GREAT Act, Epstein, Iran, Resignation

GREAT Act Signed into Law

Foxx-Gomez GREAT Act Becomes Law
Source: Virginia Foxx (R-NC, 5th)
January 6, 2020
On December 30, the President signed into law H.R. 150, the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency (GREAT) Act, sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Jimmy Gomez (D-CA). Under the GREAT Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will simplify the federal grant reporting process by enacting a government-wide reporting system for federal grant recipients – building a more accessible, data-driven federal reporting system. This legislation not only serves to benefit recipients of federal grants, but it also allows the general public to see first-hand how federal dollars are being allocated.

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Epstein Investigation

OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATES EPSTEIN’S FAVORABLE PLEA DEAL
Source: Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
January 6, 2020
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, along with Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Reps. Jackie Speier, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Lois Frankel sent letters to Attorney General William Barr and Richard Swearingen, the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, seeking documents and information regarding the favorable deal for sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein and the concealment of the deal from the victims of Mr. Epstein’s crimes.

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More about Iran

Statement on Trump's Military Strike in Iraq
Source: Dwight Evans (D PA, 2nd)
January 3, 2020
"President Obama worked to DE-escalate tensions in the region through a nuclear limitation deal with Iran – President Trump broke that deal and the result has been increased danger in an already volatile region."

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Fitzpatrick Statement on the Death of Qasem Soleimani
Source: Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)
January 3, 2020
“Qasem Soleimani, leader of Iran’s Quds force, is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American servicemen and servicewomen. Soleimani perpetuated the Iranian regime’s destabilizing proxy wars across the Middle East and carried out numerous terrorist attacks on behalf of Iran—the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. According to the Defense Department, Soleimani was imminently plotting even more attacks on American servicemen and servicewomen, and therefore the air strike was needed to protect our American soldiers, diplomats, and civilians serving in critical missions in the region. Iran’s attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, their mounting aggression against the United States in the region, and their direct and imminent threats to Americans serving in critical missions abroad cannot be ignored.”

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Fortenberry Statement on the Escalating Military Situation with Iran
Source: Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE, 1st)
January 3, 2020
“In a more perfect world, our countries have more reason to be natural allies than natural enemies. America needs to be aware that Iran is likely to retaliate through terrorism and assassination,” Fortenberry said.

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Congressman García’s Statement on U.S. Airstrike that Killed Iranian General Soleimani
Source: Jesus Garcia (D-IL, 4th)
January 3, 2020
The killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by our military forces confirms our worst fears: President Trump may be provoking an international crisis and putting us on the brink of war to distract the country from his impeachment. This is wrong.

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Roe to Resign

Fleischmann Thanks Congressman Roe for Years of Service
Source: Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
“Phil served our country well both during his time in the United States Army Medical Corps overseas and in Washington. As Chairman and then Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Phil spearheaded efforts to increase access to care for those who have sacrificed in defense of our nation. With his medical background, he led the Republican Study Committee’s Health Care Task Force to establish new protections for patients from the increase of medical costs. His immense contributions to our nation can be widely felt in the Volunteer State and are lauded by all who have benefitted from his tireless advocacy.

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Veterans, Authoritarianism, Offshore Wind, Melania, Aviation, Nikki's Resignation

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Senators Ernst and Scott to Headline South Carolina Women Veterans Event in Columbia
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
October 9, 2018
“Senator Ernst is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does she hold the title of United States Senator, but she also holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard. A dear friend of mine in the Senate, a combat veteran herself, and a powerful voice for women, I am so excited to welcome her back to the Palmetto State. I have no doubt that her passion, story, and mission will resonate with South Carolina’s 43,000 women veterans,” said Senator Scott.

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Sanders Speech at SAIS: Building A Global Democratic Movement to Counter Authoritarianism
Senator Bernard Sanders (I - VT)
October 9, 2018
“It should be clear by now that Donald Trump and the right-wing movement that supports him is not a phenomenon unique to the United States. All around the world, in Europe, in Russia, in the Middle East, in Asia, Latin America, and elsewhere we are seeing movements led by demagogues who exploit people’s fears, prejudices and grievances to gain and hold on to power.”

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WHITEHOUSE APPLAUDS ACQUISITION OF RHODE ISLAND OFFSHORE WIND PIONEER BY GLOBAL INDUSTRY LEADER
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
October 9, 2018
“Rhode Island’s ocean planning and offshore wind leadership is paying off big,” said Whitehouse. “Deepwater’s first-in-the-nation offshore wind farm created jobs and powers Rhode Island homes and businesses. It’s a model for renewable energy, and for how to bring together everyone – from fishermen to financiers – with a stake in a promising renewable energy project to ensure the process is inclusive and fair. Now, Deepwater’s expertise and experience will combine with the resources of a global energy leader that knows how to grow offshore wind. It is very good news for Rhode Island, American energy leadership, and our climate.”

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Rep. Bass Statement on First Lady Melania Trump’s Return From Africa
Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
October 9, 2018
“Rhode Island’s ocean planning and offshore wind leadership is paying off big,” said Whitehouse. “I am encouraged by the First Lady’s trip to the continent,” said Rep. Bass. “I hope that during her trip she was able to see the critical work of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the benefits of the contributions that our country makes every day across Africa. Successful U.S-Africa policy hinges on mutual interests on issues such as maternal and newborn health as well as education, so I was glad to see that these topics were highlighted during her time there. I hope that this visit is parlayed into continuing collaboration and cooperation with the continent.”

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Bonamici Plan to Create Aviation Consumer Advocate Signed into Law
Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st)
October 9, 2018
An amendment to create the Advocate position was offered by Bonamici and included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which was signed into law Friday to update and modernize the FAA. The Advocate will be a dedicated person at the FAA who resolves consumer problems that arise with airlines, enhancing the FAA’s existing Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

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CONGRESSMAN BOYLE RESPONDS TO RESIGNATION OF U.N. AMBASSADOR NIKKI HALEY
Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 13th)
October 9, 2018
“I’d like to thank Nikki Haley for her service as U.N. Ambassador over the past two years. Whenever she came in front of our committee and answered my questions I was always impressed with her grasp of the myriad challenges facing the United States around the globe. However, the fact remains she was just an instrument to carry out a failed foreign policy of a failed presidency. No matter who the President next appoints to the position, if he continues to cobble together his foreign policy from “Fox and Friends” then we will continue to fail at promoting American interests and values abroad. President Trump has jeopardized our standing around the globe, as evidenced by the chorus of laughter he received during his speech to the United Nations last month.”

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OH NO! Nikki was an OUTSTANDING Ambassador! We have truly lost a great one! I pray the next ambassador can come close to her effectiveness! And Congressman Boyle has given a typical Democrat response.