Mast, Sherman Introduce Resolution Supporting Israel’s Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Syria

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by: Brian Mast (R-FL, 18th)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18), who volunteered alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following his U.S. military service, and U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-30) have introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming support for collaboration among United States nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), including faith-based organizations, and the IDF to deliver humanitarian assistance to Syrians, such as through “Operation Good Neighbor.”

Since its beginning eight years ago, the Syrian civil war has forced 14 million Syrians to flee the country. The IDF’s “Operation Good Neighbor” worked with United States NGOs to deliver food, fuel, medicine, ambulances and medical supplies from Israel into southern Syria.

“When I volunteered alongside the IDF in Israel, I witnessed firsthand how the men and women of the IDF play such an important role in not just protecting Israel but also providing stability in the Middle East,” Rep. Mast said. “The IDF’s Operation Good Neighbor has resulted in important humanitarian aid and relationships between the IDF and the Syrian people. We should continue to use this program as a model as we find new ways to bring long-term stability to the region.”

The resolution reaffirms support for collaborative efforts between United States NGOs, including faith based organizations, and the IDF “for having provided vital aid to internally displaced people and local residents in southern Syria while also countering generations of hostility, promoting dialogue between neighbors, and ultimately advancing long-term stability in the region.”

“Operation Good Neighbor was a rare bright spot amid the never-ending tragedy of the Syrian Civil War,” Rep. Sherman said. “It was yet another powerful example of the immense good the United States and Israel can do when we work together—not only for ourselves but for the region as a whole.”

A companion bill was also introduced in the Senate by Senators James Lankford (OK) and Bob Casey (PA).

Rep. Hill Fighting for Release of American Held in Syria

Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman French Hill (AR-02) submitted a letter to the president requesting his support in bringing Majd Kamalmaz safely home from Syria. Mr. Kamalmaz is an American being unjustly held by the government of Syrian dictator, Bashar al-Assad.

After submitting the letter, Rep. Hill delivered the following remarks on the House floor:

"I rise today to bring attention to Majd Kamalmaz, an American being held by Syria’s dictator, Bashar al-Assad. In February 2017, Majd was detained by Syrian police while visiting the country for the funeral of his father-in-law. When I spoke to Majd’s children last week they told me they had tried to convince him not to go to Syria, but their father has always put others before himself.

"Majd’s personal motto is 'be in peace,' and that motto has been on display throughout his life with his work to help disaster victims in places like Kosovo, Indonesia, Lebanon, and the Southern U.S. after Hurricane Katrina. Majd’s children have not seen or heard from their father for nearly two years. I echo their call and plea with President Trump to do what he can to ensure their father is safely returned home."


Background:

The full text of the letter submitted to the president can be found HERE.

ENGEL AND & MCCAUL APPLAUD HOUSE PASSAGE OF SYRIA SANCTIONS BILL

Washington, D.C. - January 23, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Michael McCaul, the Committee’s Ranking Member welcomed unanimous passage in the House of Representatives of legislation to impose new sanctions on Syria’s Assad regime and its supporters and encourage negotiations to end the nearly eight-year old crisis. The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act is named for the former Syrian military photographer known as “Caesar” who documented Assad’s horrific brutality.

“The world has failed the Syrian people. Nothing can undo the horrors they have had to endure for nearly eight years. Nothing can bring back those who have been lost. But the world owes it to the living and the dead to try to bring this crisis to an end. And the role America must play is to push for a political solution that allows the Syrian people to choose their own future. That’s what American leadership looks like. That’s what sets us apart from other great powers on the world stage. We simply cannot look the other way and allow Assad, Russia, and Iran to steamroll over Syria,” said Chairman Engel on the House floor. “My bill would give the Administration greater leverage to raise the cost for Assad and crack down on his lifelines.”

Ranking Member McCaul said, “For seven years, the brutal Assad regime has carried out a merciless campaign of violence and murder with impunity. In order to secure lasting peace in the region, we need a strategy that moves beyond Assad’s debilitating stronghold to encourage negotiations and pursue a political solution to end this conflict. This legislation provides the Administration much-needed leverage to impose sanctions against Assad and his backers, punish war criminals, and cut off funding that fuels the regime’s war tactics. We must act immediately to hold Assad and his supporters accountable to deter this perpetual cycle of brutality against the innocent people of Syria. I look forward getting this vital legislation over to the White House.”

The Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act of 2019 is named in honor of the former Syrian military photographer “Caesar” who risked his life to show members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Assad’s torture of Syrian civilians. This bill would impose new sanctions on human rights abuses, encourage negotiations, and authorize the State Department to support entities that are collecting and preserving the chain of evidence for eventual prosecution of those committing war crimes or crimes against humanity in Syria. This legislation also leaves flexibility for the Administration so that sanctions can be waived on a case-by-case basis to keep negotiations moving along.

The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act would require the President to impose new sanctions on anyone who

Does business with or provides financing to the Government of Syria, including Syrian intelligence and security services, or the Central Bank of Syria;

Provides aircraft or spare parts for aircraft to Syria’s airlines (including financing);

Is involved with construction and engineering projects controlled by the Syrian government; or

Supports Syria’s energy industry.

The bill includes provisions to ensure that non-governmental organizations providing assistance to Syria are not inadvertently caught by sanctions, except in the case of a designated terrorist.

Under the bill, the President could waive sanctions on a case-by-case basis. Also, sanctions could be suspended if the parties are engaged in meaningful negotiations and the violence against civilians has ceased. Suspension would be renewable if the suspension is critical to the continuation of negotiations and attacks against civilians have not resumed.

Opioids, FAA, Nomination, EPA, School Safety, Syria

Opioid Crisis Response Act

Opioid Bill Containing Dr. Rand Paul’s Provisions to Expand Access to Treatment Passes Senate
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)
October 3, 2018
“The opioid epidemic has devastated individuals and families throughout Kentucky and all across America, which is why I’ve led the fight to expand access to treatment by removing artificial roadblocks so more people are able to get the help they need. I applaud Congress for building on the progress we have made in the last few years by permanently extending the increased patient cap for Suboxone and ensuring more health care providers can administer treatment, and I look forward to the President signing this important bipartisan legislation into law,” said Dr. Paul.

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Senator David Perdue: It’s Time To Tackle The Opioid Epidemic Head On
Senator David Perdue (R-GA)
October 3, 2018
“Last year, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a national Public Health Emergency. Since then, the Trump Administration has worked closely with Congress to ensure that local, state, and federal law enforcement have the tools they need to stop illegal drugs from flooding across our southern border. This bill will also prevent the escalation of opioid prescription fraud within Medicare. We’ve got to stop the spread of opioids through our communities in Georgia and across the country. It’s time to tackle this epidemic head on, and this bill gives states the necessary tools to see that mission through.”

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On Senate Floor, Portman Says Bipartisan Opioids Legislation is a “Turning Point”
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
October 3, 2018
“To those I represent who are struggling with addiction, to those who have friends or loved ones who struggle or continue to struggle with addiction and to the millions of people in communities across this country who have been crippled by this crisis, this legislation is the turning point. It is a glimmer of hope. It’s a glimmer of hope at the end of a dark tunnel.”

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Reed Votes to Advance Opioid Legislation
Senator Jack Reed (D - RI)
October 3, 2018
“This is an important step forward to help save lives, improve treatment, and address the opioid health problem in Rhode Island and nationwide. We still have a long way to go, but this will help target more resources to effective, community-based solutions and expand access to treatment. I am pleased we got bipartisan support to establish comprehensive opioid recovery centers, and I will continue working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to direct more assistance to communities in need,” said Reed, who noted that the House and Senate have appropriated $8.5 billion in this calendar year to help fight the opioid crisis.

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Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort Will Help Combat Opioid Epidemic
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
October 3, 2018
“Opioid addiction is a devastating epidemic that has spread to all corners of our society. Nobody is immune from opioid addiction, and many of us may know someone who is struggling right now. The bill we passed today will help put a stop to the heartbreaking issue of opioid abuse in our country. It can help save lives and keep our communities safe and secure. I am glad that members of the Senate and House from both parties could come together to pass this important legislation that will make a difference in the lives of South Dakotans.”

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Senate Passes Opioids Package with Rubio Provision to Eliminate Patient Brokering
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
October 3, 2018
“After touring a sober homes neighborhood in Pompano Beach earlier this year, I saw firsthand the challenges South Florida is facing in combatting its opioid crisis,” Rubio said. “That’s why I’ve been working hard in Washington to ensure we are doing everything possible for Americans to receive life-saving care and to ensure patients are protected from those seeking to exploit victims of addiction. This bill will help the many Americans struggling with addiction, and I’m proud of the provisions I secured, including measures to ensure necessary care for newborn babies suffering from opioid withdrawal, prevent unused drugs from ending up in the wrong hands, and target disreputable clinics and sober homes to ensure wrongdoers are punished. I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for their help in securing these important provisions, and I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.”

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FAA Reauthorization

Peters Provision Allowing Airports to Discontinue PFAS To Be Signed Into Law
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
October 3, 2018
The legislation aims to address the high volume of requests from airports battling current and potential future environmental hazards and remediation costs due to PFAS-related contamination. The Peters language will open pathways for state, commercial and private airports to adhere to the National Fire Protection Association’s widely used performance standard the Aircraft Rescue and Fire-fighting Services at Airports, into their daily operations. The legislation will not prevent airports from using fluorinated compounds if they still wish to use them, but airports will no longer be required to do so. It is supported by the Airports Council International, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

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Sen. Pat Roberts’ Statement on FAA Reauthorization
Senator Pat Roberts (R - KS)
October 3, 2018
“The aviation industry is one of Kansas’ most important economic sectors,” said Sen. Roberts. “This legislation not only benefits the aviation industry, but will also make air travel safer and more efficient. I’m glad the Senate and House were able to work together to pass this bipartisan bill.”

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Rounds Statement on Five-Year FAA Reauthorization Act
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
October 3, 2018
“Making sure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the tools in place to modernize and improve U.S. aviation will benefit all air travelers,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased that the five-year FAA reauthorization bill passed by the Senate includes provisions I cosponsored to improve protections for volunteer pilots, recruit more airline maintenance workers and protect sports medical professionals traveling across state lines with their teams. It also includes reauthorization of the Essential Air Service Program, which is so important to a number of our rural communities in South Dakota. I thank Sen. Thune for his work on this important legislation and I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.”

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Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Package with Key Rubio Provisions
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
October 3, 2018
“I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure several important provisions for Florida that will help communities throughout the state, and Puerto Rico, to recover from disasters, enhance aviation security, and modernize the nation’s current aviation and aerospace systems to meet future needs,” Rubio said. “Notably, this package includes an overdue fix that I have long advocated for which limits FEMA’s ability to claw-back funds several years, and sometimes decades, after communities use these needed dollars to recover from devastating natural events. I look forward to the President signing this bill into law to improve FEMA’s deobligation process, giving our cities and counties the much-needed clarity they deserve.”

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Other News

Risch Applauds President's Nomination of Dr. Rita Baranwal to Serve as Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at DOE
Senator James E. Risch (R - ID)
October 3, 2018
“The President made an excellent choice for Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at DOE. As the director of DOE’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative at INL, the nation’s flagship nuclear energy facility, and previous service as Director of Technology Development and Application at Westinghouse, Dr. Rita Baranwal is uniquely qualified for this position and has a thorough understanding of DOE’s assets, specifically the national labs, and nuclear programs. The men and women who work at INL are exceptionally talented, and I know Dr. Baranwal will make Idaho proud.”

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Rounds Opening Statement at EPW Subcommittee Hearing on the EPA’s Use of Sound and Transparent Science
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
October 3, 2018
“The EPA has a long history of creating burdensome, unnecessary regulations without giving the public an opportunity to fully vet the reasoning behind their decisions,” said Rounds. “Sound, reliable science is vital to helping us make important policy decisions that impact not just the health of American families but their livelihoods. We should welcome vigorous debate on the science the EPA relies upon. Doing so will result in regulations that have the greatest benefit to human health and the environment while doing the least harm to the economy. It will also result in regulations that can withstand legal challenges, providing industry with a level of certainty that allows them to make long-term investment decisions.”

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Rubio Leads Colleagues in Urging Federal Commission to Create Central Authority for School Safety
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
October 3, 2018
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) led his Senate and House colleagues in urging Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and members of the Federal Commission on School Safety, to include in their final recommendation the creation of a central authority to help school districts seeking to improve safety features within new and existing schools. The letter urges DeVos “to ensure tight coordination and collaboration of effort among all federal agencies that are working on different aspects of school safety in order to eliminate duplication, redundancy, and waste of valuable resources.” The Commission, led by Secretary DeVos, also includes Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen.

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Rubio, Cardin to Pompeo: U.S. Must Lead on Syria Accountability
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
October 3, 2018
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding the implementation of legislation they wrote to help America lead in seeking accountability from Bashar al-Assad and other perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria. The senators also expressed concern about the administration’s decision to reprogram $230 million in FY17 foreign assistance funds planned for Syria stabilization activities.

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Graham: Trump Won't Repeat Obama's Mistakes

Senator Lindsey Graham (R - SC)

Washington, D.C. - July 14, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said President Trump won’t repeat President Obama’s mistakes when it comes to dealing with the situation in Syria.

President Trump is scheduled to meet with Russian President Putin on Monday and Syria is expected to be a topic of discussion. Graham noted several areas where he expects President Trump will take a tougher line than President Obama.

President Obama’s Mistaken Belief that Withdrawing American Troops would Make America Safer: This decision, which was hailed at the time as removing the United States from the region, directly led to the rise of ISIS. As ISIS gained power – including the establishment of its self-proclaimed ‘Caliphate’ headquartered in Raqqa, Syria – it also led to ISIS-inspired attacks in the United States and Europe.

President Obama Mistakenly Trusting Russia’s Putin and Syria’s Assad: The decision to charge Russia’s Putin and Syria’s Assad with the removal and destruction of chemical weapon stockpiles was considered an achievement that would keep the United States from a deeper engagement in the Syrian civil war. It would also help protect civilian populations in Syria from attacks. However, the agreement proved to be a farce as Syria did not destroy or remove all of his chemical weapons and Russia proved to be an unreliable policeman. Assad went on to launch chemical weapon attacks on locations including Ghouta, Aleppo, Khan Shaykhun, and other locations.

President Obama Mistakenly Placing Trust in Iran: President Obama came into office seeking a new, improved relationship with the Iranian regime, and history has shown that was a disastrous mistake. Obama’s desire for a nuclear deal with Iran was so great that he allowed Iran free reign in Syria. Iran has used billions of dollars in proceeds from the nuclear deal to increase its military might and expand its influence throughout the Middle East. Iran and its proxy – the terrorist group Hezbollah – now are on the borders of Israel and continue to threaten our close ally. There is now a ‘Shia-Crescent’ which stretches from Tehran to Beirut and is controlled by Iran.

“President Obama’s Syria policy can only be described as a disaster,” said Graham. “Time after time he trusted and placed confidence in competitors – if not outright enemies – of the United States. And time after time it proved to be a mistake. Decisions President Obama made – many which were applauded by some at the time – proved to be disasters as time passed.

“Unlike President Obama, President Trump is a strong leader who realizes that America’s national security interests must come first and foremost in any U.S. policy,” said Graham. “While Russia and Iran are pushing for the United States to withdraw, the ultimate ‘America First’ policy is to stay and keep our boots on the throats of radical Islamic groups like ISIS.

“Withdrawal of American forces gives ISIS, and other radical Islamic groups, the breathing space they desperately need to regroup, reorganize, and reconstitute,” said Graham. “President Trump will not let them off the mat again to threaten the United States or the American homeland.

“President Trump showed decisive leadership in sending a strong American force into Syria,” continued Graham. “Working with American allies, like the Kurds and local Syrian opposition forces, we have been successful and President Trump deserves great credit for what they have accomplished.

“President Trump will not abandon our Kurdish and Arab allies, who were instrumental in nearly defeating ISIS, or allow them to be eventually taken over by other hostile actors within the region,” said Graham. “They have borne the overwhelming burden of the fight, all the while helping minimize American losses.

“America’s competitors and enemies knew that President Obama was weak and indecisive,” said Graham. “They see President Trump as steadfast. This is a night and day difference between the two. I don’t expect that to change.”

Codetalkers, Cursive Writing, North Korea, Syria, Whining Celebs

North Korea missile launch tests Trump’s China outreach
Seymour:Tribune
May 15, 2017
North Korea’s launch of a longer-range missile shows advances in its technological capabilities and offers the sternest test yet of President Donald Trump’s strategy to work with China to combat the threat.
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Bill to study cursive writing passes Indiana Senate and goes to governor for his signature
Shelby News
May 15, 2017
Senate Bill 29 will require the Indiana Department of Education to survey elementary and secondary school administrators and teachers about whether they are for or against mandating cursive writing.
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US accuses Syria of mass executions and burning the bodies
Terre Haute:Tribune-Star
May 15, 2017
The Trump administration on Monday accused the Syrian government of carrying out mass killings of thousands of prisoners and burning the bodies in a large crematorium outside the capital.
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Loud-Mouth Liberal Ashley Judd Wants To Live In Middle East Where Women Have ‘More Rights,’ Gets Unexpected Surprise!
Joe for America
May 8, 2017
Start packing your bags, ladies. All ten of them with the blow-dryers and 46 colors of nail polish. Get your giant vagina costume all stuffed into a carry-on, or better yet, wear it on your flight to Iraq. Let’s see how fast you’re on a flight back to America. No chance you ladies survive a day in another country. You’ll be back to the USA faster than the next Women’s March can hire another terrorist or murderer.
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Flag raised at WHS for Navajo Codetalker
Albia News
May 15, 2017
Adolph Hitler actually knew the United States used Native American codetalkers to communicate without enemy detection in WWI and sent cryptologists to the U.S. to learn Indian languages, but it was determined impossible to learn the hundreds of Native American languages.
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Syria

CNN: Neoconservatives are blind to the risks in Syria
Senator Rand Paul - (R - KY)
April 19, 2017
It seems that every dictator and every atrocity in that region is met with a call for action without a thought to consequences. Those who wish to send our soldiers to "take care" of every atrocity in the world might want to take a glance at Maplecroft's Human Rights Risk Atlas, which currently lists 35 countries as extreme risks for committing atrocities. Are we prepared to send our military to right the wrongs of all 35 countries?
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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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