Homeland Security, Trillion Trees, Sexual Assault, Pebble Mine, Veterans, SNAP, Innovation, Public Lands, Roger Stone, D.C. Statehood, AI, Rice

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 17, 2020

CHAIRMAN THOMPSON: TRUMP AGAIN USING HOMELAND SECURITY TO SCORE POLITICAL POINTS, INFLICT REVENGE AS HE SENDS BORDER PATROL TO MAJOR U.S. CITIES
Source: House Committee on Homeland Security
February 14, 2020
"It is truly alarming that President Trump is moving resources away from the border just to ratchet up his cruel immigration agenda, throw meat to his base, and inflict revenge on states that don't do what he says. Doing so undermines our homeland security and will only help drug smugglers and those that seek to do us harm. The President is again using the Department of Homeland Security to score political points to help him win reelection. He must be stopped."
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Nat. Resources Committee Holding Feb. 26 Hearing on Chair Grijalva’s Public Lands and Waters Climate Change Bill, Rep. Westerman’s “Trillion Trees Act
Source: House Committee on Natural Resources
February 14, 2020
The Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on Feb. 26 at 10:00 a.m. in Longworth 1324 on two bills introduced by Committee members designed to address climate change.
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All Democratic Committee Members Object to DeVos’ Proposed Rule Harming Student Survivors of Sexual Assault
Source: House Committee on Oversight and Governmental Reform
February 14, 2020
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, led all Democratic Members of the Committee in a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos requesting information about a proposed rule that would encourage schools to pursue fewer investigations of sexual harassment and assault. The Department is poised to finalize the rule soon.
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Chair DeFazio Responds to Army Corps Environmental Impact Statement on Pebble Mine
Source: House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
February 13, 2020
“The Army Corps of Engineers’ environmental analysis of the Pebble Mine was flawed from the start, and recent reports indicate it isn’t improving. When the Chief of the Corps told me the Corps was taking its statutory responsibilities seriously and it was better to do the job right than do it fast, I took him at his word. However if recent reports about the current state of review of this project are true, it appears the Corps has, again, missed the mark,” said Chair DeFazio. “If the Pebble Mine is built- the world’s largest wild sockeye salmon run will be placed in jeopardy and likely destroyed, as well as the culture and livelihood of the tribes, fisher people, and communities that depend on this abundant resource. As Chairman of the Committee responsible for the Corps and the Clean Water Act, I will do everything in my authority to ensure this doesn’t occur.”
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CHAIRMAN TAKANO, 77 MEMBERS CALL ON PRESIDENT TRUMP TO GRANT RELIEF TO 190,000 ILL VETERANS
Source: House Committee on Veterans Affairs
February 13, 2020
In their letter, Members call on the president to accept scientific evidence and add bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, parkinsonism, and hypertension to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs list of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. This change would provide lifesaving benefits to more than 190,000 veterans currently in need of VA resources and healthcare.
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HUDSON HOSTS PRESS CONFERENCE ON VETERAN CAREGIVER ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC, 8th)
February 13, 2020
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), Fort Bragg’s Congressman and a voice for North Carolina veterans, hosted a press conference at the U.S. Capitol Building to discuss the Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act (H.R. 5701), bipartisan legislation he introduced with Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY-04) on Jan. 30. The Caregiver Act will further modernize the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers so that veterans and their families can better access the Caregiver program. Rep. Hudson was joined by Rep. Rice, veterans, veteran caregivers, stakeholders and member organizations of the National Military & Veterans Alliance, a nonpartisan umbrella organization of 35 veteran- and military-serving organizations.
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Fudge: Trump Budget Illustrates Administration’s Cruel Priorities
Source: House Committee on Agriculture
February 12, 2020
“Going to such lengths to gut programs like SNAP, once again, reveals the Administration’s insensitivity to the needs of the people the office is entrusted to serve,” said Chairwoman Fudge. “The proposed budget is nothing more than an assault on vulnerable Americans, particularly people in marginalized communities. Eliminating programs that ensure seniors have access to food, recipients receive nutrition education, and next generation anti-hunger advocates are trained will have devastating effects on the quality of life of countless citizens.”
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Chairman Yarmuth Opening Statement at Budget Hearing on The President's 2021 Budget
Source: House Committee on the Budget
February 12, 2020
Just six short months ago, the President signed a bipartisan two-year budget deal into law. It does everything the President’s proposal fails to do -- it set rational discretionary toplines allowing strong investments in our national and economic security; it had bipartisan support – including the Ranking Member and myself; and it set Congress up for a successful appropriations process. But now, the President is going back on his word. Instead, he is, once again, proposing deep cuts to critical programs that help American families and prepare our nation for the future. Once again, he is breaking his promises and lying to the American people.
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Crow Looks to Strengthen Innovation Pipeline Between Universities and Small Businesses
Source: House Committee on Small Business
February 12, 2020
“Products like lifesaving drugs, groundbreaking medical devices, and advancements in agriculture are the result of collaboration among faculty, students, and the business community,” said Chairman Crow. “These innovations – only made possible by public investment – are needed now more than ever as technology is rapidly changing every sector of the economy. However, as more and more states cut funding for research-based universities, the federal government’s role in supporting innovation at our nation’s colleges and universities is more important than ever.”
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Crow Looks to Strengthen Innovation Pipeline Between Universities and Small Businesses
Source: House Committee on Ways and Means
February 12, 2020
When American patients and their families receive medical care, they shouldn’t have to lie awake at night worrying about the hidden fees or unexpected bills to come. That’s why the House Committee on Ways and Means has offered its solution to end surprise medical bills once and for all.
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HUFFMAN BILL PASSES AS PART OF MULTI-STATE PUBLIC LANDS MANAGEMENT PACKAGE
Source: U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd)
February 12, 2020
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting America’s Wilderness Act, a massive new public lands management package that would permanently protect 1.37 million acres of federal land and 1,000 river miles in three states. Representative Jared Huffman’s (D-San Rafael) bill, the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act was approved as part of this legislative package.
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Committee Advances Bipartisan Solution to Ban Surprise Billing
Source: House Committee on Education and the Workforce
February 11, 2020
“Surprise medical billing is a troubling and all-too-common product of our complex health care system. The status quo is unacceptable. Patients are getting hit with astronomical bills and both payers and providers are facing an uncertain future.” said Chairman Scott. “The Ban Surprise Billing Act is a bipartisan solution that protects patients from unexpected, often significant out-of-pocket costs while being fair to both providers and payers. I want to thank Dr. Foxx and all members of the Committee for working together to advance a proposal that provides patients and their families the consumer protections they deserve.”
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Chairman Schiff Statement on Roger Stone Sentencing
Source: House Committee on Intelligence
February 11, 2020
“I do not take a position on the proper prison term for Mr. Stone, but it would be a blatant abuse of power if President Trump has in fact intervened to reverse the recommendations of career prosecutors at the Department of Justice.
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Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference Ahead of DC Statehood Bill Markup and Committee Vote
Source: U.S. Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)
February 11, 2020
“I have long been a supporter of and urged that the District of Columbia’s representative have a real vote in the Congress of the United States. Now when I was Majority Leader the first time, we assured that the representative of the District of Columbia and other non-voting Members of the Congress of the United States would have a vote in what we call our Committee of the Whole. Under the Constitution however, we could not extend that fully. Unfortunately, when the Republicans took back the Majority, they eliminated that vote, [which was] an act of disrespect, not only to the residents of the District of Columbia, but towards our democracy.
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Hurd Praises Administration’s Request for Increased AI and Quantum Funding
Source: U.S. Representative Will Hurd (R-TX, 23rd)
February 11, 2020
“America must lead in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other technologies that will define the 21st century,” said Hurd. “I applaud the Administration for recognizing the importance of AI and quantum research and will continue to work with my colleagues to prepare our nation for these challenges and ensure America remains the most important economy in the world.”
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MISS. SENATORS PROMOTE U.S.-GROWN RICE IN U.K. TRADE TALKS
Source: Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
February 11, 2020
The Mississippi Senators are among a group of Senators from rice-producing states who have signed a letter that encourages U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer “to take advantage of the rice demand in the U.K. to achieve increased market access for U.S.-grown rice through your upcoming negotiations.”
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Impeachment, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Budget, Federal Trade Commission, Health Care, Space Force, Food, Roger Stone

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 12, 2020

Harris Statement on Senate Acquittal of President Trump
Source: U.S. Representative Andy Harris (R-MD, 1st)
February 5, 2020
“It’s about time that this sadly partisan frivolous impeachment effort ended - and Congress can once again turn their attention to important matters facing America, like drug prices, healthcare costs, border security, and keeping our economy going. Thank goodness the Senate brought this to an end - and too bad the House proceeded along partisan lines to attempt to undo the last election and to interfere with the ability of the American people to make their choice at the polls in 10 short months. The clear majority voting against removal in the Senate today shows just how frivolous this impeachment effort was.”
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Rep. Hayes Votes To Condemn Administration Attempts To Slash Medicaid Access For Low-Income Americans
Source: U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT, 5th)
February 7, 2020
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted in favor of House Resolution 826 to disapprove of the Trump Administration’s proposed Medicaid block grant plan. This resolution is in response to the announcement last week by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, that would allow states the option to cap Medicaid spending and reduce health benefits for millions using block grants. The Administration’s plan for states to cap and slash Medicaid would push Medicaid recipients off lifesaving medicines, impose unaffordable premiums to maintain coverage and leave more vulnerable families exposed to catastrophic medical bills – with ruinous consequences for rural hospitals, families seeking opioid addiction treatment for their loved ones and seniors with long-term care need.
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Guthrie Leads Charge to Protect Medicare Advantage
Source: U.S. Representative Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
February 10, 2020
The Medicare Advantage program allows select Medicare-eligible patients to choose individually tailored insurance plans operated by private companies to supplement traditional Medicare benefits. Congressman Guthrie, along with Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), and Mike Kelly (PA-16) and 335 other members of the House, wrote to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to urge continued support for the Medicare Advantage program.
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Hastings’ Statement on Trump’s FY2021 Budget
Source: U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL, 20th)
February 10, 2020
Once again, the President’s budget request for the coming year is nothing more than a broken promise to the American people. Instead of honoring the bipartisan budget agreement, the President has decided to pursue misguided policies that would aggravate the deficit, handout tax cuts to the wealthy, and leave working families with the bill.
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Senator Hawley Proposes to Overhaul the Federal Trade Commission
Source: Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO)
February 10, 2020
For years, Big Tech has gone unchecked due to inaction, weak enforcement, and a lack of accountability at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Congress’s leading voice on tech accountability, is proposing to overhaul the agency by restructuring it to meet the needs of today’s digital markets.
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Harder Slams Proposed $1.6 Trillion Cut to Health Care
Source: U.S. Representative Josh Harder (D-CA, 10th)
February 11, 2020
“This budget is so absurd that I’m almost waiting for someone to yell April Fools. Literally less than a week ago the President said that he wants to protect health care at the State of the Union – but actions speak louder than words and today he put out a proposal that would cut $1.6 trillion from health care programs. This is terrible for the Valley and our families, and I’ll fight these cuts tooth and nail.”
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N.M. Delegation, Governor Urge Senior Military Officials To Utilize, Develop State’s Space Assets For U.S. Space Force
Source: U.S. Representative Debra Haaland (D-NM, 1st)
February 11, 2020
U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), along with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, sent a letter to General John W. Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force and Commander of U.S. Space Command. The letter urged General Raymond to utilize New Mexico’s existing public and private sector space capabilities as the United States Space Force develops its infrastructure and mission. The letter was also sent to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, and Secretary of the United States Air Force Barbara Barrett.
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Hagedorn Champions Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Protect America’s Food Supply
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Hagedorn (R-MN, 1st)
February 11, 2020
Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of S. 2107, the “Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019.” The bill is designed to protect America’s farms and food supply by preventing the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and other Foreign Agricultural Diseases (FAD) into the United States.
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Harris to Graham: Hold Immediate Hearing on Roger Stone Case and Make AG Barr Testify
Source: Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA)
February 11, 2020
U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Tuesday sent a letter to Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) demanding that the committee hold a hearing—with Attorney General Bill Barr as a witness—on potential political interference in the sentencing of Roger Stone, President Trump’s former campaign advisor and longtime friend. Harris’ letter comes after reports that the Department of Justice was considering reducing the sentencing recommendation put forward by the career prosecutors overseeing Stone’s case, all four of whom have since requested to withdraw from the case, and after the Department filed an updated sentencing recommendation in the case that contradicted the career prosecutors.
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