Source: House Representative Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)
Originally published at FoxNews.com.
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein defended against criticism of his handling of the amorphous “Russia investigation” by saying that the Department of Justice “doesn’t engage in fishing expeditions.” Yet, his clumsy management of this matter is the reason why many Americans are concerned that the investigation lacks focus and will veer into unrelated matters, thereby extending the probe far into the future and hampering the ability of the Trump administration to attend to the people’s business.
Rosenstein’s order appointing Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel failed to enumerate a crime to be investigated; instead, the order cited then-FBI Director James Comey’s March testimony identifying the existence of a counterintelligence investigation focusing on Russia, not a criminal investigation targeting members of the Trump administration. The order was defective because DOJ regulations make the existence of a criminal investigation a condition precedent to the appointment of a special counsel. Moreover, the order was so vague that it places little in the way of substantive limits on the scope or duration of the investigation.
The Rosenstein order is effectively an invitation to conduct a fishing expedition. And news reports have suggested that the investigation is veering into territory that has little, if any, relationship to the question of whether anyone committed crimes while in cahoots with the Russians.
Now, in recent appearance on Fox News Sunday, Rosenstein assures us that “Bob Mueller understands and [he] understands the specific scope of the investigation and so, it’s not a fishing expedition.”
Given the failure to issue a clear appointing order, Congress should not simply take Rosenstein’s word for this. Instead, Congress should use the upcoming appropriations bills to establish clear limits to the scope and duration of the special counsel investigation.
Specifically, Congress should deny funding for the investigation of any matters that precede the commencement of the 2016 presidential campaign. This will prevent the investigation from going off the rails and from becoming a roving commission to simply “find something” on members of the Trump administration, including the president himself.
In addition, Congress should terminate funding for the investigation at a date certain – say, 180 days from the date of enactment – so that the Trump administration and the Congress can move on to dealing with the key issues facing the American people.
The notion that the Trump campaign illegally “colluded” with Russian government agents has always seemed to be more a matter of wishful thinking by the media than something based on hard evidence. Imposing a deadline will force the special counsel to put up or shut up: if evidence of criminal activity has not surfaced after what will be nearly two years of investigation (including the pre-special counsel investigation conducted by the FBI), then this investigatory cloud hovering over the Trump administration should be removed.
There was never a clear basis from which to establish a special counsel in the first place, but we are where we are and it is in the public’s interest that this investigation be focused in scope and limited in duration.
The drag that such an investigation places on an administration means that the business of governing is necessarily hindered. For his part, President Trump is reviled by the Washington ruling class and the appointment of a special counsel is a way for the “Swamp” to seek his presidency’s destruction -- through investigative paralysis at least, with no evidence of wrongdoing uncovered. The inexplicable decision of Special Counsel Mueller to stock his office with Democratic partisans has underscored concerns along these lines.
Congress can and should use its power of the purse to impose guardrails on the investigation. The congressional corollary to the Rosenstein admonition that the DOJ doesn’t conduct fishing expeditions should be that the Congress will not fund fishing expeditions.
The Unpopular Truth
Showing posts with label Russia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russia. Show all posts
Friday, September 1, 2017
Monday, August 21, 2017
Civil War II: It's already here.
Hello. It's me, that crazy lady who has been sitting behind the computer keyboard screaming at the top of her lungs about the lies that the main stream media has been dishing out. I got some interesting stuff today:
Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) says he "feels like violence is coming". I hate to tell him, but it's already here. None of us were ever in the first Civil War, but if you read your history, the killing only happened in a few areas. The USA is a big country. Most people only read about it in the newspapers of the day.
Jump forward to 2017: there is violence everywhere -- in pockets.
More protests over Civil War monuments have erupted all over the USA. (Read about it here) As a post on Twitter depicted: "Nancy Pelosi has been in Congress since 1987. That's 30 years. Why is it that she just now has decided the monuments need to go?" Seems to me all she is doing is adding fuel to the fire that is smoldering across the country today. Isn't that against the law?
The Democrats love playing "pass the blame" and deflecting their own sins to their opponents, as evidence by this Young Conservatives report about the New York Attorney General, who has decried Trump for alleged ties with Russia, who himself has received money from Russia.
If you are mad that the left refuses to hold Antifa and BLM accountable for their part in the violence that has erupted across the country, there is something you can do. Sign the petition to have them Formally recognize AntiFa as a terrorist organization.
It is time that all Senators and Representatives disavow Antifa.
When Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th) came out with a press release to impeach the President after Charlottesville, he misinterpreted Trump's words during a press conference, and said that the only people who were wrong in Charlottesville were KKK and White Supremacists. He claims that Antifa and the BLM were innocent, because they fight racism. Never mind the violence they incite and instigate. Breitbart reported Cohen's misplaced rage.
So, I guess violence is okay if you're a Democrat, right?
That's all for now. I got some more writing to do elsewhere.
Hey, ya'll make sure you come back now, you hear? (and don't forget to share this page with your friends!)
Jump forward to 2017: there is violence everywhere -- in pockets.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has accepted more than $60,000 in small donations from Leonard Blavatnik, a Ukrainian-born energy billionaire with ties to Russian oligarchs, according to a Daily Caller News Foundation examination of the Democrat’s financial disclosure reports.
It is time that all Senators and Representatives disavow Antifa.
So, I guess violence is okay if you're a Democrat, right?
That's all for now. I got some more writing to do elsewhere.
Hey, ya'll make sure you come back now, you hear? (and don't forget to share this page with your friends!)
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Legislation to Prevent President from Reopening Russian Spy Compounds Introduced
Washington, D.C. - August 1, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) and members of the Maryland Delegation, including Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger and John P. Sarbanes (all D-MD), introduced legislation to prohibit the use of funds to return certain property and interests in property to the Government of the Russian Federation. In December of 2016, the Obama Administration – after concluding that the Russian government meddled in U.S. elections and in response to repeated harassment of U.S. diplomats by Russian security services – closed two Russian diplomatic compounds located within the states of Maryland and New York, and ejected 35 Russian intelligence operatives from the United States. However, the Trump Administration has expressed interest in return the compounds to the Russian government. Congressman Brown’s bill (H.R. 3527) would ensure the President Trump cannot use federal dollars to reopen the facilities, and would build on the new Russia sanctions legislation passed overwhelmingly by Congress earlier this week.
“Our top intelligence agencies have all agreed that Moscow interfered in the 2016 U.S. elections. Since taking office, President Trump and his Administration have failed to send a strong and coordinated response to the meddling in our democracy,” said Congressman Brown. “The state of Maryland should not be a base for foreign adversaries looking to spy on the United States and undermine our national security. As questions continue to linger on whether members of the Trump team colluded with the Kremlin, Congress must ensure the Administration does not advance President Putin’s agenda. It goes against the interests of every American to reverse punishment on Russia and reopen these compounds.”
“Giving these compounds back to Russia so that they can potentially spy on us from within our own country makes absolutely no sense,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “The Russians are not our friends and we should not do anything that makes Putin’s job easier, especially with our own tax dollars.”
“In Maryland and across the country, many Americans are asking, ‘Whose side is President Trump on?’” said Congressman Sarbanes, Chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force. “Until President Trump releases his tax returns, until he truly separates himself from his businesses and until special counsel Robert Mueller completes his investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives during the 2016 election, many people will continue to question the president’s priorities. This bill is an important step toward holding President Trump accountable and ensuring that he puts the American people and our country first.”
H.R. 3364 Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act - which passed the House and Senate and is awaiting the President’s signature or veto - included a provision that could make the return of the Maryland and New York compound subject to Congressional Review.
“Our top intelligence agencies have all agreed that Moscow interfered in the 2016 U.S. elections. Since taking office, President Trump and his Administration have failed to send a strong and coordinated response to the meddling in our democracy,” said Congressman Brown. “The state of Maryland should not be a base for foreign adversaries looking to spy on the United States and undermine our national security. As questions continue to linger on whether members of the Trump team colluded with the Kremlin, Congress must ensure the Administration does not advance President Putin’s agenda. It goes against the interests of every American to reverse punishment on Russia and reopen these compounds.”
“Giving these compounds back to Russia so that they can potentially spy on us from within our own country makes absolutely no sense,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “The Russians are not our friends and we should not do anything that makes Putin’s job easier, especially with our own tax dollars.”
“In Maryland and across the country, many Americans are asking, ‘Whose side is President Trump on?’” said Congressman Sarbanes, Chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force. “Until President Trump releases his tax returns, until he truly separates himself from his businesses and until special counsel Robert Mueller completes his investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives during the 2016 election, many people will continue to question the president’s priorities. This bill is an important step toward holding President Trump accountable and ensuring that he puts the American people and our country first.”
H.R. 3364 Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act - which passed the House and Senate and is awaiting the President’s signature or veto - included a provision that could make the return of the Maryland and New York compound subject to Congressional Review.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
House Passes Iran, Russia and North Korea Sanctions Bill
Washington, D.C. - July 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) --The House of Representatives approved H.R. 3364, the Countering Adversarial Nations Through Sanctions Act, by a bipartisan 419-3 vote.
U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (R-AZ) released the following statement on The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support to increase economic and political sanctions on Iran, Russia, and North Korea:
“Iran, Russia, and North Korea are our top adversaries—threatening our national security, disrupting global stability, and defying the principles of freedom, justice, and equality that America stands to protect. The bill that we passed today with my strong support is one of the toughest sanctions packages Congress has ever passed—and also one of the most necessary. These countries are dangerous. It’s time these bad actors face consequences. Additionally, this sanctions package empowers Congress to review and disapprove of any sanctions relief extended to Russia. Congressional review in this matter is essential and appropriate.”
Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) issued the following statement:
“These sanctions put hostile regimes in Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang on notice,” said Congressman Meehan. “For eight years under President Obama, accountability took a back seat to accommodation when it came to our adversaries on the world stage. Each of these regimes continues to pursue campaigns of aggression and belligerence, but today’s bipartisan vote shows they will not go unpunished.”
“These sanctions will hit these regimes where it will hurt, and they’ll limit our enemies’ access to the hard cash necessary to finance aggression, human rights abuses and support for terror. I’m pleased to see the legislation approved by the House and I hope the Senate acts to send it to the President’s desk for his signature promptly,” Meehan said.
Ranking Member of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, released the following statement on the House’s passage of H.R. 3346, the Russia-Iran-North Korea Sanctions Bill:
"It is quite telling that the first major bill to be sent to President Trump is one that limits his authority, because members of both parties in both houses of Congress cannot trust President Trump to act on behalf of America’s interests when it comes to Russia. Mere months ago, Trump gave away national secrets to Russian diplomats and sold out our allies in the Oval Office. With new details constantly emerging that shed light on this administration’s many lies regarding its cozy relationship with Russia, Congress voted overwhelmingly to strengthen sanctions on Russia.
“This bill sends a strong message to Russia and our allies: when the sitting President fails to do so, the US Congress will hold accountable anyone complicit in attempting to destabilize Western democracies.”
Rep. Tom O’Halleran voted pass the bipartisan Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act to impose sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
“I am pleased to see broad bipartisan support on sanctions for countries who disregard international laws and basic human rights,” said Rep. O’Halleran. “We must make it clear that the actions of these three countries will not be tolerated anywhere, and this legislation goes a long way to hold them accountable.”
The legislation makes permanent existing sanctions on Russia over the country’s actions in Crimea and Ukraine and cyber attacks in the U.S., and it implements new sanctions on Russian-financed companies involved in off-shore oil projects and individuals doing business with the Russian military or intelligence agencies. Included in the legislation are sanctions on Iran over their ballistic missile program, support of terrorist groups, and human rights violations, and it expands sanctions on the North Korean government and countries and organizations working with the Kim regime.
“Our national security and the safety of our children is not a partisan issue,” continued O’Halleran. “We must continue to curb the rise of terrorism in the Middle East by preventing the sale of arms to and from Iran and halting the country’s ballistic missile program.”
Additionally, the legislation includes a bill co-sponsored by Rep. O’Halleran that combats the funding of terror organizations and requires President Trump to develop a strategy for combatting the financing of terrorism and related forms of illicit financing.
U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 3364, Russia, Iran and North Korea Sanctions Act.
"It speaks volumes that the first major bipartisan piece of legislation expected to come out of this Congress reins in this President’s authority. This tough package strengthens the ability of Congress to oversee the implementation of critical sanctions on some bad actors. Congress is sending a clear message to the world that we will not stand idly by as North Korea, Iran, and Russia threaten their neighbors and continue to undermine American interests at home and abroad," Rep. Pascrell said. “I call upon the Senate to pass the bill to hold these regimes accountable for their destabilizing actions and the President to then swiftly sign this sanctions package into law."
Two weeks ago, Rep. Pascrell called on House leadership to bring a legislative package of Russia sanctions up for a vote in light of remarks by a White House aide indicating the Trump Administration was preparing to return shuttered Russian compounds seized as punishment for Russia's election interference. Rep. Pascrell also authored the No Russian DACHA Act to ensure that sanctions relief only comes in exchange for Russia ceasing the behavior that prompted these sanctions.
In December, Rep. Pascrell wrote a letter to Congressional leadership asking lawmakers to take early action in the new Congress to confront Russia's geopolitical aggression. His letter stressed codification of economic sanctions against Russia for their occupation of Crimea.
Rep. Pascrell has also been closely following the growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, he held a roundtable discussion with Korean-Americans in his district to discuss possible legislative action, including need for increased sanctions.
Rep. Pascrell is a cosponsor of the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 1698), which expands sanctions against Iran with respect to the ballistic missiles program of Iran. This bill would use targeted sanctions to try and halt Iran’s ballistic missile program, requiring the President to identify and sanction individuals and entities contributing to Iran’s ballistic missile program.
U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (R-AZ) released the following statement on The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support to increase economic and political sanctions on Iran, Russia, and North Korea:
“Iran, Russia, and North Korea are our top adversaries—threatening our national security, disrupting global stability, and defying the principles of freedom, justice, and equality that America stands to protect. The bill that we passed today with my strong support is one of the toughest sanctions packages Congress has ever passed—and also one of the most necessary. These countries are dangerous. It’s time these bad actors face consequences. Additionally, this sanctions package empowers Congress to review and disapprove of any sanctions relief extended to Russia. Congressional review in this matter is essential and appropriate.”
Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) issued the following statement:
“These sanctions put hostile regimes in Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang on notice,” said Congressman Meehan. “For eight years under President Obama, accountability took a back seat to accommodation when it came to our adversaries on the world stage. Each of these regimes continues to pursue campaigns of aggression and belligerence, but today’s bipartisan vote shows they will not go unpunished.”
“These sanctions will hit these regimes where it will hurt, and they’ll limit our enemies’ access to the hard cash necessary to finance aggression, human rights abuses and support for terror. I’m pleased to see the legislation approved by the House and I hope the Senate acts to send it to the President’s desk for his signature promptly,” Meehan said.
Ranking Member of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, released the following statement on the House’s passage of H.R. 3346, the Russia-Iran-North Korea Sanctions Bill:
"It is quite telling that the first major bill to be sent to President Trump is one that limits his authority, because members of both parties in both houses of Congress cannot trust President Trump to act on behalf of America’s interests when it comes to Russia. Mere months ago, Trump gave away national secrets to Russian diplomats and sold out our allies in the Oval Office. With new details constantly emerging that shed light on this administration’s many lies regarding its cozy relationship with Russia, Congress voted overwhelmingly to strengthen sanctions on Russia.
“This bill sends a strong message to Russia and our allies: when the sitting President fails to do so, the US Congress will hold accountable anyone complicit in attempting to destabilize Western democracies.”
Rep. Tom O’Halleran voted pass the bipartisan Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act to impose sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
“I am pleased to see broad bipartisan support on sanctions for countries who disregard international laws and basic human rights,” said Rep. O’Halleran. “We must make it clear that the actions of these three countries will not be tolerated anywhere, and this legislation goes a long way to hold them accountable.”
The legislation makes permanent existing sanctions on Russia over the country’s actions in Crimea and Ukraine and cyber attacks in the U.S., and it implements new sanctions on Russian-financed companies involved in off-shore oil projects and individuals doing business with the Russian military or intelligence agencies. Included in the legislation are sanctions on Iran over their ballistic missile program, support of terrorist groups, and human rights violations, and it expands sanctions on the North Korean government and countries and organizations working with the Kim regime.
“Our national security and the safety of our children is not a partisan issue,” continued O’Halleran. “We must continue to curb the rise of terrorism in the Middle East by preventing the sale of arms to and from Iran and halting the country’s ballistic missile program.”
Additionally, the legislation includes a bill co-sponsored by Rep. O’Halleran that combats the funding of terror organizations and requires President Trump to develop a strategy for combatting the financing of terrorism and related forms of illicit financing.
U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 3364, Russia, Iran and North Korea Sanctions Act.
"It speaks volumes that the first major bipartisan piece of legislation expected to come out of this Congress reins in this President’s authority. This tough package strengthens the ability of Congress to oversee the implementation of critical sanctions on some bad actors. Congress is sending a clear message to the world that we will not stand idly by as North Korea, Iran, and Russia threaten their neighbors and continue to undermine American interests at home and abroad," Rep. Pascrell said. “I call upon the Senate to pass the bill to hold these regimes accountable for their destabilizing actions and the President to then swiftly sign this sanctions package into law."
Two weeks ago, Rep. Pascrell called on House leadership to bring a legislative package of Russia sanctions up for a vote in light of remarks by a White House aide indicating the Trump Administration was preparing to return shuttered Russian compounds seized as punishment for Russia's election interference. Rep. Pascrell also authored the No Russian DACHA Act to ensure that sanctions relief only comes in exchange for Russia ceasing the behavior that prompted these sanctions.
In December, Rep. Pascrell wrote a letter to Congressional leadership asking lawmakers to take early action in the new Congress to confront Russia's geopolitical aggression. His letter stressed codification of economic sanctions against Russia for their occupation of Crimea.
Rep. Pascrell has also been closely following the growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, he held a roundtable discussion with Korean-Americans in his district to discuss possible legislative action, including need for increased sanctions.
Rep. Pascrell is a cosponsor of the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 1698), which expands sanctions against Iran with respect to the ballistic missiles program of Iran. This bill would use targeted sanctions to try and halt Iran’s ballistic missile program, requiring the President to identify and sanction individuals and entities contributing to Iran’s ballistic missile program.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Russian lawyer who met Trump Jr. ready to testify in Senate
Associated Press
The Russian lawyer who met with President Donald Trump’s eldest son during the 2016 election campaign said she’s ready to testify before the U.S. Senate and “clarify the situation behind this mass hysteria.”
Donald Trump Jr. agreed to meet with Natalia Veselnitskaya in the expectation of receiving incriminating information about Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton as part of a Russian government effort to help his father’s White House campaign, according to emails Trump Jr. has publicly released. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower.
The meeting raised new questions about the Trump campaign’s possible ties to Moscow, which are being scrutinized by federal and congressional investigators. These questions have only intensified as the identities of other Russia-connected participants have become known.
The Russian lawyer who met with President Donald Trump’s eldest son during the 2016 election campaign said she’s ready to testify before the U.S. Senate and “clarify the situation behind this mass hysteria.”
Donald Trump Jr. agreed to meet with Natalia Veselnitskaya in the expectation of receiving incriminating information about Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton as part of a Russian government effort to help his father’s White House campaign, according to emails Trump Jr. has publicly released. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower.
The meeting raised new questions about the Trump campaign’s possible ties to Moscow, which are being scrutinized by federal and congressional investigators. These questions have only intensified as the identities of other Russia-connected participants have become known.
Read more...
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Senate to take up bill to repeal Obamacare without replacement plan...(and more...)
State agencies warn of 'pink' synthetic opioid drug threat
KCCI (Des Moines, Iowa)
July 17, 2017
The Iowa Department of Public Health, Department of Public Safety, Poison Control Center and Office of Drug Control policy issued an advisory Monday to warn Iowans of a new synthetic opioid drug threat recently discovered in Iowa.
Read more...
Now For The REAL News: Time To Investigate John Podesta For Ties To Russia (For Real)
Clinton News
July 12, 2017
With not a single shred of evidence other than Hillary Clinton shrieking “Russia!” and all of her media lapdogs responding in kind to affirm it as gospel truth, the witch hunt against President Trump over his alleged involvement with the Russian government to supposedly steal the 2016 presidential election continues. Meanwhile, actual real evidence of Clinton’s former campaign manager, John Podesta, having accepted millions of dollars from Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials is so far being ignored as if it never happened.
Read more...
Weapon policy verbiage gets new twist
Daily Sentinel (Le Mars)
July 12, 2017
Courthouse security was a key issue at Tuesday’s Plymouth County Board of Supervisor’s meeting. That was the case because a new law passed by the Iowa legislature states no city or county may ban firearms in their courthouse.
Read more...
FBI data show cases of children murdering their parents is rare
KWGC TV-6
July 12, 2017
The crimes draw lots of attention, but official statistics show these cases are rare. The most recent FBI data from 2014 showed 169 people were killed by family members younger than themselves. The data doesn't distinguish the exact relationship. But the data also shows in 2014, there were over 14,000 murders across the United States. Parricide was only a small fraction.
Read more...
Senate to take up bill to repeal Obamacare without replacement plan
Des Moines Register
July 17, 2017
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced late Monday that the Senate will give up on its bill to replace Obamacare and vote instead on legislation to repeal the law within two years.
Read more...
YES, YES, YES!!! THAT is what we have been waiting for!
KCCI (Des Moines, Iowa)
July 17, 2017
The Iowa Department of Public Health, Department of Public Safety, Poison Control Center and Office of Drug Control policy issued an advisory Monday to warn Iowans of a new synthetic opioid drug threat recently discovered in Iowa.
Read more...
Now For The REAL News: Time To Investigate John Podesta For Ties To Russia (For Real)
Clinton News
July 12, 2017
With not a single shred of evidence other than Hillary Clinton shrieking “Russia!” and all of her media lapdogs responding in kind to affirm it as gospel truth, the witch hunt against President Trump over his alleged involvement with the Russian government to supposedly steal the 2016 presidential election continues. Meanwhile, actual real evidence of Clinton’s former campaign manager, John Podesta, having accepted millions of dollars from Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials is so far being ignored as if it never happened.
Read more...
Weapon policy verbiage gets new twist
Daily Sentinel (Le Mars)
July 12, 2017
Courthouse security was a key issue at Tuesday’s Plymouth County Board of Supervisor’s meeting. That was the case because a new law passed by the Iowa legislature states no city or county may ban firearms in their courthouse.
Read more...
FBI data show cases of children murdering their parents is rare
KWGC TV-6
July 12, 2017
The crimes draw lots of attention, but official statistics show these cases are rare. The most recent FBI data from 2014 showed 169 people were killed by family members younger than themselves. The data doesn't distinguish the exact relationship. But the data also shows in 2014, there were over 14,000 murders across the United States. Parricide was only a small fraction.
Read more...
Senate to take up bill to repeal Obamacare without replacement plan
Des Moines Register
July 17, 2017
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced late Monday that the Senate will give up on its bill to replace Obamacare and vote instead on legislation to repeal the law within two years.
Read more...
YES, YES, YES!!! THAT is what we have been waiting for!
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Plane Crash, Human Chain, Lawless Corporations, Voting, Russia, Navy Secretary
Marine special ops troops among 16 dead in plane crash
UPI
July 12, 2017
Federal Aviation Administration officials contacted the Marines when the aircraft disappeared from air traffic control radar as it flew over Mississippi, officials said. The plane burned after it struck the ground, and possible unexploded ordnance and ammunition could be surrounding the plane and hampering investigation, WLBT-TV, Jackson, Miss., reported.
Read more...
Good Samaritans form human chain to rescue swimmers caught in rip current off Florida coast
Good Morning America
July 11, 2017
“[Jessica and I] are no Olympic swimmers, not even Coast Guard swimmers but just two average people who spend a lot of time in the water,” Simmons said. “Everybody that was involved is a hero in my book.” The chain eventually grew to around 40 people, according to a police report obtained by ABC News. The report estimates the swimmers were stuck nearly 70 yards away from the shoreline.
Read more...
Judiciary Democrats Praise Rule to Restore the Rights of Hardworking Americans to Hold Lawless Corporations Accountable
David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
July 10, 2017
Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee applauded the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for finalizing a rule to prohibit the use of pre-dispute, binding (“forced”) arbitration in contracts for consumer financial products such as checking or savings accounts, student loans, or credit cards.
Read more...
Clay Demands Swift Action from Ashcroft to Safeguard Missouri Voter Rolls, Election Day Operations from Foreign Tampering
William “Lacy” Clay, Jr. (D-MO, 1st)
July 10, 2017
Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri is demanding that Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft identify immediate actions he intends to take to safeguard Missouri elections from foreign tampering. The Congressman’s letter to Mr. Ashcroft also denounced Missouri’s new Photo ID law. Mr. Clay, Missouri’s senior Democrat in Congress, first warned of Russian attempts to tamper with U.S. elections early last year during hearings before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Read more...
Trump Sees Fake Russia During Meeting With Former KGB Agent Putin While Cohen Sees Real Russia at OSCE PA in Minsk
Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)
July 11, 2017
While at the annual Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly last week in Minsk, Belarus, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), witnessed the real Russia that votes against human rights, democratic values, free elections, and the territorial integrity of nations, while President Trump saw the fake Russia during his meeting at the G20 Summit in Germany with former KGB agent and Russian President Vladimir Putin:
Read more...
Senator Tom Cotton RIPS Obama’s departed Navy secretary
Allen West Republic
JULY 12, 2017
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on Tuesday told President Trump’s pick for Navy secretary, Richard V. Spencer, that he may be hindered in his new position by the legacy of his Obama predecessor, whom he called one of the most unpopular secretaries in modern history.
Read more...
UPI
July 12, 2017
Federal Aviation Administration officials contacted the Marines when the aircraft disappeared from air traffic control radar as it flew over Mississippi, officials said. The plane burned after it struck the ground, and possible unexploded ordnance and ammunition could be surrounding the plane and hampering investigation, WLBT-TV, Jackson, Miss., reported.
Read more...
Good Samaritans form human chain to rescue swimmers caught in rip current off Florida coast
Good Morning America
July 11, 2017
“[Jessica and I] are no Olympic swimmers, not even Coast Guard swimmers but just two average people who spend a lot of time in the water,” Simmons said. “Everybody that was involved is a hero in my book.” The chain eventually grew to around 40 people, according to a police report obtained by ABC News. The report estimates the swimmers were stuck nearly 70 yards away from the shoreline.
Read more...
Judiciary Democrats Praise Rule to Restore the Rights of Hardworking Americans to Hold Lawless Corporations Accountable
David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
July 10, 2017
Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee applauded the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for finalizing a rule to prohibit the use of pre-dispute, binding (“forced”) arbitration in contracts for consumer financial products such as checking or savings accounts, student loans, or credit cards.
Read more...
Clay Demands Swift Action from Ashcroft to Safeguard Missouri Voter Rolls, Election Day Operations from Foreign Tampering
William “Lacy” Clay, Jr. (D-MO, 1st)
July 10, 2017
Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri is demanding that Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft identify immediate actions he intends to take to safeguard Missouri elections from foreign tampering. The Congressman’s letter to Mr. Ashcroft also denounced Missouri’s new Photo ID law. Mr. Clay, Missouri’s senior Democrat in Congress, first warned of Russian attempts to tamper with U.S. elections early last year during hearings before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Read more...
Trump Sees Fake Russia During Meeting With Former KGB Agent Putin While Cohen Sees Real Russia at OSCE PA in Minsk
Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)
July 11, 2017
While at the annual Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly last week in Minsk, Belarus, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), witnessed the real Russia that votes against human rights, democratic values, free elections, and the territorial integrity of nations, while President Trump saw the fake Russia during his meeting at the G20 Summit in Germany with former KGB agent and Russian President Vladimir Putin:
Read more...
Senator Tom Cotton RIPS Obama’s departed Navy secretary
Allen West Republic
JULY 12, 2017
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on Tuesday told President Trump’s pick for Navy secretary, Richard V. Spencer, that he may be hindered in his new position by the legacy of his Obama predecessor, whom he called one of the most unpopular secretaries in modern history.
Read more...
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Russia, Guns, The Wall, Obamacare, CNN, Charlie Gard, Black Lives Matter and more...
The Ongoing Frustration of Trump's Conservative Critics
Town Hall
July 7, 2017
Most Trump supporters are not cultists who are blind and indifferent to his faults and indelicacies, but nor are they soiling themselves in agony over them. They have not betrayed their principles in supporting and defending Trump. They are not hypocrites for cheering him on against the plethora of leftist assaults. They don't root for Trump because they seek revenge against the left, as some have wrongly supposed. The left's war on America, as founded, is ongoing, not some one-off offense for which we seek redress.
Read more...
Trump at G20 with Mexican President: Mexico ‘Absolutely’ Paying for Border Wall
Breitbart
July 7, 2017
Members of the press were briefly allowed in the meeting where an AP reporter asked Trump, “Mr. Trump, do you still want Mexico to pay for the wall?”
Read more...
Trump, Putin Agree to Tackle Cybersecurity Together
NewsMax
July 7, 2017
"It was agreed that all of these issues, including anti-terrorism efforts, fight against organized crime, and hacker activities in any of their manifestations will be a focus of bilateral Russian-U.S. cooperation," Lavrov said. "A bilateral working group will be set up for these [issues]."
Read more...
Conservative warns McConnell to not give up on ObamaCare repeal
The Hill
JUly 7, 2017
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is not happy about talk that Senate Republicans might give up that effort and instead work with Democrats on legislation to shore up troubled insurance markets.
Read more...
CNN May Have Had The Worst Week In Washington
The Daily Caller
July 8, 2017
The network’s rough week started on Sunday when President Trump jumpstarted controversy by tweeting a video that showed him body-slamming the CNN logo. The tweet was met with widespread condemnation in the media, which resulted in the video being shown over and over again on national television.
Read more...
Meet the Colorado Woman Training Teachers to Use Guns to Stop School Violence
The Daily Signal
July 8, 2017
FASTER trains school workers “not to replace police and EMT, but to allow teachers, administrators, and other personnel on-site to stop school violence rapidly and render medical aid immediately,” according to the FASTER website.
Read more...
GOP Senator’s Bill Passes, Makes Gun Seizure Order Without Gun Owner’s Knowledge Possible
Right Wing News
July 8, 2017
The bill is SB 719, and it has now gone through and passed Oregon’s House and Senate. It appoints an Extreme Risk Protection Order, which forces the subject of the order to give up all firearms, as well as his hidden carry permit if he possesses one.
Read more...
Charlie Gard Gets A Second Chance At Life
Red State
July 7, 2017
The Mengele-esque medical claque at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital has found playing God has responsibility. They’ve “reconsidered” their unilateral decision to remove 11-month-old Charlie Gard from life support over the wishes of his parents.
Read more...
A Texas Judge Turns Back an Irrational Challenge to Campus Carry
National Review
July 7, 2017
Here’s a piece of judicial good news. Yesterday, a Texas trial court dismissed a court challenge to Texas’s campus carry law that was based, of all things, on the First Amendment. No, really:
Read more...
BLM Leader Receives His Court Date As Officer Recovers From Deadly Ambush
Conservative Daily Post
July 7, 2017
A federal lawsuit has been filed in Louisiana, which blames Black Lives Matter, and several leaders, of inciting racial violence, especially against cops. This suit specifically refers to a deadly incident last summer that resulted in the death of Baton Rouge law enforcement officers, and the shooter.
Read more...
Town Hall
July 7, 2017
Most Trump supporters are not cultists who are blind and indifferent to his faults and indelicacies, but nor are they soiling themselves in agony over them. They have not betrayed their principles in supporting and defending Trump. They are not hypocrites for cheering him on against the plethora of leftist assaults. They don't root for Trump because they seek revenge against the left, as some have wrongly supposed. The left's war on America, as founded, is ongoing, not some one-off offense for which we seek redress.
Read more...
Trump at G20 with Mexican President: Mexico ‘Absolutely’ Paying for Border Wall
Breitbart
July 7, 2017
Members of the press were briefly allowed in the meeting where an AP reporter asked Trump, “Mr. Trump, do you still want Mexico to pay for the wall?”
Read more...
Trump, Putin Agree to Tackle Cybersecurity Together
NewsMax
July 7, 2017
"It was agreed that all of these issues, including anti-terrorism efforts, fight against organized crime, and hacker activities in any of their manifestations will be a focus of bilateral Russian-U.S. cooperation," Lavrov said. "A bilateral working group will be set up for these [issues]."
Read more...
Conservative warns McConnell to not give up on ObamaCare repeal
The Hill
JUly 7, 2017
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is not happy about talk that Senate Republicans might give up that effort and instead work with Democrats on legislation to shore up troubled insurance markets.
Read more...
CNN May Have Had The Worst Week In Washington
The Daily Caller
July 8, 2017
The network’s rough week started on Sunday when President Trump jumpstarted controversy by tweeting a video that showed him body-slamming the CNN logo. The tweet was met with widespread condemnation in the media, which resulted in the video being shown over and over again on national television.
Read more...
Meet the Colorado Woman Training Teachers to Use Guns to Stop School Violence
The Daily Signal
July 8, 2017
FASTER trains school workers “not to replace police and EMT, but to allow teachers, administrators, and other personnel on-site to stop school violence rapidly and render medical aid immediately,” according to the FASTER website.
Read more...
GOP Senator’s Bill Passes, Makes Gun Seizure Order Without Gun Owner’s Knowledge Possible
Right Wing News
July 8, 2017
The bill is SB 719, and it has now gone through and passed Oregon’s House and Senate. It appoints an Extreme Risk Protection Order, which forces the subject of the order to give up all firearms, as well as his hidden carry permit if he possesses one.
Read more...
Charlie Gard Gets A Second Chance At Life
Red State
July 7, 2017
The Mengele-esque medical claque at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital has found playing God has responsibility. They’ve “reconsidered” their unilateral decision to remove 11-month-old Charlie Gard from life support over the wishes of his parents.
Read more...
A Texas Judge Turns Back an Irrational Challenge to Campus Carry
National Review
July 7, 2017
Here’s a piece of judicial good news. Yesterday, a Texas trial court dismissed a court challenge to Texas’s campus carry law that was based, of all things, on the First Amendment. No, really:
Read more...
BLM Leader Receives His Court Date As Officer Recovers From Deadly Ambush
Conservative Daily Post
July 7, 2017
A federal lawsuit has been filed in Louisiana, which blames Black Lives Matter, and several leaders, of inciting racial violence, especially against cops. This suit specifically refers to a deadly incident last summer that resulted in the death of Baton Rouge law enforcement officers, and the shooter.
Read more...
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Trump’s putdown of wind energy whips up a backlash in Iowa (And more...)
Trump’s putdown of wind energy whips up a backlash in Iowa
Council Bluffs Nonpareil
June 22, 2017
President Trump’s putdown of wind energy at his Iowa rally was denounced Thursday across the state, which takes pride in its position as a national leader in wind generation.
Read more...
Total solar eclipse 1st in 99 years to sweep width of US
Creston:News Advertiser
June 23, 2017
Total solar eclipses occur every year or two or three, often in the middle of nowhere like the South Pacific or Antarctic. What makes this one so special — at least for Americans — is that it will cut diagonally across the entire United States.
Read more...
Nursing home workers still posting vulgar photos of residents on Snapchat
Des Moines:Register
June 23, 2017
Six incidents were in Iowa, which has put a greater focus on identifying such cases. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has called upon Snapchat and other social media companies to do more to stop the problem.
Read more...
Pipeline court case continues
Ft. Dodge:Messenger
June 23, 2017
The Sierra Club on June 15 filed a motion to revoke Dakota Access’s permit in Iowa, in light of a federal judge’s ruling that the Army Corps of Engineers didn’t adequately consider some matters important to the Standing Rock Sioux when issuing the national permit.
Read more...
Statement on Flood Insurance Reform Bills
Alex Mooney (R-WV, 2nd)
June 23, 2017
The 21st Century Flood Reform Act embraces free market reforms that will allow the private sector to give consumers real insurance choices and will get the program back on sound financial footing.
Read more...
Neal Statement on Senate GOP Health Care Bill
Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st)
June 22, 2017
“Republican Senators have taken an already ‘mean’ bill and made it even meaner. Despite seven years of promises, the Senate Republicans’ health care plan would not lower costs, would not provide health and financial security to working families, and would not help solve ongoing public health crises, like the opioid epidemic. This heartless bill would instead shift more of the financial burden of health care onto the backs of middle class families, while at the same time dramatically slash important programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, that seniors and working people depend upon. By crafting this partisan plan in secrecy, far from the view of the American public, and presenting it today without so much as a single public hearing, it’s clear that Senate Republicans learned nothing from the ‘go-it-alone’ strategy that Republicans used in the House. It’s disheartening that Senate Republicans didn’t seize this opportunity to sit down with Democrats, their own colleagues and, most importantly, their constituents to engage in good faith discussions on ways to further improve our health care system in a manner that continues to bring down costs, cover more people and expand important consumer protections.”
Read more...
Noem: USDA's Opening of CRP Acres Gives Ranchers Needed Options
Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota)
June 23, 2017
Rep. Kristi Noem issued the following statement after the USDA announced it would open South Dakota CRP acres for grazing in areas categorized as D2 (severe drought) or D3 (extreme drought) until September 30, 2017. The announcement came after a personal request from Noem to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to grant additional flexibility.
Read more...
Nunes Statement on Passage of Healthcare Bill
REP. O’HALLERAN AND 22 ARMED SERVICES DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE BILL TO BOOST UNITY AND DETERRENCE AGAINST RUSSIAN AGGRESSION
Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ, 1st)
June 23, 2017
“There can be no mistake, Russia’s blatant disregard for international agreements and treaties must be countered with strength on the international stage,” said Rep. O’Halleran. “I am proud to support legislation that strengthens our commitment to the collective defense of our allies. We must take action to end to this encroaching aggression and prevent future attempts to weaken our democracy, or the democratic process in countries around the world.”
Read more...
President Signs Blunt-Backed Bill to Increase Accountability at the VA
Senator Roy Blunt - (R - MO)
June 23, 2017
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement after President Trump signed into law the Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. The bipartisan legislation, which Blunt cosponsored, reforms the Department of Veterans Affairs by making it easier for the secretary to hold employees accountable for misconduct or poor performance, and ensuring appropriate due process protections for whistleblowers.
Read more...
Boozman Applauds Signing of VA Reforms into Law
Roe Statement on President Signing VA Accountability Bill into Law
Amid Reports that Trump Will Break Promise to Get Tough on Drug Pricing, Booker, Franken, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Act on Solutions that Bring Down Prescription Drug Costs
Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
June 23, 2017
With news reports indicating the White House is on the verge of issuing an executive order devoid of policies that would meaningfully reduce prescription drug prices, breaking yet another key promise to Americans, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and other Senate and House Democrats to urge President Donald Trump to act on solutions that truly reduce the rising cost of prescription drugs.
Read more...
Brown Vows to Keep Up Bipartisan Efforts to Protect Great Lakes Following Asian Carp Sighting
Senator Sherrod Brown- (D - OH)
June 23, 2017
“It’s clear: now is not the time to take away the tools that help us protect our Great Lakes,” said Brown. “Between this carp sighting and news that the Lake’s health is declining, it is a bad week for our Great Lakes. We’ve got to double down on our efforts to protect Lake Erie and the jobs it supports. That means staying vigilant and standing strong in bipartisan opposition to the elimination of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative proposed by the Administration.”
Read more...
Senate Intel Committee to Hold Open Hearing Next Week on Russian Intervention in European Elections
Senator Richard Burr - (R - NC)
June 23, 2017
Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, announced that the Committee will hold an open hearing on June 28, 2017 to examine Russia’s interference in recent and future European elections. The witnesses will address Russian activities in the French and Montenegrin elections and look forward to Germany’s fall election. This will be the latest in a series of open hearings to provide for the American people further context and understanding of Russian efforts to undermine democratic institutions at home and abroad.
Read more...
SBC Examines How to Bring Broadband to Rural America
House Committee on Small Business
June 22, 2017
Members of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade heard from a group of experts in the first of a series of hearings addressing the rural broadband deployment efforts small telecommunications companies are undergoing in rural America. Witnesses also discussed the potential for policy changes at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and what the FCC has done to help or hinder broadband deployment.
Read more...
Judicial Watch Asks Trump Administration to End Congressional Obamacare Exemption
Judicial Watch
June 23, 2017
The ACA requires states to create at least two exchanges: a small business exchange (referred to as “SHOP” in the ACA) and an individual exchange. It also requires certain members of Congress and congressional employees to purchase insurance on an exchange created either by their state of residence (or by the District, if they are a D.C. resident) or by the federal government, if their state of residence did not establish an exchange. 42 U.S.C. § 18032(d)(3)(D)(i). Because the ACA limits the purchase of insurance on a small business exchange to employees of small businesses – and Congress is not a small business – the ACA unequivocally requires that certain members of Congress and congressional employees purchase insurance on an individual exchange created either by their state of residence (or by the District, if they are a D.C. resident) or by the federal government for that state.
Read more...
Council Bluffs Nonpareil
June 22, 2017
President Trump’s putdown of wind energy at his Iowa rally was denounced Thursday across the state, which takes pride in its position as a national leader in wind generation.
Read more...
Total solar eclipse 1st in 99 years to sweep width of US
Creston:News Advertiser
June 23, 2017
Total solar eclipses occur every year or two or three, often in the middle of nowhere like the South Pacific or Antarctic. What makes this one so special — at least for Americans — is that it will cut diagonally across the entire United States.
Read more...
Nursing home workers still posting vulgar photos of residents on Snapchat
Des Moines:Register
June 23, 2017
Six incidents were in Iowa, which has put a greater focus on identifying such cases. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has called upon Snapchat and other social media companies to do more to stop the problem.
Read more...
Pipeline court case continues
Ft. Dodge:Messenger
June 23, 2017
The Sierra Club on June 15 filed a motion to revoke Dakota Access’s permit in Iowa, in light of a federal judge’s ruling that the Army Corps of Engineers didn’t adequately consider some matters important to the Standing Rock Sioux when issuing the national permit.
Read more...
Statement on Flood Insurance Reform Bills
Alex Mooney (R-WV, 2nd)
June 23, 2017
The 21st Century Flood Reform Act embraces free market reforms that will allow the private sector to give consumers real insurance choices and will get the program back on sound financial footing.
Read more...
Neal Statement on Senate GOP Health Care Bill
Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st)
June 22, 2017
“Republican Senators have taken an already ‘mean’ bill and made it even meaner. Despite seven years of promises, the Senate Republicans’ health care plan would not lower costs, would not provide health and financial security to working families, and would not help solve ongoing public health crises, like the opioid epidemic. This heartless bill would instead shift more of the financial burden of health care onto the backs of middle class families, while at the same time dramatically slash important programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, that seniors and working people depend upon. By crafting this partisan plan in secrecy, far from the view of the American public, and presenting it today without so much as a single public hearing, it’s clear that Senate Republicans learned nothing from the ‘go-it-alone’ strategy that Republicans used in the House. It’s disheartening that Senate Republicans didn’t seize this opportunity to sit down with Democrats, their own colleagues and, most importantly, their constituents to engage in good faith discussions on ways to further improve our health care system in a manner that continues to bring down costs, cover more people and expand important consumer protections.”
Read more...
Noem: USDA's Opening of CRP Acres Gives Ranchers Needed Options
Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota)
June 23, 2017
Rep. Kristi Noem issued the following statement after the USDA announced it would open South Dakota CRP acres for grazing in areas categorized as D2 (severe drought) or D3 (extreme drought) until September 30, 2017. The announcement came after a personal request from Noem to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to grant additional flexibility.
Read more...
Nunes Statement on Passage of Healthcare Bill
REP. O’HALLERAN AND 22 ARMED SERVICES DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE BILL TO BOOST UNITY AND DETERRENCE AGAINST RUSSIAN AGGRESSION
Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ, 1st)
June 23, 2017
“There can be no mistake, Russia’s blatant disregard for international agreements and treaties must be countered with strength on the international stage,” said Rep. O’Halleran. “I am proud to support legislation that strengthens our commitment to the collective defense of our allies. We must take action to end to this encroaching aggression and prevent future attempts to weaken our democracy, or the democratic process in countries around the world.”
Read more...
President Signs Blunt-Backed Bill to Increase Accountability at the VA
Senator Roy Blunt - (R - MO)
June 23, 2017
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement after President Trump signed into law the Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. The bipartisan legislation, which Blunt cosponsored, reforms the Department of Veterans Affairs by making it easier for the secretary to hold employees accountable for misconduct or poor performance, and ensuring appropriate due process protections for whistleblowers.
Read more...
Boozman Applauds Signing of VA Reforms into Law
Roe Statement on President Signing VA Accountability Bill into Law
Amid Reports that Trump Will Break Promise to Get Tough on Drug Pricing, Booker, Franken, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Act on Solutions that Bring Down Prescription Drug Costs
Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
June 23, 2017
With news reports indicating the White House is on the verge of issuing an executive order devoid of policies that would meaningfully reduce prescription drug prices, breaking yet another key promise to Americans, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and other Senate and House Democrats to urge President Donald Trump to act on solutions that truly reduce the rising cost of prescription drugs.
Read more...
Brown Vows to Keep Up Bipartisan Efforts to Protect Great Lakes Following Asian Carp Sighting
Senator Sherrod Brown- (D - OH)
June 23, 2017
“It’s clear: now is not the time to take away the tools that help us protect our Great Lakes,” said Brown. “Between this carp sighting and news that the Lake’s health is declining, it is a bad week for our Great Lakes. We’ve got to double down on our efforts to protect Lake Erie and the jobs it supports. That means staying vigilant and standing strong in bipartisan opposition to the elimination of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative proposed by the Administration.”
Read more...
Senate Intel Committee to Hold Open Hearing Next Week on Russian Intervention in European Elections
Senator Richard Burr - (R - NC)
June 23, 2017
Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, announced that the Committee will hold an open hearing on June 28, 2017 to examine Russia’s interference in recent and future European elections. The witnesses will address Russian activities in the French and Montenegrin elections and look forward to Germany’s fall election. This will be the latest in a series of open hearings to provide for the American people further context and understanding of Russian efforts to undermine democratic institutions at home and abroad.
Read more...
SBC Examines How to Bring Broadband to Rural America
House Committee on Small Business
June 22, 2017
Members of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade heard from a group of experts in the first of a series of hearings addressing the rural broadband deployment efforts small telecommunications companies are undergoing in rural America. Witnesses also discussed the potential for policy changes at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and what the FCC has done to help or hinder broadband deployment.
Read more...
Judicial Watch Asks Trump Administration to End Congressional Obamacare Exemption
Judicial Watch
June 23, 2017
The ACA requires states to create at least two exchanges: a small business exchange (referred to as “SHOP” in the ACA) and an individual exchange. It also requires certain members of Congress and congressional employees to purchase insurance on an exchange created either by their state of residence (or by the District, if they are a D.C. resident) or by the federal government, if their state of residence did not establish an exchange. 42 U.S.C. § 18032(d)(3)(D)(i). Because the ACA limits the purchase of insurance on a small business exchange to employees of small businesses – and Congress is not a small business – the ACA unequivocally requires that certain members of Congress and congressional employees purchase insurance on an individual exchange created either by their state of residence (or by the District, if they are a D.C. resident) or by the federal government for that state.
Read more...
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Attorney General, Israel, terrorism, Russia
Pursuing a Christian Idea of Criminal Justice in the Jeff Sessions Era
Christianity Today
MAY 18, 2017
Since assuming office, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has shown little interest in expanding the efforts of his predecessors in curbing policies that criminal justice reform advocates blame for America’s high rates of mass incarceration. Instead, he’s doubled down, recently instructing federal prosecutors to pursue the harshest penalties for drug dealers and gun violence offenders.
Read more...
7 Prophetic Prayer Insights In Response To Manchester Suicide Bombing
Hello Christian
May 22, 2017
In what Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May is calling a “callous" terrorist attack—one of the worst ever in British history—a suicide bomber struck at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night. The attack left 22 dead—including children—and 59 injured.
Read more...
President Trump: 'I Marvelled At God's Presence'
Hello Christian
May 23, 2017
President Donald Trump has given a powerful address at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, explaining his encounter with God at the Western Wall, and reiterating his commitment to the state of Israel and the Jewish people. Reports indicate that the President left a note in the crack of the sacred wall as he prayer, and now he has revealed his experience of God in that moment.
Read more...
Intelligence Leaks and Our Hypocritical Press
The Christian Post
May 23, 2017
The overdramatic hype about Trump doing what every president before him has done to share information with an ally to prevent a terror attack is a head-scratcher to those who recall the events of September 11, 2001 as a bad thing.
Read more...
Christianity Today
MAY 18, 2017
Since assuming office, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has shown little interest in expanding the efforts of his predecessors in curbing policies that criminal justice reform advocates blame for America’s high rates of mass incarceration. Instead, he’s doubled down, recently instructing federal prosecutors to pursue the harshest penalties for drug dealers and gun violence offenders.
Read more...
7 Prophetic Prayer Insights In Response To Manchester Suicide Bombing
Hello Christian
May 22, 2017
In what Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May is calling a “callous" terrorist attack—one of the worst ever in British history—a suicide bomber struck at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night. The attack left 22 dead—including children—and 59 injured.
Read more...
President Trump: 'I Marvelled At God's Presence'
Hello Christian
May 23, 2017
President Donald Trump has given a powerful address at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, explaining his encounter with God at the Western Wall, and reiterating his commitment to the state of Israel and the Jewish people. Reports indicate that the President left a note in the crack of the sacred wall as he prayer, and now he has revealed his experience of God in that moment.
Read more...
Intelligence Leaks and Our Hypocritical Press
The Christian Post
May 23, 2017
The overdramatic hype about Trump doing what every president before him has done to share information with an ally to prevent a terror attack is a head-scratcher to those who recall the events of September 11, 2001 as a bad thing.
Read more...
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Apprenticeship, College, Immigration, Russia, Health, Student Loans, Israel, FBI Director
Reps. Davis & Lipinski Join Aon Apprentices to Announce Bipartisan Bill to Reinvigorate America’s Apprenticeship Programs
Rodney Davis (R-IL, 13th)
May 10, 2017
“Reducing college debt has been a focus of mine since coming to Congress and apprenticeships can help with this,” said Davis. “For example, the apprentices at Aon learn valuable workplace skills while also attending college classes to complete an associate’s degree. At the end of the program, these young men and women have a job and a college degree that didn’t require any student loans. We want more companies to utilize apprenticeships, not only to help reduce college debt, but also to help retrain our workforce. The LEAP Act will help us accomplish this important, bipartisan goal.”
Read more...
Davis, Scott, Hirono, Murray Introduce Major Legislation to Secure Pell Grant Program and Make College More Affordable for Low-Income Students
Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd)
May 16, 2017
Representatives Susan Davis (D-Calif.) and Bobby Scott (D-Va), and Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) introduced the Pell Grant Preservation & Expansion Act today that will expand and permanently safeguard the Pell Grant program, helping millions of low-income students offset the rising costs of college. The bill would improve the purchasing power of Pell Grants, permanently index the maximum grant to inflation, shift the Pell Grant program to fully mandatory funding, and restore eligibility for defrauded students.
Read more...
DeGette Hails Temporary Stays for Vizguerra and Hernandez Garcia, Calls for Further Action
Diana DeGette (D-CO, 1st)
May 12, 2017
Vizguerra, an undocumented immigrant and immigrant rights’ activist, had sheltered in the First Unitarian Church in DeGette’s district since mid-February to avoid deportation on the eve of her last regularly-scheduled appointment with ICE officials. Because the stay on a previous deportation order had expired the week before, Vizguerra became concerned, alerting her family and her attorney that the check-in might not be routine. She was right; ICE agents were preparing to deport her upon arrival at their offices.
Read more...
Delaney Statement on Washington Post Report That President Trump Revealed Highly Classified Information to Russian Officials
John Delaney (D-MD, 6th)
May 15, 2017
Late today the Washington Post reported that “President Trump revealed highly classified information to the Russian foreign minister and ambassador in a White House meeting last week, according to current and former U.S. officials, who said that Trump’s disclosures jeopardized a critical source of intelligence on the Islamic State.”
Read more...
DeLauro Calls on Congress to Increase Funding for the NIH
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
May 17, 2017
The NIH is the leading biomedical research entity in the world and my colleagues on the subcommittee have often heard me say that medical research is special. A breakthrough at the NIH saves not just one life, but potentially millions, over generations to come. That breakthrough can improve the life of not just a sick individual, but the lives of their loved ones, caretakers, and friends. That is what the NIH represents.
Read more...
DelBene Helps Introduce Bill to Let Families Refinance Student Loans
Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
May 17, 2017
“We should provide every student borrower the opportunity to refinance their loans. It’s unacceptable that Americans are currently able to refinance their car loans, mortgages and business loans, but cannot take advantage of lower interest rates on student loans,” DelBene said. “The rising cost of college is forcing millions of middle-class families deep into debt as they take out higher loan amounts to pay for tuition, fees, textbooks and housing. If we want students to succeed, we need to work toward solutions that make a college degree more affordable for all.”
Read more...
Rep. Denham’s ENLIST Act Reaches 200 Co-Sponsors
Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th)
May 11, 2017
The ENLIST Act would allow otherwise qualified undocumented immigrants brought to the United States by their parents, through no fault of their own, to enlist in the armed services and earn legal status upon honorable completion of their contracts.
Read more...
DeSantis: Trump Administration Shouldn't Waffle on Whether the Western Wall is Part of Israel
Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)
May 16, 2017
"The Western Wall is one of the holiest sites in Judaism and there is no reason to be waffling about whether it is properly considered to be a part of Israel. Jerusalem is the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish people and of the modern State of Israel. Indeed, soon Israelis will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem during the defensive Six Day War. Let's stand with our strong friend and ally and not kowtow to those who seek to do Israel harm."
Read more...
Congressman DeSaulnier’s Statement on Reports President Trump Asked FBI Director Comey to End Investigation of Flynn
Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA, 11th)
May 17, 2017
“We are at a critical moment in our nation’s history. The reported attempt by President Trump to put an end to the FBI’s investigation into Michael Flynn is an inappropriate abuse of power and reason for grave concern. In order to maintain faith in our democracy and trust in our government, it is essential that Republicans and Democrats set aside party affiliation and seek answers to the many questions plaguing this Administration and its connection to Russia.
Read more...
Rodney Davis (R-IL, 13th)
May 10, 2017
“Reducing college debt has been a focus of mine since coming to Congress and apprenticeships can help with this,” said Davis. “For example, the apprentices at Aon learn valuable workplace skills while also attending college classes to complete an associate’s degree. At the end of the program, these young men and women have a job and a college degree that didn’t require any student loans. We want more companies to utilize apprenticeships, not only to help reduce college debt, but also to help retrain our workforce. The LEAP Act will help us accomplish this important, bipartisan goal.”
Read more...
Davis, Scott, Hirono, Murray Introduce Major Legislation to Secure Pell Grant Program and Make College More Affordable for Low-Income Students
Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd)
May 16, 2017
Representatives Susan Davis (D-Calif.) and Bobby Scott (D-Va), and Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) introduced the Pell Grant Preservation & Expansion Act today that will expand and permanently safeguard the Pell Grant program, helping millions of low-income students offset the rising costs of college. The bill would improve the purchasing power of Pell Grants, permanently index the maximum grant to inflation, shift the Pell Grant program to fully mandatory funding, and restore eligibility for defrauded students.
Read more...
DeGette Hails Temporary Stays for Vizguerra and Hernandez Garcia, Calls for Further Action
Diana DeGette (D-CO, 1st)
May 12, 2017
Vizguerra, an undocumented immigrant and immigrant rights’ activist, had sheltered in the First Unitarian Church in DeGette’s district since mid-February to avoid deportation on the eve of her last regularly-scheduled appointment with ICE officials. Because the stay on a previous deportation order had expired the week before, Vizguerra became concerned, alerting her family and her attorney that the check-in might not be routine. She was right; ICE agents were preparing to deport her upon arrival at their offices.
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Delaney Statement on Washington Post Report That President Trump Revealed Highly Classified Information to Russian Officials
John Delaney (D-MD, 6th)
May 15, 2017
Late today the Washington Post reported that “President Trump revealed highly classified information to the Russian foreign minister and ambassador in a White House meeting last week, according to current and former U.S. officials, who said that Trump’s disclosures jeopardized a critical source of intelligence on the Islamic State.”
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DeLauro Calls on Congress to Increase Funding for the NIH
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
May 17, 2017
The NIH is the leading biomedical research entity in the world and my colleagues on the subcommittee have often heard me say that medical research is special. A breakthrough at the NIH saves not just one life, but potentially millions, over generations to come. That breakthrough can improve the life of not just a sick individual, but the lives of their loved ones, caretakers, and friends. That is what the NIH represents.
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DelBene Helps Introduce Bill to Let Families Refinance Student Loans
Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
May 17, 2017
“We should provide every student borrower the opportunity to refinance their loans. It’s unacceptable that Americans are currently able to refinance their car loans, mortgages and business loans, but cannot take advantage of lower interest rates on student loans,” DelBene said. “The rising cost of college is forcing millions of middle-class families deep into debt as they take out higher loan amounts to pay for tuition, fees, textbooks and housing. If we want students to succeed, we need to work toward solutions that make a college degree more affordable for all.”
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Rep. Denham’s ENLIST Act Reaches 200 Co-Sponsors
Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th)
May 11, 2017
The ENLIST Act would allow otherwise qualified undocumented immigrants brought to the United States by their parents, through no fault of their own, to enlist in the armed services and earn legal status upon honorable completion of their contracts.
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DeSantis: Trump Administration Shouldn't Waffle on Whether the Western Wall is Part of Israel
Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)
May 16, 2017
"The Western Wall is one of the holiest sites in Judaism and there is no reason to be waffling about whether it is properly considered to be a part of Israel. Jerusalem is the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish people and of the modern State of Israel. Indeed, soon Israelis will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem during the defensive Six Day War. Let's stand with our strong friend and ally and not kowtow to those who seek to do Israel harm."
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Congressman DeSaulnier’s Statement on Reports President Trump Asked FBI Director Comey to End Investigation of Flynn
Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA, 11th)
May 17, 2017
“We are at a critical moment in our nation’s history. The reported attempt by President Trump to put an end to the FBI’s investigation into Michael Flynn is an inappropriate abuse of power and reason for grave concern. In order to maintain faith in our democracy and trust in our government, it is essential that Republicans and Democrats set aside party affiliation and seek answers to the many questions plaguing this Administration and its connection to Russia.
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Monday, May 15, 2017
Conaway, Schiff Issue Joint Statement on Russia Investigation
Michael K. Conaway (R-TX, 11th)
May 11, 2017
“The House Intelligence Committee is determined to move forward with its Russia investigation in a thorough and nonpartisan fashion. As a part of our responsibilities, we will be conducting rigorous oversight to ensure that the FBI's own investigation is not impeded or interfered with in any way."
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Congressional Progressive Caucus Leaders Oppose Trump Administration’s Discriminatory Targeting of Haitian Refugees
John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI, 13th)
May 11, 2017
“The Temporary Protected Status Program is a humanitarian program meant to protect individuals from returning to unsafe conditions in their home country. The Trump administration’s request that the Department of Homeland Security pursue inquiries into the criminal records of Haitian immigrants before deciding whether to continue humanitarian protections for tens of thousands of people threatens the livelihood of many Haitians. This marks an unprecedented and disturbing new development in President Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda.”
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Well Armed Women: Promoting gun safety and awareness in Gibson County
Princeton Daily Clarion
May 15, 2017
Educate. Equip. Empower. That is the motto of The Well Armed Woman Gibson County chapter, dedicated to helping women protect themselves and have a little fun as well.
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Could you run a business and homeschool 12 kids?
Richmond:Palladium-Item
May 15, 2017
"I've told the kids that if at any time (Craig or) I feel like we can't handle it, that (school) comes first," she said. "Homeschooling has been a priority for us for 25 years now. They are learning, to be sure. But being involved in this business is also part of the educational experience for our kids."
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Monday, April 3, 2017
Russia
Menendez Statement on Exxon Request to Waive Russia Sanctions to Pursue Oil Venture
Robert Menendez - (D - NJ)
April 20, 2017
"Russia's activities in Ukraine and Syria have clearly shown that they cannot be trusted to be responsible or humane players on the international stage,” Sen. Menendez said. “The United States and Europe imposed sanctions on Russia for violating the international order, and Vladimir Putin has taken no steps that would merit the removal of any sanctions. I hope that American companies and the Trump Administration will keep these broader implications in mind as they consider any waiver requests, regardless of Exxon’s longstanding record of lobbying against these sanctions."
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Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Action on Chechen Human Rights Violations Towards LGBT Community
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
April 19, 2017
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined a group of 12 Senators led by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to call on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.S. Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley to continue to put diplomatic pressure on their Russian counterparts to respond to the recent reports of the detention, torture, and killing of members of the Chechen LGBTI community. Recent reports have highlighted the detention and torture of approximately 100 gay men in that country based solely on their sexual orientation, with some reports revealing that Chechen authorities have been responsible for the deaths of at least three of these men. Because Russia is a member of the Council of Europe, it is a party to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which guarantees a broad range of rights and freedoms for all people, without exception, including the right to life and prohibition of torture.
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Gardner Statement on Human Rights Violations in Russia
Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)
April 18, 2017
“These reports are extremely disturbing and contrary to basic international human rights norms,” said Gardner. “I join the Trump Administration's call for Russian authorities to immediately investigate the reports of these horrific actions and hold the perpetrators accountable. The United States will not stand for discrimination based on sexual orientation, or any other reason, and we cannot look the other way as human rights are violated around the world.”
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Cassidy Letter on Russian Influence on US Energy Industry
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
April 11, 2017
Recently, US Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) coauthored a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin requesting that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) monitor the potential acquirement of critical oil infrastructure by a Russian owned company with close ties Vladimir Putin.
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Walz Statement Calling for House Intelligence Chair’s Recusal from Russia Probe
Timothy J. Walz (D-MN, 1st)
March 31, 2017
“At the very least, it appears Chairman Nunes’ ability to independently investigate Russia’s attack on our democracy is compromised. As the credibility of any congressional investigation relies on a commitment to bipartisanship and the independence of those conducting it, I call on Chairman Nunes to immediately recuse himself from the Committee’s Russia investigation.
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Velázquez on Nunes, Russia and Special Counsel
Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY, 7th)
March 30, 2017
Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke on the House floor regarding the pressing need for an independent Special Counsel to investigate Russia’s intervention in the election:
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Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Japan, Mining, Obamacare, Neil Gorsuch, AIDS, Statue, Fair Pay, Federal Public Access, Gateway West Transmission Line, Education, Russia, Veterans, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Contamination, Clean Air
Roe Statement on the Nomination of Bill Hagerty of Tennessee to be U.S. Ambassador to Japan
Phil Roe (R-TN, 1st)
March 24, 2017
“I am thrilled President Trump has nominated a great Tennessean, Bill Hagerty, to serve as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Japan. With superb credentials, Bill served under Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam as the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, where his leadership helped make Tennessee the top state for jobs and economic growth from 2013 to 2015. I congratulate him and thank President Trump for this nomination. I’m confident Bill will be a successful conduit for U.S.-Japan relations.”
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Bipartisan RECLAIM Act of 2017 Introduced for 115th Congress
Harold Rogers (R-KY, 5th)
March 27, 2017
Congressional leaders united across the aisle and the Capitol Dome to reintroduce the bipartisan RECLAIM Act. The legislation aims to accelerate $1 billion in available funding in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AML) Fund over the next five years to revitalize coal communities hit hardest by the downturn of the coal industry. The RECLAIM Act: Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More, was filed today in both chambers by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-WV.), Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) and Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.).
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Rohrabacher: Congress and the Administration will Rally to End Obamacare
Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA, 48th)
March 27, 2017
With Obamacare still in place, the hardship and pain brought on by the last administration’s nonsensical healthcare policy will increase. As time goes on and payments double and quadruple, insurance companies end service, and Americans find themselves paying more and getting less, the need for dramatic change will become even more evident than it is today. So expect Republicans to bring the issue back in a more perfected form.
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ROKITA BILL SIGNED INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT TRUMP
Todd Rokita (R-IN, 4th)
March 27, 2017
“The Obama-era accountability rule disregarded Congressional intent and would have taken authority away from local school corporations and given it back to Washington. This law signed by the President today undoes that rule, making sure that local education leaders have the ability and flexibility to craft plans for their schools that address the unique needs of their students. The previous Washington-knows-best approach to education has officially ended, and I am proud of our work here to ensure that our nation’s education system is working for students, not federal bureaucrats.”
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Rooney Extremely Disappointed with Senator Bill Nelson
Tom Rooney (R-FL, 17th)
March 27, 2017
“Today, Florida Senator Bill Nelson stated that he will vote no on Judge Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation. I am extremely disappointed, though utterly unsurprised, that Senator Nelson would put political posturing above the needs of the American people. Ten years ago, not a single Democratic Senator opposed Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, including Senator Nelson. Nelson has not provided any substantive concerns or misgivings as to why he supported Gorsuch in the past but will not vote to confirm now. Nelson is hypocritically putting his own wants and needs above objectively considering a Judge who has shown nothing but full capability to serve on the Supreme Court. He should be ashamed of himself and I hope Florida voters replace him next year in the 2018 election. Unfortunately because of the actions of Senators like Bill Nelson who are threatening a filibuster for a capable jurist, Republicans may be forced to exercise the nuclear option.”
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HIV Caucus Co-Chairs Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Discriminatory HIV/AIDS Laws
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL, 27th)
March 27, 2017
HIV Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen reintroduced the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act 2017, which would modernize laws and policies to eliminate discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS. This bill expresses the sense of Congress that federal and state laws, policies, and regulations should not place a unique or additional burden on individuals solely as a result of their HIV status, and offers a step-by-step plan to work with states to modernize their laws.
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Roskam Statement on Russia Protests
Peter J. Roskam (R-IL, 6th)
March 27, 2017
“I’m encouraged by reports of peaceful demonstrations across Russia against the corrupt, autocratic regime in Moscow. Vladimir Putin has made a mockery of human rights and democracy both at home and abroad. We must support the Russian people, as well as our allies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, in their struggle against Putin’s authoritarianism and expansionism.”
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Congressman Royce Applauds Decision to Let Comfort Women Statue Stand
Ed Royce (R-CA, 39th)
March 27, 2017
“I applaud the Supreme Court's decision to let the Glendale Peace Memorial stand. By remembering the past, including the women who suffered immensely, we help ensure these atrocities are never committed again. Now that the highest court in the land has spoken, I hope those who’ve wasted years trying to rewrite history will finally move on.”
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Schakowsky statement on Republican attack on American workers
Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
March 28, 2017
“Repealing the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule is an outrageous affront to the American taxpayer and the American worker. These protections simply required companies seeking government contracts to disclose their labor violations, like not complying with workplace safety standards or breaking wage theft and non-discrimination laws. American taxpayers deserve to know how their dollars are being spent, and if they are going to law-breakers. Repealing these protections is not fair to the workers whose labor rights have been violated. It is not fair to put companies that abide by the law and respect their employees at a competitive disadvantage. I will continue to fight for better, higher-paying jobs; greater protections for workers; and safer, more inclusive workplaces.”
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Representatives Johnson, Sensenbrenner Question Federal Public Access Policies
James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI, 5th)
March 28, 2017
Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) sent the following letter to the Government Accountability Office, asking it to evaluate the status, effectiveness and benefits of current federal public access policies. This letter builds upon previous legislative efforts between these Members to ensure taxpayers, who are footing the bill for federal research, have adequate access to the published results free of charge.
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Simpson, Labrador Introduce Agreement on Gateway West Transmission Line
Mike Simpson (R-ID, 2nd)
March 27, 2017
Congressman Mike Simpson and Congressman Raul Labrador have introduced legislation to address the routing of the Gateway West Transmission Line, through the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA). The project – jointly proposed by Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power - will construct and operate 1,000 miles of high voltage transmission line across Wyoming and Idaho and creates more than 1,200 jobs and represents $3.5 billion in economic investment. The legislation is a compromise agreement between key stakeholders in Idaho including the State of Idaho, Idaho Power, and conservation organizations.
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Ranking Member Smith Reintroduces Legislation to End Harmful Effects of Sequestration
Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th)
March 28, 2017
It is apparent that the mechanism of sequestration is not effective or necessary to spur the creation of a comprehensive deficit reduction plan. In fact, the author of the 1987 law that first employed the sequester as an enforcement mechanism never intended for the sequester to be triggered; rather that only the threat of it be used to spur action and compromise. Clearly, it has failed in that regard. The Relief from Sequestration Act of 2017 would end years of harmful and unnecessary cuts to discretionary programs by eliminating the automatic across-the-board cuts that are triggered anytime a discretionary account goes beyond the BCA caps.
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SOTO ANNOUNCES NATIONAL DIRECT CONNECT LEGISLATION COMING SOON
Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th)
March 27, 2017
Soto’s bill will scale up this proven model and take it nationwide. The “Direct Connect to Success Act” will require each state to designate one or more public universities to establish a Direct Connect program open to students of all that state’s community colleges. Direct Connect will provide graduates of a two-year community college with at least a 2.0 GPA to be guaranteed admission into a participating four-year state university.
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Congresswoman Speier Calls on Chairman Nunes to Recuse Himself from House Intelligence Committee Investigation into Russia’s Ties to Trump Team
Jackie Speier (D-CA, 14th)
March 27, 2017
“My fears have been validated. Through his bizarre and partisan actions over the last week, Chairman Nunes has demonstrated to the entire nation why he is unfit to lead our critical investigation into ties between President Trump’s Administration and Moscow. The Chairman’s admission this morning that he met with an unnamed ‘source’ on White House grounds ‘in order to have proximity to a secure location where he could view [classified] information’ is the last straw. This implies that the Chairman and the White House colluded in a desperate attempt to salvage the President’s credibility, after the President’s bogus wiretapping claims were debunked by his own FBI Director,” Rep. Speier said.
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Rep. Stewart Participates in White House Bill Signing to Rollback Regulations
Chris Stewart (R-UT, 2nd)
March 27, 2017
"I applaud today’s signing of H.J. Res 44, making the critical and necessary move to roll back the BLM Planning 2.0 Rule. This rule ignored thousands of meaningful comments submitted by state and local officials. By signing this resolution of disapproval, President Trump is returning power back to the states and local communities.”
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Swalwell Urges Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes to Recuse Himself from Trump-Russia Investigation
Eric Swalwell (D-CA, 15th)
March 27, 2017
“Russia attacked our democracy this last election. Our constituents are counting on us to find out how they did it, whether any U.S. persons assisted them, and how to make sure it never happens again. That requires an impartial pursuit of the truth. So far, too many people in the White House and Administration, and now, the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, have betrayed their duty to conduct an independent, bipartisan inquiry into the Trump team’s ties with Russia.
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TENNEY AND COLLINS CALL ON VA SECRETARY TO ADDRESS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH VETERANS CRISIS LINE
Claudia Tenney (R NY, 22nd)
March 28, 2017
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) and Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) joined together to call on the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to investigate ongoing problems with the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). In a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of the VA, Tenney and Collins requested that the VA provide information on changes being made to the VCL to ensure deficiencies in the program are overcome efficiently. The letter was signed by 86 Members of Congress.
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COLUMN: The CFPB Goes Against Government of the People, by the People
Scott Tipton (R-CO, 3rd)
March 27, 2017
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was created by the Dodd-Frank Act as an independent agency within the Federal Reserve System, with the purpose of regulating consumer financial products. The core mission of the CFPB, protecting consumers from bad actors, is important, but we should all be concerned about the unconstitutional structure of the Bureau.
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Reps. Tonko & Pallone Introduce Bill to Clean & Restore Contaminated Industrial Sites
Paul D. Tonko (D-NY, 20th)
March 28, 2017
“The EPA Brownfields Program works to clean up contaminated properties and put them back to use. In so doing, it has an important economic multiplier for local communities, turning environmentally degraded areas into productive economically active sites. With an estimated 450,000 brownfield sites across the country, we have a lot of work left to do. This legislation delivers funding, flexibility, capacity-building and technical assistance to those that want to turn unproductive land into positive development. I want to thank Ranking Member Pallone for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to reauthorize and expand this proven program.”
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Tsongas Statement on Trump's "Dirty Air" Executive Order
Niki Tsongas (D-MA, 3rd)
March 28, 2017
President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order later today that attempts to undo President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, as well as undermine other environmental conservation and climate change prevention efforts.
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The Ponder News Answers Your Questions!
Sometimes the Ponder receives questions from our readers, and we would like to address some of them as we get them. Recently, a reader asked:
How come my congressman's press release wasn't included in today's news?
Answer:
Give us a break! We are very limited in the amount of time we have to spend posting the news. We try to include everyone at one time or another, but we only have time for up to twenty news items per day at this time (and sometimes not that many) because we only have one person working to post the news. If you want more than that, then we need your financial support. That is what the advertising is for, but that only works if you actually BUY something from the advertisers, not if you just click on them. Of course, if you would like to donate, every $20 will pay for 10 more news items to be posted that day. Just send the money through Pay Pal by clicking HERE (be sure to leave a note that it is for The Ponder News).
In the meantime, we have listed our sources according to House Representatives, Senators, Organizations, and other Press Pages, in that order. We go down the list of all them (with the exception of other press pages, which we only use as fillers when we have the urge to), posting as many as we have time for, and when we reach the end of the list, we start over. If your Congressman or Senator wasn't included the day we click on him, it's because the news he offers is now outdated. If the press release is over a few days old or not relevant to our interests (we could care less about art competitions, we want to know how what they are doing is going to effect us) we do not post it. Simple as that.
If you don't see your organization, then make sure we have their press release page in our database by contacting Shonda Ponder on Facebook by clicking HERE.
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Thursday, March 23, 2017
Nurses, Mobile Workforce, Obamacare, Trumpcare, Airport Security, Mental Healthcare, Aerospace Defenses, Outsourcing, Small Business, London, Russia, Veterans, Energy, Syria
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement After Introducing National Nurse Act of 2017
Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Johnson introduced the National Nurse Act of 2017, which would designate the Chief Nurse Officer position of the U.S. Public Health Service as “The National Nurse for Public Health.” Congresswoman Johnson released the following statement describing the importance of the bill:
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House Judiciary Committee Passes Rep. Johnson’s Mobile Workforce Bill
Henry C. (Hank) Johnson, Jr. (D-GA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s markup, Congressman Hank Johnson’s bipartisan Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017 passed the full House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19-2.
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ICYMI: Jordan reiterates opposition to current House Obamacare repeal bill on MSNBC’s Morning Joe
Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe this morning to discuss congressional efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. During the interview, Rep. Jordan reiterated his opposition to the American Health Care Act in its current form.
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IN LIGHT OF ENHANCED TSA AVIATION SECURITY PROCEDURES, REP. KATKO HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED NEED TO IMPROVE AVIATION AND AIRPORT SECURITY, SUPPORT TSA
John Katco (R-NY, 24th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s announcement that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has temporarily prohibited electronics in carry-on bags on certain U.S.-bound flights, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, highlighted the continued need to address evolving threats to aviation and to airports nationwide.
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KENNEDY: GOP BILL IS 'LARGEST ASSAULT ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN RECENT HISTORY'
Joseph P. Kennedy, 3rd (D-MA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
On the eve of a vote on the Republican health care repeal bill, Congressman Joe Kennedy III took to the House floor to highlight the devastating impact their legislation would have on those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders.
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REP. KHANNA CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONTRACTOR BUSINESS PRACTICES
Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
March 21, 2017
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) sent a letter today to the Defense Department Inspector General asking for an investigation into the business practices of aerospace company, TransDigm Group. Recent news reports indicate that TransDigm may be operating as a “hidden monopolist” and more information must be made available to the public on the company’s business practices.
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Kildee: Trumpcare will hurt Americans and our Economy
Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the Republican health care bill, known as Trumpcare. In his speech, Congressman Kildee called on his colleagues in Congress to vote against the bill that would mean higher costs for worse care and the loss of nearly two million jobs.
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Kilmer, Collins Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop the Outsourcing of American Jobs
Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)
March 23, 2017
Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Doug Collins (R-GA) reintroduced a bill to prevent employers from sending jobs overseas by abusing a temporary visa program. The legislation would stop employers that are awarded temporary visas through the H-1B program from using them to train workers in the United States then move those jobs to another country.
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Kuster: Making It Harder for Veterans to Afford Health Insurance is Un-American and Nonsensical
Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Today it was reported in the Washington Examiner that as many as 7 million veterans could lose access to tax credits for their health insurance under the Republican bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The proposed change comes as a result of yet another late night amendment to appease the Tea Party wing of the Republican party. Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement in response to the proposed change:
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KUSTOFF: OBAMACARE IS COLLAPSING, AND DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION
David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today said the following regarding the state of the Affordable Care Act.
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LaMalfa Votes to Empower Small Businesses
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. This bill creates Association Health Plans (AHP) that allow small businesses to join together to negotiate for the same low health care costs and high quality care that larger businesses and labor organizations have access to. AHPs will increase small businesses’ bargaining power, expand affordable coverage for working families, and lower administrative costs.
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Lamborn Praises Additional Healthcare Legislation
Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Lamborn has released the following statements regarding two pieces of healthcare legislation that passed the House of Representatives:
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Langevin Statement on London Attack
Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
“This attack killed several innocent people and injured many more, including a police officer who died in the line of duty. The proximity of the attack to the Houses of Parliament certainly seems symbolic, and I join my fellow lawmakers from across the Atlantic in solidarity to condemn this cowardly act."
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Larsen, Murray Renew Push to Expand Access to Reproductive Services for Injured Servicemembers, Veterans, and Their Families
Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced bills in the House and Senate to permanently allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer reproductive services to veterans with service-connected injuries, repealing a decades-old ban. The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2017 would also expand the fertility options available to servicemembers through the Department of Defense (DoD), give access to fertility treatment for spouses, allow VA to provide adoption assistance, and make VA’s highly successful child care pilot program permanent.
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Larson Renews Call for Independent Investigation into Russia
John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
March 23, 2017
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after it was revealed that Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-22), the Republican Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee shared information with the White House, before sharing it with the Committee
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Latta Authors Bill To Protect Consumers And Strengthen ENERGY STAR Program
Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Energy Star Program Integrity Act, to strengthen the popular ENERGY STAR program and protect consumers. The legislation fixes a gap in federal law that threatens the voluntary participation of manufacturers in the program, which ultimately harms consumers seeking energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that allows manufacturers to obtain ENERGY STAR labeling for products if specific energy saving guidelines are met.
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee: We Must Stop Endless War
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Lee led a bipartisan coalition of House members in demanding the Trump Administration halt escalating military engagement in Syria. The coalition included: Congressman Walter Jones, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Peter Welch, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Congressman Rick Nolan. The Members were also joined by Afghanistan War Veteran Richard Allen Smith.
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REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON REPORT OF TRUMP ASSOCIATES’ POSSIBLE COLLUSION WITH RUSSIA
Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding the CNN report that Trump associates possibly colluded with Russia to affect the outcome of the 2016 election in the United States.
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Lipinski Amendment Would Get Rid of the Giveaway to Health Insurance Companies and Executives in Republicans' Healthcare Bill
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
March 21, 2017
“The Republicans’ American Health Care Act (AHCA) does not help the middle class or make the healthcare system in the U.S. better, but it does have a tax giveaway for health insurance companies and their top executives. The Republican healthcare bill repeals a provision in current law that limits how much health insurance companies can deduct from their federal taxes for executive pay. Right now, health insurance companies can only deduct up to $500,000 of compensation per executive. Repealing this limit means that taxpayers would lose about $400 million in taxes from insurance companies over the next ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office. Health insurance companies have a right to decide how much they will pay their executives, but hard-working middle-class families should not be subsidizing this pay. This is bad policy, and I have offered an amendment to strike this break from the AHCA."
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LoBiondo Statement on the American Health Care Act
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today issued the following statement on the expected vote on the American Health Care Act:
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Loebsack Statement on Delaying the Healthcare Repeal Vote
David Loebsack (D-IA, 2nd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after House Republicans pushed back a scheduled vote on their plan to repeal the ACA. Republican leaders have been saying for the past week that there would be a vote on their repeal bill this evening
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Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Johnson introduced the National Nurse Act of 2017, which would designate the Chief Nurse Officer position of the U.S. Public Health Service as “The National Nurse for Public Health.” Congresswoman Johnson released the following statement describing the importance of the bill:
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House Judiciary Committee Passes Rep. Johnson’s Mobile Workforce Bill
Henry C. (Hank) Johnson, Jr. (D-GA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s markup, Congressman Hank Johnson’s bipartisan Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017 passed the full House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19-2.
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ICYMI: Jordan reiterates opposition to current House Obamacare repeal bill on MSNBC’s Morning Joe
Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe this morning to discuss congressional efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. During the interview, Rep. Jordan reiterated his opposition to the American Health Care Act in its current form.
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IN LIGHT OF ENHANCED TSA AVIATION SECURITY PROCEDURES, REP. KATKO HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED NEED TO IMPROVE AVIATION AND AIRPORT SECURITY, SUPPORT TSA
John Katco (R-NY, 24th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s announcement that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has temporarily prohibited electronics in carry-on bags on certain U.S.-bound flights, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, highlighted the continued need to address evolving threats to aviation and to airports nationwide.
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KENNEDY: GOP BILL IS 'LARGEST ASSAULT ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN RECENT HISTORY'
Joseph P. Kennedy, 3rd (D-MA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
On the eve of a vote on the Republican health care repeal bill, Congressman Joe Kennedy III took to the House floor to highlight the devastating impact their legislation would have on those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders.
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REP. KHANNA CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONTRACTOR BUSINESS PRACTICES
Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
March 21, 2017
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) sent a letter today to the Defense Department Inspector General asking for an investigation into the business practices of aerospace company, TransDigm Group. Recent news reports indicate that TransDigm may be operating as a “hidden monopolist” and more information must be made available to the public on the company’s business practices.
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Kildee: Trumpcare will hurt Americans and our Economy
Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the Republican health care bill, known as Trumpcare. In his speech, Congressman Kildee called on his colleagues in Congress to vote against the bill that would mean higher costs for worse care and the loss of nearly two million jobs.
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Kilmer, Collins Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop the Outsourcing of American Jobs
Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)
March 23, 2017
Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Doug Collins (R-GA) reintroduced a bill to prevent employers from sending jobs overseas by abusing a temporary visa program. The legislation would stop employers that are awarded temporary visas through the H-1B program from using them to train workers in the United States then move those jobs to another country.
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Kuster: Making It Harder for Veterans to Afford Health Insurance is Un-American and Nonsensical
Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Today it was reported in the Washington Examiner that as many as 7 million veterans could lose access to tax credits for their health insurance under the Republican bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The proposed change comes as a result of yet another late night amendment to appease the Tea Party wing of the Republican party. Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement in response to the proposed change:
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KUSTOFF: OBAMACARE IS COLLAPSING, AND DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION
David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today said the following regarding the state of the Affordable Care Act.
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LaMalfa Votes to Empower Small Businesses
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. This bill creates Association Health Plans (AHP) that allow small businesses to join together to negotiate for the same low health care costs and high quality care that larger businesses and labor organizations have access to. AHPs will increase small businesses’ bargaining power, expand affordable coverage for working families, and lower administrative costs.
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Lamborn Praises Additional Healthcare Legislation
Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Lamborn has released the following statements regarding two pieces of healthcare legislation that passed the House of Representatives:
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Langevin Statement on London Attack
Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
“This attack killed several innocent people and injured many more, including a police officer who died in the line of duty. The proximity of the attack to the Houses of Parliament certainly seems symbolic, and I join my fellow lawmakers from across the Atlantic in solidarity to condemn this cowardly act."
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Larsen, Murray Renew Push to Expand Access to Reproductive Services for Injured Servicemembers, Veterans, and Their Families
Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced bills in the House and Senate to permanently allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer reproductive services to veterans with service-connected injuries, repealing a decades-old ban. The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2017 would also expand the fertility options available to servicemembers through the Department of Defense (DoD), give access to fertility treatment for spouses, allow VA to provide adoption assistance, and make VA’s highly successful child care pilot program permanent.
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Larson Renews Call for Independent Investigation into Russia
John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
March 23, 2017
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after it was revealed that Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-22), the Republican Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee shared information with the White House, before sharing it with the Committee
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Latta Authors Bill To Protect Consumers And Strengthen ENERGY STAR Program
Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Energy Star Program Integrity Act, to strengthen the popular ENERGY STAR program and protect consumers. The legislation fixes a gap in federal law that threatens the voluntary participation of manufacturers in the program, which ultimately harms consumers seeking energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that allows manufacturers to obtain ENERGY STAR labeling for products if specific energy saving guidelines are met.
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee: We Must Stop Endless War
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Lee led a bipartisan coalition of House members in demanding the Trump Administration halt escalating military engagement in Syria. The coalition included: Congressman Walter Jones, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Peter Welch, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Congressman Rick Nolan. The Members were also joined by Afghanistan War Veteran Richard Allen Smith.
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REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON REPORT OF TRUMP ASSOCIATES’ POSSIBLE COLLUSION WITH RUSSIA
Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding the CNN report that Trump associates possibly colluded with Russia to affect the outcome of the 2016 election in the United States.
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Lipinski Amendment Would Get Rid of the Giveaway to Health Insurance Companies and Executives in Republicans' Healthcare Bill
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
March 21, 2017
“The Republicans’ American Health Care Act (AHCA) does not help the middle class or make the healthcare system in the U.S. better, but it does have a tax giveaway for health insurance companies and their top executives. The Republican healthcare bill repeals a provision in current law that limits how much health insurance companies can deduct from their federal taxes for executive pay. Right now, health insurance companies can only deduct up to $500,000 of compensation per executive. Repealing this limit means that taxpayers would lose about $400 million in taxes from insurance companies over the next ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office. Health insurance companies have a right to decide how much they will pay their executives, but hard-working middle-class families should not be subsidizing this pay. This is bad policy, and I have offered an amendment to strike this break from the AHCA."
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LoBiondo Statement on the American Health Care Act
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today issued the following statement on the expected vote on the American Health Care Act:
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Loebsack Statement on Delaying the Healthcare Repeal Vote
David Loebsack (D-IA, 2nd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after House Republicans pushed back a scheduled vote on their plan to repeal the ACA. Republican leaders have been saying for the past week that there would be a vote on their repeal bill this evening
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