COVID-19, Bill Withers, Constitution, Pregnancy, Prisons, Veterans Administration, Unions, Airlines, PPE, Truckers, EPA, Media, Insurance, Hydroxycloroquine, Defense Production Act, New York

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has been moved to ICU as he battles COVID-19 symptoms.

Bill Withers passed away on April 4, 2020. He was best known for his song, "Lean on Me".

In a press conference at the White House with the Coronavirus Task Force, Donald Trump was asked why he did not declare a national emergency and enact a national lockdown. Donald Trump answered the reporter saying, "Because we have what is called a United States Constitution, and I respect that very much." He went on to explain that every state has different needs, so it is better that each governor act in a way that best benefits his or her own state. He has issued national guidelines for each state to follow. That should be enough.

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Patient-Centered Care for Pregnant Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
March 30, 2020
As the physicians, certified nurse-midwives (CNM) and certified midwives (CM) who care for patients and their families, we see firsthand the stress and uncertainty facing pregnant people, parents, and their support networks during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are listening to the people we care for and share their concerns about the impact of this pandemic on their intended plans for labor and birth. We stand in solidarity with our patients and are committed to working tirelessly to deliver evidence-based, respectful, patient-centered care to ensure parents and their families are supported during this time of pandemic.
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CONGRESSMAN DAVID TRONE CALLS ON FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS TO RELEASE CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE PLANS
Source: U.S. Representative David Trone (D-MD, 6th)
March 31, 2020
As of March 27, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) had 14 incarcerated individuals and 13 staff across 16 BOP facilities (in nine different states) who tested positive for COVID-19.[1] We know that the coronavirus presents a unique and serious danger to our nation's prisons and jails. BOP must prioritize the health and safety of correctional staff and incarcerated individuals by taking necessary steps to mitigate the chance of an outbreak of the virus at all BOP facilities, be prepared to provide immediate and comprehensive care to our incarcerated population when COVID-19 is detected at one of our prisons or jails, and prevent transmission between BOP facilities.
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VA Employee Union Criticizes Veterans Benefit Administration for Requiring Employees to Report to Work After Two Tested Positive for Coronavirus
Source: American Federation for Government Employees
March 31, 2020
“It is appalling that VBA management still expects employees to come into the facility after there were two confirmed coronavirus cases. These employees were still walking around the facility less than two weeks ago,” said Jim Rihel, AFGE Local 940 President. “Since the announcement of the positive COVID-19 cases, the anxiety levels of already nervous employees have been through the roof.”
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NLRB Changes Rules to Make It Harder for Workers to Be Represented
Source: American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
March 31, 2020
“In two weeks time, in the middle of a pandemic, President Trump’s NLRB suspended representation elections and then made it harder for employers to voluntarily recognize unions. In other words, the board is effectively sealing off any viable path to unionization at a time when workers need a voice on the job more than ever. Donald Trump’s caustic hostility to collective bargaining has manifested itself in the most anti-worker NLRB in America’s history. The labor movement will fight these actions with everything we have.”
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Don’t Use Taxpayer Dollars To Buy Private Companies
Source: American Legislative Exchange Council
March 31, 2020
ALEC Action is strongly opposed to provisions in the recently signed $2 trillion economic aid package that give the United States government part ownership in airline companies. Private sector options must be exhausted before any government involvement is considered, and a government loan to airline carriers would have been far less damaging than the federal grants in the signed proposal. The federal government should never spend taxpayer dollars to acquire ownership in private companies. The structure of government assistance should not require governmental ownership of private companies, nor should it impose regulations that interfere with a company’s ability to conduct business and pay back taxpayer dollars.
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AMA supports health care workforce using their own PPE
Source: American Medical Association
March 31, 2020
“As physicians and other frontline health care workers across the U.S. continue to face dire shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), the AMA fully supports them in using their own face masks and respirators when these critical resources are unavailable and not provided by their employer. The people working round the clock to combat this virus should not be penalized or punished for taking precautions necessary to protect themselves, their patients, and their families from the spread of COVID-19. We are pleased that The Joint Commission updated its guidance today, and provided an evidence-based analysis, to clarify that its policy does not prohibit health care workers from bringing their own PPE from home.”
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“Phase Three” COVID-19 Legislation: Keys for Motor Carriers
Source: American Trucking Association
March 31, 2020
“Across the country right now, truckers are answering the call during this national emergency, delivering food, medicine, PPE and other critical supplies. It’s important for our nation’s supply chain that trucking has access to liquidity, so we can keep our trucks on the road—and not on the sales lot.”
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Reps. Tlaib, Levin Lead Michigan Lawmakers in Urging EPA to Continue Actively Enforcing Environmental Rules and Regulations
Source: U.S. Representative Rashida Tialb (D-MI, 6th)
March 31, 2020
Congresswoman Rashid Tlaib (MI-13), Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09), and five other members of the Michigan congressional delegation, sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler urging him to rescind its March 26 guidance, which announced it would suspend active enforcement of many important environmental policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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If NYT doesn’t think critical press briefings on Chinese coronavirus are news, then get some real reporters in there
Source: Americans for Limited Government
March 31, 2020
“In the New York Times’ world, blunders are news, gotchas are news, but actual information on how every American can help save lives in a time when the Chinese coronavirus is the only story is not news. What a bunch of frauds. The White House should rotate the New York Times out of the White House press room twice a week in favor of someone who actually covers the news, and see how they scream that they are denied access. Obviously, all the White House would have to tell the New York Times is that they don’t want to waste their time, since from their perspective the briefings don’t make news.”
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How Americans for Prosperity is uniting with communities, businesses, and policymakers to combat COVID-19
Source: Americans for Prosperity
March 31, 2020
Activists, businesses, and lawmakers all have a role to play in protecting public health, ensuring greater access to care for vulnerable patients, and allowing for communities to come together to adapt and innovate to help the people and institutions affected by COVID-19.
Read more...

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Anthem Waives Cost Share for COVID-19 Treatment
Source: Anthem, Inc
March 31, 2020
Anthem’s commitment to improving lives and supporting our local communities is more important than ever as the nation joins together to address the COVID-19 crisis. As part of Anthem’s ongoing actions to meet the needs of those directly impacted by the disease, the company announced it will expand coverage, effective April 1, for members in its affiliated health plans undergoing treatment related to a COVID-19 diagnosis.
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Georgia Tech faces lawsuit for discriminating against MLK’s niece
Source: Alliance Defending Freedom
April 1, 2020
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing the Students for Life chapter at Georgia Tech filed suit in federal court Wednesday after the university’s student government denied funding for a speaking event featuring Alveda King, the niece of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., because she is “inherently religious” like her uncle.
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Warren Urges FDA to Address Shortages of Drugs Prematurely Touted by President Trump as COVID-19 Treatments
Source: Senator Elizabeth Warren (D - MA)
April 2, 2020
Though scientists have begun testing hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as candidates for potential COVID-19 treatments and the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the prescription of the drugs in certain circumstances, public health experts have cautioned against their wide distribution. Despite these warnings, President Trump continues to use his platform to tout unproven treatments, resulting in inappropriate prescribing, at least one death, and reported shortages of the drugs. This threatens to exacerbate existing health problems; there are already reports pharmacists have had to turn away or limit supplies to patients being treated for autoimmune disorders.
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Internists Say Defense Production Act must be used to Produce PPE
Source: American College of Physicians
April 2, 2020
In a letter sent this afternoon to President Trump, the American College of Physicians (ACP) said the Defense Production Act (DPA) must immediately be invoked to require manufacturers to make personal protection equipment (PPE) for physicians and other health care workers.
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Internists Call on the Trump Administration to Open Health Insurance Enrollment Due to COVID-19
Source: American College of Physicians
April 2, 2020
“COVID-19 continues to dramatically alter our way of life. We appreciate the administration and Congress’ efforts to expand access to COVID-19 testing without cost sharing. However, millions remain uninsured or underinsured,” wrote Robert McLean, MD, MACP, president, ACP in the letter. “ACP is concerned that those without comprehensive coverage may be less likely to seek and receive testing and treatment of COVID-19, endangering themselves and others.”
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Private insurer actions urged to support COVID-19 challenge
Source: American Hospital Association
April 2, 2020
The AHA has urged leaders from the nation's five largest private health insurance companies — Aetna, Anthem, Humana, Cigna and UnitedHealthCare — and organizations that represent insurers (America’s Health Insurance Plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association) to join hospitals and health systems to "meet the historic challenge" caused by COVID-19 to "ensure that the health care system is there for anyone who needs care."
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NYC Official Says City Is Preparing To Dig ‘Trenches’ In A Park To Bury The Dead
Source: Reporter Sara Carter/Jennie Taer
April 6, 2020
The Chair of the New York City Council’s health committee Mark D. Levine said Monday that the city is overwhelmed by the number of deaths from the coronavirus and that they’re preparing to dig “trenches” in a city park to bury the dead.
Read more...

NY Assembly Passes Legislation Requiring Safe Storage of Guns

by: New York Assembly

New York, NY - March 4, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly passed legislation which will expand current requirements that guns are kept in safe storage repositories, especially in households with children (A.2686A, Paulin).

"Today's bill is another important step in preventing gun violence," Speaker Heastie said. "Earlier this year we passed a package of legislation that addressed some of the root causes of gun violence. I am proud of our continued work with our Senate colleagues to ensure New York has the strongest and safest possible gun laws, and help keep our kids safe in our homes and in our communities."

"Today's legislation is the next logical step in keeping our children and families safe from gun violence," Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol said. "The Assembly Majority is dedicated to keeping weapons out of the hands of people who should not have them - whether that's dangerous criminals or kids who are playing around the house and come upon them."

"Despite all our progress, it is still simply too easy for guns to fall into the wrong hands," said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. "Preventing children from obtaining access to firearms by requiring safe storage will enable us to prevent accidents, suicides, and school incidents that put our children in harm's way. It is an important step that will keep our families safe without impinging on the rights of law-abiding citizens."

Under current law, safe storage of guns is only required if a person living in the household is federally prohibited from owning a gun, but not if there are children in the house. Today's legislation would require that, in households with children and individuals prohibited from possessing a gun by federal or state law, all guns are safely stored when not in possession of the gun owner. In homes with children, failure to safely store guns would be a class A misdemeanor. Individuals would also be required to safely store their guns when children are present in their homes, even if the children do not reside there. The bill would also require licensing officers to provide notice about safe storage of firearms. In addition, people, firms or businesses who sell firearms, rifles or shutguns would be required to conspicuously post notification of safe storage laws where guns are displayed or transferred to the buyer.

A 2017 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that between 2012 and 2014, on average nearly 1,300 children die and 5,790 are treated for gunshot wounds each year. Of these, 53 percent were homicides, 38 percent were suicides and six percent were unintentional deaths. Preventing children from obtaining firearms by requiring safe storage would help prevent child accidents and suicides.

Oksana Naumkin, whose 12 year old son Nicholas was unintentionally shot and killed by a friend who was playing with an unlocked and loaded gun, said, "I am grateful that the New York State legislature finally passed Child Access Prevention legislation and would like to thank all of the wonderful people whose passion and determination prevailed. It took a village but we did it, and we are finally moving in the right direction with regard to sensible gun laws! My son Nicholas loved Charlie Chaplin, the ‘Honeymooners' and the Beatles. He was quite an actor and an artist, loved computer animation and wanted to study journalism. Nicholas was a kind soul and befriended new kids on the bus and at school and stood up to bullies. His future was supposed to be very bright and it was senselessly taken from him and all of us. A grief such as this never leaves you; you learn to live with it! As we continue to struggle every day for the past eight years, we have fought hard alongside New Yorkers Against Gun Violence to make New York safer for our children. I am glad that we are now able to honor Nicholas's memory as he would never have had it any other way. We look forward to seeing Governor Cuomo sign this life-saving bill, so that no other family has to live with the pain my family will live with for the rest of our lives."

Rebecca Fischer, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence executive director, said, "Today, New York State has again made it a priority to protect our communities by passing this sensible gun violence prevention legislation. For over twenty years, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence has been fighting for a child access prevention law in New York State to prevent unintentional shootings, teen suicides, school shootings, and gun thefts. After Nicholas's death, the Naumkin family came to us with both sorrow and hope that together we could strengthen our laws to protect children living in homes with guns. We are grateful to now have New York lawmakers who have the courage to pass this common sense bill that will prevent tragedies and protect all children and communities across New York."

NY Law Is Infanticide

Albany, NY - January 29, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The so-called “Reproductive Health Act,” recently signed into law by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, authorizes the murder of unborn babies up to the point of birth for any reason and revokes medical care for babies who are born alive after a failed abortion. This new law, which also applies to nonresidents who come to New York for an abortion, denies any legal protection or rights for an unborn child.

When any abortion law uses the word “health” in addition to “life,” and the definition of “health” is not clearly specified, it is likely relying on the broad definition of “health” in the 1973 Doe v. Bolton opinion. The New York law does not define the word “health” but states:

“A health care practitioner licensed, certified, or authorized under title eight of the education law, acting within his or her lawful scope of practice, may perform an abortion when, according to the practitioner’s reasonable and good faith professional judgment based on the facts of the patient’s case: the patient is within twenty-four weeks from the commencement of pregnancy, or there is an absence of fetal viability, or the abortion is necessary to protect the patient’s life or health.” (emphasis added).

Under this law, the mother can obtain an abortion for any reason using the broad application of the word “health.” Under Doe v. Bolton, the companion case to Roe v. Wade, the word “health” includes emotional, psychological, familial, situational, and financial considerations.

While many states have laws which require appropriate medical care and treatment for babies who are born alive after a failed abortion, the state of New York repealed that section of the public health law. Now the same medical personnel who would work to save a preemie, need not do anything for a baby the same age who survived an abortion.

This new law also seeks to deny any recognition or protection for human beings before birth under any circumstances. Until now, New York had been one of 38 states whose homicide statute could apply before birth. The law defined homicide as including “conduct which causes the death of...an unborn child” after 24 weeks “under circumstances constituting” existing categories of homicide. The so-called “Reproductive Health Act” repealed that language so that deliberately causing the death of a child whose mother never even considered abortion is no crime at all.

“A child can be tortured and killed seconds before it is born in New York simply because it is seen as an ‘inconvenience’ to some and a money-maker for others,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “If the child happens to be born alive, it can now be left to suffer and die. New York has dehumanized the child in the womb, including those born alive after a failed abortion. This is infanticide. This is nothing to celebrate. This is a crime against humanity, and New York wants to become the world sanctuary for abortions by allowing even nonresidents to come and kill their babies,” 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. Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.

Graham: Disappointed Trump Administration Treating Terrorists Like Common Criminals

By Senator Lindsey Graham  - (R - SC)

Washington, D.C. - December 18, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on the Trump Administration not holding New York terror suspect Akayed Ullah as an enemy combatant for intelligence gathering purposes.

“I am incredibly disappointed to see the Trump Administration continue to treat terrorists as common criminals.  Giving Akayed Ullah a lawyer and putting him directly into the criminal justice system means we lose the ability to gather intelligence from a person who fits the profile of an enemy combatant. 

“We couldn’t possibly have gathered information on the multiple trips Ullah made to Bangladesh and other relevant activity in such a short period of time.  Now that he has a lawyer, there will be no more intelligence gathering and everything will have to be done through plea bargaining. 

“When it comes to the potential interrogation policies regarding terrorists, it is as if President Obama and his team never left.  How many more attacks will it take before the Trump Administration embraces the fact that we are fighting a war, not a crime? 

“The evidence against Ullah is so overwhelming, a first year law student could convict him.  Our primary goal for terror suspects like Ullah should be to gather intelligence to ensure we prevent and disrupt future attacks.  Only after all intelligence gathering is complete, should the suspect be turned over for trial.”

See more headlines at The Ponder News

Judge Moore Releases Statement on Manhattan Terrorist Attack

by Judge Roy Moore

Montgomery, AL - December 12, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- On Monday morning, Judge Roy Moore released a statement in response to the attempted terrorist attack in Manhattan.

"As we get news this morning of yet another radical Islamic terrorist attack, I am grateful that it appears no one was critically injured, and, as always, I am thankful for the quick action of law enforcement who have the suspect in custody. This incident underscores the continued threats our nation faces from those who want nothing more than to destory the freedoms we enjoy.

"In the United States Senate I will fight with President Trump for the increased safety of the American people and I will not mince words when it comes to calling out radical Islamic terrorism for the threat that it is. I am committed to implementing the President's travel ban, putting an end to sanctuary cities, building the wall and making America safer."


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

"Fit & Fresh Pocket Pill Case" "Easy to Open Doors with Large Tabs!"

POE ON ATTEMPTED NEW YORK TERRORIST ATTACK

By House Representative Ted Poe (R-TX, 2nd)

Washington, D.C. - December 11, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) released the following statement regarding the attempted terrorist attack in New York City:

“This morning a terrorist strapped a pipe bomb to his chest with the intent to cause chaos, death, and mayhem in a busy New York underground subway tunnel,” said Congressman Poe. Reports suggest that the attack was ISIS-inspired but ultimately failed when the pipe bomb malfunctioned and exploded prematurely, justly injuring only the terrorist. While we are on the path to defeat ISIS, we must be mindful that the terror group’s remnants are still at war with America. We must continue to go after ISIS terrorists wherever they operate and promote their murderous ideology.”

Congressman Poe is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Subcommittee.

ACLU COMMENT ON TRUMP’S CALL TO END IMMIGRATION PROGRAM, SEND NYC ATTACK SUSPECT TO GUANTÁNAMO

Source: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)




Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- President Trump has urged Congress to end a longtime immigration program, invoked “extreme vetting,” and said he is considering sending the man arrested in yesterday’s New York attack to the U.S. prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

Anthony D. Romero, executor director of the American Civil Liberties Union, had this reaction:

“President Trump’s reaction to the tragedy in New York represents a trifecta of unconstitutional and wrong-headed policies. His call for more ‘extreme vetting’ and an end to the diversity visa program — which will unfairly target Muslim and African immigrants — would double down on his Muslim ban and anti-immigrant policies.

“Sending Saipov to Guantánamo or treating him as an ‘enemy combatant’ would violate due process and the rule of law. The FBI and our federal court system are more than capable of dealing with terrorism cases, and Guantánamo was shown long ago to be an epic failure. It’s a shame that Trump is using this attack as a platform for pushing his anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim agenda.”

Read more about the New York Terrorist at The Ponder News by clicking HERE

Statement of ABA President Hilarie Bass Re: Respect for our justice system

Source: American Bar Association

Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The American Bar Association joins in mourning the victims of Tuesday’s terrorist attack in New York.

Adherence to the rule of law and the protections of our system of justice are critical aspects of our response to such a tragedy. They are the foundation for the values we hold dear. Those values are undermined when anyone thoughtlessly disparages our constitutional structure and the hard-working people who diligently uphold our laws.

Our constitution and the rule of law help to make our country fair and just, and they have long been a model for people around the world. No cowardly act of terrorism should divert our focus on maintaining and supporting the constitutional principles on which our justice system is based.

Go to www.abalegalfactcheck.com for the ABA’s new feature that cites case and statutory law and other legal precedents to distinguish legal fact from fiction.

With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is one of the largest voluntary professional membership organizations in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

Read more about the New York Terrorist at The Ponder News by clicking HERE

Pondering about the New York Terrorist...

Click Here to read them all:
https://www.thepondernews.com/terrorist-in-new-york

November 02, 2017
American Legion National Commander issues condolences to New York City terrorist victims
The Ponder News
"Today's senseless attack upon innocent civilians is just another reminder of why The American Legion is fully committed to defeating terrorism," Rohan said. "We have always maintained that it will be a long protracted struggle but we must support our men and women in the military and in law enforcement. The first responders again performed admirably and we are grateful to the brave officers who stopped the attack. We pray for the victims and their families."
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/american-legion-national-commander.html

November 02, 2017
CONGRESSMAN POE ON NEW YORK TERRORIST ATTACK
The Ponder News
Yesterday, as Americans went about their daily lives in New York City, a radicalized coward tore down a busy bike route driving a rented flatbed truck, plowing down all those in his path. The noise of bikes crunching and the cries of the injured rang out. The terrorist rushed forward, ramming directly into a school bus, injuring children inside. He fled the scene, sending bystanders into a panicked frenzy until peace officers apprehended the radical Islamic terrorist. Just blocks from the World Trade center, 8 individuals lay dead and at least 13 more were injured.
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/congressman-poe-on-new-york-terrorist.html

November 02, 2017
CONGRESSMAN DUNCAN'S STATEMENT ON THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW YORK
The Ponder News
President Trump has stated that his administration is in the process of terminating the Diversity Visa Lottery program, and is asking Congress to work to get rid of this program. I support the President’s decision and action to end the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/congressman-duncans-statement-on.html

November 02, 2017
Congresswoman Tenney Statement on New York City Terror Attack
The Ponder News
“Our hearts break for the victims of today’s horrific terror attack in New York City that killed eight and injured eleven. We are grateful to the NYPD and our first responders, our front line of defense here at home, for their swift action. As New Yorkers and as Americans we stand united against the threat of terrorism.”
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/congresswoman-tenney-statement-on-new.html

November 02, 2017
Wilson Statement On Tuesday Terrorist Attack In New York City
The Ponder News
"This afternoon’s terrorist attack in New York City was as cowardly as it was senseless. This is another reminder that we must win the Global War on Terrorism overseas to stop terrorists from threatening American families here at home. The people of New York City have faced challenges like this before, and their strength and unity always inspire us. Roxanne and I will keep the victims – including those who have lost their lives and those who are injured – in our prayers."
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/wilson-statement-on-tuesday-terrorist.html

November 01, 2017
Feinstein: President Must Not Sow Division
The Ponder News
“In the wake of a national tragedy, the president has an obligation to bring the country together, not sow division. It’s deeply troubling that the president’s response to a terrorist attack appears to be driven by this morning’s commentary on Fox & Friends...
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/feinstein-president-must-not-sow.html

November 01, 2017
Senator Graham Statement On NYC Terror Suspect
The Ponder News
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) issued this statement on potentially holding the suspect in the New York City terror attack, Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, as an enemy combatant for intelligence gathering purposes.
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/senator-graham-statement-on-nyc-terror.html

November 01, 2017
STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW YORK CITY
The Ponder News
“The terrorist attack in New York is the latest brutal, horrific example of the war that radical Islamist extremists are waging against our nation and our way of life. From Orlando to San Bernardino and Boston to Manhattan, we must not consider these attacks on our homeland in isolation, but rather recognize them for what they are: acts of war. As such, the New York terror suspect should be held and interrogated—thoroughly, responsibly, and humanely—as an enemy combatant consistent with the Law of Armed Conflict. He should not be read Miranda Rights, as enemy combatants are not entitled to them. As soon as possible, the administration should notify Congress how it plans to proceed with the interrogation and trial of this suspect...
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/statement-by-sasc-chairman-john-mccain.html

November 01, 2017
NYC terror suspect charged with supporting ISIS
ABC News
The man accused of plowing into people on a lower Manhattan bike path Tuesday had apparently been planning the attack for a number of weeks, police officials said today.
"He did this in the name of ISIS, and along with the other items recovered at the scene was some notes that further indicate that," John Miller, deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism of the NYPD, said this morning of the attack that killed eight. "He appears to have followed almost exactly to a 'T' the instructions that ISIS has put out in its social media channels before with instructions to their followers on how to carry out such an attack."
Read more...http://abcnews.go.com/US/nyc-terror-suspect-charged-supporting-isis/story?id=50855307

November 01, 2017
Trump Says He'd 'Certainly Consider' Sending New York City Attacker To Guantanamo Bay
Yahoo! News
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would consider sending Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in Tuesday’s terrorist attack in New York City, to the notorious U.S. military detention facility in Guantanamo Bay.
​
“I would certainly consider that, yes,” Trump said in response to a question from Major Garrett of CBS. “Send him to Gitmo.” Trump also urged “quick justice” and “strong justice” for Saipov, calling him “this animal.”
Read more...https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-says-apos-certainly-consider-164057535.html

November 01, 2017
Press Conference After Deadly Driver Kills 8 in Manhatten
Source: New York Mayor's Office
The Associated Press reported: "A man in a rented pickup truck drove onto a busy bicycle path near the World Trade Center memorial Tuesday, killing at least eight people and injuring several others in what the mayor called “a particularly cowardly act of terror.”"
​
The Ponder has acquired the read out and video of the press conference from the New York Mayor's office that came after the attack.
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/press-conference-after-deadly-driver.html

November 01, 2017
Rep. Maloney on Suspected Terror Attack in Lower Manhattan
Source: Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
“Today's terrorist attack was a preplanned barbaric act of violence against innocent civilians that deserves the condemnation of every citizen of every nation. Yet even in the face of such savagery, I know that our city is too strong, too resilient, to let terrorists dictate how we live. We intend to carry on with the same vigor and determination that lights up our city every day, even in the darkest of times.
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/rep-maloney-on-suspected-terror-attack.html

November 01, 2017
The Diversity Lottery
The Ponder News
Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the revelation that the man who committed yesterday's terrorist attack in New York City came to the U.S. through the notoriously flawed diversity visa lottery program:
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-diversity-lottery.html

American Legion National Commander issues condolences to New York City terrorist victims

Source: The American Legion




Indianapolis, IN - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan issued the following statement regarding today's truck attack in New York City.

"Today's senseless attack upon innocent civilians is just another reminder of why The American Legion is fully committed to defeating terrorism," Rohan said. "We have always maintained that it will be a long protracted struggle but we must support our men and women in the military and in law enforcement. The first responders again performed admirably and we are grateful to the brave officers who stopped the attack. We pray for the victims and their families."


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

CONGRESSMAN POE ON NEW YORK TERRORIST ATTACK

Source: Ted Poe (R-TX, 2nd)




Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- "Yesterday, as Americans went about their daily lives in New York City, a radicalized coward tore down a busy bike route driving a rented flatbed truck, plowing down all those in his path. The noise of bikes crunching and the cries of the injured rang out. The terrorist rushed forward, ramming directly into a school bus, injuring children inside. He fled the scene, sending bystanders into a panicked frenzy until peace officers apprehended the radical Islamic terrorist. Just blocks from the World Trade center, 8 individuals lay dead and at least 13 more were injured.

We must not allow terror to strike fear on American soil. Our full resources must be directed to destroy terrorism. Today, terrorists use social media to recruit, fundraise, spread propaganda and domestically radicalize future supporters. It comes as no surprise that the dastardly terrorist who carried out yesterday’s rampage appears to have meticulously followed attack instructions that terrorist groups like ISIS have publicized online. Meanwhile, the United States does not have a whole of government approach to combatting terrorism on the cyber battlefield. Congress mandated a strategy to do just that, due in March 2017, nearly 8 months ago. I urge this Administration to move quickly on this national security priority to prevent another attack taking innocent American lives again."

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CONGRESSMAN DUNCAN'S STATEMENT ON THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW YORK

Source: John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN, 2nd)




Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- “The terrorist attack in New York City yesterday that killed eight innocent people and injured 12 others is a terrible tragedy.

Officials have said the suspected perpetrator came here in 2010 through the Diversity Visa Lottery program. Apparently, he was influenced by the radical Islamic terrorist organization Islamic State.

President Trump has stated that his administration is in the process of terminating the Diversity Visa Lottery program, and is asking Congress to work to get rid of this program. I support the President’s decision and action to end the Diversity Visa Lottery program.

We have allowed far too many people into this Country, and we have to do a much better job screening those whom we let in.

The American people are some of the kindest, most sympathetic people in the world. We have allowed many millions to immigrate here over the last 50 years. No other country has even come close to allowing as many people to immigrate as has the U.S.

Unfortunately, many immigrants are not assimilating when they come here. We need to slow down much of this immigration and strictly enforce our laws. We especially have to be more careful when allowing immigration from Muslim majority countries.

Our entire infrastructure- our schools, hospitals, roads, jails, sewers, our overall economy- could not handle the rapid, massive influx of people we would have over the next few years if we simply opened our borders. We must have a legal, orderly system of immigration and it must be enforced.”


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Congresswoman Tenney Statement on New York City Terror Attack

Source: Claudia Tenney (R NY, 22nd)

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Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) released the following statement after the tragic terror attack on New York City:

“Our hearts break for the victims of today’s horrific terror attack in New York City that killed eight and injured eleven. We are grateful to the NYPD and our first responders, our front line of defense here at home, for their swift action. As New Yorkers and as Americans we stand united against the threat of terrorism.”

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Wilson Statement On Tuesday Terrorist Attack In New York City

Source: Joe Wilson (R-SC, 2nd)




Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) released the following statement in response to the Tuesday afternoon terrorist attack in New York City:

"This afternoon’s terrorist attack in New York City was as cowardly as it was senseless. This is another reminder that we must win the Global War on Terrorism overseas to stop terrorists from threatening American families here at home. The people of New York City have faced challenges like this before, and their strength and unity always inspire us. Roxanne and I will keep the victims – including those who have lost their lives and those who are injured – in our prayers."

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Feinstein: President Must Not Sow Division

Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)

Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has released the following statement on the terrorist attack in New York City:

“In the wake of a national tragedy, the president has an obligation to bring the country together, not sow division. It’s deeply troubling that the president’s response to a terrorist attack appears to be driven by this morning’s commentary on Fox & Friends.

“There’s a distinct contrast between the response to the attack in New York and the attack in Las Vegas. In the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting in which nearly 60 people were killed and hundreds injured, it was ‘too soon’ to discuss banning bump-fire stocks and other policies to prevent gun violence.

“Now in the wake of the attack in New York City, it’s apparently not ‘too soon’ to reiterate calls for a travel ban and paint all immigrants with the same broad brush.

“The president sets the tone of the national conversation in wake of a terrorist attack. That conversation must be measured and based on the facts.”

Senator Graham Statement On NYC Terror Suspect

Source: Senator Lindsey Graham (R - SC)

Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) issued this statement on potentially holding the suspect in the New York City terror attack, Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, as an enemy combatant for intelligence gathering purposes.

“I’m very pleased to hear that President Trump is considering holding Mr. Saipov as an enemy combatant. The President understands the difference between a terrorist and a common criminal. If an individual acts like a terrorist and says they’re a terrorist, they should be treated like a terrorist.

“Based on the current evidence, it would be very appropriate to initially hold Mr. Saipov as a suspected enemy combatant to allow us to gather the best and most reliable intelligence regarding his activities.

“Mr. Saipov does not have to be transferred to GTMO, but that certainly is an option available to the Administration. My main goal is to gather as much reliable intelligence as quickly as possible. We are fighting a war – not a crime.”

Rep. Maloney on Suspected Terror Attack in Lower Manhattan

Source: Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)

Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Following an apparent terrorist attack in which a truck was used to kill eight and injure 15 more people in lower Manhattan today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), released the following statement:

“Today's terrorist attack was a preplanned barbaric act of violence against innocent civilians that deserves the condemnation of every citizen of every nation. Yet even in the face of such savagery, I know that our city is too strong, too resilient, to let terrorists dictate how we live. We intend to carry on with the same vigor and determination that lights up our city every day, even in the darkest of times.

“I am incredibly grateful for the swift response of New York’s finest and our first responders, and for the abundance of caution the NYPD is exhibiting with their stepped-up presence to keep our city feeling safe. I am confident that the NYPD and FBI will conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice.

“Our hearts break today for the families of the eight people killed by this madman and I send my hopes for swift recoveries to all those injured. We will stay New York strong, and get through this together.”

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Press Conference After Deadly Driver Kills 8 in Manhatten

Source: New York Mayor's Office



Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill: Good afternoon everybody. Steve, are we good? Alright. Just keep in mind that this incident occurred a little more than two hours ago so all the information that we are giving you right now is preliminary and subject to change.

After I speak you are going to hear from Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio, Bill Sweeney from the Assistant Director in charge of the New York FBI offices standing up here with me too, we have members [inaudible] of my executive staff. We have Cy Vance and members of the state police.

First, I just want to say that today there was a loss of innocent life in Lower Manhattan. The dead and injured were just going about their days, heading home from work or from school, or enjoying the afternoon sun on bicycles. This is a tragedy of the greatest magnitude for many people, for many families here in New York City and beyond today.

I want to commend the response of our NYPD officer that was on post near the location who stopped the carnage moments after it began. And also work, the work of the first responders, including the Fire Department and the EMS personal surely helped save additional lives.

As I said I will give more of a chronology in a couple of minutes, but right now I would like to introduce Mayor de Blasio.

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you Commissioner. It's a very a painful day in our city – horrible tragedy on the West side. Let me be that clear based on the information we have at this moment, this was act of terror. And a particularly cowardly act of terror aimed at innocent civilians, aimed at people going about their lives who had no idea what was about to hit them.

We at this moment, based on the information we have, we know of eight innocent people who have lost their lives and over a dozen more injured. We know that this action was intended to break our spirit but we also know New Yorkers are strong, New Yorkers are resilient. And our spirit will never be moved by an act of violence, an act meant to immediate us.

We have been tested before as a city very near the site of today's tragedy. And New Yorkers did not give in in the face of these kinds of actions. We will respond as we always do. We will be undeterred. And I want to thank everyone at the NYPD, all our first responders for their extraordinary efforts in the midst of this tragedy, starting with the officer who stopped this tragedy from continuing – all the first responders who came to the aid of those who were injured.

An investigation is under way to get all the facts and what we will tell you today will of course be preliminary. But we know we will get down to the bottom of what happened. I want to ask all New Yorkers, all Americans to keep the families of those lost in your thoughts and prayers. They will need our support.

And I want to ask all New Yorkers to be vigilant. We know it's Halloween night. And we know in the days ahead people will be uneasy. We ask all New Yorkers to live by the idea – if you see something, say something – tell an officer immediately if you see anything unusual, anything that worries you. Be vigilant and know that there will be extensive additional employments of NYPD officers this evening and throughout the days ahead.

We will also keep you posted as this investigation continues and as the NYPD gains more information. Governor Cuomo.

Governor Andrew Cuomo: Thank you. First, our thoughts and prayers with those New Yorkers who we lost today – it reminds us all how precious life is. They left the house this morning – they were enjoying the beautiful Westside of Manhattan on a beautiful fall day and they are not going to be returning home. And that shock and that pain is going to be very real. And our thoughts [inaudible] our prayers are with all of them.

Our first responders did an extraordinary job. The NYPD, the FDNY, the FBI, the New York State Police, EMS – they, we have the finest security on the globe and to see them in action today proved that once again.

The new terrorist tactic which they have called for publicly, are these lone wolves who commit an act of terror. This is all very preliminary – it's only been a couple of hours. But at this point, there's no evidence to suggest a wider plot or a wider scheme, but the actions of one individual who meant to cause pain and harm and probably death, and the resulting terror, and that was the purpose.

We will be vigilant – more police everywhere, you'll see them in the airports, you'll see them in the tunnels. It's not because there's any evidence of any ongoing threat or any additional threat, it is just out of vigilance and out of caution. And the truth is, New York is an international symbol of freedom and democracy – that's what we are – and we are proud of it. That also makes us a target for those people who oppose those concepts, and we've lived with this before, we've felt the pain before, we feel the pain today, but we go forward together and we go forward stronger than ever.

We're not going to let them win, and if we change our lives, we contort ourselves to them, then they win and we lose. We'll go about our business – again, there's no ongoing threat, there's not evidence of that at this time. So, there's no reason to have any undue anxiety. You will see more security forces, but that's only because it's an abundance of caution and not a signal of anything else. And there will be continued investigation and justice will be done. But again, to those we lost – they're in our thoughts and our prayers.

To the first responders, thank you, thank you, thank you for the job you do. You put your life one the line every day. You do it better than anyone else. And to New Yorkers – be New Yorkers and live your life and don't let them change us or deter us in any manner, shape, or form.

Thank you.

Commissioner O'Neill: Thanks, Governor Cuomo. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As I said, I'm going to go through the chronology here. And I know when I'm done, you're going to have a lot of questions, but we're not going to go too deep into it, it's only two hours. And after I get done with the chronology, Dan Nigro is going to talk about the injuries.

It's about 3:05 pm, a male driving a rented Home Depot pickup truck entered the West Side Highway bicycle path at Houston Street, began driving southbound, striking a number of pedestrians and bicyclists along the route. At Chambers Street, the truck collided with a school bus, injuring two adults and two children. After the collision, the driver of the truck – a 29-year-old male – exited the vehicle, brandishing two handguns. The uniformed police officer assigned to the 1st Precinct, confronted the subject and shot him in the abdomen. The subject was wounded and transported to a local hospital. A paintball gun and a pellet gun were recovered at the scene. The subject's identity is not being released at this time pending further investigation. At this point, there are eight fatalities reported in connection with this incident. In addition, several people have been injured and Commissioner Nigro from our Fire Department will discuss that.

Dan?

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro: Thank you, Jim. As the Police Commissioner said, six people died – they were pronounced at the scene between Houston Street and Chambers Street. They were all males. Two others were transported in traumatic arrest and were pronounced at the hospital. We also transported 11 people, all with serious but, at this moment, not life-threatening injuries. The injuries are what you may expect as a truck went at high speed down that bicycle path and struck bicyclists and pedestrians. There may be more injuries as people self-evacuated and we will determine that later as we do our survey. But that's the patient count and the deaths as we know it now.

Commissioner O'Neill: Alright, at this point, we're going to take some questions.

Myles, hold on – Myles –

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: John, you want to talk about the program a little bit?

Deputy Commissioner John Miller, Intelligence and Counter-terrorism, NYPD: So, as you know, through the SHIELD program, we do a very wide outreach. We have just under 20,000 members in the private sector. After ISIS, [inaudible] magazine came out with the issue just about two years ago around this time of year suggesting car attacks. You'll recall, one of the targets they suggest was the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We went and did extensive outreach to the truck rental business. We visited over 148 truck rental locations in this area. The obvious ones – U-Haul, Ryder, Home Depot, etcetera, and talked about suspicious indicators, ways to come forward. After attacks on the German Christmas market, after Nice, we repeated those visits two more times either by making telephonic contact, email, or going back to the same places. So, the industry has had a high level of awareness on this matter from the NYPD.

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: It's way too early to discuss that. I mean, this just happened two hours ago and it's of course part of our investigation.

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Initially, we thought it might have been but it turned out not to be. Yeah?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: It's all part of the investigation.

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: No, this incident is over. It did end right by Stuyvesant High School, so we had to make sure all the kids were taken care of, and we held them in place for a while, and it was important we do that, but this incident is over.

David?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: He's a 29-year-old male and I'm not going to talk about the truck right now.

Right there?

Question: [Inaudible] the suspect said [inaudible] anything to that effect. Is that the only indication that this may be an act of terrorism, or do you have – what else [inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Yeah, he did make a statement when he exited the vehicle. And if you just look at the M-O of the attack – that's consistent with what's been going on. So, that, along with the statement that's enabled us to label this a terrorist event.

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: No, not right now.

Question: [Inaudible] nationality and was there any intelligence leading up to this [inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Again, two hours old, and we'll update you as we go along.

Lenny?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: It's being conducted jointly with the NYPD and the FBI.

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: From Florida? I'm not going to go into that.

John?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Not – John – not right now, no.

Yes?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: After the Times Square incident I talked about this. Any incident that happens in New York or happens in the country or happens around the world, we have to learn from that, so of course we're going to take a look at that.

Yes?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Yes, he's in the hospital. I'm not going to tell you what hospital.

And I'm going to let Chief Gomez talk about what we're doing for the Halloween parade tonight.

Carlos?

Chief of Department Carlos Gomez, NYPD: In less than 90 minutes that parade will kick off. We will proceed with the parade and certainly we've added more resources, more police officers, heavy weapons teams, blocker vehicles on the street leading to the route as well as more sand truck. There's also heavy weapons teams being deployed throughout the city at key, iconic locations.

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Well, this is why we do investigation. Initially, I'm sure, whoever put that out isn't sure what the event was, and now two hours into it this is the determination that we've made.

Yes, in the first row?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Too early in the investigation to know that.

Rocco?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: I haven't looked at the video let. We're retrieving as much video as possible. What we do know is he entered the bike path at Houston Street and exited the bike path at Chambers Street when he collided with the school bus. And there are no intersection on the west side of the bike path between Houston and Chambers.

In the – hold on, one second – in the back there?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Dan, do you have that?

There are among the injured that are serious but not life threatening.

Yes?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: We're not going to talk about where the Home Depot was rented from just yet, and Bob, do we know how many people were on the bus?

There were two adults and two children on the school us.

In the back, Lisa?

Question: [Inaudible]

Commissioner O'Neill: Don't know. That's part of the investigation.

Yes?

Commissioner O'Neill: No, we don't have that yet.

Unknown: [Inaudible]

Mayor: I'll just close this off here by saying look, the NYPD is investigating this with our federal partners, with our State partners. There's going to be a very, very thorough investigation, but the most important thing – as Governor Cuomo said, as Chief O'Neill said – people should go about their business knowing the NYPD is out in force with our partner agencies tonight and throughout the week. Very important additional measures are going to be taken for people's safety, but the bottom line is we are going to go about our business in the city, and we are not going to be deterred. And we'll get you updates later on in the evening.

Thanks, everyone.

Donovan Calls on City to Drop Sanctuary Policies

Source: Daniel Donovan (R-NY, 11th)



Staten Island, NY - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today called on the City of New York to adjust its sanctuary policies to comply with federal law instead of risking the loss of Department of Justice (DOJ) grants. On October 11, DOJ notified the City of New York that it must adjust its sanctuary policies to maintain eligibility for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants Program (Byrne JAG), which provided $4.3 million to the City last year.

Congressman Donovan said, “Cities shouldn’t be able to pick and choose which laws to follow. The federal law is clear: the City cannot instruct law enforcement agents to withhold information on immigration status from federal authorities. New York City should adjust its policies to comply with federal law.”

In one example of the City’s non-compliance, DOJ cites a section of New York Administrative Code stating the Department of Correction may not “honor a civil immigration detainer…by notifying federal immigration authorities of [a] person’s release.” To remain eligible for Byrne JAG grants, DOJ says the City must certify that it does not restrict the Department of Correction from sharing release information with the federal government, and that the City has communicated this interpretation to its employees.

Donovan, a former prosecutor, has long opposed sanctuary cities that refuse to comply with or enforce the law. Earlier this year, he voted in support of Kate’s Law, which enhances criminal penalties for deported felons who return to the United States so they’re not free to commit further crimes. He also voted in support of the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, which updates immigration law to permit deportation of known members of a criminal gang who are in the country illegally.

Donovan also voted against legislation that would have ended anti-terror initiatives in New York City as a consequence of being a sanctuary city. In a joint op-ed with Congressman Peter King (NY-2), the lawmakers wrote:

[The bill] would make New York City ineligible for hundreds of millions of dollars every year that go toward thwarting terror attacks. These dollars have no connection to immigration whatsoever, except for the fact that the NYPD hunts down terror threats and also sometimes arrests illegal aliens.

It’s a cruel irony that security concerns over criminal undocumented immigrants have been given as a rationale for a bill that disembowels the anti-terror apparatus in the world’s top terror target.

Congressional Delegation to Protect Middle-Class Homeowners by Opposing Repeal of State & Local Tax Deduction

Source: New York Governor's Office

New York, NY - October 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launched a statewide push across congressional districts to urge New York's delegation to stand up for this state's middle class and oppose the repeal or reduction of state and local tax deductions. Governor Cuomo and Senator Schumer today stood with homeowners from Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties and urged every New York House member to fight against any effort to repeal or reduce the state and local tax deduction, which thousands of Upstate New Yorkers rely on. If the Republican tax plan were to pass, many New Yorkers could be saddled with a tax increase of thousands of dollars. In Albany County, where average state and local taxes amount to $7,250, this proposal would raise taxes on one in three taxpayers by an average of $3,438. Eliminating or reducing the state and local tax deduction would have ripple effects of decreasing home values in the region and placing pressure on state and local governments to reduce their taxes and cut spending on education and their local fire and police departments.

"While Washington is considering a 'tax cut' plan, what it really amounts to is a "tax increase" plan for New York," Governor Cuomo said. "The elimination of State and Local Tax deductibility is a death blow to New Yorkers and our economy. The current plan only makes it possible to cut taxes for other states by using New York and California as the piggybank. Every member of our Congressional delegation must do everything they can to stop this devastating proposal."

"Whether the savings from these deductions becomes money for home repairs, groceries, school supplies or even the yearly vacation, it belongs in the pockets of New Yorkers, period," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. "These deductions should not be eliminated so people making millions of dollars a year can catch a tax break of their own. It simply makes no sense for Congress to eliminate the SALT deduction, which has helped steady the cost of many middle-class families including those living in the Capital Region-it would be double taxation on the middle class. Without state and local deductions potential homeowners may look elsewhere which could devastate the New York State including the Capital and North Country economy. So, today, with Governor Cuomo we are calling on every member of Congress from New York: do the right thing and block this gut-punch to New York's middle-class. In the meantime, I will do everything in my power here in the U.S. Senate to fight this GOP-led effort to end critical mortgage, state and local property tax deductions."