Nurses in Puerto Rico Warn Dire Conditions, Slow Relief Effort Posing Urgent Health, Safety Crisis

Source: National Nurses United

Washington, D.C. - October 10, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- NNU’s Registered Nurse Relief Network (RNRN) sent 50 RNs as part of a 300-member deployment led by the AFL-CIO in conjunction with the Puerto Rican Federation of Labor and the San Juan Mayor’s office. They cite:

People who have yet to receive any food, water, and other supplies from FEMA or any other agency.

People standing in line for hours in blistering heat waiting for desperately needed water and food, only to finally see federal disaster officials bringing paperwork “to collect data” rather than critical supplies.

Multiple houses with roofs blown off and soaked interiors where there is dangerous black mold growing that creates respiratory distress and illness.

A breakout of leptospirosis, a dangerous bacterial disease that has already claimed lives.

Widespread devastation with families across the island who have seen no signs of FEMA or other federal relief officials.

“While we hear boasts of a great response, the reality on the ground is far different,” said Bonnie Castillo, RN, director of NNU’s RNRN program. “What our nurses witness daily is the harsh reality of a woefully inadequate government response and the brutal, inhumane impact on the Puerto Rican people. People are still without food and drinking water. That poses an enormous humanitarian threat in terms of disease, life, and death and who succumbs first,” Castillo said.

“There can be no more delays. There is an extreme threat to life. The Trump Administration, FEMA, and Congress must act immediately,” Castillo said.

On the southern edge of San Juan municipality, where there has been no contact with FEMA, Red Cross or any official relief. This family has been sleeping in their roofless house on soaking wet furniture for weeks. The youngest child has (unsurprisingly) developed a rash. When RN Lucia Lopez gave the mother hydrocortisone cream, she burst into tears.

Among first hand RN reports:

“Spent the day in Rio Grande, a hard hit area outside of San Juan. No power or water here since Maria. We set up a clinic at a FEMA site (their first time here). People lined up for blocks since 10 pm last night. But FEMA was only handing out papers! Papers, which need to be filled out in order that they might receive some reimbursement eventually. Each person received a small bottle of water, a mini bag of Cheeze-Its and a little pack of vanilla cookies. Outrageous. Meanwhile grocery stores have limited supplies and lines for many blocks. What amazes me is how kind, calm and sharing the Puerto Ricans are, sharing with and helping their friends, family and neighbors. We were able to provide care to some, not nearly enough, but one small contribution to this tragedy today. – Erin Carrera, RN

“Today we went to Corozal after meeting in the disaster command center this a.m. We set up a clinic at a school where families are living, and then the mayor drove us up a hill to do door-to-door assessments. Families were extremely relieved to see us. We are seeing a breakout of leptospirosis in the community here, at least three people have died and FEMA is not releasing water to the community. Yesterday, people stood in line since 10 p.m. the previous night in hopes FEMA would show up and give them food and water. To everyone's dismay FEMA showed up, but they were not there to get food or water, they were there to fill out paperwork. They handed one bottle of water and a snack pack of Cheez-It's. I saw many patients yesterday; there were so many I lost count. It was really sad, however it's always amazing to see the spirit of the community. Neighbors are banding together to care for each other offering their last food to us not knowing if there will be any more food delivered to them. -- Kent Savary, RN

"It's hell here. I fear this island will never recover. The people have nothing, yet they are first to offer you the shirt off their back." -- Laura Maceri RN

"We couldn't believe this is part of the United States. We did home visits in the low-income community today with the public health liaisons who identify those in need and help them do basic blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, refill their meds, etc. They have already had chronic diseases going on and now their environment is full of hazardous materials and sanitation is so poor. They could not get a hold of their doctors due to closure of many clinics in the area. It's also hard to get prescriptions filled since they don't have money. We hope we can go further to the rural areas away from city where communications are cut off and people really can't get any help." -- Hau Cheng Yu, RN

RNRN volunteer nurses have cared for thousands of patients during disaster relief and humanitarian assistance deployments since the 2004 South Asian tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. RNRN is powered by NNU, the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S.

EEI CONTINUES TO COORDINATE WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS TO SUPPORT POWER RESTORATION EFFORTS IN PUERTO RICO, AS NEW STORM DEVELOPS IN GULF

Source: Edison Electric Institute

Washington, D.C. - October 7, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Executive Director of Security and Preparedness Scott Aaronson released the following statement on EEI’s efforts to coordinate with the federal government and industry partners to support power restoration and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.

“The primary focus in Puerto Rico has been on the distribution of commodities such as food, water, and fuel for temporary power at critical facilities, as well as improving security, removing debris, and clearing roads. As these operations bring stability to Puerto Rico, efforts are shifting to long-term recovery and restoration of critical infrastructure, including the energy grid.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tasked with leading power restoration efforts on the island and will be working directly with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority on this mission.

“Along with our colleagues at the American Public Power Association and the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council, EEI will continue to monitor the progress of this restoration mission and will work closely with all industry mutual assistance networks to ensure that any additional worker and resource needs are addressed quickly. EEI member companies and the entire electric power industry stand ready to support the long-term recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.

“EEI also is tracking a new storm in the southern Gulf of Mexico that could threaten the Gulf Coast this weekend. The electric power sector remains in close coordination during this already historic hurricane season, and CEOs from electric companies in the new storm’s path already have convened to prepare the industry and our customers for the possibility of another significant weather event.”

Congressman Serrano Sends Letter to President Trump Urging Him to Rebuild Communications Infrastructure in Puerto Rico

Washington, D.C. - October 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman José E. Serrano together with 50 Members of Congress sent a letter to President Trump urging him to deploy all available federal assets and agencies to rebuild the communications infrastructure of Puerto Rico. The island has failing infrastructure that needs to be addressed immediately to aid with recovery efforts.

"Puerto Rico is facing a humanitarian crisis and adequate communication systems are necessary in order to adequately carry out the relief efforts," said Congressman Serrano. "President Trump has talked about fixing the failing infrastructure in our country and helping Puerto Rico with theirs in their time of need will show his commitment to this issue."

The full text of the letter is below and was signed by the following members: Serrano, González-Colón, Velázquez, Crowley, Soto, Curbelo, Lujan Grisham, S. Murphy, Huffman, Raskin, Wasserman Schultz, C. Maloney, Welch, Kaptur, Evans, Schakowsky, Cohen, Levin, Vargas, Castor, Pascrell, Ellison, Vela, Khanna, Holmes Norton, Garamendi, S.P. Maloney, Espaillat, Lowey, C. Smith, Moore, Engel, Meng, Doyle, Shea-Porter, Lieu, Cárdenas, Price, Conyers, Hastings, Gomez, DeGette, Beatty, Connolly, Moulton, Slaughter, K. Rice, Lynch, Diaz Barragán, Nolan, Tonko

September 27, 2017

The Honorable Donald J. Trump

President of the United States

The White House

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to urge you to immediately deploy all available federal assets and relevant federal agencies to Puerto Rico for the express purpose of reestablishing telecommunications services such as telephone, cellular phone, and internet services in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The situation is very dire in Puerto Rico right now and with many localities still cut off from the rest of the island, communications are key in sharing information, residents receiving aid from first responders as well as from their relatives in the 50 states, and localities being able to respond to the first aid needs of communities and receive the support necessary to prevent further loss of life.

Currently, private telecommunications service providers are sending response teams from the 50 states and assessing the damage to the infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While the service providers have been proactive, we believe that due to the gravity of the situation, it is necessary for the federal government to support the reestablishment of services as quickly as possible for individuals and localities throughout the islands. In short, cellular and internet connections for basic communications purposes are crucial in fulfilling basic necessities. FEMA and other government agencies such as the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate have the mission of helping restore emergency communications networks and critical infrastructure for government, first responders, states, and localities. In addition, the Department of Defense has the capacity to provide resources and capabilities when other federal agencies are overwhelmed. We respectfully request that the full extent of these federal assets be deployed immediately to help restore individual service as well- at least until private service providers can fully restore their networks.

The lack of communications is undermining the relief effort- especially in communities currently cut off from other parts of the island. A working cellular network is necessary in order to receive emergency services and medically treat those in need to prevent the loss of life. It is also vital in order for municipalities to communicate with Commonwealth and federal disaster response authorities in order to receive the necessary help. From roads that need to be cleared, to locating missing persons, to communicating with remote areas and maintaining the safety and security of its residents, telecommunications services are vital.

Network restoration will also assist disaster response relief teams in narrowly tailoring aid to those areas most in need and quickly deploying assets across the island. In short, reestablishing communications in a prompt manner is crucial in order to have an effective disaster response and relief efforts.

The people of Puerto Rico need robust assistance at this hour of great need and it is incumbent upon us to help in every manner possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

McEachin Statement Responding to President Trump's Tweets Attacking San Juan's Mayor

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued this statement in response to President Trump’s tweetstorm directed at the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico:

“This morning’s tweets were disappointing, insensitive and unhelpful to say the least. As the people of Puerto Rico despair of having the most basic of life’s needs – food, water and shelter, our President, and their president, I might add, chooses to attack the mayor rather than invest in meaningful solutions to the ever-mounting problems there.

“Today’s tweets were just the latest in a pattern that speaks to excuses and diversions, rather than solutions. He speaks bombastically of his ability to destroy far off North Korea, but then claimed that he can’t get better aid to Puerto Rico because we are separated by an ocean.

“This morning, rather than acknowledge that Puerto Ricans are in dire need and that, every day on our tv screens, we are seeing scenes of horrific devastation and suffering, he attacks the mayor in personal terms and accuses her of partisan politics. Mr. President, when it comes to needless partisan attacks as a diversion, look in the mirror.

“As the President careens from complimenting himself and his administration on their response to Puerto Rico to bombastic insults directed at San Juan’s mayor, Mayor Yulin Cruz continues to make every effort to help her community recover.

“I call on the President to remember that disasters are not Democratic or Republican, that Puerto Ricans are American citizens and that when we see people in need and suffering, our responsibility and history as Americans is to go to their aid, relieve the suffering and leave partisan politics behind.”

Seniors, Elections, DACA, NFL, Tom Price, Puerto Rico, Tax Reform, health care, Environment, Medicare, Homeland Security, Hemp, Fire Fighters

The Ponder News
September 30, 2017
(If you are receiving this via email, you may access all the links at:
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/09/seniors-elections-daca-nfl-tom-price.html )

Daily Quote:
Just because the numbers say one thing doesn't mean one number can't change everything. -- Shonda Ponder, editor

Seniors

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REPS. FRANKEL, ROS-LEHTINEN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT SENIORS DURING NATURAL DISASTERS
Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21), and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) introduced a bipartisan bill, the Protecting Seniors During Disasters Act, to analyze how senior citizens and nursing home residents can be better cared for during natural disasters. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
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Elections

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Rep. Trent Franks Reacts to AL Senate GOP Primary Results
Trent Franks (R-AR, 8th)
"This election is nothing but a rebuke of business-as-usual by the Senate and the arcane, extra-Constitutional filibuster that Democrats use to turn Republican bills into left-wing gobbledygook then force it down the throat of the American voter."
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DACA

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Rep. Gabbard on Twitter: Empowering DACA Recipients in Hawaii
Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI, 2nd)
1/Congress must pass permanent solution to #DACA. Young ppl brought to the US as minors through no choice of their own should not be deported
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REPS. ROYBAL-ALLARD, LUJAN GRISHAM, GUTIÉRREZ STATEMENT ON OCTOBER 5TH DACA DEADLINE
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th)
“The Trump Administration first rescinded DACA, upending the lives of nearly 800,000 Dreamers, young patriots who have done everything right. Then, DHS proceeded to issue an unrealistic and arbitrary DACA renewal deadline of October 5th. This meant that 154,000 Dreamers had 30 days to find legal assistance, fill out renewal paperwork and pay a $495 fee or risk losing their status and getting deported. DHS has not done any outreach or provided support to these 154,000 Dreamers to ensure they can meet this unrealistic deadline and keep their status. Instead, DHS Acting Secretary Duke has chosen to undermine DACA renewal efforts by creating more fear by stating that DACA recipient data can be shared with ICE.
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NFL

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Gaetz Tells NFL Tax Breaks to Take a Knee
Matt Gaetz (R-FL, 1st)
The NFL League Office has received a special tax carveout since 1966, when the tax code first listed “professional football leagues” as trade organizations. Though individual teams are not tax-exempt, the NFL League Office is. They are responsible for the construction and development of new stadiums, paid for with over 6.5 billion taxpayer dollars. Tax-exempt revenues for professional sports leagues are higher than $2 billion. According to the Internal Revenue Service, businesses that conduct operations for profit on a “cooperative basis” should not qualify for tax-exempt treatment, yet a special exemption is made for professional football leagues.
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Tom Price

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Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Possible Firing of HHS Secretary Tom Price
Ruben Gallego (D-AZ, 7th)
“There is a culture of corruption in the Trump administration. Whether it’s unqualified hacks like Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke spending taxpayer money on private jet flights in the Caribbean, or otherwise qualified longtime public servants like David Shulkin going to Wimbledon and taking a European river cruise on the people’s dime, the dishonesty and depravity is pervasive.
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HHS Secretary Tom Price resigns amid criticism for taking charter flights at taxpayer expense
Washington Post
Tom Price, President Trump’s embattled health and human services secretary, resigned Friday amid sharp criticism of his extensive use of taxpayer-funded charter flights, the White House said.
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Puerto Rico

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Reps. Hunter and Garamendi Raise Concerns Over the Trump Administration’s Decision to Waive the Jones Act
John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd)
Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and John Garamendi (D-CA), Chairman and Ranking Member respectively of the Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, raised concerns over the Trump Administration’s decision to issue a 10-day waiver of the Jones Act to allegedly improve the flow of relief shipments into Puerto Rico. The Jones Act requires that goods traveling between U.S. ports of call be carried on U.S.-made and U.S.-flagged ships and manned by American crews. Contrary to many published reports, adequate domestic shipping capability exists, and waiving the Jones Act requirement will not speed up relief for Puerto Rico.
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Tax Reform

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Goodlatte Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Bob Goodlatte (R-VA, 6th)
“It’s been 30 years since the last major tax code overhaul. In that time the tax code as we know it has only grown more complex and unfair. Congress has the opportunity to create a tax system that works for the American people, and it’s important that we act now. The tax reform framework unveiled today is a positive step forward in getting tax reform signed into law that lowers rates for individuals and families and helps level the playing field for American businesses. I look forward to reviewing the legislative text produced by the House Ways and Means Committee as this process continues. We must provide tax relief that creates a simpler, fairer tax code, allows hardworking families to keep more of their money, and encourages businesses to invest in the United States.”
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Rep. Tom Graves Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Tom Graves (R-GA, 14th)
“This framework turns the page on our complicated and broken tax system. It’s simpler, flatter and fairer than the current tax code. It will put more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans. It also promotes economic growth and private-sector job creation by slashing the corporate tax rate – currently the highest in the developed world – and ensuring fair treatment for small businesses. Congress needs to get the final product to the president’s desk as quickly as possible.”
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REP. HARPER STATEMENT ON REPUBLICANS’ UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR TAX REFORM
Gregg Harper (R-MS, 3rd)
“Today, with the help of the President, Congress has taken a huge step towards fixing our country’s broken tax code and bringing real reform to middle-class families, small businesses, and Mississippi’s family farms who cannot afford to keep the current system any longer,” said Harper. “This plan is aimed at delivering a simpler, fairer tax system that will create jobs, grow our economy, and deliver much-needed relief to the hardworking men and women who are hurting under the burdensome tax code.”
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Hartzler Statement on Newly Unveiled Tax Reform Plan
Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th)
Our tax reform plan will immediately benefit the average American and small business owner. For example, a farmer can now buy a tractor and immediately expense the cost of this new investment, and the maximum tax rate for small and family-owned businesses will drop down to 25 percent. Families will see an increase in their child deduction tax credit, and most Americans will now be able to fill out their taxes on a paper the size of a postcard. The days of spending hours poring over complicated documents and exemptions will be replaced by a simpler system with much lower taxes for small businesses and the middle class.
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Hensarling Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Jeb Hensarling (R-TX, 5th)
“Texans and Americans are sick of the status quo in Washington. From Mesquite to Rusk, our citizens are crying out for relief from our complicated and onerous tax code. Today, Republicans are answering the call by offering a solution to fix our broken system with meaningful reforms.
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Rep. Hice Comments on Tax Reform
Jody Hice (R-GA, 10th)
“I really like what I’m seeing so far with the tax reform framework,” said Congressman Hice. “This bold, new proposal is just the first step toward creating a system that is both competitive and fair. I’m pleased that it will empower Americans to take home more of their hard-earned paychecks and enable businesses of all sizes to grow and thrive. We're moving in the right direction, and I'm proud to be a part of this long overdue reform effort. As the tax-writing committees continue to flesh out the specific legislation, I look forward to being a partner in the discussion so we can send a final bill to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”
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STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN BRIAN HIGGINS ON TAX REFORM FRAMEWORK
Brian Higgins (D-NY, 26th)
“Over the past several decades we’ve seen a stark gap between the very wealthy and struggling Americans. The McConnell/Ryan tax proposal only serves to broaden that divide. A plan centered on the failed trickle-down premise delivers greater tax benefits for millionaires at the expense of hard-working middle-class families.
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Higgins Issues Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)
It’s been more than three decades since we’ve reformed our tax code. The current 74,608-page federal tax code is outdated and overly complex. American families deserve to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, and we need bold reform to really grow our economy. That’s what this GOP foundational tax reform framework delivers. Of course, my colleagues and I will engage in vigorous debate regarding details and concerns, and this initial framework will change. However, this cornerstone upon...which we will build...does indeed reflect a fairer, simpler tax code that strengthens our economy, creates job growth, and allows individual Americans, as well as all American businesses, to keep more of what they’ve earned. I strongly support significant reform of our tax code so that everyday American families and small businesses can take charge of their finances and spend, save, or invest however they see fit. I urge all of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle to come together and get this thing done for all Americans.
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Hill’s Statement on Republicans’ Tax Reform Framework
French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)
“We need a tax code that supports American families while promoting financial growth and giving our businesses the certainty needed to grow, expand, and create jobs for Arkansans and Americans. The tax code and its regulations have grown to over 70,000 pages. There is nothing simple or fair about that. It’s been over 30 years since we’ve made any significant changes to the tax code, and it’s time to deliver a simpler, flatter, and fairer tax system.
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HUDSON SUPPORTS TAX CUTS FOR WORKING PEOPLE
Richard Hudson (R-NC, 8th)
“We can all agree our current tax system is broken and too complex. It shouldn’t be that way. It should be so simple that most Americans can do their taxes on a postcard. The bottom line: fixing our tax code means more money in your pocket, and more jobs."
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Huizenga: Reforming the Tax Code Will Improve the Lives of all Michiganders
Bill Hulzinga (R-MI, 2nd)
“The tax reform framework released today is a positive first step in the effort to deliver much needed tax relief. The next step is to take this framework and meet with local manufacturers, agricultural producers, and families across West Michigan to get their input,” said Congressman Huizenga. “By doubling the standard deduction, low and moderate income families across West Michigan will be able keep more of their hard earned money. By reducing tax rates on small businesses, West Michigan job creators will be able to grow, export more goods, and create good-paying jobs here at home. Lastly, this proposal will help families save for college, purchase a home, or plan for retirement depending on their stage in life. I look forward to working with the President to grow our nation’s middle class as well as our economy by making the tax code simpler, fairer, and more competitive.”
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Hultgren Welcomes Tax Reform Blueprint to Fix Broken Tax Code and Restore Jobs and Hard-Earned Resources to Working Americans
Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)
“Our current tax system does not reflect our workforce or our economy. It is costly and time consuming for individuals and families, and hurts the ability of Americans businesses to grow and create new jobs. We need real reforms that simplify the tax code, lower taxes on all Americans and their families and stimulate job growth,” said Rep. Hultgren. “I am very encouraged by this significant step toward reforming a tax code that for too long has obstructed economic growth in this country.
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Health Care

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Griffith Bill Would Save Taxpayers $3.4 Billion, According to New Study
Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
“Paying pharmacists what they are promised is only fair. Ending retroactive payment reductions would let pharmacists, especially in rural areas, focus on serving their customers, and, according to the study, it would save the Federal Government billions. Wakely Group Study shows that customers, pharmacists, and taxpayers would all benefit.”
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Environment

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Rep. Gene Green Requests Answers Following EPA Report of Dioxin Exposure at the San Jacinto River Waste Pits
Gene Green (D-TX, 29th)
“The health of the people and the communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey are my upmost concern,” said Green. “The San Jacinto River Waste Pits continue to be a threat to public health and the environment for communities near the site. The damage to the cap and exposure of dioxin, a cancer-causing pollutant, in the San Jacinto River is unacceptable. After this announcement, it is clearer than ever, that Administration Pruitt must follow through on the EPA’s recommendations last year and fully remove the waste pits.”
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Homeland Security

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Grijalva: DHS Program Targeting Social Media Data of Immigrants is Orwellian
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after reports confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security has submitted a new regulation into the Federal Register to begin collecting social media data and histories to add to the files of U.S. immigrants as soon as October 18th. Individuals that will be susceptible to this overreaching surveillance program include permanent residents, naturalized citizens and all other immigrants living in the United States. Rep. Grijalva’s statement also comes after recent revelations that the Department of Justice is seeking the personal information of Facebook users who are “anti-administration activists.”
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Hemp

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Grothman Cosponsors Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp
Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th)
Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today joined nine other Republicans and fifteen Democrats as a co-sponsor of Rep. James Comer’s (R-Ky.) Industrial Hemp Farming Act (H.R. 3530). H.R. 3530 amends The Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marihuana.
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Fire Fighters

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REPS. HOYER, PASCRELL, KING, REICHERT, JOHNSON INTRODUCE BILL REAUTHORIZING FIRE SERVICE GRANT PROGRAMS
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)
Each year more than one million fire and emergency services personnel respond to over 30 million emergency calls across the country. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that our over 30,000 fire departments continue to have access to the necessary training, equipment, and staffing to conduct emergency response missions and to continue to reduce community risk.
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Tax Reform, Graham-Cassidy Bill, Civil Rights, Immigrants, Hurricane Relief, Puerto Rico, Orange is the New Black

The Address to this page at The Ponder News is http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/09/tax-reform-graham-cassidy-bill-civil.html

Because the number of our sources has grown so much, (We now have a total of 753 Sources, and are adding more every day) we, at The Ponder have decided to stop posting individual news items -- except for editorial commentary and special notices. I hope you like our new format. There are just too many news items for our limited staff to go through each day to be able to continue doing the news as we have been.

New Poll: 7 in 10 Americans Say Passing Tax Reform Should Be A Priority For Congress
American Action Network
Ahead of the “Big Six” unveiling details on a tax reform plan, the American Action Network’s Middle-Class Growth Initiative (MCGI) released results from a national survey on Americans’ views on tax reform. The survey finds overwhelming support for passing comprehensive tax reform with 73% of Americans saying it should be a top priority or an important priority for Congress. Additionally, the survey found Americans, across party lines, view lowering middle-class tax rates as the most important tax reform initiative.
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AAFP to Congress: Time to Work on Bipartisan Health Care Legislation
American Academy of Family Physicians
"The American Academy of Family Physicians is pleased that the U.S. Senate has determined that they will not proceed with efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. We applaud those Senators who rejected this proposal and stood up for health care coverage for people in their state. With today’s withdrawal of the Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson amendment, we call on Congress to return to bipartisan negotiations aimed at amending and improving current law, not repealing it.
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ACLU COMMENT ON HOMELAND SECURITY NOTICE ON IMMIGRANTS’ SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION
American Civil Liberties Union
Faiz Shakir, American Civil Liberties Union national political director, had the following reaction to the Department of Homeland Security’s notice on immigrants’ social media information:
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AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders Calls on Trump and Congress to Act on Puerto Rico
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders issued the following statement calling on President Trump and Congress to act on hurricane relief to Puerto Rico:
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AFT President Randi Weingarten on GOP’s Decision to Withdraw Graham-Cassidy
American Federation of Teachers
“Americans sent a message to Senate Republicans who thought a political win was more important than stripping millions of Americans of their healthcare: ‘Think again.’
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EVENT
Piper Kerman, Author of Orange is the New Black Keynotes American Probation and Parole Association
American Probation and Parole Association
The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) will hold its 42nd Annual Training Institute at the Marriott Marquis-Times Square, August 27-30 with over 100 engaging sessions including three exciting keynotes. Piper Kerman, the author of the national best-selling memoir Orange Is The New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison (Spiegel & Grau), will be featured at the opening session on Sunday, August 27th. Piper will discuss her personal experiences and the state of criminal justice in America.
Read more...

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