President Signs New VA Accountability Law (and more...)

5th Circuit allows Mississippi anti-coercion law to go into effect
Alliance Defending Freedom
June 22, 2017
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled unanimously on Thursday that those who filed suit to stop a state law protecting Mississippians against government discrimination haven’t shown they have been or will be harmed by the law. The court therefore vacated the injunction that had been blocking the Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act (HB 1523) from going into effect.
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Patrick Pizzella a strong conservative at Deputy Secretary of Labor
Americans for Limited Government
June 22, 2017
Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning today issued the following statement praising President Donald Trump for nominating Patrick Pizzella to be Deputy Secretary of Labor
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AUL says Replacing Obamacare “A Pro-life Necessity,” Urges Senators and the Trump Administration to Invest in Life-Affirming Care
Americans United for Life
June 22, 2017
As analysis of the Senate version of a new healthcare law gets underway, Americans United for Life President and CEO Catherine Glenn Foster called on elected officials to keep their promises to address the anti-life provisions in the current healthcare law and to protect the conscience rights of all Americans who, under Obamacare, face governmental pressure and force when refusing to comply with coercive mandates. “Replacing Obamacare with healthcare that respects both life and the constitutional rights of all Americans is a pro-life necessity,” said Foster. “It is un-American to use the force of law against those whose ethics require that they defend and protect life. Today, I was at the Senate office of Senator Mitch McConnell asking him to redirect scarce tax dollars to real medical services for women because abortion is not healthcare.”
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U.S. Supreme Court to Settle Major Cellphone Privacy Case
Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
June 14, 2017
Police officers for the first time could be required to obtain warrants to get data on the past locations of criminal suspects based on cellphone use under a major case on privacy rights in the digital age taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday.
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CVA STATEMENT ON HISTORIC VA ACCOUNTABILITY LAW
Concerned Veterans for America
June 23, 2017
Today President Trump is expected to sign into law the bipartisan VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017. The bill is a strong piece of accountability legislation that will empower Secretary Shulkin with the ability to quickly fire bad VA employees and protect whistleblowers who speak up about wrongdoing.
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Senator Alexander on Discussion Draft of Senate Health Care Bill
Senator Lamar Alexander - (R - TN)
June 22, 2017
“To begin with, the draft Senate health care bill makes no change in the law protecting people with pre-existing conditions, no change in Medicare benefits, and increases Medicaid funding— that’s TennCare—at the rate of inflation. Let me repeat: it makes no change in the law protecting people with pre-existing conditions, no change in Medicare benefits, and increases funding for Medicaid—that’s TennCare—at the rate of inflation.”
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Asian Carp Discovered Near Lake Michigan Days After Senator Baldwin Introduces Legislation Demanding Trump Administration Take the Next Step to Stop the Spread of This Invasive Species
Senator Tammy Baldwin - (D - WI)
June 22, 2017
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, released a statement after a live eight-pound Asian carp was found only nine miles from Lake Michigan today. This discovery comes just days after Senator Baldwin introduced bipartisan legislation demanding immediate action from the Trump Administration to prevent Asian carp from getting closer to our Great Lakes.
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Barrasso Statement on Senate Health Care Draft Bill
John Barrasso - (R - WY)
June 22, 2017
“What we are proposing today steers health care sharply away from federal mandates, higher taxes and government control. Instead, our draft bill puts the focus on affordability, access to care with more choices, and safeguards Medicaid for the most vulnerable and needy.
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Bennet, Bipartisan Group Reintroduce Bill to Expand National Service Opportunities for Youth & Veterans
Senator Michael F. Bennet - (D - CO)
June 22, 2017
"This bipartisan bill will help us maintain our public lands and provide new opportunities for young people and veterans to gain meaningful job training in conservation," Bennet said. "In Colorado, our public lands are an important part of our state's identity and thriving outdoor economy. The legislation will make it easier for Conservation Corps to engage with federal agencies and develop the next generation of leaders to carry on our unique public lands legacy."
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MATSUI STATEMENT ON SENATE TRUMPCARE BILL
Doris O. Matsui (D-CA, 6th)
June 22, 2017
“Under this legislation, if you are nearing retirement, you would see your costs rise. Seniors and people with disabilities would lose access to nursing home and community-based long term care. And, pregnant women and children would be vulnerable to harmful cuts to their coverage.
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McEachin Statement on Senate Healthcare Bill

McGovern: Senate GOP’s Trumpcare Bill Takes Healthcare Away from Millions Just to Give Giant Tax Break to the Rich

Bipartisan VA Reform Becomes Law
Kevin McCarthy (R-CA, 23rd)
June 23, 2017
Today, our country takes a significant step to reform the VA with a renewed purpose and ability to serve our veterans. The ultimate goal is nothing less than a transformation of the culture within the VA so that our veterans receive the best care possible. As we know, most VA employees consider it their personal mission to heal and care for those who served us. But that mission is put at risk by the continued corruption, incompetence, and scandal of a few bad employees. We won’t let this continue because we can’t let this continue. The health and well-being of our veterans is too important.
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MCCOLLUM STATEMENT ON 2017 LGBT PRIDE MONTH
Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)
June 23, 2017
“Each June, we celebrate LGBT Pride Month. We honor the contributions of LGBT Americans, we recognize the activism and energy of LGBT leaders in holding the United States to its highest ideals, and we reflect on our ongoing work to forge a more just and inclusive country.
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McKinley Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Lifesaving Medicine
David McKinley (R-WV, 1st)
June 22, 2017
The Patients Access to Treatments Act (PATA) will give patients with chronic, disabling, and life-threatening conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, access to innovative drug therapies. By requiring insurance to cover these critical drugs, millions of patients will be able to afford vital life-saving medicine.
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U.S. REP. MCSALLY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO CONNECT VETERANS TO JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS
Martha McSally (R-AZ, 2nd)
June 22, 2017
U.S. Representative Martha McSally (R-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act. The bill would allow veterans to use their educational benefits to enroll in pre-apprenticeship programs and would provide returning veterans with a smooth transition to the civilian workforce.
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Meng Reintroduces Legislation to Ban the Sale of Expired Baby Formula
Grace Meng (D-NY, 6th)
June 22, 2017
“It is mind boggling that in 2017 it is legal for stores to sell expired baby formula,” said Meng. “As a parent, I find that reprehensible, and have introduced the Infant Formula Protection Act every term I’ve been in Congress to correct this glaring error in the law. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support my commonsense legislation.”
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MITCHELL ON THE HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Paul Mitchell (R MI, 10th)
June 22, 2017
“I spent 35 years in workforce education, so I know the economic opportunity and advantages of the right education. Too often students aren’t given the opportunity to choose a career and technical education (CTE) program,” said Representative Mitchell.
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President Signs New VA Accountability Law
John Moolenaar (R-MI, 4th)
June 23, 2017
“In a time when so much news coverage focuses on division in Washington, as Americans there is still more that unites us than divides us. Republicans, Democrats and President Trump all agree that our veterans deserve the best care. The new law the president signed today will promote accountability in government and help the VA provide our veterans with the care they have earned in service to our country.”
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Acquisition, Russia, Obamacare, Adoption, IMF, Medicaid, Border Wall, Labor Secretary, Cancer Screening, Veterans, Fort Leonard Wood, Water Infrastructure, Military, Marriage, ALS, Right to Work, Self Defense, Religious Liberty

House Passes Higgins' First Bill to Increase Efficiency of DHS Major Acquisition Programs
Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)
March 20, 2017
The bill, the DHS Acquisition Authorities Act of 2017, creates greater accountability for major acquisition programs within the Department of Homeland Security by ensuring proper oversight and implementing cost-saving budget measures.
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Himes: No Obama wiretapping, Trump Russia
Jim Himes (D-CT, 4th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Jim Himes released the following statement on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence’s hearing on Russian interference in our election, ties between the Trump campaign and Russian figures and President Trump’s claims that he was surveilled:
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HOYER, MEMBERS OF THE MARYLAND DELEGATION CALL ON GOVERNOR HOGAN TO OPPOSE REPUBLICANS' BILL TO REPEAL THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congressmen Elijah Cummings (MD-07), John Sarbanes (MD-03), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) at a press conference this morning calling on Governor Larry Hogan to oppose House Republicans’ bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.
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Reps. Huffman, Russell, Bass & Sens. Gillibrand, Lankford Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Adoption Standards Nationwide
Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd)
March 21, 2017
Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Steve Russell (R-OK), Karen Bass (D-CA) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the “National Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Act,” legislation that builds on successes in states like California to improve the matching of children and families in foster care and adoptions in the United States,
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Huizenga Introduces Bill to Oppose IMF’s Third Greek Bailout
Bill Huizinga (R-MI, 2nd)
March 17, 2017
Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the IMF Reform and Integrity Act. This legislation would require the U.S. to oppose the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) co-financing of a third Greek bailout with the European Stability Mechanism. If such co-financing were to go forward, the bill would prohibit the U.S. from supporting an IMF quota increase until funds are repaid in full.
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Hultgren to Speaker Ryan: New Medicaid Formula will Hurt Illinois
Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) sent a letter to Speaker Ryan yesterday urging House leadership to “seriously consider including provisions” to the American Health Care Act as the bill moves through the legislative process “that would put fairness and parity into the [Medicaid] formula that underpins funding to states. Additionally, as we move forward with health care reform, I am urging my colleagues to make broader structural reforms to Medicaid that are fair for recipients a top priority.”
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Reps. McSally and Hurd Call on DHS to Substantiate Funding Request for Border Wall
Will Hurd (R-TX, 23rd)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (AZ-02) and Will Hurd (TX-23), Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security’s Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee, sent an oversight letter asking for specific details of the Administration’s request for $999 million to plan, design, and construct the first installment of a border wall between the United States and Mexico.
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Alexander: Goal of Labor Secretary, Congress is to Create Environment for American Workers to Succeed in Rapidly Changing Workplace
Lamar Alexander - (R - TN)
March 22, 2017
The chairman of the Senate labor committee today said that the Labor Secretary and Congress’s goal is to create an environment for American workers to succeed in a rapidly changing workplace and that harmful Obama-era labor regulations have only made it harder for Americans to create, find, or keep good-paying jobs.
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Baldwin, Murray, Gillibrand Introduce Legislation to Increase Availability of Preventive, Life-Saving Cancer Screenings for Women
Tammy Baldwin - (D - WI)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Invest in Women’s Health Act of 2017, legislation to provide women with more preventive and life-saving cancer screenings at safety net clinics like Planned Parenthood. This bill would help reduce health disparities by placing an emphasis on populations most at risk, including low-income women and women of color.
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Barrasso: We Must Repair Damage Caused by Obamacare
John Barrasso - (R - WY)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding efforts to repair the damage caused by Obamacare.
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Bennet, Murphy, Tester Introduce Bill to Provide Mental Health Services for Veterans with Other-Than-Honorable Discharges
Michael F. Bennet - (D - CO)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Murphy (D-CN), and Jon Tester (D-MT) today introduced The Honor Our Commitment Act, requiring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide mental and behavioral health services to veterans who received other-than-honorable discharges.
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Blunt Applauds Expansion of Basic Combat Training Mission at Fort Leonard Wood
Roy Blunt - (R - MO)
March 20, 2017
“Fort Leonard Wood is the first stop for thousands of soldiers who answer the call to serve each year,” Blunt said. “The 10 incredibly challenging weeks they face in Basic Combat Training provide them with the knowledge, skills, and discipline to take on the threats we face. I’m proud that even more men and women will become soldiers in our state over the next year, and I'll continue backing efforts to ensure our military branches have the end strength they need to fulfill their missions.”
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Boozman Promotes Increased Flexibility for Managing Wastewater and Storm Water Projects
Boozman, John - (R - AR)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined efforts to provide communities with increased flexibility when complying with Clean Water Act requirements for updates to water infrastructure projects by helping introduce the Water Infrastructure Flexibility Act. The bill would also give communities more autonomy as they prioritize and plan for wastewater and storm water investments.
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Brown Introduces Legislation to Extend Higher Education Opportunities for Troops
Sherrod Brown- (D - OH)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the Educational Development (ED) for Troops and Veterans Act, legislation to improve higher education opportunities for troops and military families.
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#FreeSpeechBus – It's Biology Not Bigotry
National Organization for Marriage
March 22, 2017
Marriage Supporter — I have an important announcement: NOM has joined with the International Organization for the Family (IOF) and CitizenGO, a community of active citizens who promote life, family and liberty, to sponsor a #FreeSpeechBus tour promoting the truth of gender. Starting today, our bus will make appearances at the United Nations, Trump Tower, Yale University and other locations with the message that gender is determined by biology rather than by emotions and feelings, and to call on all Americans to respect the free speech rights of citizens to debate these issues without fear of being demeaned, harassed, or threatened with retaliation.
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Scientists discover urinary biomarker that may help track ALS
National Institutes of Health
March 22, 2017
A study in Neurology suggests that analyzing levels of the protein p75ECD in urine samples from people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may help monitor disease progression as well as determine the effectiveness of therapies. The study was supported by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), both part of the National Institutes of Health.
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Worker Advocate Files Brief with Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Defense of Wisconsin Right to Work Law
National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation
March 21, 2017
National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys have filed a legal brief for six Wisconsin workers with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in defense of Wisconsin’s Right to Work law. The brief was filed after union lawyers appealed a district court judge’s decision to dismiss a challenge by union officials to Wisconsin’s Right to Work law.
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Minnesota: Your Urgent Action Needed to Ensure Self-Defense Bills Advance in the Legislature
NRA-ILA
March 22, 2017
Earlier this month, both House File 188, the constitutional/permitless carry bill, and House File 238, the stand your ground bill, were both held over by the House Committee on Public Safety & Security Policy and Finance with the intention of being included in the committee’s omnibus bill, House File 896. It is imperative that you contact Speaker Kurt Daudt, Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, and Committee Chairman Tony Cornish to voice support for the inclusion of both HF 188 and HF 238 in HF 896! Tell these legislators that law-abiding gun owners across Minnesota are eager to see these important self-defense bills move forward in the House of Representatives.
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First Liberty Institute Condemns Lawsuit Against Judge's Courtroom Invocations
First Liberty Institute
March 22, 2017
Yesterday evening, an activist group filed a lawsuit against Judge Wayne Mack over his practice of allowing volunteer chaplains to open his court sessions in prayer.
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Government Claims First Amendment Protects Only The "Right To Choose A Religion"
First Liberty Institute
March 21, 2017
Two police officers came to the home of Mary Anne Sause late at night and demanded to be let in to her apartment, without giving a specific reason for why they were there. The officers proceeded to harass Sause, telling her to prepare to go to jail, ordering her to stop praying in her own home, and saying the Constitution was “just a piece of paper.” Sause viewed the demand to stop praying as a direct violation of her religious freedom established in the First Amendment. First Liberty Institute is representing Sause before the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, arguing that no government official should tell someone to stop praying in his or her own home.
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