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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Security, Substance Abuse, Drug Cartel, Space, Big Pharma, Military, Climate Agreement, Caregivers,

The Senators requested an unclassified assessment on threats to U.S. national security resulting from escaped ISIS prisoners
Source: Senator Benjamin L.Cardin (D - MD)
November 5, 2019
In their letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Admiral Joseph Maguire, Senators Collins and Warner requested that he produce an unclassified assessment with a classified annex regarding how the escape of ISIS detainees in Syria could impact the security of the United States and our allies following the pullback of U.S. troops and subsequent incursion by Turkey. Senator Collins is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senator Warner is the Vice Chairman of the Committee.

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CORTEZ MASTO, ROSEN APPLAUD GRANT FUNDING FOR YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Source: Senator Cathrine Cortez Masto - (D - NV)
November 5, 2019
“Educating our youth about the dangers of substance abuse is an important step towards ensuring the health and safety of Nevada’s communities. We’re especially thankful for federal funding programs like Drug-Free Communities that promote collaboration with local agencies and coalitions, and we’ll continue to fight to get our kids the resources they need to make healthy choices and stop substance abuse before it starts.”

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Sen. Cramer Delivers Floor Remarks on the Death of North Dakotans in Mexico Last Night
Source: Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
November 5, 2019
“What this family has experienced is the personification of evil in the form of this Mexican drug cartel. But we serve a God who personifies pure good, and the greatest response to pure evil is pure good,” said Senator Cramer. “I want to express as much as anything to those grieving that today their burden is our burden too.”

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Sen. Cruz: To Maintain U.S. Leadership in Space, We Must Inspire the Future Workforce
Source: Senator Ted Cruz (R - TX)
November 5, 2019
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, led a hearing with educators and industry leaders on the importance of hands-on learning opportunities for students in developing America's future space workforce. During his introductory remarks, Sen. Cruz highlighted the historic accomplishments of NASA during the Apollo Program and the crucial role a skilled, diverse workforce played, and the importance of inspiring children of all ages and background to become involved in science, technology, engineering, and math:

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Durbin: NAFTA 2.0 Is A Trojan Horse Giveaway To Big Pharma
Source: Senator Richard J. Durbin (D - IL)
November 5, 2019
“For all the President's talk, this provision in this trade agreement is a Trojan horse giveaway to Big Pharma at the expense of American patients,” Durbin said. “I guess we shouldn't be surprised, but I'll say this: if Members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, are listening to the people they represent back home about the cost of prescription drugs, they won't fall for this new pharma fleece.”

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Ernst Blasts Democrats for Blocking Military Funding
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
November 5, 2019
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, blasted her Democratic colleagues who blocked a measure simply allowing a debate on defense funding. On the floor of the Senate, she called on Democrats to put politics aside and to uphold one of the most important duties of the oath of office—and provide our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to do their jobs.

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Feinstein, Cardin, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Urging President Trump to Keep the United States in the Paris Climate Agreement
Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
November 5, 2019
Monday, November 4 is the first day President Donald Trump can formalize his threat to withdraw the United States from this historic international agreement. Parties to the Paris Agreement pledged to reduce carbon pollution in an amount and manner determined by each nation that puts the world on a strong trajectory to address climate change.

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(See Also:
Heinrich Statement On Administration’s Withdrawal From Paris Climate Agreement

Gillibrand Unveils Bipartisan Legislation To Support Family Caregivers
Source: Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand (D-NY)
November 5, 2019
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand unveiled the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, legislation that would support family caregivers by helping to alleviate some of the financial challenges they may face. Family caregivers are family members who take care of a loved one that has a medical or behavioral condition or disability. Gillibrand’s new push comes after hosting roundtables and meetings across New York with older adults and disability rights advocates and hearing directly from them about their specific needs. According to the most recently available data, there are 2.6 million unpaid caregivers throughout New York State.

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At Homeland Security Hearing, Harris Questions FBI Director on Rudy Giuliani, Foreign Election Interference, Witness Intimidation
Source: Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA)
November 5, 2019
U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, on Tuesday questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray about potential threats to the United States, including foreign interference in U.S elections, witness intimidation in ongoing investigations, and Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer. Wray could not say if the FBI has told the president whether Giuliani is a potential counterintelligence threat or whether Giuliani holds any security clearance of any kind.

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Senator Hassan Addresses Foreign & Domestic Terrorist Threats, Ransomware Attacks at Homeland Security Committee Hearing
Source: Senator Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH)
November 5, 2019
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned several of the nation’s top security officials about the rising threats of ISIS affiliates, growing domestic terrorism threats, and cybersecurity during the Senate Homeland Security Committee annual Threats to the Homeland hearing. Senator Hassan and other members of the Committee questioned FBI Director Chris Wray, Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis David Glawe, and National Counterterrorism Center Acting Director Russell Travers.

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Military

Today's News about Military Issues

Bill would restore rights of servicemembers injured by medical malpractice
Source: American Association for Justice
April 26, 2019
An outdated Supreme Court decision from 1950 established the Feres Doctrine, which prevents active duty military from holding the government accountable for injuries sustained during service, including medical malpractice. The bipartisan bill would restore the right of servicemembers to hold the U.S. Government accountable for non-service-related injuries including surgical items left inside patients, failure to diagnosis advanced cancer, and maternal death following childbirth. This is a right available to all U.S. citizens, except active duty military.

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Mast Introduces Bill To Prevent Hundreds Of Military Rapists From Being Freed From Jail
Source: Brian Mast (R-FL, 18th)
April 26, 2019
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) announced that he is introducing legislation named Harmony’s Law, which will help prevent hundreds of rapists—who were convicted and found guilty of rape in the military—from being freed from jail on a misconstrued technicality. The bill is named after Harmony Allen, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., who was raped during her third month in the Air Force by her instructor. Despite being found guilty and sentenced to jail time, he was subsequently freed due to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces misinterpreting the Congressionally-mandated statute of limitations.

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Kaine Introduces Bill To Ensure Reproductive Care Services For American Servicewomen

by: Senator Tim Kaine (D - VA)

Washington, D.C. - April 10, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen to re-introduce the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act to ensure that all women who receive care though the United States military have access to all forms of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved contraception with no health insurance co-pay. This bill would overhaul current Department of Defense (DoD) policy on contraceptive coverage and family planning counseling by making sure health care provided by the military is in line with current law for civilian populations

“Servicemembers and their families deserve the same access to contraception and family planning resources as other Americans,” said Kaine. “This bill helps ensure that women serving in the military receive comprehensive, affordable health care.”

The Department of Defense provides health care to approximately 1.1 million women of reproductive age, including servicewomen on active duty, in the guard or reserves, and their dependents. Studies have shown that women in the military have a higher rate of unplanned pregnancy (50 percent higher) than the general population. The studies have also shown that servicewomen face unique challenges accessing their preferred method of contraception and family planning counseling, especially when deployed. Additionally, although the Women’s Health Amendment to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guarantees civilian women coverage of women’s health preventive services, without cost sharing, this policy does not apply to many servicewomen and dependents covered through military health insurance (TRICARE).

The Access to Contraception for Women Service Members and Dependents Act would:

Require that all women who receive health care through the military are treated the same as civilian women, and have access to all forms of FDA-approved contraception and family planning counseling services with no health insurance co-pay;

Require the Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive family planning education program for all servicemembers, ensuring that military families have the information necessary to make informed family planning decisions; and

Enhance access to emergency contraception for survivors of military sexual assault.

The bill has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including: the American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Catholics for Choice, Center for Reproductive Rights, Guttmacher Institute, Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, MomsRising, NARAL Pro-Choice America, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Health Law Program, National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH), National Network of Abortion Funds, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women's Health Network, National Women's Law Center, Not Without Black Women, People For the American Way, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Population Connection Action Fund, Power to Decide, Service Women’s Action Network, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) and URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity. A letter of support for the legislation on behalf of the organizations can be read here.

Text of the legislation can be read in full here.

Internet, Military, Female Genital Mutilation, Green New Deal, Prescription Drugs, Great Lakes

Today's News from the Lawmakers

FULL MILITARY HONORS ACT INTRODUCED
Jimmy Panetta (D-CA, 20th)
February 6, 2019
"This legislation provides Medal of Honor and Prisoners Of War heroes the recognition they deserve for their unwavering service to our country. Full military honors ceremonies remind us of the service and valor demonstrated by those who have defended, protected, and sacrificed for freedom and democracy. I am humbled and honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my servicemember and veteran colleagues"

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Perry Offers Bipartisan Legislation to End Female Genital Mutilation in US
Scott Perry (R-PA, 4th)
February 6, 2019
“Now’s the time to stand up for the voiceless and criminalize the horrific practice of Female Genital Mutilation. FGM has absolutely no place in America - or any other place in this world. FGM is an unconscionable, systematic form of abuse perpetuated against the youngest and most vulnerable among us and serves no medical purpose. The recent federal court ruling in Michigan has, once again, brought this issue to the forefront. As our society becomes more transient and diverse, renewed efforts to prevent this atrocity are necessary. In no uncertain terms, FGM must end immediately and those who perpetrate it will be brought to swift justice in the United States,” said Perry.

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QUIGLEY REINTRODUCES BIPARTISAN "GREAT LAKES FISHERY RESEARCH AUTHORIZATION ACT"
Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5th)
February 6, 2019
“It is no surprise that the Great Lakes fishery industry, which generates $7 billion in economic activity and supports 1.5 million jobs, requires cutting-edge research and adequate funding for proper maintenance and preservation,” said Rep. Quigley. “By reintroducing the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act, we are working to protect the waterways that play an invaluable role in our economies, our ecosystems, and our communities—whether it be providing clean drinking water or recreational activities. We must ensure that the USGS Great Lakes Science Center has the tools, resources, and authority it needs to fulfill its vital work.”

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DURING HEARING, O'HALLERAN CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF FREE AND OPEN INTERNET
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
February 7, 2019
“In this highly connected, fast-paced world, the quality and accessibility of internet is critical to the lasting success of small businesses – especially in rural America,” O’Halleran said. “We have a responsibility to support our communities and grow our economy. We can do that by protecting and strengthening net neutrality rules that prevent Internet Service Providers from throttling access and give consumers the privacy and security they deserve. There is bipartisan support in Congress to do this, and I stand ready to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to deliver results for American businesses and consumers.”

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Reps. Peters and Davis Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Rising Student Loan Debt
Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)
February 7, 2019
“I relied on student loans to get through college when the cost of higher education was much lower than it is today. Now, the collective debt among people in the U.S. is more than $1.5 trillion dollars, which hurts economic growth,” said Rep. Peters. “Many employers have successfully helped their employees pay down their debt, and encouraging similar programs across the country can move us closer to solving the student debt crisis. Our economy benefits, too, when young Americans begin making investments like buying a home, starting a family, or saving for retirement. I appreciate Rep. Davis’s commitment to tackling this important issue.”

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Tester, Murkowski, Pingree Reintroduce Bill to Support Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
February 7, 2019
Their Servicemember and Veterans’ Empowerment and Support Act expands the definition of MST to ensure servicemembers and veterans who experience online sexual harassment can access VA counseling and benefits. It also codifies a lower burden of proof so more survivors are eligible for trauma and mental health care related to MST, even if they didn’t feel comfortable reporting the event to their chain of command while in service.

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Pingree Statement on Introduction of Green New Deal Resolution
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
February 7, 2019
“The Green New Deal sets a bold vision for dealing with the climate change crisis, which will soon escalate into a full-blown disaster if we don’t make the kinds of changes outlined in this plan. There are many good ideas in this resolution, but this is just the first step in the process,” said Pingree. "There is a lot of work to be done in the days ahead to iron out the details, like opportunities to work with farmers to trap more carbon in the soil. But I’m confident that we can pass something in the House and send it to the Senate, because the American people have demanded action.”

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Pocan, Kaptur Introduce Legislation to Protect Americans from Prescription Drug Price Gouging
Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)
February 7, 2019
“Despite President Trump claiming victory on declining prescription drug prices, the costs of many drugs are still skyrocketing and becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Americans,” said Pocan. “The Stop Price Gouging Act will hold corporations accountable and protect consumers from egregious year-after-year price spikes that are far too common. While American families struggle over whether to pay an electric bill or buy life-saving medications, drug manufacturers and CEOs should not be making excessive profits. Members of Congress should immediately support this legislation and deliver results for the American people who are being hit with outrageous drug prices daily.”

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Reaction about the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review

President Trump’s Nuclear Posture Review, a strategy document that aligns with the previously released National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy was released. Below are reactions:



Colleen Hanabusa, (D-HI, 1st)

“We are extremely concerned with the President’s Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) because it represents a profound shift in policy that undermines our national security and puts our allies, especially the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in a very difficult position. Additionally, like so many of the proposals offered by this administration, they do not provide a plan to pay for it. Congress does not have the money to fund the current $1.2 trillion plan to upgrade our nuclear arsenal.”

“While I agree with the NPR’s assessment that Russia presents our greatest nuclear threat, I do not think initiating new weapon systems and expanding our arsenal is the type of deterrence we should employ. Moreover, increasing our stockpile of low-yield nuclear weapons, particularly on submarines, sends the message that we are preparing for regional conflicts and more likely to use these weapons in targeted circumstances. Finally, the interactions between the President and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and our opaque, confusing relationship with the current Russian leadership, do not suggest we should increase this administration’s ability to initiate a nuclear arms race and risk conflict.”

Senator James M. Inhofe (R - OK)

“As long as there are nuclear weapons, the United States must possess an arsenal that can effectively deter any threat. President Trump’s Nuclear Posture Review recognizes we haven’t been keeping up with the progress of our adversaries and competitors, especially China and Russia. While our aging arsenal is effective for now, without a serious commitment to modernization, we are at risk of losing our strategic advantage.

“This Nuclear Posture Review looks to modernize and diversify our arsenal to keep up with new threats in a changing world. I commend President Trump for making this a priority of his administration, as he outlined in his State of the Union address this week.”

DOJ Appeals Military “Transgender” Ruling

By Liberty Counsel




Washington, D.C. - December 14, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed an appeal in a D.C. federal appeals court after the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said the military must begin accepting so-called “transgender” recruits on January 1, despite opposition from President Trump and the Pentagon.

The DOJ is currently reviewing the legal options to ensure that the president’s directive can be implemented. The Pentagon, under the direction of former President Obama, had originally set the January 1 deadline before President Trump declared a ban on all “transgender” military personnel earlier this year.

Two U.S. district courts, one in the District of Columbia and one in Maryland, blocked enforcement of President Trump’s proposed August 2017 ban on “transgender” persons in the armed services. According to the Defense Department, those courts required the branches to begin allowing such recruits to sign up for military service. A third order was issued Monday, by a U.S. District judge who also allowed the state to challenge the ban, stating that Washington has an interest in protecting its residents from discrimination.

In the August 2017 order, President Trump reversed policies put in place by the Obama administration in June 2016. Those Obama administration policies themselves reversed long-standing military rules against “transgender” people serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Prior to June 2016, “transgender” people were not permitted to enlist in the military and members of the military who identified themselves as “transgender” were discharged. Obama's Department of Defense announced in June 2016 that openly “transgender” people would be permitted to enlist in the military as of January 1, 2018 and those already in the military could not be discharged.

“These court rulings are not in the best interest of the military and our national security,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “The duty of military officers is to appropriately lead and prepare their personnel to serve and protect, and they cannot do that when there is confusion, dysfunction and distraction about a person’s gender preference. President Trump has tried to refocus the mission to emphasize military readiness and unit cohesion, and the courts have no business telling the Commander-in-Chief who is eligible to serve,” said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Amendment Signed Into Law

By Greg Walden (R-OR, 2nd)



Washington, D.C. - December 13, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- President Trump signed into law legislation introduced by Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) to ensure the military has access to lifesaving medical treatments. Walden’s legislation (H.R. 4374) passed the House and Senate unanimously, and will amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize additional emergency uses for medical products to reduce deaths and severity of injuries caused by agents of war.

“This is an important day for our brave men and women in uniform, ensuring they get the timely care they need while protecting our country,” said Walden. “Today we are well on our way to delivering the newest treatments and devices to our war fighters without forgoing important safety mechanisms.”

Specifically, Walden’s legislation corrects language within the National Defense Authorization Act – which was also signed into law today – that could have usurped FDA’s critical authority of ensuring the safety and efficacy of cutting edge medicines for our soldiers on the front lines.

Walden’s bill will streamline the processes at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure America’s warfighters have access to new, lifesaving medications in a timely manner.

''Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line for this country, and they deserve to have the earliest possible access to medical products that could save their lives on the battlefield,” said Walden in a speech on the House floor when the legislation passed the House in November. “In short, H.R. 4374 addresses the critical issue of military access to the newest available products by expanding the circumstances under which emergency use authorizations can be issued, and by establishing an expedited pathway to full approval of products that the Secretary of Defense requests.”

For Representative Walden’s legislation, please click here.

Gov. Bevin Orders Flags to Half-Staff Wednesday in Honor of Kentucky World War II Serviceman Pfc. Albert Strange

By Kentucky Governor's Office



Washington, D.C. - December 13, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in honor of a Kentucky serviceman who was killed in action during World War II but whose remains were only recently recovered and returned home.

Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Albert Strange, of Mammoth Cave, was 18 years old when he died in battle in the Pacific theater on Nov. 20, 1943. Assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, he was among approximately 1,000 U.S. casualties from the Battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands.

In May 2017, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) representatives traveled to the Tarawa Atoll to conduct excavations utilizing advanced investigative techniques. As part of this mission, investigators were able to identify the remains of Pfc. Strange.

Funeral services for Pfc. Strange will be held at 12 noon (CST) on Dec. 13 at Bob Hunt Funeral Chapel (410 North Dixie Highway, Cave City), with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial with full military honors will be immediately following at Cave City Cemetery (Old Bardstown Road, Cave City).

Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute by lowering the flag in honor of Pfc. Strange.


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Chairman Chabot Applauds President Trump’s Signing of the NDAA

By The Small Business Committee

Washington, D.C. - December 12, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- House Committee on Small Business Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) released the following statement after President Trump signed the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law:

“Today is a great day for our nation’s military and our nation’s entrepreneurs and innovators. I applaud the President for signing this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill that not only funds our military, but also is a win for America’s 29 million small businesses.”

Some small business-friendly provisions signed into law include:

H.R. 1773, the Clarity for America’s Small Contractors Act of 2017, sponsored by Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH), co-sponsored by Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)

H.R. 3294, the HUBZone Unification and Business Stability Act of 2017, sponsored by Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH)

H.R. 1597, the Commercial Market Representatives Clarification Act of 2017, sponsored by Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA), co-sponsored by Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA) and Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL); and

H.R. 1693, the Improving Contract Procurement for Small Businesses through More Accurate Reporting Act of 2017, sponsored by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

Note: Chairman Chabot, upon the passage of the NDAA conference report, said, “Small businesses play a vital and indispensable role in providing for the common defense, and I thank both Chambers for recognizing their contribution to the safety of our homeland.”



See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

US troops in Japan banned from drinking after fatal crash

Source: KCTV5

U.S. military personnel in Okinawa have been restricted to base and banned from drinking alcohol after a Marine was arrested over a crash that killed a Japanese man.

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Court Blocks Trans Military Ban in Yet Another Setback for the Discrimination Administration

Source: National Center for Transgender Equality

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Washington, D.C. - October 31, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In yet another blow to the Trump administration’s campaign of discrimination against transgender Americans, a federal court today temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s dangerous and disrespectful Twitter-based ban on transgender military service members.

The ruling in Doe v. Trump concluded that the ban appeared to be based on little more than prejudice, saying that “there is absolutely no support for the claim that the ongoing service of transgender people would have any negative effective on the military at all,” and that “there is considerable evidence that it is the discharge and banning of such individuals that would have such effects.” The ruling also followed other recent court decisions in recognizing that government discrimination against transgender people is subject to heightened scrutiny by courts.

NCTE recently led a coalition of transgender organizations from around the country in filing an amicus brief in the case, arguing that the military ban is part of a wider pattern of discrimination against transgender people by the Trump administration.

NCTE Executive Director Mara Keisling issued the following statement:

Again and again, our courts have been forced to step in and halt this administration’s unconstitutional and dangerous bigotry. As today’s ruling makes clear, this ban was never about military readiness—just like President Trump’s Muslim bans have never been about national security. This ban is about discrimination, plain and simple. We are grateful that the plaintiffs and thousands of other troops will be able to continue serving without the threat of discharge while this case proceeds. Unfortunately, this ruling is not the end of the story, and these troops and their units will still face uncertainty unless Congress acts to end this ban for good.
Lawmakers in both major parties have denounced the ban, and bipartisan bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to end it. Though backed by both the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senate leaders blocked a vote to add a measure that would have ended the ban to the pending national defense authorization bill.

In related News:

In defeat for Trump, judge blocks transgender military ban

Surviving Spouses Income Security Act, H.R. 4106, Introduced in the House

Source: Jacky Rosen (D-NV, 3rd)



Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV-03) released the following statement after she helped introduce Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter’s (NH-01) Surviving Spouses Income Security Act, H.R. 4106, designed to improve the formula used to allocate benefits and compensation to Gold Star Families -- the family members of deceased service members:

“When a service member is laid to rest for their sacrifice to our country, the very least we can do as a nation is to ensure the financial stability of their loved ones,” said Rosen. “By increasing payments to Gold Star Families and securing their access to benefits, we can honor and comfort the surviving spouses and children of fallen service members. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Shea-Porter on this legislation and will continue to honor service members and their families and work to help them obtain their much-deserved benefits and resources.”

BACKGROUND: Introduced earlier this week, H.R. 4106 would improve “dependency and indemnity compensation” (DIC), which is a payment made to the surviving dependents of either a deceased active duty service member, retired military member who has died from a service-connected cause, or a veteran who was rated 100% disabled for a period of ten years prior to a death, not caused by their service-connected condition. The Surviving Spouses Income Security Act creates a new Dependents and Survivors Income Security (DSIS) benefit, equal to 55% of the rate of compensation for a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability. Currently, DIC to military families is not equivalent to that paid to surviving family members of civilian federal employees who are killed while performing their duties, and this bill would more closely align these benefits.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 3,662 Nevadans are beneficiaries of the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefit, which is paid to Gold Star Families, surviving spouses and family members of veterans who pass away as a result of their service-connected disability, and survivors of veterans who were 100% service-connected disabled for at least 10 years before their death. The benefit is often much less than VA disability compensation paid prior to the veteran’s death.

Republicans Oppose Langevin Effort to Stop Multi-million Dollar Gun Giveaway

Source: Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)

Washington, D.C. - October 16, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- On Thursday, Congressman Langevin offered a Motion to Instruct House conferees on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to reject provisions that would transfer surplus Army pistols to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The motion was rejected 237-184.

“We have the opportunity in this year’s NDAA to stop tens of thousands of Army pistols from being transferred to an obsolete private corporation,” said Congressman Langevin. “This constitutes a multi-million dollar government giveaway that would serve only to make our streets more dangerous. In voting down this motion, Republicans ignored their own rules regarding earmarks and continued their pattern of refusing to take any action to reduce gun violence.”

“The daily tragedy of gun violence challenges the conscience of our nation,” said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. “Congressman Langevin’s commonsense proposal would have prevented tens of thousands of guns from being unleashed in our communities. It is deeply disturbing that House Republicans instead decided to push their dangerous gun giveaway and stick taxpayers with the multi-million dollar bill.”

The CMP was established in 1903 following the Spanish-American War, when the American militia demonstrated several marksmanship and operational failures. With the advent of a professional military, the CMP was no longer essential to national security, and Congress privatized the Program in 1996. At the time, the Army was authorized to provide the CMP with an initial endowment of surplus rifles, ammunition and other spare parts that the CMP could sell to fund its activities, with the intention that it would eventually become self-sufficient.

The FY18 House-passed NDAA contains a provision requiring the Army to transfer surplus M1911A1 pistols to the CMP. The CMP would then be able to sell the pistols to support its activities. Langevin’s motion would have directed conferees to reject the House language and to support the removal of a waiver in the Senate-passed NDAA preventing the pistols from being melted down and repurposed. The conference committee will make a final decision on what language to preserve before final passage of the defense authorization later this year.

Coffman, Gallego, Bacon & Panetta Introduce New Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill

Source: Mike Coffman (R-CO, 6th)

Washington, D.C. - October 13, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), in a strong bipartisan effort, have introduced H. J.Res. 118, a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), to provide clear Congressional authorization guidelines for the use of military force.

“The threats we face today are far different than those we faced over a decade ago, and this legislation reflects Congress’s Constitutional role in authorizing the use of military force against terrorist organizations,” said Coffman.

The purpose of an AUMF is to update and clearly define the authority the President has to pursue military action against hostile actors. The last AUMFs were enacted against the backdrop of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the events preceding the Iraq War 16 years ago. The updated AUMF would authorize the use of the U.S. Armed Forces for five years against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and any persons associated with these groups, but would specifically prohibit use of military force against nations without additional authorization from Congress.

“For too long, Congress has allowed our armed forces to be used with ever more tenuous links to a vague and obsolete Authorization of Military Force. This bill would refocus our efforts against terrorism and prevent the unauthorized use of our military against other countries or people,” said Gallego.

Specifically, this AUMF also requires the President to submit a set of regular reports to Congress on the progress of ongoing conflicts, contains a 5-year sunset clause, and provides for a full replacement of the previous AUMF. The new AUMF also makes clear the use of force against other persons, entities, or nations will require a further act of Congress.

“Article One of the Constitution bestows on Congress the authority to declare war and Congress needs to do its job,” said Bacon. “Our military must know it has the support of the American citizens we represent and that support is reflected by Congress debating and voting on the use of lethal military force.”

In an October 3, 2017, House Armed Services Committee Hearing, the sitting Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, stated the following in support of a new AUMF, “And as far as the AUMF goes, my point is that we need the unity of the American government and with the Congress involved that brings the unity of the American people to this fight… I think there has got to be -- the U.S. Congress has got to embrace this as our fight. We're all in this…”

“Both the 2001 authorization for use of military force following the 9/11 attacks and the 2002 authorization for use of military force against Iraq are outdated and need to be replaced. In order to best meet the current national security interests of our country, Congress must pass a new and narrow authorization focused on the threat posed by al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS,” said Panetta. “With this bipartisan legislation, we can meet our obligation to provide our service members with clear guidance as they fight to keep us safe. We can also provide our constituents the assurance that, no matter who our commander-in-chief is, Congress will assert its constitutional authority to define the use of our military force around the world.”

H.J. Res. 118, the “Authorization for use of Military Force against Al-Qaeda, The Taliban, and ISIS” will now be referred to the appropriate committee for legislative consideration.

1033 Program

Washington, D.C. - August 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Trump administration decided to reinstate the 1033 program, which allows the Department of Defense to transfer surplus military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies at no cost. Opponents of this program liken it to "militarizing the police" because, after all, what did the cops in Ferguson need with tanks? On the other hand, with all of the police officers today getting shot and killed, they could use a few more bullet proof vests.

In May 2015, President Obama issued a directive that restricted local police from obtaining certain lifesaving federal gear, and in 2016, the Obama Administration began seizing equipment from local police departments.

Disturbingly, many of the restricted items are purely defensive, such as "riot helmets" and "riot shields"--items vital to protecting law enforcement during riots, where protesters have been known to torch cars and hurl bricks, cement blocks, and glass bottles at police. The directive also restricted armored vehicles, which were vital to rescuing hostages from an Orlando night club during the terror attack of June 2016.

The Obama Administration acknowledged that depriving local police of this gear "can have life-threatening consequences, both for the law enforcement personnel and the public," but concluded it was more important to preserve "community trust."

Sen. Toomey wrote a letter to President Obama the same week in May 2015, urging him to reconsider his decision to restrict access to this lifesaving equipment. You can read that letter by clicking here

In 2016 and 2017, Sen. Toomey introduced the Lifesaving Gear for Police Act, a bill that reverses President Obama's dangerous restrictions, and requires the executive branch to return gear that has been seized from local police departments.
Sen. Toomey's legislation was endorsed by:

• Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
• Fraternal Order of Police
• Int'l Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO
• National Association of Police Organizations
• National Sheriffs' Association
• Sgts. Benevolent Association of New York City

Below are statements and information about this subject from the newsmakers (Keep checking back for updates!):

Senator Patrick J.Toomey - (R - PA)

"I am pleased to see President Trump take this crucial step to ensure that our police officers have the tools they need to protect themselves and our communities from violent criminals and terrorists. Our police officers should be at least as well equipped as the criminals and terrorists who attack them.

"I am especially pleased to see that, like my Lifesaving Gear for Police Act, President Trump reversed President Obama's dangerous restrictions on the ability of local law enforcement to access lifesaving federal equipment, such as riot helmets, riot shields, and armored vehicles. As we saw during the San Bernardino and Orlando terror attacks when the police used armored vehicles in their response, these items are vital to protecting law enforcement and civilians."

House Representative Mark Sanford (R-SC, 1st)

“Today’s decision to reinstate the 1033 program is a step backwards for the taxpayer. Since the Defense Department started its 1033 program in 1997, over $5 billion of surplus military property has been transferred to police departments across the country free of charge. Police departments should certainly have what they need to accomplish their work on a day-to-day basis, but I think there are obvious flaws in trying to do this through the 1033 program.

“With nearly $20 trillion in debt, I don’t think that the federal government can afford to give away anything for free. Doing so overstates the cost of federal government and understates the cost of local governments who get this equipment at no cost. We value the things we pay for an often take for granted the things we don’t. I saw the abuses of this program when I was Governor. I will never forget the impression made when I walked into a small county sheriff's office and was told the sheriff was out taking helicopter lessons...so he could use one of the seven helicopters his office had gotten for ‘free.’

“This program also incentivizes the militarization of local police departments, as they are encouraged to grab more equipment than they need. In some cases, they even stockpile equipment generally found on battlefields since it’s ‘free,’ and this is neither good for the taxpayer nor the local communities.

“In an effort to curtail this program, I introduced a bill last Congress - the Responsible Law Enforcement Acquisition Act of 2016 - to replace the zero-cost transfer system with an auction system, where registered police units can bid on surplus military equipment. The proceeds would be sent to the US Treasury, and accordingly, my bill would work to balance the interests of local law enforcement with taxpayers. The police would still have the ability to purchase military equipment at the federal auction. But by requiring that they be purchased, the bill helps to pay for the federal debt, while motivating police departments to prioritize their purchases to equipment they really need to serve their communities.”

House Representative William “Lacy” Clay, Jr. (D-MO, 1st)

“Three years ago, as the tragedy in Ferguson unfolded, I personally witnessed local police in armored vehicles pointing military-style sniper rifles with night scopes at my constituents who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights.

That over-militarization increased tensions, incited more violence and established a deadly perception that local police officers had become warriors instead of guardians of public safety.

In response, I worked closely with former President Obama and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Hagel to place reasonable limits on the distribution of military surplus items to local law enforcement. That was in keeping with key findings and recommendations of the President’s Taskforce on 21st Century Policing.

President Trump’s decision to rescind these limitations will allow local police departments to receive grenade launchers, bayonets, tracked armored vehicles, sniper rifles and military grade ammunition; along with other surplus Department of Defense equipment that was intended for use on the battlefield, not in neighborhoods.

President Trump’s reckless decision to remilitarize local police is another shameful step backwards as he continues to deepen divisions across this country while appeasing hate, bigotry and intolerance.”

About Transgenders in the Military

Earlier this year, a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives rejected a measure that would have discriminated against transgender Americans who serve or are able to serve in the military. President Donald Trump sent a memorandum ordering the Pentagon to ban transgender Americans from enlisting or commissioning in the military. The memorandum also halts some medically necessary transition-related health care for transgender service members.

Statements from the Newsmakers (Check back for updates):

Jimmy Panetta (D-CA, 20th):

"I am deeply disappointed that the White House is moving forward with this policy that will direct the Pentagon to prevent transgender Americans from serving in our military, and keep those already serving from receiving the medical treatment they need and deserve. With this decision, the President is putting politics and prejudice above the best interests of our military. Our government should not turn its back on those who are already serving, and are able to serve, simply based on their gender identity. Those who volunteer and are able to defend our country should be allowed to do so; gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, color, or gender has no bearing on one’s ability to serve. The diversity of our military has only made it stronger. This decision could negatively affect our readiness and our ability to recruit the most qualified individuals to our armed services. As a veteran, and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I strongly oppose this policy."

Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th):

“This Presidential order is a cravenly opportunistic act of discrimination against men and women who volunteer to defend the United States.

"President Trump has no credible information suggesting that transgender service undermines military readiness. Yet he is willing to ruin lives and deface our government’s commitment to equality in an apparent attempt to secure funding for his border wall. Apparently, if Mexico won’t pay for the wall, President Trump has decided that honorable men and women in uniform should pay instead as their service is traded away for funding. I oppose this decision in extremely strong terms, and we will fight for its reversal.”

Senator Jeanne Shaheen - (D - NH):

“The President’s actions to ban transgender Americans from serving their country is disgraceful. There are thousands of transgender Americans putting their lives on the line every day to defend our nation, people and liberty,” said Senator Shaheen. She continued, “Imposing a national defense policy that discriminates against American service members based on their gender identity violates their civil rights, undermines our military readiness and puts those affected by the ban, as well as their commanders, in a terrible position. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I oppose this egregious policy and will work with my colleagues in Congress to push back on the Administration’s decision so we can protect all transgender service members proudly serving our nation.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren- (D - MA)

"As a hurricane prepares to devastate Texas, Donald Trump is more concerned with kicking people out of the military and pardoning a racist sheriff who broke the law. Every time we think our President can't go any lower, he goes lower.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again: the only thing that matters when it comes to allowing military personnel to serve is whether or not they can handle the job.

"President Trump just issued an official memo that insults the courage and sacrifices being made by thousands of transgender troops, and he once again proved that he cares more about extreme ideology than military readiness. The President can pretend this decision is about military effectiveness, but it isn't. Banning individuals from serving based on gender identity is shameful and wrong - and it makes America less safe."

House Representative Amy Berra (D-CA, 7th):

“If you wear an American military uniform, you deserve the respect and support of the Commander-in-Chief. Unfortunately, Donald Trump is more comfortable peddling in discrimination and bigotry, and he’s shown that he is unable to support our troops.

Thousands of transgender men and women serve in the United States military. Removing these men and women from service or refusing recruits because of who they are goes against every American value they swear to defend. To those who serve, thank you for your sacrifice. You deserve better.”

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

“The Department of Defense should be focused on fighting and winning our nation’s wars, while also training and equipping the force that will do so into the future. The transgender debate is a distraction from this focus. With this announcement, along with the readiness and training review underway by Secretary Mattis, the Trump Administration is setting a clear expectation for that focus. I look forward to reviewing the details of these changes when they become available.”

House Representative Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd):

“Transgender servicemembers have and are serving with honor, distinction, and courage. No evidence has been ­­­­­­presented to warrant this ban, which is based solely on discrimination.

“With the National Defense Authorization Act making its way through Congress, I will seek options to block this action. Our servicemembers should be focused on the singular objective of protecting Americans. This ban will only serve as a disruptive distraction of that effort.”

House Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th):

“Military service is a privilege, not a right. I’m pleased to see the President putting military readiness first and making sure our defense dollars are spent keeping us safe. With the growing threats from Iran, North Korea, China and others, the U.S. military cannot afford to divert precious defense dollars from our national security. Every dollar must be spent investing in new military technology, getting the right equipment for our troops, and making sure we are protected from threats across the globe.”

Lawsuit opposes Trump's ban on transgender military service

Danbury:News-Times

Two LGBT-rights organizations filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday challenging President Donald Trump's tweets declaring he wants a ban on transgender people serving in the military.

The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington on behalf of five transgender service members with nearly 60 years of combined military service.

Transgender people have been allowed to serve openly in the military since June 2016. Trump, in a series of tweets on July 26, announced that he planned to end that policy.

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PRESIDENT TRUMP ANNOUNCES NO MORE TRANSGENDERS IN THE MILITARY

In a statement this morning, directly from his personal Twitter account, President Donald Trump shattered his predecessor's grand social experiment in the U.S. military. (Photo: President Trump speaks with General Mattis/Reuters/via Charisma News)

"After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military," he wrote. "Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail."

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Congressmen React to Military Transgender Ban

Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement condemning President Trump’s cruel and discriminatory ban on transgender military service members from serving in the U.S. Armed Forces:

“Today’s attack by the Commander-in-Chief on our military’s active duty personnel is appalling,” Representative Nadler lamented. “The arguments against allowing transgender service members to serve openly in our military reflect the same arguments that have been used against every other group that has been prohibited from serving in our country’s history – including black and Latino men, women, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. President Trump is attacking the very individuals he asks to risk their lives.”

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on President Trump’s tweets on transgender Americans serving in the military.

“Tens of thousands of transgender Americans have bravely and selflessly served our military, risking their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy every day. Like all Americans, they deserve the opportunity to wear the uniform regardless of their gender identity. President Trump’s bigoted decision will make America less safe and inhibit our military readiness. It is clear that President Trump is doubling down on his policies of hatred and it is the responsibility of all Americans – especially the Congress – to stand against this injustice.”

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the House Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Equality Caucus, issued the following statement after President Donald Trump tweeted that transgender Americans will no longer be able to serve in the U.S. military:

“The President’s tweet attacking transgender service members is shameful and prejudiced. Those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country should not face discrimination from anyone, let alone their Commander in Chief. Last year, the Department of Defense implemented a policy to allow transgender troops to serve openly in the military. Today’s guidance by President Trump, if carried out by the Department of Defense, to explicitly ban people who are already serving and wish to serve our country is a huge step back in the progress we have made in the name of diversity and inclusion. As member of the House Armed Services Committee and a veteran, I value every American who is willing and able to join the U.S. military. I urge the President to reverse his guidance, and to respect and support those who protect our country regardless of their gender identity.”

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement in response to President Trump's tweets on banning transgender Americans from serving in the military:

"Our commander-in-chief should not ban Americans who are qualified to serve in our military and are willing to risk their lives for our country. This is an obvious attempt to distract from the Republicans' disastrous debate on health care."

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposed ban on transgender Americans serving in the military.

“Servicemembers should be accepted on the basis of their ability to fight, train, and deploy without discrimination. Many transgender Americans have served honorably and capably – and countless others are serving now and would seek to serve in the future. President Trump should be thanking these servicemembers and veterans for their dedication and commitment to our nation instead of barring them from service. This rash and surprising Tweet contradicts the Department of Defense’s previous policy decision to allow transgender servicemembers to serve openly, and constitutes official discrimination.”

Impeachment, Paris Accord, Detention Centers, Missing Children, Immigrants, Military, BPA, Healthcare

Congressman Al Green Thanks Supporters and Colleagues After Trump Impeachment Statement
Al Green (D-TX, 9th)
May 24, 2017
“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the many people who have approached me, called and left positive messages with my office, as well as supportive sentiments on social media. While many of these communications were received from Americans who do not support the impeachment of the President, they also do not support threatening anyone with lynching.
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Congressman Gene Green Responds to the Withdrawal of the United States in Paris Climate Agreement
Gene Green (D-TX, 29th)
June 1, 2017
“The fight against climate change is an international priority supported by 195 countries,” said Green. “Until today, the United States has been leading the international community to reduce carbon emissions and protecting our planet for future generations. Thanks to innovation, investment, and smart policies, our nation’s carbon emissions have already declined by 11 percent since 2005. President Trump’s announcement to withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, regretfully, will hand international leadership on climate change to China and other nations who do not share our priorities."
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Griffith Statement on US Withdrawal from Paris Accord
Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
June 1, 2017
“The Paris Climate Accord is a bad deal for Americans, as I’ve been saying since the deal was announced. The United States can be the world leader in energy innovation; this symbolic, expensive, and poorly negotiated deal doesn’t change that. The United States is ALREADY a clean energy and fossil fuel energy leader; we can reduce our emissions and continue to produce American energy without the Paris Accord. America has already reduced its carbon-dioxide emissions dramatically, beginning before the Accord.”
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REPRESENTATIVE HANABUSA CRITICAL OF PRESIDENT TRUMP'S DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE PARIS CLIMATE ACCORD

The Paris Accord is a Bad Deal for the American People

Hastings’ Statement on President Trump’s Intention to Pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement

Congressman Denny Heck reacts to announcement that United States will abandon Paris Climate Agreement

Himes statement on Trump abandoning Paris Climate Agreement

Grijalva Responds to Failed Texas Bill That Designated Private Prisons as "Child Care Facilities"
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
June 02, 2017
Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement after a Texas bill that would have permitted state officials to license family detention centers as “child care facilities” failed to pass the Texas Legislature. The law would have subjected private detention centers to weaker regulations and allowed them to increase their profit margins by holding women and children, whom they receive higher per diem rates for, in detention for longer periods of time. The bill’s defeat comes after hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent in lobbying efforts by the private prison industry.
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House Unanimously Passes Guthrie Bill to Protect Missing and Exploited Children
Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
May 23, 2017
“As a father, I cannot imagine the horror moms and dads in this country experience when they discover one of their children has been taken, abused, or exploited,” said Guthrie. “Sadly, that’s a nightmare hundreds of thousands of parents in this country face. Last year alone, there were more than 465,000 reports of missing children — and those were just the cases that were reported. I was proud to introduce the Improving Support for Missing and Exploited Children Act to ensure that we take care of these children. I look forward to seeing this important piece of legislation signed into law.”
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AGRICULTURAL WORKER PROGRAM ACT (H.R. 2690) INTRODUCED IN HOUSE WITH STRONG SUPPORT
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th)
May 25, 2017
Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) and 29 of his House Democratic colleagues introduced the Agricultural Worker Program Act (AWPA, H.R. 2690), a bill to legalize the immigration status of farm workers working in American agriculture. The bill would create a program that would allow agricultural workers and their families to apply for a “Blue Card” that gives them legal status and work authorization if they show consistent employment in U.S. agriculture over the past two years, pay a fine, and pass a thorough background check. A 3- to 5- year path to citizenship is provided to those who continue to work in agriculture for the requisite amount of time. The bill is the House companion to Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s bill, S. 1034, introduced earlier this month, which currently has seven Senate co-sponsors.
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Hartzler Sees Progress in White House Decision to Delegate Force Management Levels to Secretary Mattis
Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th)
May 26, 2017
“President Trump’s decision to provide Secretary Mattis authority over troop caps in both Iraq and Syria signals a desire to reform the process and represents a new approach to improving military readiness,” said Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. “It is my hope that Secretary Mattis will address the misguided practices of using troop caps as a political tool. This allows commanders to build a coherent strategy and request forces to support that strategy—instead of the other way around,” added Hartzler.
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U.S. Rep. Herrera Beutler Opposes President’s Proposal to Sell BPA’s Assets
Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA, 3rd)
May 24, 2017
“The President’s proposal to sell off the Bonneville Power Administration’s assets in his budget released today is a non-starter for residents and employers throughout the entire Northwest. For decades, ratepayers have made financial investments in and had say over hydropower infrastructure that provides our region with the cleanest, most affordable and most reliable energy in the nation. That opportunity has been afforded by the unique and sustainable model made possible by the BPA. If this were sold off to a private bidder, residents would most certainly face higher monthly energy bills and the needs of rural communities would likely be overlooked. Rather than selling off this self-financed asset for a one-time ‘credit card’ payment to the U.S. Treasury, I would encourage this Administration to emulate the BPA’s model in other regions of the country.
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Higgins: Enough Talk About Dismantling Health Care in America, Let’s Get to Work Providing the Health Care Americans Deserve
Brian Higgins (D-NY, 26th)
Jun 2, 2017
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) says it is time for the conversation about healthcare in American to shift, from one that tears down healthcare to one that builds it up. Higgins, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means which has jurisdiction over healthcare legislation, outlined ways Western New York is leading the way in innovative delivery and said expanding on policies that work, including Medicare, could be the future of healthcare.
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Higgins Introduces Bills to Reauthorize U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services
Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)
May 30, 2017
“ICE and USCIS perform critical missions with the Department of Homeland Security, to secure America’s borders and protect our homeland,” said Rep. Higgins. “The threats facing American families are rapidly evolving. It’s common sense that we should provide these DHS agencies with the necessary guidance and structure to adapt their mission and use resources more efficiently as they work to keep Americans safe.”
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