News Facts at The Ponder News on May 17, 2025

On May 1, 2025, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd) welcomed Indivisible’s May Day Hands-Off rally at his Fairfield district office to stand in solidarity with constituents opposing President Trump’s agenda. He stated that he was opposing anything that Trump was for in Congress.

On May 9, 2025, U.S. Representative Craig Goldman (R-TX, 12th) issued this statement when Trump signed H.J. Res 75 into law: “I’m honored to have been in the Oval Office today to witness President Trump sign H.J. Res. 75 into law. This bill will help lower the cost of living for Americans across the nation. H.J. Res. 75, which I authored in the U.S. House, repeals the Biden administration’s costly government regulations that would have raised prices on all American consumers. I appreciate Senator Moody for leading the measure through the Senate. I will continue to work to rein in government overreach and burdensome regulations to keep costs down for the citizens of the United States.”

On May 10, 2025, U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-TX, 29th) was not happy about the confrontation at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where Democratic Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver were carrying out what she said was "their lawful oversight duties". During the incident, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested, and the Trump administration is now reportedly considering arrests for the lawmakers involved.

On May 13, 2025, U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-MO, 6th) wrote Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr asking for his agencies help in getting to the bottom of the concerning number of cancer cases at Warren Hills Elementary School in Liberty, Missouri. It seems over half a dozen cases of cancer have appeared in staff members in less than a decade.

On May 14, 2025, U.S. Representative Vincente Gonzalez (D-TX, 15th) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers met with President Bukele and Salvadoran leadership to discuss the importance of U.S.-El Salvador relations and the crucial role El Salvador plays in the region. The delegation then toured the Children’s Home of San Vicente De Paul which provides children whose families are incarcerated safety, care, and educational opportunities. This was followed by a visit to La Libertad, El Salvador, to greet local leaders and receive the key to the city. Lastly, the delegation toured CECOT facilities in Tecoluca, El Salvador and saw firsthand the operations behind one of the world’s largest maximum-security prisons.

On May 15, 2025, U.S. Representative Jesus Garcia (D-IL, 4th) stated that he was not happy for about the firing of Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden just one year before her term was set to expire. “Donald Trump’s decision to fire the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, one year before her term was set to expire, is unjustified," he stated.

On May 15, 2025, At a Senate Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Transportation’s budget, Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY) secured an on-the-record commitment from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that he would not cancel grants for major transit capital investment projects. Gillibrand, ranking member of the subcommittee, explained that this would include two major projects in New York: Phase Two of the Second Avenue Subway Extension project and the Hudson Tunnel Gateway project.

On May 15, 2025, U.S. Representative Daniel Goldman (D-NY, 10th) joined January 6th police officers Aquilino Gonell and Daniel Hodges, as well as other elected officials, to condemn the Republican Party for what he said was "complete abandonment of capitol police officers who defended lawmakers and the Capitol Complex on January 6th, 2021" during national Police Week.

On May 15, 2025, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) joined Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the NATO Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting in Antalya, Turkey. He stated: “I was pleased to join Secretary of State Rubio and his team at the side events for an informal meeting of the NATO foreign ministers. Secretary Rubio and his team did a masterful job expressing President Trump’s foreign policy goals that seek to bring about unity with our NATO allies on several major fronts."

On May 16th, 2025, U.S. Representative Laura Gillen (D-NY, 4th) joined two other congressmen in leading a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy regarding the ongoing instability at the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). The letter stated: “We are deeply disturbed by reports that, beginning in April, the WTCHP was functionally paralyzed. The program reportedly halted new member enrollments—including more than 800 eligible 9/11 responders and survivors—and left over 1,200 condition certifications in limbo. This backlog prevented clinics from initiating critical cancer treatments and other essential care. The abrupt removal of Dr. John Howard and 16 key staff members, followed by misleading public statements from HHS denying those very terminations, has seriously undermined public trust in the agency’s stewardship of this lifesaving program… Our 9/11 first responders and survivors deserve honesty, stability, and respect—not chaos and deception.”

On May 16th, 2025, U.S. Representative Al Green (D-TX, 9th) informed his constituents that he has filed articles of impeachment against U.S. President Donald Trump.

Transportation and Freight Infrastructure

Today's News from the Lawmakers

AFP: Tax Hikes are the Wrong Way to Fund Roads and Bridges
Source: Americans for Prosperity
May 1, 2019
“If Congress wants to find money to modernize our roads and bridges, we encourage them to look to their own pockets – Americans have been filling them up for years. Instead of proposing a $2 trillion catch-all ‘infrastructure’ bill and asking hard-working Americans to fund it by paying more at the pump, Washington lawmakers should cut the red tape and stop wasting the tax dollars we give them.”

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Congresswoman Schakowsky To Amtrak, Trump: Invest In Our Rail Infrastructure and Employees
Source: Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
May 1, 2019
“Rail service has a long history of spurring innovation and growth in our great nation. And once again, it has a potential to spur commerce and expansion. Instead of seizing on that opportunity, Amtrak executives and the Trump Administration are seeking drastic cuts that eliminate jobs and set the stage for even more reduction in rail service. And the rail service that does remain will see a drastic loss in quality, with the elimination of food service and even replacing some segments with bus service. President Trump promised to invest $1 trillion in our nation’s infrastructure, and yet every budget he has proposed has actually cut Federal infrastructure spending. We need robust, long-term investment in our rail systems, both for the Chicago area and our nation,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky.

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Chemical Distributors Advocate for Transportation Policy and Continued Chemical Facility Security Measures on Capitol Hill
Source: The Ponder News
May 1, 2019
More than 90 members of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) are meeting with Congressional representatives and regulatory officials today in Washington, D.C. Chemical distributors—who process, formulate, blend, re-package, warehouse, transport, and market chemical products that are essential to our daily lives—will advocate for legislation addressing the nation's truck driver shortage, for a fully-operational U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) to usher in needed freight rail reform, and for reauthorization of a critical anti-terrorism program that keeps our nation secure.

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Chemical Distributors Advocate for Transportation Policy and Continued Chemical Facility Security Measures on Capitol Hill

by: National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD)

Arlington, VA - May 1, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- More than 90 members of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) are meeting with Congressional representatives and regulatory officials today in Washington, D.C. Chemical distributors—who process, formulate, blend, re-package, warehouse, transport, and market chemical products that are essential to our daily lives—will advocate for legislation addressing the nation's truck driver shortage, for a fully-operational U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) to usher in needed freight rail reform, and for reauthorization of a critical anti-terrorism program that keeps our nation secure.

"In passing the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (DRIVE-Safe Act), Congress would be a step closer to solving the growing truck driver shortage by expanding the age for interstate drivers to 18 years old," said NACD President Eric R. Byer. "Recent estimates indicate motor carriers are lacking 50,000 truck drivers—a number only expected to increase. In 2017, chemical distributor fleets and their third-party logistics partners traveled over 415 million miles delivering products. Across the board, industries and consumers are feeling the crunch of rising truck freight costs. It's crucial that Congress takes action."

During their time on Capitol Hill, NACD members will connect with policy makers and influencers on issues impacting chemical distributors across the country. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN), original co-sponsor of the DRIVE-Safe Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, will provide insights on the legislative playing field. The Cook Political Report's Amy Walter will also share her analysis on upcoming trends shaping policy issues.

In addition to advocating for the DRIVE-Safe Act and its two-step apprenticeship program that would give younger drivers a chance to enter the industry safely while keeping freight moving, NACD members will also revisit the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), the program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to identify and regulate high-risk chemical facilities to protect against security threats. Though CFATS was successfully renewed through April 18, 2020, the program still needs a multi-year reauthorization to allow the industry to make long-term facility investments to safeguard the nation's chemical security.

Finally, attendees will continue to advocate for a full, five-member STB. As one of the only agencies with federal oversight of freight rail, NACD members will encourage Congress to nominate and confirm STB members who will make decisions based on economic realities and founded on free market solutions.

NACD members will also have the opportunity to sit down with regulators to explain how their small businesses are impacted by federal regulations, from environmental policy to trade concerns to the truck driver shortage. They will meet with Alexandra Dunn of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Brenda Smith of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Ray Martinez of the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Serrano Introduces Legislation to Require Public Inspectors’ Evaluation of Local Transportation Projects

Washington, D.C. - February 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jose E. Serrano (D-NY, 15th) has introduced legislation to guarantee that local transportation projects are evaluated by public inspectors rather than private companies. The Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability in Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act of 2019 would require public employees who are members of the community to perform inspections and other related essential public functions on all state and local transportation projects. The bill is intended to promote public safety, prevent the waste of transportation funds, and guarantee that projects are delivered in a timely manner. This legislation seeks to ensure that the public has someone who is working on their behalf, rather than companies who are more concerned about their bottom line. The bill is being cosponsored by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman André Carson, and Congressman Stephen Lynch.

“This legislation is necessary to ensure the public’s safety in the construction of local transportation projects. Community residents and the public, in general, need a representative to make sure that private transportation construction contractors are acting in a safe, responsible manner. Using private companies to oversee the work of other private companies creates potential conflicts of interest that undermine worker and public safety, increase costs, and delay project completion. This bill prevents these problems by requiring a government employee to oversee all state and local transportation projects to ensure safety and accountability,” said Congressman Serrano.

Pondering: Price Gouging,Terrorism, Nursing Home, Single Payer Health Care, Equifax, DACA, Retirement, Transportation, Education, Human Trafficking, Automatic Knives, Health Insurance

After airline ticket fares skyrocketed before and following Hurricane Irma, legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives to cap airfares when a disaster has been declared. Under the proposed bill, the “AirFAIR Act”, when a state, territory or U.S. possession makes a disaster declaration, airlines would be prohibited from making price hikes exceeding 30%. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation would have authority to further reduce the maximum allowed price increase during catastrophes.

As the nation contends with the aftermaths of Harvey and Irma and prepares for Hurricane Jose, there have been multiple reports of airlines drastically increasing prices. Some consumers noted price increases from $547 to over $3200. Other travelers posted on social media fares of $1,738 for flights between Miami and Indianapolis and a $2,370 flight between Miami and Los Angeles. Airlines have contended that they did not change their pricing structure and that price changes are dictated by computer algorithms on the companies’ booking websites.

Another bill has been introduced to fight terrorism and force the United Nations to define "international terrorism."

The Define It To Fight would withhold ten percent of United States funding to the United Nations (U.N.) until the intergovernmental organization adopts a definition for "international terrorism." Instead, those funds would be directed to the U.S. Treasury for the purpose of reducing the national debt – which now stands at more than $20 trillion.

The U.N. Security Council adopted Resolution 1373 on September 28, 2001, which created the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) to become the lead U.N. agent in the war on terror. Since then, the CTC has failed to name a single terrorist, terrorist organization or state-sponsor of terrorism. The three U.S.-identified state sponsors of terror – Iran, Syria and Sudan – have submitted reports to the CTC about their compliance with Resolution 1373. In the absence of any U.N. definition of terrorism, all three states have readily proclaimed that they are engaged in a vigorous campaign to combat terrorism despite clear and irrefutable evidence to the contrary.

The United States is the largest contributor to the U.N., providing about $3.3 billion a year to finance U.N. activities and financing 22 percent of their budget.

Eight patients at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills tragically lost their lives because of a ‘prolonged power failure’ that shut down the facility’s air conditioning system. After the first three patients died, more than 100 others were evacuated to various medical facilities, one of which is just across the street from the nursing home.

John Barrasso (R - WY) believes Senator Bernard Sanders' (I - VT) single-payer health care bill, S. 1804, is not only a government takeover of health care, but would also put financial burdens on the American people. He has requested the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide a full cost estimate of the bill.

In the wake of the Equifax breach, legislation has been introduced to require accountability and transparency for data brokers like Equifax who are collecting and selling personal and sensitive information about consumers. The Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act allows consumers to access and correct their information to help ensure maximum accuracy. The legislation also provides consumers with the right to stop data brokers from using, sharing, or selling their personal information for marketing purposes. The bill additionally requires data brokers to develop comprehensive privacy and data security programs and to provide reasonable notice in the case of breaches. The legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce the law and promulgate rules within one year, including rules necessary to establish a centralized website for consumers to view a list of covered data brokers and information regarding consumer rights.

President Trump has rescinded Obama's DACA program, causing much outcry from those who supported it. However, rumors have been abounding lately that Trump is making a deal with the Democrats to keep it. When confronted with the news, Trump said that no deal had been reached, and the only way he would even consider making the deal would be if the Democrats agreed to fully fund the Wall.

More than 30 states – including Arkansas and Connecticut – have established Century or Centennial Farms designations and awards. However, no federal recognition for 100-year-old farms currently exists. The Century Farms Act that has been introduced in the Senate will direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a program honoring and recognizing the invaluable contributions of century-old farms.

Because of reports that Washington Republicans are looking at cuts to Social Security and Medicare as well as place new taxes on retirement savings accounts that would reduce workers’ take home pay in order to pay for massive tax cuts for Wall Street, Senator Sherrod Brown (D - OH) has promised in front of the Senate Finance Committee to put up "One hell of a fight". He was not the only one who warned the White House and Senate and House leaders against funding corporate tax breaks by slapping new taxes on retirement savings for workers.

Their reasoning is that ‘rothification,’ would take away the freedom Americans currently have to choose the retirement savings plan that works best for them. Instead, it would force everyone into a Roth account. Unlike 401ks, IRAs or other retirement savings plans many Americans currently use, Roth savings are taxed up front, reducing workers’ take home pay and making it more expensive for Americans to save for retirement.

Roth plans are also more expensive for employers to offer and would make it harder for small businesses to provide retirement plans for their employees.

Further, the Senators also pointed out that rothification is fiscally irresponsible and would add to the federal deficit.

The Moving and Fostering Innovation to Revolutionize Smarter Transportation or the Moving FIRST Act, a bill that will enhance the transportation systems of American communities through the use of innovative technology, has been introduced in the Senate. This legislation will establish and build on the successes of the 2015 Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Cities Challenge administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) by expanding the opportunity for more communities – both urban and rural – to compete for resources that will fund efficient, creative and innovative transportation projects.

The Middle School Technical Education Program (Middle STEP) Act, legislation that would expose middle school students to career and technical education (CTE) programs focused on career exploration, has been introduced in the Senate. The Middle STEP Act would establish a pilot program that allows middle schools to partner with colleges, other postsecondary institutions, and local businesses to develop and implement CTE exploration programs that give students access to apprenticeships or project-based learning opportunities, which are traditionally not available to students until high school or higher education.

The Senate has unanimously passed the Abolish Human Trafficking Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017. The measures will strengthen and reauthorize key programs that support survivors of human trafficking and provide important resources to law enforcement agencies in the fight to end modern slavery. The bills will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The Freedom of Commerce Act, S. 1779, which would allow consumers to purchase an automatic knife legal in their state, regardless of where it was manufactured in the U.S has been introduced in the Senate.

Enacted in 1958, the Federal Switchblade Act (FSA) leverages the federal government’s power over interstate commerce to prohibit the purchase, sale and trade of automatic knives between any of the 50 states or U.S. territories. Current federal law prohibits the interstate sale and importation of switchblades, curtailing states’ rights to legislate the legality of certain tools within their borders.

This legislation would repeal certain provisions of the FSA and allow domestic manufacturers to ship and sell their products to buyers in other states, as well as permit the importation certain knife parts. Moreover, the bill would not replace or alter any existing state laws regarding switchblades and other automatic knives. Buck Knives, Inc., a knife manufacturer based in Post Falls, Idaho, supports the legislation.

Currently legal in 27 states, automatic knives are defined based on their opening mechanism and are used primarily by professional trades and outdoor recreationalists

The Small Business Health Plans bill, introduced in the Senate, would allow multiple small businesses to pool their employees, across multiple states, for the purpose of purchasing health insurance coverage for their employees in a large group market. By banding groups of small businesses together, it would provide them with greater negotiating power for better prices and greater benefits for their employees.