Protests, Veterans and More at the Ponder News

Donna Shalala Statement on Protests and Civil Disobedience in Miami-Dade and Across the United States
Source: U.S. Representative Donna E. Shalala (D-FL, 27th)
June 1, 2020
“We must vigorously and loudly voice our grievances while peacefully and lovingly respecting the safety of our neighbors and communities.”
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Rep. Sewell Statement in Response to Birmingham Protests
Source: U.S. Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
May 29, 2020
“We must seek justice for George Floyd, but we must also examine the very nature of policing in America as an institution.  These deadly tragedies are a frequent and persistent symptom of the abdication of our responsibility to reform the system. The full implementation of the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 will provide the data necessary to implement the long overdue reform of policing in America and will honor the legacies of the countless lives lost to these injustices.”
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SCOTT STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF FORMER MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICER FOR THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD
Source: U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)
May 29, 2020
“We must seek justice for George Floyd, but we must also examine the very nature of policing in America as an institution.  These deadly tragedies are a frequent and persistent symptom of the abdication of our responsibility to reform the system. The full implementation of the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 will provide the data necessary to implement the long overdue reform of policing in America and will honor the legacies of the countless lives lost to these injustices.”
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Sarbanes Statement on Recent Killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd
Source: U.S. Representative John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
June 1, 2020
“I am anguished and outraged at the brutal killings of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and now, George Floyd in Minnesota. The sad, bitter truth is that our country continues to be betrayed by police who perpetrate racial violence and prosecutors that turn a blind eye. We must end this corruption of justice with transparency and unyielding accountability. The anger and frustration that is boiling in so many communities across the country is real – and it is warranted."
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SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON NATIONWIDE PROTESTS
Source: U.S. Representative Bradley Schneider (D IL, 10th)
June 1, 2020
“We all need to listen, and to make the reforms our justice system so desperately needs. We need leadership and empathy. Instead of uniting the country, the President’s rhetoric and actions seek to divide and dangerously escalate the situation. We cannot allow it."
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Sanders and Schumer Respond to CBO Estimate Pandemic May Cause $16 Trillion in Long-Term Economic Harm
Source: Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
June 1, 2020
“Last week we learned that over 40 million Americans lost their jobs as a result of this horrific pandemic. Today, the CBO tells us that if current trends continue, we will see a jaw-dropping $16 trillion reduction in economic growth over the next decade. How can Senator McConnell look at these catastrophic economic numbers and believe there is no ‘urgency’ to protect America’s working families? At a time of massive wealth and income inequality, how can President Trump believe that what this country needs is another huge tax break for the top one percent? In order to avoid the risk of another Great Depression, the Senate must act with a fierce sense of urgency to make sure that everyone in America has the income they need to feed their families and put a roof over their heads. The American people cannot afford to wait another month for the Senate to pass legislation. They need our help now.”
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Schakowsky Slams CMS For Failing To Publish Coronavirus Data From Nursing Homes
Source: U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
June 1, 2020
U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Co-Chair of the House Democrats’ Task Force on Aging and Families, released the following statement after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) failed to publish COVID-19 data that the agency has been collecting from U.S. nursing homes by May 31:
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Senate Passes Schatz-Blackburn-Coons-Murkowski Bill Honoring The More Than 100,000 Americans Lost To COVID-199
Source: Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)
June 1, 2020
“The nation must mark this dark moment with unity and clarity,” said Senator Schatz. “At this time of almost unimaginable pain, it is essential that we pause to honor every life lost, and that we grieve together.”
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Schiff Highlights Need for Nondiscriminatory Blood Donation Guidelines
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA, 28th)
June 1, 2020
Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Deb Haaland (D-NM), and Katherine Clark (D-MA) introduced a resolution underscoring the need for policies governing blood and blood product donation to be grounded in science and based on individual risk factors that do not unfairly single out any group of individuals so that all those who can safely donate are able to do so.
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House increases vets’ COLA

Washington, D.C. - June 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 6168, the Veterans’ Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020 which would increase compensation rates for disability compensation, clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation benefits. Raising benefits help veterans, their families, and survivors meet the rising cost of goods and services and maintain quality of life. The amount would be the same as the cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients and take effect December 1, 2020. The bill now heads to the Senate for action.

COVID-19, Vietnam War Veteran's Day and MORE!

On March 28, Donald Trump tweeted:

So much of the Lamestream Media is writing and broadcasting stories with facts that are made up and knowingly wrong. They are doing it by quoting unnamed sources that simply do not exist. These are very dangerous & corrupt people, who will do anything to win. NAME YOUR SOURCES!

Here, at The Ponder, every news item has a source. The days of "a good reporter doesn't name his sources" is over. The American People don't believe everything they hear anymore just because a known person says it. We want TRUTH. So, here at The Ponder, we verify all the information we put out. If you don't see a source, ask. We'll tell you!

Sign the Card to Support our Brave Troops!
Source: USO
March 28, 2020
As our troops face scary and uncertain times ahead, it’s up to us to make sure they know we have their backs — no matter what. Sign the card now to show how much you appreciate the sacrifices they make every day for our country.
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Also, don't forget: Today, March 29, 2020, is National Vietnam War Veteran's Day. The Ponder would like to join President Trump in thanking them. President Trump tweets:

Happy National Vietnam War Veterans Day to all of our Vietnam era Veterans. You have earned our gratitude and thanks by your actions years ago and what you have done since returning home. The Nation thanks you and your families for your service and sacrifice. We love you!

Not IF, but WHEN
Editorial by Shonda Ponder
March 29, 2020
Most who get the virus, as with any other flu, will recover. But, about half of them will need help. This isn't about the numbers of people who will get it, this is about not overwhelming our hospitals and health centers during the progression.
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CARES ACT HELPS WORKERS AND BUSINESSES STAY AFLOAT
Source: U.S. Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA, 1st)
March 29, 2020
"This bill does a lot for both of those groups of people you talked about. For families, this is something that President Trump talked about, he wanted this bill focused on helping families and on helping businesses stay afloat while we get through this. And so, in the bill you've got one section that's dedicated to getting individual assistance to families, so you've got $1,200 per person, $500 per child, there's some income caps on it but ultimately, for families whether they're working, even seniors, are eligible for this. The IRS is going to operate the program for people who already filed tax returns; it will automatically come through the IRS. For seniors, it's going to go through Social Security. Now let's shift over to the business side, Jeanine, and what you have is ability, the most powerful program is going to be the 7(a) loan program, it's a forgivable loan, meaning even if you laid off people but if you've kept your employees, this will pick up the cost of the payroll for your workers as well as all your fixed costs: your rent, your utilities, those kind of fixed costs for businesses, small and medium sized all the way up to 500 employees will be able to go to your local bank, not through the SBA because we know this is going to be something millions small businesses participate in, so we allowed your local banks to be able to write these loans. So, go talk to your local banker Monday morning if you haven't already, and there's going to be a loan that you'll be able to take out for your payroll costs and for your expenses, your fixed expenses, and that loan will be forgiven at the time that the first payment comes due. That's going to be critical to keeping a lot of small businesses alive. And then, of course, for large businesses over 500 employees there's going to be a separate program. You've heard a lot about the airlines, they of course will be eligible for this, but any other business over 500 employees will be eligible as well. The goal is to help families get through this, and to make sure we hold on to our businesses so there are jobs to come back to when we get through this crisis."
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Did you know that 12.2 million people watched Trump's press briefing on Monday, effectively surpassing the ratings for Monday Night Football?

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Rep. Sánchez Votes for Historic Coronavirus Relief Package for Workers, Small Businesses, and Hospitals
Source: Linda Sanchez (D-CA, 38th)
March 27, 2020
“During this crisis, the American people need to know that their government is there to support them without hesitation,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “This is not a perfect bill but it will direct immediate help to hospitals, working families, small businesses, and students. We know that we have more work to do, including helping our undocumented community. I will keep working around the clock until our communities are back up and running on all cylinders.”
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Sarbanes Votes for Sweeping Coronavirus Response Package
Source: U.S. Representative John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
March 27, 2020
The CARES Act builds on two prior coronavirus response packages, including the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) – an economic relief package that provides American families with financial support – and $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal, state and local governments to fight the virus and keep Americans safe.
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Mayors to President Trump: Help Us Secure Critical Covid-19 Emergency Equipment
Source: U.S. Conference of Mayors
March 28, 2020
The letter was sent because a new survey released by the Conference revealed the alarming extent of the shortage of COVID-19 emergency equipment. Mayors representing 213 cities from 41 states and Puerto Rico reported on the availability of test kits, face masks, ventilators and other personal protective equipment. The survey made clear that the shortage of such essential items has reached crisis proportions and that the safety of city residents, healthcare workers, first responders and other city workers is being seriously compromised.
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Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Emergency Field Hospital to New York City; Adding Life-Saving Medical Surge Capacity
Source: Samaritan's Purse
March 28, 2020
Today, Samaritan’s Purse deployed its Emergency Field Hospital to New York City, New York, where the local medical infrastructure is severely overwhelmed. In cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), New York state officials, and local hospital authorities, Samaritan’s Purse will open a 68-bed field hospital, specially designed as a respiratory care unit. This response comes one week after Samaritan’s Purse opened an identical unit in Cremona, Italy—making it an unprecedented medical response for the N.C.-based organization as two Emergency Field Hospitals are run simultaneously
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA takes further steps to help mitigate supply interruptions of food and medical products
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
March 28, 2020
During this COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA is working around the clock to make sure that Americans have access to safe food and medical products. The agency is continuously examining the global supply chain to identify any concerns and assess the availability of the products Americans need most. We are also partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on supply chain issues, including importation of needed medical products to support the U.S. response.
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Rubio Releases FAQ Document on the Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses
Source: Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
March 28, 2020
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, released a FAQ document in English and in Spanish detailing how small business owners can take advantage of the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a key provision of Rubio’s bipartisan Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act that was signed into law as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Small businesses and lenders can submit questions to PPPquestions@sbc.senate.gov.
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Schakowsky Applauds Passage of CARES Act to Address Coronavirus Pandemic Needs
Source: U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
March 27, 2020
“These are challenging times for people across the Chicagoland area, our state, our nation and the world. It is especially stressful both for people unable to work because they are furloughed or fired, and unsure where their next paycheck will come from, and those who are working as frontline health care workers, first responders, airport personnel, grocery store employees, nursing home staff, and others doing essential jobs,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. “Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans this weekend came up with a bill that was a non-starter. It created a slush fund for corporations with no accountability or oversight, and zero protections for the workers of those companies. I am proud that Speaker Pelosi and our House Democratic leadership, along with Senate Democrats, have been able to reshape this bill we have passed today that provides relief for our workers, our health care facilities and staff, our small businesses, and for our families.”
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Rep. Schiff Floor Speech in Support of Relief Package for American Workers, Families and Small Businesses
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA, 28th)
March 27, 2020
“My fellow citizens, let no one doubt that this is a difficult and dangerous effort on which we have set out. No one can foresee precisely what course it will take or what costs or casualties will be incurred. Many months of sacrifice and self-discipline lie ahead — months in which both our patience, and our will, will be tested, months in which many threats and denunciations will keep us aware of our dangers.”
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Fighting Disinformation with Truth

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 27, 2020

Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Separating fact from fiction
Source: BBC
March 17, 2020
Although we don't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus - either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions - Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says, especially for vulnerable patients, "it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice".
Here, at The Ponder, we've been getting private messages from people who are forwarding the recording of the guy telling us frantically not to use Advil ibuprofen. As with most stuff that is forwarded like that, I use the opportunity to do some research on the subject. Here is one of the articles I found that I am posting for your information:
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Third coronavirus law passes
Source: U.S. Representative Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
March 27, 2020
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a third coronavirus bill and the President signed it into law. Although access to the House floor was limited to reduce risk of spreading the virus, I felt I had to be there to express the gratitude of the people of the Marianas for the help being provided to our families, schools, businesses, and the Commonwealth government. Your congressional office was hard at work all week for our islands and we know there is more work ahead. Read our summaries, below, of how the new law, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or “CARES,” Act, applies in the Marianas.
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Rounds USPHS Legislation Included in COVID-19 Relief Bill
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
March 27, 2020
“The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to create a Ready Reserve Corps within the United States Public Health Services (USPHS) so vital healthcare services remain available to our citizens when Commissioned Corps Officers are called away from their duty stations,” said Rounds. “Already, hundreds of officers have been deployed from their regular duty stations, such as an Indian Health Service facility, to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is leaving a gap in healthcare services in already-underserved communities. By creating a Ready Reserve Corps within USPHS, we will now be better equipped to fill these vital positions when the Commissioned Corps Officers need to respond to a national emergency.”
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Congressman Tim Ryan Responds to President Trump's Calls for GM to Produce Ventilators in Lordstown
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
March 27, 2020
“It seems the President has forgotten that GM no longer owns the plant in Lordstown. This is a time for leaders to lead. Instead of tweeting, President Trump should activate the Defense Production Act today and put the full force of American manufacturing to end our equipment shortage. Coronavirus is already taking a toll on our healthcare system, and if we don’t take bold steps to fix that now, many more American will sadly pass away because we couldn’t supply our hospitals with the equipment they so desperately need. The President should stop stalling and fully implement the Defense Production Act to ensure our healthcare workers have the supplies they need to save American lives. The only thing standing in President Trump’s way is himself.“
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Risch Votes Yes on CARES Act to Battle COVID-19
Source: Senator James E. Risch (R-ID)
March 26, 2020
“No one likes to spend this amount of money, but the crisis we find ourselves in compels us to take drastic and decisive measures to protect millions of American lives and livelihoods. The CARES Act provides a lifeline to our nation’s economy, business owners, workers, medical professionals and those on the front lines of the outbreak, and the people and families battling COVID-19."
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Rush, Carter Lead Successful Effort to Ensure Pathologists are Able to Address Critical Testing Needs During Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 26, 2020
Following a request led by U.S. Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that it would allow pathologists to perform their important testing capabilities remotely to help address the coronavirus pandemic.
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Rush Introduces Legislation to Protect Inmates and Their Families from Unjust Charges for Communications Services
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 26, 2020
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) introduced H.R. 6389, the Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act, which protects inmates from unjust and unreasonable charges related to the telephone services and advance communications they rely on during their term of imprisonment. In particular, the bill bans commissions received by prisons and other confinement facilities from communications providers, which is the primary cause of increased rates incurred by inmates and their families.
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U.S. REPS. ASK JUSTICE DEPT. TO REVIEW TRIAL PENALTIES IN CLEMENCY CONSIDERATIONS
Source: U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
March 25, 2020
"Trial penalties are the sentences issued for criminal defendants that are harsher than what had been offered in exchange for a guilty plea. As the letter states, "Instead of accepting a guilty plea, a criminal defendant decides to pursue their 6th Amendment right to a jury trial. The trial penalty results in a significantly longer prison sentence than those imposed on more culpable defendants who voluntarily waive their constitutional right to a jury trial."
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Rep. Harley Rouda Sends Letter to National Governors Association Requesting "Stay at Home" Orders Nationwide
Source: U.S. Representative Harley Rouda (D-CA, 48th)
March 25, 2020
“Without approved treatments and a vaccine, aggressive and enforced social distancing is our only weapon to fight COVID-19 and slow the spread of the disease," said Rouda. "In the past days and weeks governors, Republican and Democratic, have lead by instituting "stay at home" orders. While these orders affect about half of our nation’s population, mitigation is most effective with 100 percent participation.”
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Rush Urges Federal Bureau of Prisons to Release Elderly, Nonviolent Prisoners to Mitigate Coronavirus Risk to Inmates
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 25, 2020
“The close quarters present in our nation’s jails and prisons present a clear and ongoing risk of infection in general, and with the coronavirus in particular,” said Rep. Rush. “This, coupled with the fact that prisoners across the country — including in my home state of Illinois — have tested positive for this virus, underscores the need for action.
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Coronavirus: What you need to know
Source: U.S. Representative Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
March 25, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the progression of the coronavirus and considers the virus to be a serious threat to public health. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
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Reed Helps Reach Bipartisan $2 Trillion Emergency Coronavirus Economic Rescue Agreement
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Reed (R-NY, 23rd)
March 25, 2020
Massive coronavirus relief package includes four months expanded unemployment benefits and direct payments, $367 billion to aid small business, $150 billion for state and local governments, $130 billion for hospitals & health centers, an employee retention tax credit to incentivize businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis, & much more
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Rosen Joins Bipartisan Call for FEMA to Help Individuals, States Handle COVID-19 Outbreak
Source: Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
March 25, 2020
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced she joined her colleagues Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to exercise authorities available in the wake of natural disasters to provide direct emergency assistance to individuals and families and waive local cost sharing in order to increase federal resources to states and communities responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
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Rounds Supports COVID-19 Relief Legislation
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
March 25, 2020
As a nation, we’re all feeling the effects of this unprecedented crisis. I’m glad we were able to come together to provide immediate, direct relief to South Dakota families and businesses, while at the same time taking steps to stabilize our economy. It is not a perfect bill, but it gets resources to state and local governments, who know the needs of their communities better than anyone else. It also removes regulatory barriers so businesses can get people the help they need during this time of crisis.
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National Guard and Reserve Caucus Chairs Call on President to Mobilize US Airlift Assets
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
March 25, 2020
Representatives Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Steven Palazzo (R-Miss), Co-Chairs of the House National Guard and Reserve Caucus, today sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting for President Trump to immediately mobilize America's military airlift, including Reserve and National Guard assets as needed to repatriate Americans abroad.
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Public Advocate Asks Nation To Pray for Victory Over China Virus
Source: Public Advocate USA
March 24, 2020
Eugene Delgaudio, president of Public Advocate, is asking Americans and supporters of Public Advocate to pray for America's success against the China Virus and for President Donald Trump's success in leading the nation to Victory.
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Amata-Cosponsored Legislation Will Help Student Veterans During COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa Delegate)
March 24, 2020
“This bill is a collection of several of the best ideas to quickly help the thousands of Veterans in educational programs during the pandemic,” said Aumua Amata, Vice Ranking Member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “They can be assured of not losing eligibility or their place in a program while it is shut down, and their program’s support and benefits will be secure and available when studies start again. Thank you to Chairman Mark Takano and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe for leading this important effort so these student Veterans don’t need to worry about their ongoing education.”
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Trump’s Financial Conflicts of Interest Endanger Public Health
Source: Public Citizen
March 24, 2020
At a White House press conference Monday, President Donald Trump announced that he may soon roll back federal guidelines on social distancing that are intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus epidemic. The Washington Post has reported that Trump’s “private business has shut down six of its top seven revenue-producing clubs and hotels because of restrictions meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, potentially depriving Trump’s company of millions of dollars in revenue.”
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Public Knowledge Launches Tracking Report to Log Digital Platform Responses to Misinformation During the Pandemic
Source: Public Knowledge
March 24, 2020
Today, we’re happy to announce the launch of our newest tracking report to log digital platform responses to misinformation during this pandemic. The report monitors how major digital platforms like Twitter and Google respond to the crisis and analyzes their various approaches, helping policymakers, media, and the public to better explore what platforms are doing to combat the rising “infodemic” — a dangerous onslaught of misunderstandings, inaccurate data, and lies about the coronavirus spread rapidly online. Public Knowledge will update the tracking report weekly as the pandemic unfolds.
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Rep. Rice Sends Letter to Leadership
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)
March 24, 2020
Congressman Rice urges Congressional Leadership to include $100 billion for tourism and small businesses in aid package.
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Homeland Security, Trillion Trees, Sexual Assault, Pebble Mine, Veterans, SNAP, Innovation, Public Lands, Roger Stone, D.C. Statehood, AI, Rice

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

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

Today's News for February 7, 2020

CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ ON THE CLOSURE OF IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP BY THE U.S. SENATE
Source: U.S. Representative Vincente Gonzalez (D-TX, 15th)
February 5, 2020
The Senate’s decision to disallow new witnesses and evidence signals a deterioration of our moral and ethical values. The consequences of today’s vote will have a lasting impact on the foundations of our democracy and Constitution.The Ponder: It was not the Senate's job to investigate and search for evidence. The House should have presented ALL the evidence from their investigation, not expected the Senate to finish THEIR job. It was the Senate's job to decide if the evidence was sufficient enough for an impeachment. Clearly, the answer was NO.
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Senator Gillibrand Statement on Vote to Convict President Trump
Source: Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand (D-NY)
February 5, 2020
“History will remember those who stood up for our country and the rule of law, as well as those who were complicit in the degradation of our democracy. ”The Ponder: Indeed, they will.
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Gianforte Statement on Senate Acquitting President Trump of Partisan Articles of Impeachment
Source: U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte (R-Montana at Large)
February 5, 2020
“The Senate’s acquittal of President Trump closes the door on Nancy Pelosi’s hyper-partisan impeachment sham. Working to overturn the results of the 2016 election, Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, and House Democrats pushed their partisan impeachment through the House and failed to make their flimsy case in the Senate. Now that this impeachment charade is behind us, let’s get back to work.”
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Gardner Statement on Conclusion of Impeachment Trial
Source: Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)
February 5, 2020
House managers repeatedly stated that they had established “overwhelming evidence” and an “air tight” case to remove the President. Yet they also repeatedly claimed they needed additional investigation and testimony. A case cannot be “overwhelming” and “air tight” and yet incomplete. That contradiction is not mere semantics. In their partisan race to impeach, the House failed to do the fundamental work required to prove its case.
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Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García Condemns Senate Acquittal
Source: U.S. Representative Jesus Garcia (D-IL, 4th)
February 5, 2020
Senate Republicans can hide from witnesses. They can protect the President at all costs. But they cannot hide from history. Donald Trump violated the rule of law and trampled the Constitution.
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Gallagher Statement on Senate Acquittal of President Trump
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI, 8th)
February 5, 2020
Throughout this trial, the House Impeachment Managers made two contradictory arguments that, taken together, proved fatal to their case. On the one hand, they claimed to have overwhelming evidence of an impeachable offense. Yet on the other hand, they simultaneously claimed they needed more witnesses in order to make their case. Both these claims cannot be true.
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Rep. Garamendi Takes Action to Protect Americans’ Health Care, Votes to Pass Disapproval Resolution Against President Trump’s Attack on Medicaid
Source: U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd)
February 6, 2020
Rep. Garamendi voted in favor of H. Res. 826, a resolution expressing disapproval of the Trump Administration's harmful actions toward Medicaid. Last week, the Trump Administration unveiled its illegal Medicaid block grant plan, inviting states to cap and slash Medicaid. The plan would essentially allow states to receive a waiver to block grant their Medicaid programs for certain low-income Medicaid recipients.
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REP. SYLVIA GARCIA VOTES TO PROTECT A WORKER'S RIGHT TO JOIN A LABOR UNION
Source: U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-TX, 29th)
February 6, 2020
“I am a proud to have voted in favor of the PRO Act because for far too long American corporations have found ways to get around labor laws at the expense of working people,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “When workers are able unionize and stand up for their rights, they secure fairer wages, benefits, and legal protections. Unions fight for the dignity and respect of working people and that is why the Senate must now act on this bill that would ensure that workers are free to organize unions without employer interference,” concluded Congresswoman Garcia.
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PRO Act Attacks Workers’ Rights
Source: Generation Opportunity
February 6, 2020
“Workers deserve the right to choose whether to join a union and make the best decision for themselves and their families. The PRO Act violates that right and undermines the will of citizens in the 27 states that have enacted Right-to-Work laws. But the PRO Act goes further by forcing employers to give employees’ private information to unions against their consent and restricting the ability of individuals to run their small businesses. This bill would erode the constitutional rights of workers.”
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Rep. Gallego Introduces Bipartisan VA Accountability Bill
Source: U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ, 7th)
February 6, 2020
The bill was introduced in response to a Government Accountability Office report which found that the VA was failing to disclose wait time, patient safety, and quality of care information in an accessible and usable manner.
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Congressman Matt Gaetz Introduces “Ainsworth Act” to Secure Full Pension Benefits for Centenarian Military Veterans
Source: U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL, 1st)
February 6, 2020
U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) today introduced legislation to allow centenarian military veterans to qualify for full pension benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs regardless of their net worth. The “Joseph Ainsworth Act” would change the Net Worth Limitation in Section 1522 of Title 38 by creating an age exemption for veterans older than 99 years old.The Ponder does not support this. We clearly have veterans that are over 100 years old. ALL veterans, especially our AGED veterans, deserve our respect!
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Brown Blasts President Trump’s Shameful Comments Regarding Servicemembers Who Experience Head Trauma in the Line of Duty

by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

Washington, D.C. - January 24, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the following statement after President Trump recently downplayed head trauma suffered by servicemembers in the line of duty, by saying "I heard that they had headaches. And a couple of other things – but I would say and I can report it is not very serious."

“It is shameful that President Trump would downplay the hidden conditions that so many of our combat servicemembers experience in conflict zones,” said Brown. “We have a duty to provide care and benefits for those who answer the call to duty for the combat injuries they suffered, seen or unseen.”

Black Colleges, Appropriations, Veterans, Trade, Cameroon

Today's News from the House of Representatives

Adams Leads Effort to Investigate the Administration’s Failure to Uphold Promise to HBCUs
Source: Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)
December 17, 2019
Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) unveiled a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report she commissioned to investigate whether the Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing adequate support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to help students become successful small business owners. The report raises several deficiencies in SBA’s efforts to work with HBCUs, despite President Trump’s 2017 Executive Order to promote engagement with HBCUs, strengthen HBCU participation in federal programs, and direct federal agencies to identify priorities for working with HBCUs.

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Allred Votes for Bipartisan Appropriations Bills Making Critical Investments in Health Care and Election Security
Source: Colin Allred (D-TX, 32)
December 17, 2019
“I am encouraged that leaders in both parties were able to come together and forge a bipartisan compromise to keep our government open and working for the American people.

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House Passes Amata-Cosponsored Veterans’ Bill To Report On Overcoming Barriers To Benefits
Source: Aumua Amata (R - American Samoa, At Large)
December 17, 2019
This Act requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a three-year study of disability and pension benefits provided to Veterans who served in special missions, including pilots and divers, and who served on reserve components of the Armed Forces while on active duty. This multi-year study will examine disability and pension data from 2008 to 2018 to identify any barriers that exist specific to these veterans. Next, the study will focus on possible ways to overcome these barriers.

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Amodei Statement on Government Funding Packages for Fiscal Year 2020
Source: Mark Amodei (R-NV, 2nd)
December 17, 2019
"Look at what we can actually accomplish when we make it a priority,” said Rep. Amodei. “In terms of the reforms, funding priorities, and responsible spending reductions included in these bills, Nevadans can certainly claim a number of victories. More specifically, these packages will increase funding for Department of Interior (DOI) operations including wildland fire management, Lake Tahoe restoration efforts, hazardous fuels reductions, watershed restoration, and the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program. The Interior portion of these bills also allocates $12 million for radium cleanup efforts, which the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) would be eligible to receive."

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ARRINGTON SENDS USMCA TO HOUSE FLOOR, APPLAUDS EFFORTS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN U.S. TRADE
Source: Mark Amodei (R-NV, 2nd)
December 17, 2019
"Look at what we can actually accomplish when we make it a priority,” said Rep. Amodei. “In terms of the reforms, funding priorities, and responsible spending reductions included in these bills, Nevadans can certainly claim a number of victories. More specifically, these packages will increase funding for Department of Interior (DOI) operations including wildland fire management, Lake Tahoe restoration efforts, hazardous fuels reductions, watershed restoration, and the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program. The Interior portion of these bills also allocates $12 million for radium cleanup efforts, which the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) would be eligible to receive."

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Axne Votes to Fund our Military, Increase Grants for Local Police, Invest in Cancer Research, and Protect our Elections
Source: Cynthia Axne (D-IA, 3rd)
December 17, 2019
The bill passed by the House today, H.R. 1158, provides funding for the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Commerce, and other key executive branch agencies tasked with protecting our nation and its citizens.

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Rep. Bass Statement on Kidnapped Candidates In Cameroon
Source: Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
December 17, 2019
“I am alarmed by the recent kidnapping of local official and parliamentary candidates by armed separatists. These actions are counterproductive and not conducive to solving the conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Those advocating for independence must understand that preying on innocent Cameroonians who simply want to exercise their civic duties will not help them get any closer to an independent state. I encourage separatists to commit to peacefully resolving the conflict in order for the country to have open and fair elections for all in 2020.”

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Veterans

Today's News about Veteran's Issues

Congressmen Tim Ryan and Conor Lamb Introduce The Whole Veteran Act to Promote Overall Mental Health and Wellness
Source: Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
April 29, 2019
“Twenty veterans die by suicide every day in the United States. That’s unacceptable. Some of the wounds our veterans face aren’t always visible, so we need to do a better job of providing them with the mental health resources and tools needed to get on the path to recovery,” said Congressman Ryan. “The Whole Veteran Act will advance our efforts to ensure critical Whole Health programs—including chiropractic services, whole health group services, meditation, and yoga—are available and accessible at every VA facility. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country. We owe it to them to provide the care they need when they return home.”

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Rep. Cuellar Announces Over $2 Million for Webb County’s Veterans Court Program
Source: Henry Cuellar (D-TX, 28th)
April 24, 2019
Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $2,000,000 over the next 5 years in federal funding for Webb County’s Veterans Court Program awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The funds will go to support the continuation of Webb County’s Veteran Court Program which will be able to provide 200 veterans in areas of Webb County, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, Duvall and Jim Wells County with individualized treatment for co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders

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Trump Admin Responds to Buchanan Over Vets Suicides
Source: Vern Buchanan (R-FL, 16th)
April 24, 2019
The Trump administration has assured Congressman Vern Buchanan that it is taking aggressive steps to curb the growing number of suicides among veterans and members of the armed forces.

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VA ensures Veterans have same-day access to emergency mental health care

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by: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington, D.C. - April 22, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) efforts to provide the best mental health care access possible, VA is reminding Veterans that it offers all Veterans same-day access to emergency mental health care at any VA health care facility across the country.

“Providing same-day 24/7 access to mental health crisis intervention and support for Veterans, service members and their families is our top clinical priority,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “It’s important that all Veterans, their family and friends know that help is easily available.”

VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention is the national leader in making high-quality mental health care and suicide prevention resources available to Veterans through a full spectrum of outpatient, inpatient and telemental health services.

Additionally, VA has developed the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, which reflects the department’s vision for a coordinated effort to prevent suicide among all service members and Veterans. This strategy maintains VA’s focus on high-risk individuals in health care settings, while also adopting a broad public health approach to suicide prevention.

VA has supported numerous Veterans and has the capacity to assist more. In fiscal year (FY) 2018, 1.7 million Veterans received Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mental health services. These patients received more than 84,000 psychiatric hospital stays, about 41,700 residential stays and more than 21 million outpatient encounters.

Nationally, in the first quarter of FY 2019, 90% of new patients completed an appointment in a mental health clinic within 30 days of scheduling an appointment, and 96.8% of established patients completed a mental health appointment within 30 days of the day they requested. For FY 2018, 48% of initial, in-person Primary Care — Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI) encounters were on the same day as the patient’s PC encounter. During the first quarter of FY 2019, 51% of initial, in-person PC-MHI encounters were on the same day as the patient’s PC encounter.

Veterans in crisis – or those concerned about one – should call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, send a text message to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

VA Electronic Health Record Advisory Committee Act Introduced

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by: Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)

Big Sandy, MT - April 17, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) are fighting to keep the VA on target and transparent on its roll-out of the new $16 billion commercial electronic health record system for nine million veterans.

The VA is currently undertaking a decade-long transition to bring veterans' health records into the 21st century by ensuring that veterans can have access to a seamless electronic health record across the VA and Department of Defense health systems.

Tester and Blackburn introduced the VA Electronic Health Record Advisory Committee Act to establish a third-party oversight committee to help monitor the implementation of the new electronic health record system.

"The new electronic health record system is too important to veterans' health care for the VA to get wrong," said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "Our bill will create another layer of accountability and oversight of the process to make sure the VA roll-out does right by the nine million veterans who will rely on this system."

"A crucial part of giving our veterans better care is improving the way DOD and the VA organize their health records," said Senator Blackburn. "The EHR Advisory Committee will be entirely devoted to ensuring the implementation and transition is done as smoothly as possible. Comprised of professionals who have experience in the health care field, as well as veterans currently receiving care at the VA, this committee will have the knowledge and expertise to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the VA's services."

The 11-member Committee would operate separately from the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense and would be made up of medical professionals, Information Technology and interoperability specialists, and veterans currently receiving care from the VA.

The Committee will analyze the VA's strategy for implementation, develop a risk management plan, tour VA facilities as they transition to the new system and ensure veterans, VA employees and medical staff, and other participants have a voice in the process. The Committee will meet with the VA Secretary at least twice a year on their analysis and recommendations for implementation.

The Senators' bill can be read online HERE.

AI, Trump, Ebola, NAFTA, Seniors, Preschool, Disaster Aid, Energy, Infrastructure, Israel, Veterans, Climate, Medicine, Internet, Sexual Harassment

Today's News from the News-Makers For April 15, 2019

Press Call: Public Citizen, U.S. Rep. Pascrell and Others to Demand Congressional Action After IRS Fails to Deliver Trump Tax Returns
by: Public Citizen
April 15, 2019
On Tax Day 2019, Public Citizen will join U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), Stand Up America and Tax March for a press call to urge U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) to continue pushing for President Donald Trump’s tax returns and demand that the IRS immediately comply with Neal’s request after failing to meet the deadline for their release.

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In response to yesterday's decision that the Ebola outbreak is not yet a global emergency
by: OxFam America
April 14, 2019
“In the last three weeks, 204 new cases of Ebola have been recorded - an alarming increase and the worst period of the outbreak. These worrying figures show that the current response is not working.

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Pascrell Leads Call for NAFTA Labor Reforms
by: Gary Palmer (R-AL, 6th)
April 12, 2019
“This bill would empower seniors by giving them more control over their healthcare decisions. People should not be forced to give up their private insurance because their Social Security is being held hostage,” Palmer said.

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Palmer Stands for Healthcare Choice for Seniors
by: Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)
April 12, 2019
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), New Jersey’s only member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), led 84 of their colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer making clear that Mexico must pass meaningful labor reforms before consideration of any renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

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Early Childhood Advocates Call On The Audacious Project to Reconsider Major Award for Online Preschool
by: Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood
April 12, 2019
In their call for The Audacious Project to postpone funding, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) and Defending the Early Years (DEY) point to their October 2018 Position Statement on Online Preschool, which has been endorsed by more than 100 experts in child development and early education. The experts and advocates say that online preschool programs like UPSTART are poor substitutes for high-quality early education, and that funding online programs instead of high-quality early education will make inequality worse, not better.

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Senators Decry Lack Of Action On Disaster Aid For Suffering States
by: Senator David Perdue (R-GA)
April 11, 2019
The senators have worked to negotiate in good faith since 2018 on a bipartisan disaster relief package to provide funding across the continental United States as well as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands for regions that have experienced droughts, flooding, hurricanes, storms, volcanoes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Many of these states, including Georgia, have not received the federal disaster assistance they were promised months ago. Other states would see a down payment on disasters that have occurred more recently, such as in the Midwest where flooding is ongoing, and in Alabama and Georgia where tornadoes devastated lives and communities earlier this year.

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Peters Calls on Colleagues to Support His Bipartisan Legislation to Expand R&D for Fuel Efficient Technologies
by: Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
April 11, 2019
“Transportation is responsible for roughly two thirds of our national consumption of petroleum and one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. But imagine a future where we could produce low cost – secure – clean energy technologies to move people and goods easily across our nation. Imagine if we could then sell our advanced American technology and products to the rest of the world,” said Senator Peters. “That is a future – that working together – we can achieve… Rapidly emerging technologies have the potential not only help reduce air emissions – their development would help create jobs in Michigan and across the nation—jobs that cannot be outsourced.”

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Portman, Hassan Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Transparency of Federal Advisory Committees
by: Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
April 11, 2019
“American taxpayers deserve greater transparency and accountability from their government, and improving the transparency of federal advisory committees is essential to accomplishing that goal,” said Senator Portman. “I’m particularly pleased that this bipartisan measure will strengthen the independence of federal advisory committees and close loopholes that permit agencies to skirt existing transparency requirements. At the end of the day American taxpayers deserve evidence-based, rather than interest-based, decisions by their government, and this bill will help to ensure that.”

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Palazzo, Leaders Across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas Reintroduce I-14 Legislation
by: Steven Palazzo (R-MS, 4th)
April 11, 2019
“This legislation paves the way for endless economic opportunities in our region,” said Palazzo. “By approving this designation, we can spur development and connect our military installments to our ports and large commerce centers located throughout the route. I look forward to seeing the designation give Mississippi’s transportation routes a competitive edge.”

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Pocan and Jayapal Denounce Netanyahu Annexation Threats, Urge Adherence to Human Rights and International Law
by: Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)
April 11, 2019
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s campaign threat to annex the West Bank signals an alarming and unprecedented violation of human rights and international law. This move to entrench Israeli control over disenfranchised Palestinians would be a moral catastrophe, push a two-state solution further out of reach, and undermine Israel’s international standing.

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Pappas, Fitzpatrick, Kuster and Delgado Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Assist Veterans & Service Members Exposed to PFAS Contaminants
by: Chris Pappas (D-NH, 1st)
April 10, 2019
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the PFAS Registry Act with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers including Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), and Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19), legislation that would create a national database for service members and veterans experiencing health problems possibly due to contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS chemicals, like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have emerged as a widespread contaminant to the drinking water sources of military bases across the country due to their use in firefighting foam employed by the Armed Services. This bipartisan bill would allow military personnel and veterans to receive updates on recent scientific developments on the effects of PFAS exposure, availability of possible treatment options, and information on what resources may be available to address their health concerns. Congressman Pappas has led efforts in Congress that seek to uncover the health impacts of emerging contaminants in water supplies. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is introducing companion legislation in the Senate, which is cosponsored by Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD).

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Rep. Peters Unveils The Climate Playbook: Recommendations for Immediate Congressional Action
by: Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)
April 10, 2019
Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) unveiled The Climate Playbook, a comprehensive plan he compiled of already existing legislation authored by both Republicans and Democrats, many of which have already earned bipartisan support. These legislative proposals together would take immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gasses and slow—even reverse—the effects of climate change. They are organized into categories that include ways to reduce emissions from a variety of economic sectors, promote energy efficiency, reduce pollution, increase investment in research and development, spur more investment in adaptation and resiliency, develop a workforce to make all this possible, and support workers and communities displaced or impacted by this transition to clean energy.

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Rep. Phillips Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Repeal the Medical Device Tax
by: Dean Phillips (D-MN, 3rd)
April 10, 2019
“The medical device tax has overstayed its welcome, and I am pleased to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to push for its permanent repeal,” said Phillips. “Too many jobs have been lost and too much innovation has been stifled due to this tax which disproportionately impacts our community. Our government should be supporting progress and new technology, especially in health care. The medical device tax is counterproductive to that mission, and that’s why it has to go.”

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Bill to Protect Free and Open Internet Passes House with Rep. Porter Amendment
by: Katie Porter (D-CA, 45th)
April 10, 2019
“As we vote to restore a free and open internet, we should also vote to provide oversight of agency tasked to protect consumers,” Porter said. “It is important that the FCC acts as the cop on the beat when internet service providers misbehave. When the FCC fines against a bad actor, that fine should be collected. If the FCC is not following through on protecting consumers, Congress should know – so it can take oversight action, if necessary.”

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Pressley, Clark, Murray, Democrats—Joined by Workers, Survivors, and Advocates—Introduce Sweeping Legislation to Address Harassment in the Workplace
by: Ayanna Pressley (D-MA, 7th)
April 9, 2019
“Our bill will put us one step closer to making toxic workplace harassment and discrimination a dark memory of the past,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “This is for the brave women of the Boston Fire Department, for the hotel workers I worked alongside when I was scrapping money together to help my family, for the transgender men and women who face discrimination for living their truth. This is for those workers who shared their stories and instead of justice, faced retaliation. Now is the time to push the conversations and the policies so that those who have been suffering in silence feel seen and represented in our democracy.”

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AI ethics guidance a first step but needs to be transformed into tangible rights for people
by: Access Now
April 8, 2019
On Monday, April 8th, the European Commission’s High Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (HLEG) will publish its “Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI”. Access Now, ANEC, and BEUC, all members of the expert group, support these guidelines but stress that they can only be a first step. The European Union has the responsibility to ensure that fundamental and consumer rights are respected and bring benefits to people.

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