Showing posts with label South Korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Korea. Show all posts

Friday, September 29, 2017

Tax Reform, Mining, Food Safety, Education, South Korea, Hurricanes, Insurance, abortion, Cuba, health care, Healthcare, Sports, Farmers, Drug Addiction, Prostate Cancer

The Ponder News
September 29, 2017

(If you are receiving this via email, you may access all the links at:
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/09/tax-reform-mining-food-safety-education.html )

Tax Reform


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Davis Statement on GOP Tax Reform Framework and Retreat
Rodney Davis (R-IL, 13th)

“Today House Republicans united around middle-class Americans who are being crushed by our outdated tax code,” said Davis. “Illinois residents know all too well the impact high taxes are having on their families’ ability to save and get ahead and our state’s ability to compete for good-paying jobs. Our plan uses Illinois as an example of what not to do. We want to cut tax rates for individuals, simplify but maintain important middle-class deductions, and make it so American businesses can compete globally. There’s still much more work to be done, but this is our shot at changing the lives of each working American for the better and I hope we get bipartisan support to get it done.”
Read more...

Statement from Congressman Dan Donovan on Tax Reform
Daniel Donovan (R-NY, 11th)

"...I’m of course concerned about the state and local tax deduction, and I’ll continue working with my colleagues as the legislation goes through the committee process. It’s important to me that Staten Island and Brooklyn residents benefit from tax relief and don’t shoulder the burden for cuts elsewhere in the country."
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DUNN RELEASES STATEMENT ON UNIFIED TAX REFORM BLUEPRINT
Neal Dunn (R-FL, 2nd)

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to overhaul our complex tax system, lower rates, and truly make the IRS work for the people, instead of against them,” said Dr. Dunn. “At more than 4 million words long, the current tax code is a prime example of the government red tape that is strangling our economy. By lowering rates, reducing the size and scope of the IRS, and closing loopholes, we will put more money back in the pockets of the people who earned it and supercharge the economy.”
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Fair and Simple Tax Reform for American Families and American Jobs
Bill Flores (R-TX, 17th)

Over the past eight months, American economic growth has jumped by almost 50 percent from the below-average growth levels of the last few years. We believe that tax reform can take our economic growth and job opportunities to even higher levels, and to relieve the economic strains being felt by working families.
Read more...

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Mining


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Rep. Peter DeFazio Blasts Request to Overturn Protections for Critical Watershed
Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)

“This is an egregious overstep by Washington, driven by special interests,” said Rep. DeFazio. “The prohibition on mining on the Smith River and the headwaters of Hunter Creek and Pistol River has broad, overwhelming support from thousands of residents of southwest Oregon, local governments, businesses and community leaders. Re-opening this area to allow a foreign company to strip mine our public lands without paying American taxpayers hardly any royalties would devastate surrounding economies and threaten critical drinking water sources. This withdrawal has been discussed, debated and endorsed by the surrounding communities and supported by federal agencies. Chairman Bishop and the Trump administration need to respect the will of southwest Oregon.”
Read more...

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Food Safety


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DeLauro Responds to New OIG Report Detailing FDA’s Failure to Effectively Implement the Food and Safety Modernization Act
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)

“The goal of the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) was to prevent food-safety problems rather than react to these issues after they arise. However, the Inspector General’s report revealed that the FDA has not taken effective or timely action to identify and correct food facility inspection violations.”
Read more...

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Education


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DelBene Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Lower College Textbook Costs

Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)

“An often overlooked driver of the rising cost of college is textbooks and supplies. In addition to tackling tuition hikes and burdensome student loan debt, we must find solutions to the other factors making a college degree less attainable for working families,” DelBene said. “Technology is changing the classroom experience, and the E-BOOK Act will help spur innovation in our colleges by incentivizing the adoption of new learning technologies, which in turn will save students money.”
Read more...

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South Korea


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Congressman Dent Supports Maintaining South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement
Charles W. Dent (R-PA, 15th)

"Retracting from this South Korea trade agreement would be detrimental to American econoimc, diplomatic, and security interests," said Dent. "It's a short-sighted move that fails to take into account two key factors. First, the deal benefits both American workers and businesses, especially in terms of agricultural exports. Second, America would be sending te wrong message to our ally by backing out of our trade agreement in the midst of the ongoing North Korea threat. We cannot slight the South Korean government in this way by seemingly abandoning them," Dent stated.
Read more...

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Hurricanes


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Diaz-Balart Votes for Tax Relief to Support Hurricane Impacted Communities
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL, 25th)

“This year, we have experienced an extremely active hurricane season that has left destruction and devastation in its path. After days without running water or electricity, parts of Florida are just beginning the rebuilding process. A large number of homes in our community have been deemed structurally unsafe, and hundreds more require critical repair. This legislation provides significant tax relief that will assist Floridians and others who have been impacted by recent storms. Many are now left to find the financial means to make needed repairs to their homes. Among others, by eliminating the tax penalty on early retirement plan withdrawals, we can help folks access the capital required to make these repairs and get back on their feet. These tax benefits also extend to citizens of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, assisting Caribbean citizens who need our support in this difficult time.”
Read more...


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Insurance


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Duffy Introduces Bipartisan FIO Reform Act
Sean P. Duffy (R-WI, 7th)

Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy, chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing & Insurance, today co-introduced the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) Reform Act with Congressman Denny Heck (D-WA).
Read more...

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Abortion


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CONGRESSMAN DUNCAN'S STATEMENT ON H.R. 36
John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN, 2nd)

This bill would protect an unborn child old enough to feel pain from being aborted. Evidence indicates an unborn baby is able to feel pain at 20 weeks old," said Duncan.
Read more...

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Cuba


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Congressional Cuba Working Group Statement in Response to Ongoing Investigation in Cuba
Tom Emmer (R-MN, 6th)

“The federal government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our diplomats and Foreign Service personnel, regardless of where they serve. Those who are responsible for perpetuating these harmful and unacceptable acts will be held accountable.
Read more...

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Health Care


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EVANS AND SMUCKER INTRODUCE BILL TO IMPROVE PEDIATRIC CARE AND REDUCE PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE
Dwight Evans (D PA, 2nd)

Rep. Dwight Evans and Rep. Smucker, along with, today introduced the Strengthening Our Pediatric Workforce Act – bipartisan legislation that will help address America’s growing pediatric physician shortage by creating a new grant program for children’s teaching hospitals to make additional residency positions available for pediatric specialists
Read more...

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Sports


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Congressman Farenthold Reintroduces the PRO Sports Act
Blake Farenthold (R-TX, 27th)

“Professional sports leagues should not be exempt from paying taxes,” said Congressman Farenthold. “These are highly profitable businesses that make tens of millions of dollars each year and have been exploiting loopholes to game the system. It’s time we blow the whistle on this foul, and get this bill over the goal line.”
Read more...

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Farming


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Faso Introduces Bill to Crack-Down on Fake Organics, Support Organic Farmers
John Faso, (R-NY, 19th)

Congressman Faso said, “Fraudulent ‘organic’ grain and feed originating overseas is not only deceptive to consumers, but it artificially drives down the price of real organics, hurting legitimate organic farmers in Upstate New York and across the country. I am proud to introduce the Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act alongside Congresswoman Lujan Grisham as it will crack down on these fake organics. This is commonsense legislation that puts American consumers and farmers first
Read more...

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Drug Addiction


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Op-Ed: White House must formally declare the opioid crisis a national emergency
Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)

A little over a month ago, President Trump announced his intention to declare the opioid epidemic a national emergency. He was right—it is an emergency. Drug overdoses killed almost 54,000 people in 2015, and the majority of those deaths involved an opioid. Last year about 12 million Americans misused an opioid, and the overdose death toll rose to 65,000. The opioid crisis is cutting deep scars in our communities, and in some states, is taking more of our loved ones than car accidents, suicides and firearms combined. It is absolutely an emergency and we urge the president to move quickly in formally declaring the opioid crisis a national health emergency.
Read more...

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Other


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ENGEL: GOP HAS WASTED TIME, JEOPARDIZED VITAL PROGRAMS
Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)

Congressional Republicans have spent nine months on their tired vendetta against the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now, just days before the fiscal year ends, they’ve proven only that they were willing to put critical programs on the backburner for a shot at fulfilling their misguided political promises.
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Esty Calls on Congress to Vote on Puerto Rico Aid Relief, Expiring Federal Programs
Elizabeth Esty (D-CT, 5th)

“I am calling on my colleagues to come together to find a bipartisan approach that fully funds these programs and assists all Americans to keep our country moving forward.”
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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
By: Mrs. Brenda Fleischmann

The calendar fills up quickly in September as families return to a packed routine after quieter summer days. Unfortunately, your health might take a backseat to your busy schedule. So make a note on your calendar that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and remind yourself—or the men in your life—about the importance of a healthy prostate.
Read more...

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

The Ponder News: Midwives, gun rights, Health Care, NASA, Veterans, Travel Ban, South Korea, Sexual Abuse, Planned Parenthood, Avian Flu

Vote is today on midwife regulation bill in Alabama
TimesDaily
March 7, 2017

Jessica Thompson is just weeks from delivering her fourth child, a son, and she wants a midwife-assisted birth at her Lauderdale County home.

But that would be against the law.

Alabama law does not allow certified professional midwives to practice in the state. The law has stipulations for nurse midwives to practice under an Alabama doctor, but there are few practicing in the state, and even those can't assist a woman desiring to delivery outside a hospital.
Read more...

Trump signs Abraham gun rights bill into law
Ralph Abraham (R-LA, 5th)
March 2, 2017

The law ends a regulation implemented in the midnight hours of the Obama administration that required the Social Security Administration to submit to the FBI the names of all beneficiaries who are assigned a representative payee to manage their financial affairs due to a mental disability. Their names would then be put in the National Instant Criminal Background Check system, which would effectively eliminate their Second Amendment right to buy and possess firearms without due process.
Read more...

Congresswoman Adams Statement on the American Healthcare Act
March 7, 2017
Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)

Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) released the following statement after Congressional Republicans announced their healthcare plan intended to replace the Affordable Care Act.
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Allen on American Health Care Act
Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
March 7, 2017

House Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee recently introduced the American Health Care Act. This legislation is part of the House Republican agenda to bring Obamacare relief to Americans. Congressman Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) released the following statement:
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House Approves NASA Transition Authorization Act
Brian Babin (R-TX, 36th)
March 7, 2017

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (S.442), which cleared the Senate last month. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reaffirms Congress’ commitment to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and directs NASA to pursue a balanced portfolio of activities. It now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
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BANKS STATEMENT ON OBAMACARE REPLACEMENT PLAN
Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
March 7, 2017

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today released the following statement regarding the Republican plan to replace Obamacare:
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BANKS INTRODUCES BILL TO ALLOW VETERANS TO BE BURIED CLOSER TO HOME
Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
March 7, 2017

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today introduced a bill that would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for the transportation of a deceased veteran’s remains to a state-owned or tribal-owned veterans cemetery. The VA is currently only authorized to transport such remains to a national veterans cemetery.
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REP. BARLETTA’S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
Lou Barletta (R-PA, 11th)
March 6, 2017

Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) today applauded President Trump’s latest executive order, which pauses the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days. It also suspends the issuance of new visas for 90 days for individuals from six countries that either are designated as state sponsors of terrorism, or have become terrorist hotbeds. The six countries are Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
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Rep. Bass Rips New Health Proposal
Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
March 7, 2017

On Tuesday, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) issued the following statement in response to the House Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
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Beatty Statement on Affordable Care Act Repeal and Replace Bill
Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
March 7, 2017

On March 6th, House Republicans released legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. In response, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement:
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Rep. Ami Bera Statement on Passage of NASA Transition Authorization Act
Amy Berra (D-CA, 7th)
Mar 7, 2017

Rep. Ami Bera, ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Space, released the following statement after the House voted to pass the NASA Transition Authorization Act, which establishes a funding range for the nation’s space program.
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Cotton Statement on China’s Criticism of Missile-Defense System in South Korea
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Mar 7, 2017

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement in response to China's criticism of the THAAD missile-defense system recently deployed in South Korea:
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Congress Sends Bipartisan Cruz-Nelson NASA Transition Authorization Act to the President’s Desk
Senator Ted Cruz- (R - TX)
Mar 7, 2017

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed S. 442, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Transition Authorization Act of 2017, a bill originally introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas). In the House, the chairmen with committees of jurisdiction for the bill are U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), chairman of the House Space Subcommittee. The legislation provides stability for NASA to sustain and build upon existing national space investments designed to advance space exploration and science with an overall authorization level of $19.508 billion for fiscal year 2017. With the House’s passage of the bill today, the legislation now heads to the White House to await President Donald Trump’s signature.
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Donnelly Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators to Introduce Bill Requiring U.S. Amateur Athletic Organizations, Members to Report Sexual Abuse
Senator Joe Donnely - (D - IN)
March 6, 2017

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly joined a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing legislation that would require amateur athletics governing bodies to immediately report sex-abuse allegations to local or federal law enforcement, or a child-welfare agency designated by the Justice Department. The bill stems from recent allegations of sexual abuse made against personnel involved with USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming and USA Taekwondo. The bill was led by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and also introduced by Susan Collins (R-ME), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ) Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Todd Young (R-IN.)
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Duckworth Statement on the President’s Newest Discriminatory Executive Order
Senator Tammy Ducksworth (D - IL)
March 6, 2017

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding the executive order signed by the President today restricting travel from six Muslim-majority countries:
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Planned Parenthood CEOs Raking in the Cash at Taxpayers' Expense
American Life League
March 8, 2017

American Life League’s Stop Planned Parenthood International (STOPP) completed and released its third report on the compensation of the chief executive officer of each of Planned Parenthood’s 56 affiliates across the country. The report showed a significant increase in CEO compensation since the last report released in 2015.
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APA Concerned About Proposed ACA Replacement Bill
American Psychiatric Association
March 7, 2017

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is deeply concerned that the proposed ACA replacement released last night will negatively impact care for people with mental illness and substance use disorders. The APA urges continued support and expanded access to quality, evidence-based mental health and substance use services.
Read more...

America’s Road Team Captains Complete Weight Loss Challenge, Meet Health Goals
American Trucking Association
March 7, 2017

American Trucking Associations and America’s Road Team are congratulating five America’s Road Team Captains for successfully meeting their team’s weight loss goals and leading the field in Healthy Fleet’s 10 Pound Challenge.
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What Guttmacher got wrong … again.
Americans United for Life
March 8, 2017

With all the talk about the “need” for more funds for Planned Parenthood, many in the media ignore the reality that nobody goes to the nation’s number one abortion provider for a flu shot. Full-service medical care is available in many locations nationwide, along with contraception if that is desired. But the lucrative and grisly product that Planned Parenthood sells, first and foremost, is abortion. Redirecting scarce taxpayer and healthcare dollars to full-service, actual medical facilities is the right thing to do for mothers and their unborn children.
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USDA Issues Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Tennessee
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Mar 7, 2017

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the full subtype for the highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza reported in Lincoln County, TN. The virus has been identified as North American wild bird lineage H7N9 HPAI based upon full genome sequence analysis of the samples at the NVSL. All eight gene segments of the virus are North American wild bird lineage. This is NOT the same as the China H7N9 virus that has impacted poultry and infected humans in Asia. While the subtype is the same as the China H7N9 lineage that emerged in 2013, this is a different virus and is genetically distinct from the China H7N9 lineage.
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