comes on top of the Administration’s recent efforts to cut off benefits for severely disabled people whom the agency already found eligible.

Read more...

Drugs

Latta Focuses on State Efforts to Combat Substance Abuse & the Opioid Epidemic
Source: Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
January 14, 2020
According to the Ohio Department of Health, in 2017, prescription opioid overdose deaths fell in Ohio by almost 28% since 2011, but overdose rates are still high. Prescription opioid-related overdose deaths accounted for 523 of Ohio’s total 4,854 unintentional overdose deaths in 2017, compared to 564 of 4,050 total deaths in 2016 – which was the highest in the nation at the time. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Ohio had the second highest rate of drug related overdose deaths involving opioids in the country in 2017.

Read more...

PFAS Action Act

U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence’s Amendment to Address PFAS Contamination Passes House Floor
Source: Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)
January 10, 2020
Exposure to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are linked to adverse health effects including cancer, immune system effects, infertility, impaired child development, high cholesterol and thyroid disease. PFAS contamination has been found across the country in almost every single congressional district posing a serious threat to public health including on our military bases risking the well-being of our troops and their families.

Read more...

H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act would:

Require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS within two years;

Designates PFAS as a hazardous substance under the Superfund Law;

Creates a newly funded grant program to assist states with remediation efforts;

Prevents future contamination through strengthened testing, reporting, and monitoring requirements that hold contaminating companies accountable.

PFAS Bill Passes House with Provisions Written by Rep. Andy Levin
Source: Andy Levin (D-MI, 9th)
January 10, 2020
“Properly addressing PFAS contamination will require a monumental effort with coordination at the federal, state and local levels,” Rep. Levin said. “Today, the House took a major, bipartisan step toward committing the tools of the federal government to cleaning up these toxic chemicals nationwide. I was proud that today’s bill includes my PFAS Safe Disposal Act, which would ensure that when PFAS is eliminated by incineration, that the chemicals don’t end up in the air we breathe. I also authored an amendment to create accountability in the PFAS cleanup and disposal process.

Read more...

Taxes

LEWIS, NEAL CALL ON IRS TO ISSUE REFUND GUIDANCE TO TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS PENALIZED BY HARMFUL GOP TAX LAW
Source: John Lewis (D-GA, 5th)
January 8, 2020
“Charities and houses of worship wasted precious time, money, and energy contending with a damaging tax that the 2017 Republican law imposed on them. It is unconscionable that the GOP gave big corporations and the wealthiest Americans more than $2 trillion of tax cuts, but forced soup kitchens to pay taxes on their employees’ parking benefits. That policy undermined any semblance of a fair or just tax code. Congress did our part to right this wrong – now it is time for the IRS to provide tax-exempt organizations with the guidance they need to claim and receive the refunds they are due.”

Read more...

Boeing

Lipinski Statement on Newly Released Boeing Emails
Source: Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
January 10, 2020
The Committee has made repeated requests since the Ethiopian Air Crash in March 2019 that Boeing turn over all relevant internal documents related to the MAX. It is absolutely outrageous that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee just received these documents now. Boeing’s concealment of these documents flies in the face of the company’s stated commitment to the public and to victims’ families that they would cooperate with these important investigations and help get to the bottom of what happened. Boeing should be ashamed.

Read more...

Immigration

House Judiciary Will Investigate Trump Administration's "Remain in Mexico" Policy
Source: Zoe Lofgren (D-CA, 19th)
January 14, 2020
In their letter, the Members wrote, "The policy has nearly eliminated the already scarce due process protections available to asylum-seekers—such as access to counsel—further reducing the likelihood that legitimate asylum-seekers can obtain asylum. Moreover, MPP forces women, children, and families to remain in areas that the federal government recognizes as especially unsafe. As of today, there are 31 active travel advisories for Mexico, including 5 warnings in which the State Department explicitly advises Americans against travel. It is difficult to understand why this administration is sending children and families to areas where they will face certain harm."

Read more...

Immigration

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Pascrell Applauds McAllister Decision
Source: Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)
April 26, 2019
“The decision by the Homeland Security Department to allow Mr. McAllister to remain in America is terrific news. Mr. McAllister and his family have set roots in our community. America is where he belongs. I thank Secretary McAleenan for granting a stay. Common sense and human dignity prevailed in his decision. We have fought for decades and will continue to fight and use this time to work towards a permanent resolution for this case.”

Read more...

Trump to allow Malachy McAllister to stay
Source: Irish Central
April 26, 2019
Kevin McAleenan, President Trump’s newly-appointed acting secretary of Homeland Security, has granted a request from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to stay the deportation of McAllister, the Washington Examiner reports.

Read more...

Statement Of Northern Border Shelters On US And Mexico Policy To Restrict Asylum

by: Kino Border Initiative

Washington, D.C. - April 10, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The Following is a statement from Kino Border Inititative:

"We at KBI and other Mexican border shelters express our concern about and opposition to the "Migration Protection Protocols," which would force the vulnerable individuals that we serve to remain in limbo and in danger in Mexico while they await months or years for an asylum decision in the United States."

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Calls For President Trump To Hold Immigration Summit With World Leaders

by: Senator John Kennedy (R-LA)

Washington, D.C. - April 10, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor about the need for immigration reform, including constructing a border wall, reforming U.S. asylum laws and calling an immigration summit to address the crisis at the southern border.

“Now, we’re a nation of immigrants, and I’m proud of that,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Americans cannot be called anti-immigrant. Every year we welcome a million people across the world to become Americans (and) to come into our country. They do it legally. They follow the law. They’re properly vetted. They get in line. They wait patiently, and we welcome them in.”

Floor speech highlights:

Immigration summit: “I think we should start with a presidential summit. Not a representative of the presidents, but a presidential summit of the president of the United States, the president of Mexico, President Lopez Obrador, and the presidents of the Northern Triangle countries, and let’s see what we can do to solve this problem.”

Border wall: “We do have a problem at the border. ‘Problem’ is an understatement. In March, we had 100,000 people come into our country illegally. One hundred thousand. That’s the most in 10 years. If that continues, we’re going to set a record this year for people entering our country illegally.”

“We’ve got to solve this problem ourselves. The first thing we have to do is build a wall. I’m not talking about a wall from sea to shining sea. We have 1,900 miles of border. I’m talking about barriers strategically placed. You cannot seal a 1,900-mile piece of real estate without a barrier. It can’t be done.”

Illegal immigration: “Illegal immigration is illegal. Even if you think it’s a good idea, and I don’t. If you care about the rule of law, which is one of the bedrock principles in America, then you would want to stop the illegal immigration.”

Asylum law reform: “The second thing we need to do, Madame President, as you well know, is to pass asylum laws that look like somebody designed the things on purpose. Because what we have now, doesn’t fit that description.”

“This United States Senate should be debating America’s asylum laws right this second. I’m not saying the other things we’re doing - we are in the personnel business - aren’t important, but there’s not a single issue right now that’s more important. Congress needs to do its job! The Senate ought to be debating this issue right now.”

IMMIGRATION EQUALITY DENOUNCES TRUMP’S CALL TO ELIMINATE ASYLUM SYSTEM, IMMIGRATION JUDGES

by: Immigration Equality

New York, NY - April 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- President Trump called upon Congress to eliminate the asylum system and immigration judges. Bridget Crawford, Immigration Equality’s Legal Director, issued the following statement in response:

“President Trump’s recent call to ‘get rid of the entire asylum system’ and dispense with immigration judges is appalling and flies in the face of international and domestic law. For LGBTQ and HIV-positive refugees, asylum is a critical lifeline to safety and protection from persecution. The President’s systematic attacks on the immigration system betray America’s historic commitment to providing sanctuary to those most in need and contradict the overwhelming sentiment of the American people that our country must remain a beacon of hope for refugees.

“Immigrants make our country stronger. We are proud that our asylum system provides an avenue for LGBTQ people and those living with HIV to live freely and openly. Instead of gutting the system, Congress should remain true to our American values by improving the asylum system, protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees, and celebrating their invaluable contributions to our society.”