Elections, Oil, Nurses, COVID-19, Testing, Religion, Prisons, Unemployment, Taxes, Trump Administration, Cuba, PPE

DFA praises Sanders “transformational” campaign, is “100% committed” to ensuring Biden beats Trump
Source: Democracy for America
April 8, 2020
Sen. Bernie Sanders just announced the suspension of his 2020 campaign for President. Democracy for America endorsed Sanders in 2016 and fought along his side from early in the campaign all the way to the convention. The grassroots progressive group endorsed Sanders again prior to the Super Tuesday contests following a vote of DFA members.
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HEAT Members Urge Saudi Crown Prince to Restore Global Oil Market Stability
Source: U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
“The United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have an important strategic partnership that ensures regional stability, counters Iran’s malign activity, and defeats terrorists that threaten our security,” the letter reads. “The United States also remains committed to maintaining the strong economic ties between our two countries. We are concerned, however, with the Kingdom’s actions to artificially distort global crude oil markets as countries around the world struggle to address a growing economic and health crisis fueled by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.”
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Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s Loyalty Program, to Offer ENA Members Free Hotel Rooms
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
April 8, 2020
The initiative, which also includes members of the American College of Emergency Physicians, offers free hotel room nights to nurses and physicians in several targets cities currently in the greatest need, including New York City, Newark, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Detroit and New Orleans. ENA and ACEP will oversee the matching of their respective members in those cities with accommodations at participating hotels.
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We Need True Positives, True Negatives: Doggett and DeLauro Press FDA for Data on the Accuracy of COVID-19 Tests
Source: U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 35th)
April 9, 2020
U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, pressed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for information regarding the precautions they have taken to assure the accuracy of COVID-19 tests, as well as for manufacturers’ data provided to the FDA on false positives and false negatives in administered tests thus far.
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Davids Statement on Kansas’ Reversal of Order Limiting Mass Religious Gatherings During Coronavirus
Source: U.S Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS, 3rd)
April 9, 2020
“The decision to overturn Governor Kelly’s executive order is not only outrageous and irresponsible – it’s putting lives at risk. Rather than work to ensure the health and safety of Kansans, extremists in the state legislature have created chaos and confusion and endangered our public health.
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DPA Leads Vast Coalition of Public Health Orgs & Professionals Calling on the CDC to Adopt Decarceration & Expanded Health Care Access in Guidance to Slow Spread of COVID-19
Source: Drug Policy Alliance
April 9, 2020
The letter follows troubling reports of rapidly escalating outbreaks within the country’s jails, prisons and youth and immigration detention centers. These institutions have failed to maintain control of the spread of COVID-19, reduce capacity to allow for social distancing, offer necessary hygienic supplies or personal protective equipment to ward off infection, and ultimately provide adequate access to healthcare for those who need it; the results of which have proved fatal.
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Ernst Statement on Senate Democrats Blocking Funding for Small Businesses
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
April 9, 2020
“After hearing from Iowans and seeing the overwhelming response of small businesses across the country, it’s clear we need to bolster the Paycheck Protection Program. We don’t have time for political games; we’re in a crisis. Workers and employers in Iowa and across the country need this relief now more than ever, so let’s put aside the politics and swiftly get this specific additional support for small businesses approved so money can keep flowing, Iowa workers can continue to collect a paycheck, and our state’s small businesses can stay afloat,” said Senator Ernst.
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ENA Foundation Announces COVID-19 Relief Fund
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
April 9, 2020
ENA members who need financial assistance due to personal hardship experienced as a direct result of COVID-19 may apply for a one-time individual relief grant of $599 to assist themselves and their family during this difficult time. Priority consideration will be provided to nurses serving in targeted hot spot areas.
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16.8 million apply for unemployment benefits in three weeks
Source: Economic Policy Institute
April 9, 2020
Between March 15 and April 4, 16.8 million workers applied for unemployment insurance (UI), according to new Department of Labor (DOL) data. That means that in the last three weeks alone, more than one in 10 workers have applied for UI benefits. The labor market has been upended.
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DelBene Secures Tax Extension for Non-profit Hospitals, Universities, Other Tax-exempt Organizations
Source: U.S. Representative Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
April 10, 2020
“The IRS made the right decision to extend the tax filing and payment deadline for tax-exempt organizations,” said DelBene. “Just like individuals and businesses, COVID-19 continues to create significant financial disruption for tax-exempt organizations, such as non-profit hospitals, and universities. Many of these organizations are on the front lines of responding to this pandemic in Washington state and around the country. They deserve relief and now will receive it.”
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Delgado Statement on Removal of CARES Act Oversight Committee Head
Source: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (D-NY, 19th)
April 8, 2020
“Two weeks ago, a broad, bipartisan coalition voted to pass the vitally important emergency relief legislation with the inclusion of critical oversight measures to ensure the faithful stewardship of federal dollars. Removing a key government watchdog from overseeing the largest stimulus package in our nation’s history is deeply concerning and runs counter to a unified message of placing emergency relief above partisan politics. Americans need relief now, not divisive partisanship.”
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What COVID-19 Means for End-of-Life Care: Experts Answer Your Questions
Source: Death with Dignity
April 10, 2020
Over the past several weeks, we have been receiving a growing number of inquiries about end-of-life care, advance directives, and other critical issues. With the help of experts, we have taken some time to answer those questions and compiled some resources. Experts come from a number of fields:
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DEFAZIO PUSHES TO PROTECT INTEGRITY OF INSPECTORS GENERAL FROM TRUMP POLITICAL RETALIATION
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
April 10, 2020
In the letter to Michael Horowitz, the CIGIE Chair, the lawmakers write, “Unlike any President in modern history, President Trump has engaged in offensive and unjustified attacks against Inspectors General, criticizing them for following the law, and retaliating against them for telling the truth…[The president’s actions] reflect a campaign of political retaliation and reward that is antithetical to good government, undermines the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and degrades the federal government’s ability to function competently.”
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DEFAZIO ANNOUNCES NEW TOOL TO HELP NON-FILERS ACCESS COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
April 10, 2020
After the 2008 financial crisis, 3.5 million of our nation’s most vulnerable did not receive a stimulus check because of bureaucratic red tape,” said Rep. DeFazio. “We cannot allow the same thing to happen now, which is why I called for a method to help those who need it most access economic impact payments. This new tool will give those who do not usually file, including those with too little income, a simple, free and secure way to provide the IRS with basic information so they can receive their Economic Impact Payments as soon as possible. While I will continue to push Treasury and IRS to automatically provide payments to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and to individuals who receive Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation and pensions, this is an important first step towards helping vulnerable populations weather these uncertain times.
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As Lawmakers Fall Ill, Congress and State Legislatures Must Enact Continuity Plans
Source: Demand Progress
April 10, 2020
Demand Progress calls on Congress and state legislatures to institute continuity of governance plans immediately, before the COVID-19 crisis worsens and the legislatures become unable to act. Many members of Congress have been exposed to the virus, it was announced that two New York state lawmakers had contracted the virus, and it’s likely many others have contacted it as well. Overseas, the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg was closed and reconvened in Brussels, and about 10 percent of Iranian parliamentarians have tested positive, while two have died.
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Democracy for America backs Jeff Merkley for reelection to the U.S. Senate
Source: Democracy for America
April 10, 2020
DFA was a strong supporter of Sen. Merkley in his first reelection bid in 2014 and, over the last six years, has worked closely with him on everything from progressive fights for filibuster reform and Medicare for All to battles against war with Iran and Donald Trump’s right-wing Supreme Court nominees.
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Chairman Deutch Calls for Stronger US Response to Idlib Humanitarian Catastrophe
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL, 21st)
April 10, 2020
In the letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, the Members acknowledge the humanitarian impact of escalating violence in Idlib on its roughly three million residents, most of whom are children. In addition to the conflict's devastating effect on civilians, the Members fear that Syria's limited health care facilities and professionals, already operating under dire conditions, may be ill-prepared for any spread of COVID-19.
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Representatives Diaz-Balart, Rooney, Mucarsel-Powell Condemn Cuba’s Actions During COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL, 25th)
April 10, 2020
The Cuban regime has shamelessly exploited this COVID-19 pandemic to engage in a misleading medical diplomacy campaign by trafficking doctors from whom they pocket as much as 80 percent of their salaries, confiscate their passports, and impose strict monitoring. The regime is also spreading dangerous disinformation about the virus worldwide with the aim of dividing the international community. These are just the latest examples of the regime’s use of propaganda to build a positive image abroad and distract from its systemic human rights violations against the Cuban people. Like their authoritarian partners around the world, the Cuban regime cannot be counted on as a reliable partner in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
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Feinstein Calls for Additional Essential Workers Such as Grocery Clerks, Agricultural Workers to Receive Protective Equipment
Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
April 10, 2020
“I write in support of your leadership in procuring 200 million masks a month, so that essential workers on the frontlines across California are protected during the coronavirus pandemic,” wrote Senator Feinstein.
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Fetal Tissue Research, PPE, Churches, Insurance, Paycheck Protection, Race, Hydroxycloroquine, Navy Secretary, ICE, China, Defense Production Act, Testing, First Responders, Prisons

DeGette calls on HHS to lift restrictions on human fetal tissue research
Source: U.S. Representative Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
April 6, 2020
In June 2019, the Trump administration banned all research using human fetal tissue within the National Institutes of Health and placed new restrictions on such research at independent labs. As a result, scientists at NIH and labs across the country have been unable to pursue promising biomedical research into conditions and diseases that affect millions – including coronavirus – because it involves the use of human fetal tissue.
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Cassidy Pushes for More Protective Equipment for First Responders
Source: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
April 7, 2020
“[We] urge you to continue exploring every possible avenue to increase the supply of PPE to put more of this critical equipment into the hands of those who need it most, including first responders,” wrote the senators. “Specifically, this requires utilizing your authorities under the Defense Production Act to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity by incentivizing private firms to produce PPE, including respirators, gloves, gowns, and eye protection, and to allocate some of these resources to first responders.
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Cheney: We Need To Help Americans Who Are Hurting
Source: U.S Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming at large)
April 7, 2020
“The spread of the coronavirus has created economic uncertainty for many across the country, and the Paycheck Protection Program is an important resource that allows small businesses to keep their employees on payroll, providing crucial economic relief during this unprecedented crisis."
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CARES ACT INFORMATION FOR ALLIANCE CHURCHES
Source: Christian and Missionary Alliance
April 7, 2020
“Access to this form of government funding for churches is largely unprecedented. For many reasons familiar to church leaders, the United States has a long history of church autonomy and the avoidance of any government financial entanglement with the church."
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Cicilline Calls on Car Insurance Companies to Provide Partial Rebate of Premiums
Source: U.S Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
April 7, 2020
“Allstate Corporation and American Family Mutual Insurance Company have agreed to pay it forward by refunding hundreds of millions of dollars in refund checks to their policy holders, and I applaud them for taking action on this issue,” Cicilline wrote in an open letter to the auto insurance industry. “I urge you to follow their lead, review your data, and reach out to the appropriate state insurance regulators to determine how to best implement a system that refunds excess premium charges to consumers.”
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Cicilline Calls on Car Insurance Companies to Provide Partial Rebate of Premiums
Source: U.S Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
April 7, 2020
“Allstate Corporation and American Family Mutual Insurance Company have agreed to pay it forward by refunding hundreds of millions of dollars in refund checks to their policy holders, and I applaud them for taking action on this issue,” Cicilline wrote in an open letter to the auto insurance industry. “I urge you to follow their lead, review your data, and reach out to the appropriate state insurance regulators to determine how to best implement a system that refunds excess premium charges to consumers.”
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Cole Statement on Additional Funding for Paycheck Protection Program
Source: U.S Representative Tom Cole (R-OK, 4th)
April 7, 2020
“As Americans hunker down in their homes and wait for this coronavirus crisis to pass, many families and businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Small businesses and their dedicated workers are some of the hardest hit and by no fault of their own. While I am encouraged that the Paycheck Protection Program will provide some desperately needed help for small businesses trying to maintain their workforce, it is critical that Congress and the Trump Administration ensure the program remains fully funded and able to deliver the promised aid to those who need it.”
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Congressman Anthony Brown Highlights Racial Disparities in Coronavirus Outbreak, Requests Additional Data
Source: U.S. Representative Anthony Brown (D-MD, 4th)
April 8, 2020
“We must have more information to confront this pandemic, not less. The lack of information will only exacerbate the existing health disparities—both in terms of care and treatment—and hinder our efforts to contain the spread of the virus in communities that may be at the highest risk,” wrote Congressman Brown. “We need this data to ensure we can address the implications of these disparities as we expand testing and treatment around our state.”
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COLLINS SECURES 200,000 DOSES OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE FOR GEORGIA
Source: U.S Representative Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th)
April 7, 2020
“On behalf of the people of Georgia, I want to thank Amneal Pharmaceuticals for this incredible donation,” said Collins. “This medication could be pivotal in Georgia’s fight against COVID—19 and could potentially save thousands of lives across our state. Acts of generosity like this remind us of the remarkable ways in which our country has rallied together to support one another in the face of this crisis, and I’m humbled to have worked with Amneal and Georgia’s Department of Public Health to help secure this donation on behalf of our state. We will beat this virus, and our nation will emerge stronger than ever before.”
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Report: Repeal #NeverNeeded Regulations to Help COVID-19 Response
Source: Competitive Enterprise Institute
April 7, 2020
“Lawmakers should prioritize policies that mitigate the effects of the pandemic on everyday life,” said Kent Lassman, CEI president. “We need flexibility to solve problems without rigid regulations that make economic recovery more difficult.”
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Chairman Courtney Statement On Reports That Acting Secretary Of The Navy Thomas Modly Has Submitted Letter Of Resignation
Source: U.S Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
“Today’s decision by former Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly to resign was a necessary step to restore the confidence of every sailor and member of the US Navy that its leadership is committed to their wellbeing,” said Chairman Courtney. “Our nation asks a lot of the men and women who wear its uniform, especially during a time of pandemic when their enduring mission becomes even more perilous. The ordeal of the USS Roosevelt was bad enough for its crew without the uncalled-for scapegoating of Captain Brett Crozier. Mr. Modly did the right thing in stepping aside. Hopefully it will allow the Navy to focus on caring for the crew and their families, as well as for a fresh review of the Captain Crozier’s punishment, which simple fairness demands.”
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Congresswoman Angie Craig Introduces Legislation Investing in Small Towns
Source: U.S Representative Angie Craig (D-MN, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig introduced the Small Cities and Towns Investment Act to provide small cities, towns and townships with a new grant program that would allow them to invest in their communities and stimulate their economies following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Advocates Sound the Alarm: Deaths in ICE Detention are Imminent
Source: Detention Watch Network
April 7, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases in ICE facilities is rising rapidly. The evidence is clear: if ICE continues to keep people locked up, we know that a COVID-19 related death of a person in immigration detention is imminent. ICE will cause preventable deaths if they don’t act now by releasing all people from detention.
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Rep. Jim Banks Calls on United States to Bring Case Against China to International Court of Justice
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
Rep. Banks says, “If China’s leaders hadn’t become embarrassed by the outbreak and tried to cover up its spread, the world may have had a better chance to prepare for this or even contain it in Wuhan or China. Instead, we have a pandemic. China shoulders most of that blame. Rather than succumb to the propaganda and spin of Chinese officials, the world must hold them accountable for mishandling this outbreak. If the United Nations cannot even do that, it has completely lost its purpose.”
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Transparency Is Critical for the Defense Production Act to Be Effective and for Allocation of Supplies
Source: Bipartisan Policy Center
April 8, 2020
“The Bipartisan Policy Center appreciates the work of the administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency in working with states to ensure the right critical medical material and personal protective equipment get to the right areas at the right time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government has the unique ability and visibility to ensure coordination, provide logistical support, and direct manufacturing of material and equipment all of which are crucial in the response to this public health emergency.”
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Congresswoman Beatty Cosponsors Bill Directing $250 Billion to Local Communities Combating the Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
“Cities and townships across Ohio’s Third Congressional District—wholly contained in Franklin County—are struggling with the impacts of this public health crisis,” Beatty said. “That includes funding and maintaining emergency operations, public awareness and outreach, and much more, all while facing a depleted income tax revenue base required to financially sustain these critical services.” Beatty continued, “I urge my Democratic and Republican colleagues to support this important piece of legislation because the coronavirus is affecting all of us—whether we live in small towns, large metropolitan areas, or anywhere in between.”
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Bera Urges Administration to Develop National Testing Strategy
Source: U.S. Representative Ami Bera (D-CA, 7th)
April 8, 2020
“As a doctor, I strongly urge the Administration to prioritize the creation of a national testing strategy, including the rapid and widespread deployment of serologic and diagnostic testing, ” said Rep. Bera “Only with a national testing strategy will we be able to help states and communities identify who is infected and who may be immune, which will allow our country to soon get back on a road to economic recovery. An effective national testing strategy will also require a trained and dedicated personnel to implement it. I encourage the Administration to establish a public health workforce that would be used to conduct widespread contact tracing and to administer vaccines when available.”
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Bergman Supports Federal Tax Holiday For Front Line Responders
Source: U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI, 1st)
April 8, 2020
Rep. Jack Bergman cosponsored the HEROES Act, which was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Bill Huizenga. This legislation will give a four-month federal tax holiday to law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, doctors, hospital and licensed medical facility support staff, and senior care facility staff.
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Beyer Highlights Food Security Resources To Prevent Hunger Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th)
April 8, 2020
Even in these hard times there are community supports in place which should ensure that no one goes hungry. We can help each other by sharing information, looking out for those who need assistance, and for those of us who have the ability, donating food and goods to these organizations.
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Booker, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Help State, Local Prisons Test, Treat COVID-19
Source: Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
April 8, 2020
The bill would also incentivize states to reduce the number of people behind bars by curtailing arrests and in-facility processing for technical parole or probation violations and implementing “cite and release” procedures for individuals who do not pose a violent threat to the community.
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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.
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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.
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Fighting Disinformation with Truth

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 27, 2020

Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Separating fact from fiction
Source: BBC
March 17, 2020
Although we don't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus - either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions - Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says, especially for vulnerable patients, "it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice".
Here, at The Ponder, we've been getting private messages from people who are forwarding the recording of the guy telling us frantically not to use Advil ibuprofen. As with most stuff that is forwarded like that, I use the opportunity to do some research on the subject. Here is one of the articles I found that I am posting for your information:
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Third coronavirus law passes
Source: U.S. Representative Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
March 27, 2020
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a third coronavirus bill and the President signed it into law. Although access to the House floor was limited to reduce risk of spreading the virus, I felt I had to be there to express the gratitude of the people of the Marianas for the help being provided to our families, schools, businesses, and the Commonwealth government. Your congressional office was hard at work all week for our islands and we know there is more work ahead. Read our summaries, below, of how the new law, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or “CARES,” Act, applies in the Marianas.
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Rounds USPHS Legislation Included in COVID-19 Relief Bill
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
March 27, 2020
“The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to create a Ready Reserve Corps within the United States Public Health Services (USPHS) so vital healthcare services remain available to our citizens when Commissioned Corps Officers are called away from their duty stations,” said Rounds. “Already, hundreds of officers have been deployed from their regular duty stations, such as an Indian Health Service facility, to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is leaving a gap in healthcare services in already-underserved communities. By creating a Ready Reserve Corps within USPHS, we will now be better equipped to fill these vital positions when the Commissioned Corps Officers need to respond to a national emergency.”
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Congressman Tim Ryan Responds to President Trump's Calls for GM to Produce Ventilators in Lordstown
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
March 27, 2020
“It seems the President has forgotten that GM no longer owns the plant in Lordstown. This is a time for leaders to lead. Instead of tweeting, President Trump should activate the Defense Production Act today and put the full force of American manufacturing to end our equipment shortage. Coronavirus is already taking a toll on our healthcare system, and if we don’t take bold steps to fix that now, many more American will sadly pass away because we couldn’t supply our hospitals with the equipment they so desperately need. The President should stop stalling and fully implement the Defense Production Act to ensure our healthcare workers have the supplies they need to save American lives. The only thing standing in President Trump’s way is himself.“
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Risch Votes Yes on CARES Act to Battle COVID-19
Source: Senator James E. Risch (R-ID)
March 26, 2020
“No one likes to spend this amount of money, but the crisis we find ourselves in compels us to take drastic and decisive measures to protect millions of American lives and livelihoods. The CARES Act provides a lifeline to our nation’s economy, business owners, workers, medical professionals and those on the front lines of the outbreak, and the people and families battling COVID-19."
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Rush, Carter Lead Successful Effort to Ensure Pathologists are Able to Address Critical Testing Needs During Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 26, 2020
Following a request led by U.S. Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that it would allow pathologists to perform their important testing capabilities remotely to help address the coronavirus pandemic.
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Rush Introduces Legislation to Protect Inmates and Their Families from Unjust Charges for Communications Services
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 26, 2020
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) introduced H.R. 6389, the Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act, which protects inmates from unjust and unreasonable charges related to the telephone services and advance communications they rely on during their term of imprisonment. In particular, the bill bans commissions received by prisons and other confinement facilities from communications providers, which is the primary cause of increased rates incurred by inmates and their families.
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U.S. REPS. ASK JUSTICE DEPT. TO REVIEW TRIAL PENALTIES IN CLEMENCY CONSIDERATIONS
Source: U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
March 25, 2020
"Trial penalties are the sentences issued for criminal defendants that are harsher than what had been offered in exchange for a guilty plea. As the letter states, "Instead of accepting a guilty plea, a criminal defendant decides to pursue their 6th Amendment right to a jury trial. The trial penalty results in a significantly longer prison sentence than those imposed on more culpable defendants who voluntarily waive their constitutional right to a jury trial."
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Rep. Harley Rouda Sends Letter to National Governors Association Requesting "Stay at Home" Orders Nationwide
Source: U.S. Representative Harley Rouda (D-CA, 48th)
March 25, 2020
“Without approved treatments and a vaccine, aggressive and enforced social distancing is our only weapon to fight COVID-19 and slow the spread of the disease," said Rouda. "In the past days and weeks governors, Republican and Democratic, have lead by instituting "stay at home" orders. While these orders affect about half of our nation’s population, mitigation is most effective with 100 percent participation.”
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Rush Urges Federal Bureau of Prisons to Release Elderly, Nonviolent Prisoners to Mitigate Coronavirus Risk to Inmates
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 25, 2020
“The close quarters present in our nation’s jails and prisons present a clear and ongoing risk of infection in general, and with the coronavirus in particular,” said Rep. Rush. “This, coupled with the fact that prisoners across the country — including in my home state of Illinois — have tested positive for this virus, underscores the need for action.
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Coronavirus: What you need to know
Source: U.S. Representative Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
March 25, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the progression of the coronavirus and considers the virus to be a serious threat to public health. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
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Reed Helps Reach Bipartisan $2 Trillion Emergency Coronavirus Economic Rescue Agreement
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Reed (R-NY, 23rd)
March 25, 2020
Massive coronavirus relief package includes four months expanded unemployment benefits and direct payments, $367 billion to aid small business, $150 billion for state and local governments, $130 billion for hospitals & health centers, an employee retention tax credit to incentivize businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis, & much more
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Rosen Joins Bipartisan Call for FEMA to Help Individuals, States Handle COVID-19 Outbreak
Source: Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
March 25, 2020
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced she joined her colleagues Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to exercise authorities available in the wake of natural disasters to provide direct emergency assistance to individuals and families and waive local cost sharing in order to increase federal resources to states and communities responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
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Rounds Supports COVID-19 Relief Legislation
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
March 25, 2020
As a nation, we’re all feeling the effects of this unprecedented crisis. I’m glad we were able to come together to provide immediate, direct relief to South Dakota families and businesses, while at the same time taking steps to stabilize our economy. It is not a perfect bill, but it gets resources to state and local governments, who know the needs of their communities better than anyone else. It also removes regulatory barriers so businesses can get people the help they need during this time of crisis.
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National Guard and Reserve Caucus Chairs Call on President to Mobilize US Airlift Assets
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
March 25, 2020
Representatives Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Steven Palazzo (R-Miss), Co-Chairs of the House National Guard and Reserve Caucus, today sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting for President Trump to immediately mobilize America's military airlift, including Reserve and National Guard assets as needed to repatriate Americans abroad.
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Public Advocate Asks Nation To Pray for Victory Over China Virus
Source: Public Advocate USA
March 24, 2020
Eugene Delgaudio, president of Public Advocate, is asking Americans and supporters of Public Advocate to pray for America's success against the China Virus and for President Donald Trump's success in leading the nation to Victory.
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Amata-Cosponsored Legislation Will Help Student Veterans During COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa Delegate)
March 24, 2020
“This bill is a collection of several of the best ideas to quickly help the thousands of Veterans in educational programs during the pandemic,” said Aumua Amata, Vice Ranking Member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “They can be assured of not losing eligibility or their place in a program while it is shut down, and their program’s support and benefits will be secure and available when studies start again. Thank you to Chairman Mark Takano and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe for leading this important effort so these student Veterans don’t need to worry about their ongoing education.”
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Trump’s Financial Conflicts of Interest Endanger Public Health
Source: Public Citizen
March 24, 2020
At a White House press conference Monday, President Donald Trump announced that he may soon roll back federal guidelines on social distancing that are intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus epidemic. The Washington Post has reported that Trump’s “private business has shut down six of its top seven revenue-producing clubs and hotels because of restrictions meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, potentially depriving Trump’s company of millions of dollars in revenue.”
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Public Knowledge Launches Tracking Report to Log Digital Platform Responses to Misinformation During the Pandemic
Source: Public Knowledge
March 24, 2020
Today, we’re happy to announce the launch of our newest tracking report to log digital platform responses to misinformation during this pandemic. The report monitors how major digital platforms like Twitter and Google respond to the crisis and analyzes their various approaches, helping policymakers, media, and the public to better explore what platforms are doing to combat the rising “infodemic” — a dangerous onslaught of misunderstandings, inaccurate data, and lies about the coronavirus spread rapidly online. Public Knowledge will update the tracking report weekly as the pandemic unfolds.
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Rep. Rice Sends Letter to Leadership
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)
March 24, 2020
Congressman Rice urges Congressional Leadership to include $100 billion for tourism and small businesses in aid package.
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Cardin Introduces Legislation to Hold Private Prisons Accountable for Treatment of Federal Inmates

Washington, D.C. - November 5, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) unveiled legislation Tuesday that will hold private prisons that receive federal funds to the same transparency standards as federal prisons. After welcoming an expert panel hosted by Open the Government, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Senator Cardin officially introduced S. 2773, the Private Prison Information Act (PPIA), which would mandate private prisons with federal inmates and detainees be bound by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In addition to Cardin, the legislation is cosponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), as well as Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

“Private prisons account for 20 percent of our federal prison and detention population and 70 percent of all immigration detainees. Yet the operators of private prisons hide behind loopholes in the law when it comes to how they perform their job. If they are receiving federal funds and housing federal inmates and detainees, they must be held accountable to the same standards as our federal prisons,” said Senator Cardin.

More than 25 percent of all people in federal custody are held in private prisons and detention facilities and, since 2000, the number of people housed in private prisons has increased by 39 percent. The Department of Justice Inspector General has found that federal prisons run by private companies are substantially less safe and secure than ones run by the federal Bureau of Prisons.

S. 2773, the Private Prison Information Act (PPIA) has been endorsed by: Open the Government, ACLU, NAACP, Human Rights Watch, Southern Poverty Law Center, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), FreedomWorks, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, Project on Government Oversight (POGO), and the Rutherford Institute, among others.

“For-profit prisons should no longer be able to use their status as private entities to bypass the public access and information laws with which federal prisons must comply,” said Lisa Rosenberg, executive director of Open the Government. “The PPIA will help close this FOIA loophole and mitigate waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars by holding corporations accountable for their contractual obligations to the federal government.”

“Currently, oversight of America's private prisons is limited to the federal agencies overseeing them, leaving the American people without any way of knowing how their taxpayer dollars are being spent and keeping them in the dark about how private prisons are being operated, even as private prison companies pour millions into politics.Without oversight, profit-driven private prisons are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and shielded from sufficient public accountability,” said CREW Executive Director Noah Bookbinder, “The Private Prison Information Act will build on FOIA to ensure the American people have access to key information about private prisons in order to hold this multi-billion industry accountable for its actions.”

“For the last 40 years, the Freedom of Information Act has been critical in guaranteeing transparency in government. The private prison industry is now responsible for the incarceration of tens of thousands of federal prisoners, and detention of over 70 percent of all immigrant detainees, but is not obligated to provide the public with critical information under the law. The Private Prison Information Sharing Act will ensure that the public has access to the records necessary to ensure that they are holding these entities accountable,” said Eunice Cho, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU National Prison Project.

Watch the full panel discussion HERE

Criminal Records and Rehabilitation

Today's News about Criminal Records and Convict Rehabilitation Issues

Norton Introduces Bills to Remove Halfway House Subsistence Fees and Co-pays for Federal Inmates During Second Chance Month
Source: Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)
April 29, 2019
In recognition of Second Chance Month, which is in April, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has announced she has introduced two bills regarding Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmates and returning citizens. First, she introduced the Fairness in Federal Bureau of Prisons Medical Care Act of 2019, which would remove the copay BOP inmates are required to pay to visit a BOP-provided doctor. Currently, BOP inmates are required to “pay a fee for health services of $2.00 per healthcare visit.” While $2.00 may seem insignificant, when inmates earn only twelve to forty cents per hour on their work assignments, $2.00 is substantial.

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Blunt Rochester, Reschenthaler Introduce Bipartisan Federal Second Chance Legislation
Source: Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware at Large)
April 24, 2019
Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-AL) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) introduced H.R. 2348, the Clean Slate Act. The bipartisan bill would automatically seal an individual’s federal criminal record if they have been convicted of simple possession or any federal nonviolent offense involving marijuana, and it would create a groundbreaking new procedure that allows individuals to petition the United States Courts to seal records for nonviolent offenses that are not automatically sealed.

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News about: Nazi Deportation, Charlottesville, Censure, Monuments, Prisons, Racial Profiling, Right to Work, Pardon, Praying

Camping World CEO has told Trump supporters that they can take their business elsewhere, he doesn't want it. Doesn't he realize that Trump supporters are people who hunt and fish the most? Click HERE to read more about it...

Members of the New York Congressional Delegation wrote a letter urging Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to personally seek the deportation of a Nazi prison guard living in Queens. Led by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY), and Congressman Dan Donovan (R-NY), the lawmakers asked Secretary Tillerson to use his influence to ensure that Jakiw Palij—a convicted Nazi guard—is deported, so New Yorkers and Americans are not forced to live besides “a painful reminder for Americans who fought against the Nazis or lost loved ones in the Holocaust.” Read more about it by clicking here...

The following Members have signed on as cosponsors of H.Res.496 censuring President Trump for his Charlottesville comments:

Alma Adams (D-NC)
Nannette Barragan (D-CA)
Ami Bera (D-CA)
Karen Bass (D-CA)
Don Beyer (D-VA)
Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
Anthony Brown (D-MD)
Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Michael Capuano (D-MA)
Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
Tony Cardenas (D-CA)
David Cicilline (D-RI)
Katherine Clark (D-MA)
Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
William Lacy Clay (D-MO)
Steve Cohen (D-TN)
Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA)
John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)
Joe Courtney (D-CT)
Joe Crowley (D-NY)
Elijah Cummings (D-MD)
Diana DeGette (D-CO)
Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)
Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
Eliot Engel (D-NY)
Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
Elizabeth Esty (D-CT)
Dwight Evans (D-PA)
Bill Foster (D-IL)
Lois Frankel (D-FL)
Marcia Fudge (D-OH)
John Garamendi (D-CA)
Jimmy Gomez (D-CA)
Al Green (D-TX)
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ)
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL)
Denny Heck (D-WA)
Brian Higgins (D-NY)
Jim Himes (D-CT)
Jared Huffman (D-CA)
Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX)
Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
Hank Johnson (D-GA)
Robin Kelly (D-IL)
Joe Kennedy (D-MA)
Rohit Khanna (D-CA)
Ruben Kihuen (D-NV)
Dan Kildee (D-MI)
Derek Kilmer (D-WA)
Ann Kuster (D-NH)
James Langevin (D-RI)
Rick Larsen (D-WA)
John Larson (D-CT)
Brenda Lawrence (D-MI)
Al Lawson (D-FL)
Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Sander Levin (D-MI)
Ted Lieu (D-CA)
Dan Lipinski (D-IL)
David Loebsack (D-IA)
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)
Nita Lowey (D-NY)
Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM)
Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM)
Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
Doris Matsui (D-CA)
Betty McCollum (D-MN)
Donald McEachin (D-VA)
Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Greg Meeks (D-NY)
Grace Meng (D-NY)
Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
Richard Neal (D-MA)
Donald Norcross (D-NJ)
Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ)
Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ)
Scott Peters (D-CA)
Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
Mark Pocan (D-WI)
Jared Polis (D-CO)
David Price (D-NC)
Mike Quigley (D-IL)
Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
Cedric Richmond (D-LA)
Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Linda Sanchez (D-CA)
Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
Brad Schneider (D-IL)
David A. Scott (D-GA)
Jose Serrano (D-NY)
Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Albio Sires (D-NJ)
Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
Adam Smith (D-WA)
Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
Mark Takano (D-CA)
Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
Paul Tonko (D-NY)
Norma Torres (D-CA)
Nydia Velazquez (D-NY)
Tim Walz (D-MN)
Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Peter Welch (D-VT)

Is it any surprise that all of them are Democrats?

Rep. Grace F. Napolitano slammed the U.S. Department of Interior for lack of transparency after releasing only a summary of the report on the Trump Administration’s review of certain National Monuments, including the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, issuing the following statement:

“This administration and Secretary Zinke have shut out the voices of the public, turning a review of some of our precious monuments into one of the least transparent and most complicated federal processes. The review was announced on April 26 of this year through an Executive Order by President Trump, yet we in the San Gabriel Valley have still not heard from the Secretary. I placed several requests to Secretary Zinke’s office, inviting him to come to California, visit our monument, and to speak with local residents, businesses, and city officials. I never received a response. I additionally sent a detailed letter describing the history and importance of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to our community. If the Secretary is not taking the time to meet with nearby locals nor sharing details of proposed changes to these monuments, then who really controls this process? How can the Secretary make a decision behind closed doors in Washington, DC without stepping foot in Southern California? It looks as though no monuments will be fully eliminated as a result of this review, but we sincerely hope Secretary Zinke publicly releases his recommendations and changes to existing monuments he sent to the White House today. The public, including 2.4 million Americans who submitted comments on the process, has every right to know. As we await details relating to the future of our national monuments, I will continue to fight to protect our limited green space in Los Angeles County and across the country."

Typical Democrat: pretending to care about monuments while destroying them.

However, the Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association were encouraged by the Department of the Interior’s report on National Monuments released today. The final report comes after an extensive review of Antiquities Act designations, ordered by President Trump, which included listening sessions in the field and a public comment period.

Ethan Lane, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council, stated:

“It is clear Presidents have repeatedly abused their authority under the Antiquities Act locking up over 250 million acres of land and water without local input or economic analysis. We are grateful to Secretary Zinke and his team for soliciting feedback from those most affected by executive land-grabs, and look forward to swift action from the White House in response to the recommendations that aligns with the original intent of the Antiquities Act.”

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) filed an amendment to the fiscal year 2018 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill to prohibit the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) from carrying out the law that requires individuals in halfway houses and on home confinement to pay a subsistence fee to offset the cost of being housed or supervised. Currently, BOP charges residents at BOP halfway houses a subsistence fee of 25 percent of their gross income, but in August 2016 stopped charging any fee for home confinement. Norton has taken special interest in eliminating BOP-imposed subsistence fees because District of Columbia Code felons are the only local felons housed by BOP and are subject to the fee when in halfway houses. Norton introduced a stand-alone bill to eliminate the subsistence fees and wrote BOP Acting Director Thomas R. Kane calling on BOP to eliminate or significantly reduce subsistence fees. She states:

“Imposing costly subsistence fees on those living at federal halfway houses puts a heavy financial burden on returning citizens who are trying to save money and prepare to make the already difficult transition back to society. Eliminating these counterproductive subsistence fees would help returning citizens meet their financial obligations and secure employment and housing.”

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) also filed an amendment to the fiscal year 2018 Transportation, Housing And Urban Development Appropriations bill to prohibit states that receive federal transportation funding from engaging in unconstitutional profiling based on physical characteristics. Norton said the Supreme Court has stated that racial profiling violates both equal protection and title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and therefore her amendment states that none of the funds in the transportation title could be used in contravention of the Fifth or Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Norton’s amendment previously unanimously passed by voice vote on the House floor and was included in the fiscal year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill, which was signed into law in December 2014. She states:

“Despite heightened awareness of racial profiling throughout the country, we continue to see disproportionate stops of African Americans and other people of color by law enforcement officials. My amendment is a straightforward attempt to reduce racial profiling by local law enforcement by holding them accountable and putting their federal funding on the line if they engage in unconstitutional profiling.”

A Chicago worker, assisted by National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys, has appealed the dismissal of federal unfair labor practice charges against the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and UWUA Local 18007. Gerald Howard is employed by Peoples Gas in Chicago, Illinois. UWUA Local 18007 union officials have a monopoly bargaining contract in place with Peoples Gas that includes a requirement that workers can be fired for refusing to pay dues or fees to the union.

Under federal law, no worker can be forced to formally join a union. However, because Illinois is not a Right to Work state, workers can be forced to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. Under the National Right to Work Foundation-won Supreme Court case Communication Workers v. Beck, nonmember workers cannot be legally compelled to pay union dues used for union politics and member-only activities. Workers can also demand a breakdown of the dues and fees paid to see which fees are used for which purpose.

In a letter sent to UWUA Local 18007 on February 18, Howard formally resigned his membership in the UWUA and objected to paying full dues, as is his right under the Beck precedent, but UWUA Local 18007 union officials failed to acknowledge his resignation. A month later on March 15, Howard sent another letter, this time to officials at the UWUA International headquarters in Washington, DC.

In a letter dated April 3, Washington-based UWUA officials finally acknowledged Howard’s resignation and objection to paying full dues as of his February 18 letter. The UWUA official’s letter also claimed that Howard would be required to pay 90% of full union dues, but did not provide any explanation for how it arrived at that figure.

Although the UWUA later provided Howard a breakdown attempting to justify that non-chargeable activities like union political and lobbying activities only make up ten percent of full dues, further evidence suggests the figure is not accurate. In required disclosure reports filed with the U.S. Department of Labor under threat of perjury, UWUA officials do not categorize political spending but their report shows multiple examples of political spending that contradict the figures in the breakdown provided to Howard after he filed his unfair labor practice charges.

“UWUA union bosses are ignoring clear Supreme Court precedent, compelling payment for union political and lobbying activities and violating the rights of a worker they claim to ‘represent’ in their grab for more forced union dues,” said Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Foundation. “This type of disregard for the rights of rank-and-file workers highlights why Illinois desperately needs a Right to Work law making union affiliation and dues payments strictly voluntary.”

The National Urban League has condemned the pardoning of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Click HERE to read about it.

A Washington state high school football coach who was punished for taking a knee at the 50-yard line for a post-game prayer violated the U.S. Constitution, according to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Read about it...

And, Finally, according to Truthfeed,

"A federal judge has denied Democratic Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) from casting any senate votes until his case is closed. Menendez has been indicted on corruption charges and will heading to court next month."

Read more about it by clicking here

Maxine Waters:

"I'm afraid if North Korea nukes us, that man is gonna get us into a war!"

and

"If you come after me...I'm coming after you!"

And she says the President doesn't make any sense...??????????

Prisons

Policy Shifts Reduce Federal Prison Population
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
April 25, 2017
A decline in the number of federal prosecutions and in the severity of sentences for drug-related crime in recent years has resulted in a significant drop in the federal prison population, according to statistics from the Judiciary, the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC), and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
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