Showing posts with label Postal Employees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Postal Employees. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Guns are Essential and MORE...


Information on Individual Payments in the CARES Act
Source: U.S. Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th)
March 30, 2020
The recently passed CARES Act includes provisions to provide direct financial assistance to millions of Americans across the country. These payments, or rebates, will come from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and for those who filed a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019, processing will be based on the payment and address information already on file. The payment for each adult is $1,200, or $2,400 for joint filers, and $500 for each qualifying under the age of 17.
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Smith Works Successfully with Families and State Department to Bring Home 17 Trapped in Peru
Source: U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ, 4th)
March 30, 2020
After more than a week of letters, phone calls and personal intervention to bring home Americans stuck in Peru, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) announced today that almost all those he championed are back on U.S. soil. The last of the 17 Americans seeking Smith’s assistance is in transit and expected back in the U.S. Monday.
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Spanberger Presses FDA to Cut Red Tape for Central Virginia Distilleries Producing Hand Sanitizer
Source: U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA, 7th)
March 30, 2020
In a letter sent to FDA Administrator Stephen Hahn, Spanberger and 86 of her colleagues requested that the agency update its guidance to recognize the use of undenatured alcohol in sanitizers. Undenatured alcohol—which distillers in Central Virginia and across the country have readily available—is compliant with the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) hand sanitizer formula and has the same effectiveness as denatured alcohol.
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STEFANIK COSPONSORS BILL ENSURING BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Source: U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY, 21st)
March 30, 2020
“During this time of crisis, while many are working and completing schoolwork from home, it is essential that they have reliable access to broadband,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This legislation supports our small operators to offer free or discounted service or broadband upgrades to households who are in urgent need of distance learning and other capabilities. In addition, many constituents in the North Country rely on telehealth services, especially during this health crisis. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to bring more connectivity to those who need it most during this unprecedented time, and I will continue to advocate for their needs in Congress.”
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Sasse Pushes Liability Shield for Coronavirus Doctors
Source: Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
March 30, 2020
“In ERs and ICUs across America, doctors and nurses are writing the playbook as they fight this virus one day at a time,” said Senator Sasse. “These heroes need a common-sense liability shield so that they don’t have to worry about lawsuits while they’re scrambling to save lives. This legislation gives emergency liability and patent protections to health care professionals who are innovating on the frontlines. America is going to beat this virus. Congress needs to make sure that phase four legislation protects our doctors and nurses from a plague of lawsuits.”
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Jennifer Garner & Amy Adams’ #SAVEWITHSTORIES Helping America’s Kids Learn, Get Nutritious Meals During Coronavirus School Closures
Source: Save the Children
March 30, 2020
With nearly 95 percent of America’s schools closed due to coronavirus concerns, actors Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams’s newly launched #SAVEWITHSTORIES initiative is gaining momentum and helping the country’s most vulnerable kids continue to learn and get the nutrition they need while they’re home from school. The actors are sharing their favorite books and stories on Instagram and Facebook – and asking their friends to do the same – to drive donations to Save the Children and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign’s coronavirus response efforts.
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As Farm Prices Slump Due to Coronavirus, U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce USDA Crop Insurance Flexibilities to Support Producers
Source: Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
March 30, 2020
“Minnesotans across the state are facing economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic and that includes our farmers,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “As the backbone of our state’s economy, farmers need our support during periods of uncertainty. This added flexibility from USDA will help ensure that the impacts from coronavirus will not jeopardize the crop insurance services farmers rely upon. I encourage farmers with questions to contact their local crop insurance agent.”
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Sanders Launches Inquiry into Postal Worker Protections Against Coronavirus
Source: Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
March 31, 2020
“It is not an exaggeration to say that our men and women in the Postal Service, who were already performing one of the most important jobs in America, are now literally putting their own lives on the line to deliver the food, medicine, and essential supplies that hundreds of millions of Americans depend on every single day during this pandemic,” said Sanders. “The Postal Service leadership must do everything in its power to protect these heroes by immediately distributing protective gear, implementing strong workplace safety policies, and making sick leave easily available,” Sanders said. “I will look forward to hearing from the Postal Service’s leadership on what progress they have made on this absolutely urgent matter.”
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott: America Needs to Take Action to End Coronavirus and Get Back to Our Normal Lives
Source: Senator Rick Scott (R-FL)
March 31, 2020
Now that Congress has acted to help the workers and small businesses that are suffering, we need to turn our focus to getting our country back to work. I laid out a 30-day plan to stem the spread of coronavirus and start to get American families back to their normal lives
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Scott Statement On Pelosi Fighting For Millionaires During Pandemic
Source: Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)
March 31, 2020
“After wasting four days trying to pass the Green New Deal as part of the last coronavirus relief package, now Speaker Pelosi wants to hand out billions of dollars to millionaires,” Scott said. “This is offensive to the American people, counterproductive to helping those most in need, and would never pass the Senate. Pandemic relief is supposed to help the American people, Speaker Pelosi, not serve as a grab bag for your liberal wish list.”
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Following Outreach from Shaheen & Hassan, Major Insurance Companies Announce Policy to Waive Cost-Sharing for COVID-19 Expenses, Including Testing and Treatment
Source: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
March 31, 2020
Under the bipartisan COVID-19 response packages, free testing is available if recommended by a doctor. However, due to a lack of available testing, it may not be possible for everyone who has contracted COVID-19 to get tested, which is why it is essential that insurance companies cover the costs for treatment and diagnostic services for both presumptive and confirmed COVID-19 cases.
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Stabenow Statement on President Trump’s Decision on Fuel Efficiency Standards
Source: Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
March 31, 2020
“The Administration has failed to bring people together and put forth a rule that is good for our auto industry, workers, consumers, and the environment. Instead, they are taking us backwards. This rule creates more uncertainty for our auto industry and makes it more difficult for us to compete in the global market. We need a strong, achievable, national standard that maintains an urgent focus on combatting the climate crisis and tackling fuel efficiency. This rule takes us in the wrong direction.”
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GROUPS SEEK SHOW CAUSE ORDER IN CAL GUN CASE
Source: Second Amendment Foundation
March 31, 2020
A coalition of gun rights groups including the Second Amendment Foundation is asking for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and an order to “show cause” in a motion for their federal case against California authorities who have ordered a shutdown of retail gun shops in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak.
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With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute Funds
Source: Small Business Association
March 31, 2020
“This unprecedented public-private partnership is going to assist small businesses with accessing capital quickly. Our goal is to position lenders as the single point-of-contact for small businesses – the application, loan processing, and disbursement of funds will all be administered at the community level,” said Administrator Carranza. “Speed is the operative word; applications for the emergency capital can begin as early as this week, with lenders using their own systems and processes to make these loans. We remain committed to supporting our nation’s more than 30 million small businesses and their employees, so that they can continue to be the fuel for our nation’s economic engine.”
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Somebody Cares Network Respond to COVID19 Crisis
Source: Somebody Cares America/International
March 31, 2020
In response to a plea from the White House for donations of supplies to hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers, Somebody Cares America/International has distributed over 40 thousand N95 masks, normally used by SCA for wildfires and relief efforts involving mold from flooding. Recipients include medical relief ministries in Texas and California; various medical practitioners and healthcare systems in Texas; a testing clinic in the Houston area; a military base quarantine site; law enforcement; and our Somebody Cares Baltimore chapter, which is working alongside the local police department and the National Guard to help with the crisis in their community.
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Amid COVID19, Non-Profit Works to Rescue Children from Public School
Source: Public School Exit
March 31, 2020
University professor Dr. Duke Pesta, who runs the online K-12 FreedomProject Academy, has years of experience delivering world-class education. "With the technology today, there are no more excuses for parents to send their children to public schools," said Pesta, a leading critic of Common Core.
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Colorado Man Arrested Over Social Media Post Containing Gun Pointed at Jewish Men Praying
Source: Stopantisemitism.org
March 31, 2020
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Kauffman posted a threatening image on a social media website on March 13, 2019. The image was a digitally-created image of Kauffman’s arm and hand aiming an AR-15 rifle at a congregation of praying Jewish men, gathered in what appears to be a synagogue.
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Thursday, February 16, 2017

Planned Parenthood, Foster Children, Law Enforcement, Copyright Office, Department of Education, Central America, Pre-Existing Conditions, OIRA, Postal Employees, regulations, Obamacare, ALS, EPA, and Medicare

Legislation was passed on Thursday (February 16) that eliminates an Obama Administration rule prohibiting the redirecting of Title X funding away from Planned Parenthood to health care centers that don’t provide abortions. The bill, H.J. Res. 43, uses the Congressional Review Act to eliminate the ‘midnight rule’ from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was finalized just two days before the end of President Obama’s second term. That regulation blocks states from diverting Title X family planning grants away from Planned Parenthood to community health centers, county health departments, or other providers. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and steadfast pro-choice advocate, claimed it would restrict a woman’s access to abortion.

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Congresswoman Lawrence introduced H.R. 1069, “The Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act”, with five original cosponsors. This bill would require mental health screenings for all children entering foster care. The legislation calls for an initial mental health assessment to take place within 30 days of a child entering foster care with a comprehensive follow-up assessment if deemed necessary.

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On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Jacksonville City Council voted to amend the city’s human rights ordinances to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination.

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After The Hill reported that the White House Transition Team has proposed a budget blueprint, which would eliminate the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Representative Sean Patrick Maloney joined local civic and law enforcement officials to call on President Donald Trump to keep his campaign promise to support our law enforcement community and refrain from eliminating the federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. In addition, Rep. Maloney wrote a letter to the President asking him to protect the program. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) COPS program provides investments to allow state and local police departments to hire police officers, test new strategies, and acquire cutting-edge technology.

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The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 387, The Email Privacy Act. This bill requires the federal government to acquire warrants before accessing an individual’s digital content.

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Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) reintroduced (H.R. 890) the Copyright Office for the Digital Economy Act or the CODE Act. The CODE Act makes several improvements to the copyright office that reflect a consensus across various industries and public interest groups.

These improvements include:

  • Housing the Copyright Office in the Legislative Branch
  • Requiring ongoing technology studies to ensure the office remains current with technology to be more user friendly which includes improving upon the searchable database
  • Establishing an advisory board representing a variety of interests and views tasked with providing the office with candid feedback on the current field of copyright to ensure neutrality and objectivity
  • Technical provisions to ensure a more seamless transition away from the Library of Congress


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    Representative Thomas Massie introduced H.R. 899, a bill to abolish the federal Department of Education. The bill, which is one sentence long, states, “The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2018.”

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    Reps. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and John R. Moolenaar (R-MI), Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), and Albio Sires (D-NJ), introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to reaffirm the United States Congress’s commitment to fighting corruption in Central America.

    The resolution states that efforts to fight corruption must remain at the center of U.S. policy in Central America, that the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) are important contributions to these efforts, and that the governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador should cooperate with MACCIH and CICIG and the Attorneys General of the region.

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    The Bill, Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017, was introduced in the House today.

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    Representative Paul Mitchell (MI-10) introduced the OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act (H.R. 1009) to strengthen congressional insight and accountability over the regulatory process by putting the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) into statute.

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    Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) introduced H.R. 942, the Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendments Act to expand U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals rights to mid-level U.S. Postal Service Management. Under current law, approximately 7,500 USPS employees do not have this protection.

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    U.S. Representative Martha McSally introduced legislation to mandate federal agencies report to Congress about regulations that did not comply with the Congressional Review Act (CRA). According to the text of the CRA, regulations that did not comply with mandated reporting requirements may be subject to overrule by Congress with majorities in both chambers.

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    Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Mark Sanford’s (R-SC) created an Obamacare replacement plan—endorsed by the House Freedom Caucus.

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    Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Peter King (R-NY) re-introduced The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, bipartisan legislation they spearheaded to ensure that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients are provided vital support and benefits in a more timely manner. The legislation would waive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) five-month waiting period for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

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    Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) introduced H.J.Res. 59, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution that blocks the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs under the Clean Air Act Rule (RMP rule).

    The Congressional Review Act, passed in 1996, allows Congress to vote to overturn any regulation during a period of 60 days after the regulation was created. Regulations created at the end of the Obama Administration are subject to be overturned, so long as it is within the 60-day “in-session” period of Congress.

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    Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) statute and clarify its application to the Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) program.

    The Secondary Payer Advancement, Rationalization, and Clarification (SPARC) Act, replaces ambiguous and uncertain Part D MSP requirements with a simplified, commonsense approach that provides beneficiaries with improved access to the care. The legislation also allows Part D Prescription Drug Plans to recover prescription drug cost deficits more quickly from primary payers.