State of the Union Guests, Immigration Reform, Cadillac Tax Delay and more...

The Ponder News
http://thepondernews.com
January 29, 2018



Congresswoman Bustos announces her State of the Union Guest: Sarah Miller from Galesburg
Cheri Bustos (D-IL, 17th)
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos announced that her guest at tomorrow’s State of the Union address will be Sarah Miller from Galesburg, Illinois. In April 2016, when news broke that Galesburg had exceeded the federal “action level” in ongoing E.P.A. tests for lead content in water, Congresswoman Bustos strongly advised the city to apply for funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Over the next several weeks, working with city officials and the Illinois E.P.A., Bustos helped secure a $4 million forgivable loan through this program.
Read more...
https://bustos.house.gov/congresswoman-bustos-announces-state-union-guest-sarah-miller-galesburg/

Julia Brownly (D-CA, 26th)
on Net Neutrality Congressional Review Act Resolution
“FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s decision in December to roll back net neutrality protections was incredibly concerning. I’m proud to sign on as an original co-sponsor supporting the Congressional resolution to reverse this action, so that the net neutrality protections put in place by President Obama are restored. Rather than ping ponging back and forth from one Administration to another, Congress should pass legislation to lay down permanent rules of the road for industry, while ensuring that net neutrality continues to inspire innovation, create jobs, protect free speech, and enable the advancement of civil rights.”
Visit her website
https://juliabrownley.house.gov/

Dave Brat (R-VA, 7th)
on White House Immigration Framework
“The White House amnesty plan may capture the wishes of the Washington establishment, but it does not represent the promises President Trump made to the American people. Giving amnesty beyond DACA recipients opens us up to fraud and corruption, as those who never signed up for the program attempt to become eligible. If you ask voters in states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania that swung to Donald Trump if this amnesty plan keeps his promises, they will tell you it does not.”

“House Republicans have been working to build support for Chairman Goodlatte’s bill. The legislation, while not perfect, represents a rational compromise that provides for DACA recipients but also reforms the underlying immigration system in a coherent way. We are interested in taking a common sense approach to ensure our immigration system works so we are not back here again in another 10 years dealing with millions more who came here illegally.”
Visit his website
https://brat.house.gov/

Brady Briefing: Building American Prosperity
Kevin Brady (R-TX, 8th)
President Trump will deliver his first State of the Union Speech this week. My guest is Jim “Mac” McInvale, a successful businessman, founder of Gallery Furniture and world-class philanthropist who embodies the American Dream.
Read more...
https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401033

Bonamici Invites Oregon Dreamer to 2018 State of the Union
Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st)
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that a Dreamer from NW Oregon will be joining her at the President’s State of the Union Address on January 30.
Read more...
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-invites-oregon-dreamer-2018-state-union

Bishop Calls for Congressional Investigation into US Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics
Mike Bishop (R-MI, 8th)
Following the sentencing of former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar for sexual misconduct, Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-08) submitted a letter to Congressman Trey Gowdy, Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and House Speaker Paul Ryan calling for a Congressional Investigation into the United States Olympic Committee and its subsidiary, USA Gymnastics.
Read more...
https://mikebishop.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=218

Rep. Black Signs on to Securing America’s Future Act
Diane Black (R-TN, 6th)
“With President Trump in the Oval Office, we have an opportunity to fix our broken immigration system and secure the border once and for all. Our current system makes our country less safe and fails to put the interests of the American people first. This is wrong and must be brought to an end,” said Congressman Black. “The primary responsibility of the federal government is to protect its citizens – our Constitution specifically grants Congress the power to do so – and the Securing America’s Future Act does just that. By building the border wall, strictly enforcing our laws and ending chain migration, we are securing our nation for future generations and putting the safety and prosperity of the American people first.”
Read more...
https://black.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-black-signs-securing-america-s-future-act

Marsha Blackburn (R-TN 7th)
On Section 201 Tariff Remedies
"While I support trade policies that strengthen American manufacturing and will put this nation on a fair playing field internationally, I am disappointed in the overly harsh ruling of Section 201 tariff remedies against imports of residential washing machines. Along with Secretary Ross, I attended the groundbreaking of LG Electronics’ $250 million home appliance manufacturing facility in Clarksville, TN last summer. As Secretary Ross said at the groundbreaking ceremony, “This is exactly the kind of job creation and investment that the administration is seeking for American workers […] I look forward to having LG’s high-quality home appliances made right here in the United States starting in early 2019.” This investment was expected to bring in 600 stable, high-paying jobs for Tennesseans. Unfortunately, these harsh tariffs will severely limit LG’s ability to scale up their operation, negatively affecting Tennessee jobs and American consumers. I look forward to working with the administration and other stakeholders to come up with remedies that reduce the economic impact of these tariffs."
Visit her website
https://blackburn.house.gov/

REP. BARRAGÁN TO ATTEND STATE OF THE UNION WITH PREVIOUSLY DEPORTED VETERAN AS GUEST
Nanette Barragan (D-CA, 44th)
Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán will attend President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday with Marco Chavez, a previously deported Marine Corps veteran, as her guest.
Read her statement
https://barragan.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-barrag-n-attend-state-union-previously-deported-veteran-guest

Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
On Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
“One of the primary goals of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was to ensure our tax code helps American businesses compete in a global market, enabling job and paycheck growth here at home. As a result, we’ve seen numerous companies commit to investing billions in communities across America, including the latest announcement from FedEx. They plan to invest $1.5 billion to significantly expand their Indianapolis hub over the next seven years. This long-term investment by FedEx in the Hoosier state is great news and will support quality jobs and add to the robust Indiana economy.”
Visit his web site
https://banks.house.gov/

OMAHA POLICE SERGEANT & MEDAL OF VALOR RECIPIENT TO JOIN REP. BACON AT THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Don Bacon (R-NE, 2nd)
Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) will be joined by Omaha Police Sergeant Jeff Kopietz at the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. on January 30. Sgt. Kopietz is a 27-year veteran with the Omaha Police Department (OPD), where he has worked in the Uniform Patrol Bureau, Weed and Seed Squad, Narcotics and is currently assigned to the Fugitive Squad/Metro Fugitive Task Force. A 25-year veteran of OPD’s swat team, Sgt. Kopietz has served over 1,000 high risk search warrants during that time. He also is a deputized US Marshal.
Read more...
https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/omaha-police-sergeant-medal-valor-recipient-join-rep-bacon-state-union-address

FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe resigns
Washington Examiner
FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe resigned effective immediately Monday.

A source familiar with the situation told the Washington Examinerthan McCabe is taking "terminal leave" for now until he can officially retire when his pension kicks in.

​NBC reported that his retirement would take effect mid-March. In December, the Washington Post first reported his retirement would come in the spring.
Read more...
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/deputy-fbi-director-andrew-mccabe-resigns/article/2647387

Brown on Trump Davos Speech: Take Action on Steel Imports Now
Senator Sherrod Brown (D - OH)
“President Trump is right that we must enforce the rules so American workers can compete on a level playing field, and he can start right now by taking strong action against China’s steel overcapacity,” said Brown. “China’s cheating is shuttering American factories and American steelworkers cannot afford to wait any longer for relief.”
Read it...
https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-on-trump-davos-speech-take-action-on-steel-imports-now

Veteran PEER Act will harness peer-to-peer relationships to more comprehensively treat veterans’ mental health conditions
Senator Roy Blunt (R - MO)
Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) to expand veterans’ access to peer counseling specialists passed the Senate Thursday night by unanimous consent. Peer specialists can be particularly effective in combating the risks of suicide and addressing other mental health needs amongst veterans.
Read more...
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66392548-624E-4AB8-BCB2-4D658A4EE37C

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D - CT)
About the Trump Administration's Immigration Proposal
“This proposal is immigration hostage taking. Hundreds of thousands of young people are being held hostage in the name of the far right’s repulsive and repugnant anti-immigrant fantasy. The party of so-called family values has revealed itself to care more for its nativist political base than the actual families that would be cruelly ripped or kept apart under this proposal. One of its most heartless provisions would send refugee children back to the countries they have fled without even a fig leaf of due process – a proposal almost certain to send children to their deaths,” Blumenthal said.

“This is not a serious proposal and it was not offered in a serious way – it was leaked Thursday night after close of business while Congress was out of session. Instead of playing political games with the lives of children while hobnobbing with billionaires overseas, the Trump Administration must come to the table and engage in real negotiations with Congress.”
Visit his website...
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/

New CDC Study Shows State Tobacco Use Rates Remain High
American Lung Association
"Despite an overall decrease in use of tobacco products, not all states have seen meaningful reductions in tobacco use. Three states – Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky – have significantly higher tobacco use rates than most of the rest of the country, pointing to an urgent need for their state leaders to put in place proven effective policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States, killing 480,000 Americans each year.
Read more...
http://www.lung.org/about-us/media/press-releases/new-cdc-study-shows-state.html

Congress: Groups Oppose Using CRA to Overturn Restoring Internet Freedom Order
American Legislative Exchange Council
We, the undersigned organizations, representing millions of taxpayers and consumers nationwide, urge Congress to oppose usage of the Congressional Review Act to overturn the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Restoring Internet Freedom Order.
Read more...
http://www.alecaction.org/update/congress-groups-oppose-using-cra-to-overturn-restoring-internet-freedom-order/

An issue for infrastructure reform: Too much road salt
Taxpayers Protection Alliance
Faced with budget shortfalls and a decreasing ability to raise revenue, state and local lawmakers are ever eager to divert “savings” to their favorite pet projects. But during cold and snowy snaps, officials have long realized that massive quantities of road salt can cut down on cleanup and emergency response costs.

This cheap solution, however, comes with quite a few additional problems. Road salt is increasingly being recognized as a detriment to human health, the environment, and infrastructure, as reports from federal and state agencies shed light on the mineral’s unintended consequences. Absent long-overdue reforms, local, state, and federal incentives undergirding the salting system will continue to cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
Read more...
https://www.protectingtaxpayers.org/blog/a/view/an-issue-for-infrastructure-reform-too-much-road-salt

Tell Senators to choose life and nuke filibuster on S. 2311
American Family Association
Next Monday, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, S. 2311.
The bill bans abortion after 20 weeks. It is undeniable that unborn babies feel pain at this stage of life. Therefore, this bill simply protects babies from a gruesome and cruel act of barbarism.
See how you can help...
https://www.afa.net/activism/action-alerts/2018/tell-senators-to-choose-life-and-nuke-filibuster-on-s-2311/

Two-year delay of “Cadillac Tax” a timely, important step on road to full repeal
American Benefits Council
“We applaud Congress for approving a critically important twoyear delay of the 40 percent ‘Cadillac Tax’ on employer-sponsored health coverage as part of the government funding bill,” Council President James A. Klein said.
Read more...
https://www.americanbenefitscouncil.org/pub/?id=43c0cda3-d356-7a0a-fde8-e120671e4f67

ADVANCE ACT SIGNED INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT

By Pete Aguilar (D-CA, 31st)



Washington, D.C. - January 11, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- House Representative Pete Aguilar (D-CA, 31st) announced that the ADVANCE Act, his bipartisan bill to help connect military service members with high-demand jobs in the Inland Empire, has been signed into law by President Trump. The bill was included in a larger package of legislation, known as the Jobs for Our Heroes Act, and signed into law by the president on January 8, 2018.

“Members of our military dedicate their lives to the service of our nation, and we need to make sure that their service is rewarded with opportunities to succeed when they finish their military careers,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “These men and women represent the best among us, and integrating them into the civilian workforce will benefit communities like the Inland Empire. This new law will ensure that happens.”

The ADVANCE Act changes requirements to make it easier for active duty military personnel, reservists and National Guardsmen to obtain commercial driver’s licenses, allowing them to transition more easily into the civilian workforce. The Jobs for Our Heroes Act was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives in December, 2017.


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Veterans Learn Digital Photography Fundamentals With Wounded Warrior Project

By Wounded Warrior Project



London, OH - January 3, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Before digital photography, people had to wait forever for their photos to come back from the lab, if they came back at all. But injured veterans recently learned how to be the artist, editor, photo lab, and publisher, as they discovered the liberating creativity of digital photography.

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and the Thomas Media Group recently hosted a two-day program, empowering warriors to understand the advantages of digital photography and feel the power of connecting with art to help cope with the physical and mental wounds of war.

"During our second day of Project Snap class, we walked around downtown and took photos, applying what we learned about camera functions, lighting, and composing," said Angela Ross, wife of Army veteran Albert Ross. "I love taking photos, and now I have the knowledge to hone my skills."

"Our instructor gave us each a word and asked us to take photos to show our visual interpretation of the word," said Army veteran Stacey Wells. "My word was freedom."

A highlight of Project Snap for Marine Corps veteran Lindsay Linkes was connecting with other veterans. "It was interesting to see how each person viewed the outside world — capturing little moments in time through photography to tell a story. The class definitely helped me become a better photographer." Lindsay plans on using her new skills to document work projects for the custom hotrod and motorcycle business she and her husband own.

WWP program events like this give wounded warriors an opportunity to experience firsthand what is possible at social gatherings that get them out of the house and connect them with fellow service members and their communities.

"Wounded Warrior Project gives veterans the tools and resources they need to re-enter the civilian world," Lindsay said. "We have opportunities to engage with other veterans who share similar interests, but come from different branches of the military and all different walks of life."

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

VA Reverses Plan to Cut Homeless Veteran Funding

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reversed its decision not to fund homeless veterans. Secretary Shulkin stated:

"There will be absolutely no change in the funding to support our homeless programs.

We will not be shifting any homeless program money to the Choice program.

The President has increased VA homeless program funding by $66 million in his fiscal year 2018 budget.

Over the next six months, I will solicit input from our local VA leaders and external stakeholders on how best to target our funding to the geographical areas that need it most.

Based on that input we will come forward with proposals for fiscal year 2019 on how to improve the targeting of our homeless program funding."

Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), a veteran, issued the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs reversed its decision to change the funding scheme for programs that benefit homeless veterans. This reversal comes after Rep. Lieu and 11 Members of Congress sent a letter to VA Secretary David Shulkin urging him to reconsider the decision, which would have jeopardized the VA’s ability to meet the needs of homeless veterans.

“I commend Secretary Shulkin for protecting funding to help homeless veterans. The Secretary’s commitment to soliciting input from local VA leaders and stakeholders is critical. We need to ensure that funding for crucial programs like joint HUD-VA housing initiatives maintain their special status in the Specific Purpose Fund. This status is crucial for veterans who need affordable, stable housing and access to the services and care.

There is still much work to be done – especially in Los Angeles, where the number of homeless veterans has increased. We need to be doing everything in our power to work towards ending homelessness among veterans."

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

U.S. REPS. AND U.S. SENATOR REQUEST VA SECRETARY REPORT ON VETERAN HUNGER

Washington, D.C. - December 9, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Al Lawson, along with five of his colleagues and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), wrote Secretary David Shulkin of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to request that the agency annually share information on the number of veterans who struggle with food insecurity. Beginning November 1, 2017, the VA started collecting information regarding food insecurity among veteran’s, agency-wide.

“We ask that you provide a report on the status of veteran food security and hunger screenings to relevant House and Senate oversight committees by November of 2018, along with recommendations about further actions that could be taken to assist veterans who are determined to be food insecure, including pilot programs to test the feasibility of SNAP enrollment and applications assistance by VA personnel,” the members wrote in their letter to Secretary David J. Shulkin. “It is imperative that Members of Congress are briefed by the Administration the progress of this screening tool as well as VA programs and personnel efforts to connect those in need to SNAP and other social services.”

“As we prepare to honor the men and women on Veteran’s Day who have served our country, it is crucial that we know how many of our nation’s veterans and their families are struggling to put food on the table,” Rep. Lawson noted. “These screenings will go a long way in helping Members of Congress and policymakers understand the severity of this problem and identify steps we can take to support our veterans.”

“Asking this screening question is an essential first step to better understand the scope of food insecurity among our nation’s veterans,” says Abby J. Leibman, president & CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “We urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement appropriate systems and processes to directly help food insecure veterans in applying for and enrolling in nutrition assistance programs like SNAP.”

Representative Lawson was joined by Members of Congress who have direct jurisdiction over veterans and hunger issues: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) of the Senate Agriculture and Armed Services committees, Reps. Lujan Grisham (NM) and James P. McGovern (MA) of the House Agriculture Committee, Seth Moulton (MA) of the House Armed Services Committee, Tim Ryan (OH) of the House Veteran Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations, and Tim Walz (MN) of the House Agriculture and the Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

U.S. Reps. J. Luis Correa (CA), Peter A. DeFazio (OR), Julia Brownley (CA), Dwight Evans (PA), John Garamendi (CA), Denny Heck (WA), Tom O’Halleran (AZ), Jimmy Panetta (CA), Chellie Pingree (ME), Jacky Rosen (NV), and David Scott (GA) also signed the letter.

Read the full letter here.


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Enhancing Veteran Care Act on the Way to the President's Desk

Washington, D.C. - December 8, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- The Enhancing Veterans Care Act has passed in the House and is now on its way to the president's desk for his signature. The proposal would allow for Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) directors to contract with accredited third-party organizations to investigate their healthcare facilities.

“Our veterans deserve high-quality care from experienced and caring professionals,” said John Faso (R-NY, 19th). “These are benefits that they have earned through their service and sacrifice to our country. Unfortunately, we’ve seen far too many incidents across the country that don’t meet an acceptable standard. I am proud to support this bipartisan bill and ensure we are taking real steps to improve quality of care for America’s veterans.”

The legislation is supported by The American Legion and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. It has previously passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

PEARCE INTRODUCES VETERANS’ LIFE INSURANCE BILL

Source: Steve Pearce (R-NM, 2nd)

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Pearce today introduced H.R. 4146, the Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance Act of 2017, to provide needed improvements to the service-disabled veterans’ life insurance program (S-DVI). Disabled veterans have a challenging time receiving life insurance through the civilian sector due to their physical or mental injuries incurred during their time in service. This bill will update the nation’s current S-DVI premiums and disability provisions which are based on mortality and annuity tables from 1941.

“Veterans injured in combat face many challenges as they return home and adjust back into civilian life. What makes it even more challenging for veterans and their families is having to accept an antiquated insurance system that does little to provide the quality care and services they deserve. For over 70 years, the S-DVI program has been basing their costs off the assumption that veterans only live to an average age of about 62 years old. The legislation I’m introducing will modernize this program to lower premium costs for veterans and provide increased funds to the families of deceased veterans.

Our nation’s veterans sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and liberties, and we must honor our commitments to them. This legislation reforms the S-DVI program to provide protection and certainty for service-disabled veterans and their families, breaking down the barriers that affects the livelihoods of veterans across the nation. It is beyond time to enhance the S-DVI program, and I will continue working with my colleagues and veterans in New Mexico to stand by my promise to the men and women who bravely stepped up to serve and protect our nation,” stated Rep. Pearce.

H.R. 4146 amends Title 38 of the United States Code to adjust the S-DVI cap based on the 2017 inflation rate, increasing the current cap from $10,000 to $95,000, and will create a process for adjusting the cap based on inflation each year. This bill will increase the filling and enrollment limitation from 2 years to 10 years, and includes enrollment waiver options.

Current premium rates charged for S-DVI coverage are based on Annuity and Mortality Tables from 1941. Under this new legislation, S-DVI premium rates will be determined using current industry standard tables, and will be updated every 5 years after that.

The Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance Act of 2017 is supported by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW):

“DAV strongly supports Rep. Pearce's legislation to update and strengthen VA's Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) program which will make a real difference for many disabled veterans, their families and survivors. The S-DVI program was designed to provide affordable life insurance coverage to disabled veterans unable to purchase private insurance due to their service connected disabilities, however its cost and benefits have been seriously eroded over the past 50 years. Rep. Pearce's legislation will modernize the S-DVI program by using current actuarial data to lower premiums as well as adjusting for inflation to significantly increase the benefit payout,” stated Garry Augustine, DAV Washington Executive Director.

“The Fleet Reserve Association is in complete support of this bill and looks forward to seeing it passed in the House,” stated John Davis, FRA Director of Legislative Programs.

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars strongly supports, H.R.4146, the Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance Act of 2017. This important piece of legislation would remedy many of the issues that currently exist with the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance program, such as updating the antiquated mortality and annuity tables, increasing the maximum benefit cap, and extending the enrollment eligibility to 10 years,” stated John Towles, VFW Deputy Director.

H.R. 4146 is also supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

Reps. Coffman & Brownley Introduce Homeless Veteran Families Act

Source: Julia Brownly (D-CA, 26th)

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced H.R. 4099, the “Homeless Veteran Families Act.” The bill aims to assist community agencies that help homeless veterans with dependents, with housing costs – thus helping keep families together.

The Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program is offered annually by the VA’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program to fund community agencies providing services to homeless veterans. H.R. 4099 would provide the VA Secretary with the authority to reimburse GPD providers at a 50% rate for the costs of housing minor dependent(s) of homeless veterans while the veteran receives services from the grant recipient.

“As a nation, we have a sacred responsibility to help those who served in uniform,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “It is simply unacceptable that we have veterans and their families living out on the street. I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation, alongside Congressman Coffman, to provide more resources for community-based efforts that serve homeless veterans and their children.”

Currently, the VA does not have the statutory authority to provide the reimbursements for the costs of services for minor dependents of homeless veterans. This in turn makes the GPD provider pay out of pocket for those services. As a result, some homeless shelters actually give preference to non-veteran homeless families because under the HHS program they do get a per diem for the minor dependent(s). A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that this led to a financial disincentive for providers and in turn, limited housing for veterans and their children. This disproportionately affects the female veteran population.

“As a Marine combat veteran, I take pride in being able to help those who have served our nation,” said Congressman Coffman. “The bipartisan ‘Homeless Veteran Families Act’ ensures we can offer homeless veterans and their children a safe shelter during their times of hardship and keep families together.”

The bill received support from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. “Veterans who are homeless with their children have access to permanent housing supports through VA, but the affordable housing crisis our country is facing has lengthened the time it takes them to find appropriate housing with that support. They should not have to stay outside or in unsustainable situations during that period if we can offer them short term bridge housing to get themselves and their families off the street quickly,” said Kathryn Monet, the CEO of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. “The bill proposed by Representatives Coffman and Brownley would provide transitional housing programs funding and flexibility from the VA to provide this critical housing resource to homeless veterans and their families.”

The following Veterans Service Organizations also support this bill: The American Legion, The Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Got Your 6, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and American Veterans (AMVETS).

James Gillespie, who represents the Comitis Crisis Center, a local non-profit in Aurora, Colorado that assists homeless veterans, added, “The brave men and women who fight for our homeland deserve the best our nation has to offer, especially a safe place to call home. We thank Congressman Coffman and Congresswoman Brownley for recognizing that homeless Veterans & their family members should be honored and taken care of through this critical amendment to the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. The best way we can thank our Veterans is by supporting them and helping them to support their greatest treasure, their immediate family members.”

H.R. 4099 will now be referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, on which Coffman and Brownley currently are members.

Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2017 Introduced in the House

Washington, D.C. - October 17, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA, 5th), House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe (R-TN), and Congressman Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) introduced the Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2017. This legislation requires Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical professionals to report directly to state licensing boards if they witness unacceptable or unethical behavior from other medical professionals at the VA. The legislation is in response to the alarming USA Today article that revealed the VA failed to disclose bad medical practitioners to the public, risking the public’s exposure to these dangerous doctors.

“These newest reports out of the VA are deeply troubling,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Our veterans deserve the best care imaginable, but as we’ve seen, far too often that’s not the case. This bill will help reform the culture at the VA by holding bad actors accountable and keeping them from continuing these mistakes at the VA or elsewhere. We should be rolling out the red carpet to our nation’s heroes in Eastern Washington and around the country, and that starts with ensuring that the best and brightest are at the VA caring for our veterans.”

“The findings of the USA Today investigation are intolerable,” said Chairman Roe. “The committee has long been concerned about VA’s settlement agreements, and even held a hearing on the topic last year. While I can appreciate VA’s recent decision to more closely vet settlement agreements, malfeasance within the department will not be ignored. It certainly cannot be rewarded and hidden from state licensing boards. As a physician, I find this deeply troubling, and I thank Reps. McMorris Rodgers and Poliquin for their leadership on this issue.”

“These most recent reports are nothing short of appalling,” said Congressman Poliquin. “Our Maine Veterans depend on their services at Togus and other VA facilities across our State for critical care, and it is absolutely unacceptable for them to ever be subjected to this kind of medical malpractice. We must have accountability at the VA, to ensure our Veterans are always getting the best care possible, and I am proud to be working on the Veterans Affairs’ Committee to do that. I’m now pleased to work with Chairwoman McMorris Rodgers and Chairman Roe to help prevent this unacceptable behavior from occurring again.”

NOTE: Currently, if the VA receives a report of substandard health care practices, it takes at least 100 days to decide whether to refer the matter to a state licensing board. This legislation will require timely reporting to state licensing boards so there is proper notice of these serious allegations.

As reported by USA Today, “the VA — the nation’s largest employer of health care workers — has for years concealed mistakes and misdeeds by staff members entrusted with the care of veterans.” The article lays out a number of cases where doctors provided poor, unethical, or irresponsible care, and faced zero medical licensing reviews.

By requiring malpractice to be reported to state licensing boards, this legislation ensures that if poor care happens, doctors and clinicians will no longer be shielded by the VA and could face consequences just like they do in private practice.

In June, Rep. McMorris Rodgers had representatives from the House Veterans Affairs Committee come to the Spokane VAMC to conduct a site visit and see where improvements could be made. On the visit, they discovered a hole in the roof that had been ignored for years that was leaking into important electrical, heating, and cooling areas. The Congresswoman went back and got funding, and construction will soon begin to fix the hole and ensure our VA facilities are safe and healthy. Read more from the Spokesman-Review here.

Related News:

'Dangerous’ doctors have no place in VA

Legislation to Protect Veterans Unfairly Forced to Return Separation Pay to the Federal Government Introduced in the House

Source: Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA, 11th)

Washington, D.C. - October 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Walter Jones (R-NC) introduced the Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act of 2017, legislation that would prevent the federal government from recouping separation pay from veterans who later qualify for VA disability benefits. The bill also makes other changes to the Department of Defense’s recoupment policies to make them fairer to veterans.

Many service members qualify for separation pay when they depart the military—it’s a form of compensation for those with more than six years of service who meet reenlistment requirements but are not allowed to reenlist. It’s also used to incentivize service members to depart the military when the Pentagon is working to downsize the force. Unfortunately, under current law, veterans are required to pay back separation pay if they later become eligible for VA disability benefits or DOD retirement pay.

The Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act bill would:

No longer allow for the recoupment of separation pay from veterans who later become eligible for VA disability benefits because the two compensate for different things—workplace injuries (disability benefits) versus time served (separation pay);

Ensure retirees repay the net amount of separation pay instead of the gross amount to prevent the federal government from recouping more than the veteran received; and,

Change the recoupment rate to 25 percent of a veterans’ paycheck instead of the current 40 percent.

“When Americans sign up to protect our country, we make a commitment to honor and support their service – but for nearly 25,000 veterans that promise has been broken. Over $400 million in disability benefits have been withheld or even taken back from veterans to ‘make up’ for their separation pay, causing military families financial insecurity. I am proud to partner with my colleagues Representatives Gallego and Jones to make right on this promise and to give our veterans the compensation they deserve for the sacrifices they’ve made,” said Rep. DeSaulnier.

“As a Marine Corps combat veteran, I believe it’s manifestly unfair that veterans who receive VA disability benefits face the unwarranted recoupment of their separation pay,” said Rep. Gallego. “They are completely unrelated – VA disability benefits compensate for workplace injuries while separation pay compensates for time served. This policy simply makes no sense and Congress has a responsibility to our brave veterans to fix it.”

“This is an injustice! Right now, an honorable veteran can be forced to return large portions of his or her separation pay if found eligible for VA disability benefits or military retirement pay. These are completely separate payments, and our courageous veterans should not be shortchanged for being injured in the line of duty,” said Rep. Jones. “Thank you Represenatives Gallego and DeSaulnier for introducing legislation to put an end to this disparity.”

The Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act builds upon a measure Representatives DeSaulnier and Jones successfully included in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY17 to require that each separating servicemember is provided with financial transparency and informed of the possible conflict between separation and disability pay.

Save-A-Suit and Raytheon Partner to Gift Suits to Veterans Nationwide

Source: Sav-A-Suit

Many military veterans face barriers when transitioning to civilian life. In particular, finding a civilian career after they finish their service can be a challenge. Looking the part and dressing professionally is essential to feeling confident in any job interview. Studies have shown making a good first impression depends a lot on appearance. After wearing the same military uniform for several years, veterans need assistance with looking the part so that they may interview with confidence.

Save-A-Suit, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Bethel, CT, has made it their mission to give men and women veterans the resources they need to succeed in the workforce by outfitting them with professional business clothing. The charity was founded by Air Force veteran, Scott Sokolowski in 2010.

Despite serving over 3,000 people since 2011, the charity receives thousands of new requests from veterans across the country.

Save-A-Suit has partnered with Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems Business, a major U.S. defense contractor, to launch their "Ship-A-Suit" program to serve the needs of veterans nationwide. Raytheon recently awarded the organization a $10,000 grant to support the program. "We receive so many requests, but the lack of funds make it a challenge to serve all the veterans who need our services," says Jessica Ewud, Executive Director and Founding Partner of Save-A-Suit. "Shipping suits is costly and the generous gift from Raytheon will help us get on the right track to fulfilling these requests in a timely a manner."

The suits will also ship with key interview and resume building tips from Raytheon. "When veterans complete their military service, we want to help provide the confidence they need to obtain valuable careers. The work Save-A-Suit is doing in the community supports that mission and we are excited to be part of it," says Samantha Sullivan, head of Community Relations at Raytheon.

Save-A-Suit hosts events quarterly as well as ships suits to veterans nationally. The charity is looking for additional support for their national shipping program. This includes companies who are interested in donating funding or hosting suit drives. Interested corporations or individuals can visit their website www.saveasuit.org.

Homes for Our Troops and Horizon Solar Power Present New Solar Powered Home to Wounded Veteran

Source: Horizon Solar Power

Temecula, CA - October 10, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Horizon Solar Power (Horizon), a Sungevity company and premier designer and installer of residential and commercial solar systems, recently joined Homes For Our Troops to present a new solar-powered home to a local wounded Veteran. A privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. The homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery and rebuilding their lives. The project was completed in support of Horizon's Acts of Sunshine initiative, a corporate social responsibility program singularly dedicated to giving back to our communities through strategic partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. As part of the homebuilding project, Horizon installed a free solar energy system, providing Marine Corporal Christopher Van Etten and his wife immediate and long-term savings on their electricity bills while increasing the value of their new home. The Temecula, California home was formally presented to Corporal Van Etten on Sept. 30 as part of a community Key Ceremony.

In 2012, Marine Corporal Christopher Van Etten was on his second deployment serving as an Infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Sangin, Afghanistan. Near midnight on June 13, Corporal Van Etten and his unit were breaking down their observation post when a squad member was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). While assisting with the evacuation and helping his comrade onto the helicopter, Corporal Van Etten stepped on another IED. The blast resulted in the loss of both of his legs. Christopher was able to make an impressive recovery and was released from the hospital just three weeks after his injury. Two months following his injury, he was walking on prosthetics.

"On behalf of everyone at Horizon Solar Power, it's an absolute honor to play a part in this incredible project. We're inspired by the tremendous sacrifices of our Veterans and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the life of Corporal Van Etten," stated Brian Hobbs, Horizon's Chief Financial Officer. Frank Kneller, Horizon's Chief Executive Officer added, "Veterans such as Corporal Van Etten have given the ultimate sacrifice. We hope the building of this home, and others like it, provide the necessary awareness in our communities to promote long-term support to all Veterans."

Homes For Our Troops President & CEO Tom Landwermeyer stated, "This home serves as a catalyst for Corporal Van Etten to begin rebuilding his life. Horizon Solar Power's generous donation will greatly decrease utility costs, reducing financial strain for Christopher and his wife, so they can save more for their future. Homes For Our Troops is grateful for their support." Acknowledging the donation, Corporal Van Etten stated, "Thank you Horizon Solar Power! Not only for donating, but for also giving us peace of mind."

Elections, Tax Reform, Constitutional Amendment, E-mails, Bathroom Controversy, Worker's Rights, Immigration, Hurricane Maria, Discrimination, Veterans

Trump Wave Last Year Also Lifts Roy Moore and Others To Senate
Public Advocate USA
It's often said that you can know a man by his enemies. That being the case, we can know a lot about Judge Roy Moore by the blaring headline on Huffington Post last night: "Alabama Earthquake: GOP Picks Outsider Bigot." Translated, this means, "GOP Picks Conservative Christian, Anti-Establishment Candidate." Sounds good to me.
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Let the left rant and rave. It is precisely that attitude that is driving many hard-working, law-abiding Christians and Conservatives to the polls. When they scream at us with abusive names, it opens our eyes to the fact that we have got to get them gone, and the only weapon we have that is safe is Constitution, the pen and the ballot.

Public Knowledge Hopeful New Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim Will Protect Consumers
Public Knowledge
"Given Mr. Delrahim's extensive background and knowledge of antitrust, we hope he will maintain and extend the enforcement practices the Antitrust Division has applied over the last eight years."
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Study: How the ‘amendment tree’ grew to neuter Senate floor debate
R Street Institute
The principal means by which Senate majorities have exerted greater control over the institution’s decision-making process in recent years has been through their ability to block amendments on the Senate floor. In a new R Street Institute policy study, Senior Fellow James Wallner traces the history of the Senate’s “amendment tree” and considers how it has evolved to allow a majority leader to use his priority of recognition to block floor amendments.
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PRAISE FOR THE UNVEILING OF PRESIDENT TRUMP'S TAX PROPOSAL IS ROLLING IN
Republican Party
Rally Attendees Praised President Trump’s Tax Plan Rollout, With One Saying The President Is “Singing The Tune We Want.” REPORTER: “Trump’s plan would also help businesses be more globally competitive by slashing the corporate tax rate from 35 to 20%. It would also help small business owners by cutting their top tax rate from nearly 40% down to 25%.” RALLY ATTENDEES: “President’s Trump's really singing the tune the we want to hear to really grow our business and feel confident so, we're looking forward to it and hoping this tax plan goes through. It’ll be good for everybody.” (WLS-CHI’s “Eyewitness News,” 9/27/17)
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RETAILERS COMMITTED TO FIXING BROKEN TAX CODE
Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the trade association for today's most recognized and innovative retail brands, issued a statement applauding this morning's announcement from Congress and the Administration on their framework for tax reform. RILA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Jennifer Safavian said the framework unveiled today represents an historic opportunity to fix a broken tax code and boost economic growth.
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Court Will Review Clinton Emails Over Objections of Tillerson State Department and Sessions Justice Department
Judicial Watch
Judicial Watch announced that a federal judge will personally review, in camera, redacted material from emails discussing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of iPads and iPhones during her tenure at the State Department. Judge Kollar-Kotelly also ordered the State Department to file an affidavit addressing why it should not have to search new Clinton emails recovered. In taking these steps, the court rejected arguments by the Tillerson State Department and its lawyers at the Sessions Justice Department.
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BATHROOM PRIVACY BECOMES AN ELECTION ISSUE
Texas Values
Despite being listed as a priority item by Gov. Greg Abbott, having overwhelming support of the public according to polls (particularly women), bipartisan support in the Texas Senate when the bill passed (thanks to Sen. Eddie Lucio), Speaker Joe Straus and particularly State Affairs Committee Chairman Byron Cook prevented the bill from being heard by the entire House of Representatives. Because of that, Hudgens said, students like those in San Antonio ISD, or Dripping Springs ISD elementary students like 10-year-old Shiloh are left with uncertainty over whether their privacy will be violated this school year.
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Civil and Human Rights Coalition Calls on Supreme Court to Uphold Workers’ Rights
The Leadership Conference
“Here we go again. Billionaires and right-wing corporate special interests are trying to use the Supreme Court to attack the fundamental rights of working people to come together, speak up, and hold the wealthy and powerful accountable. Working people and their unions have been at the forefront of battles for civil rights and the fight to unrig our economy – fights that benefit everyone. Stronger unions mean higher wages for all workers, and stronger communities with more pathways to prosperity for all, including women and people of color. Black and Latino union workers earn respectively 15 percent and 22 percent more than their non-union counterparts.
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USCIS announces award recipients of nearly $10 million in funding to support citizenship preparation programs
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has awarded nearly $10 million in grants to 45 public and private non-profit organizations across the country to help lawful permanent residents prepare for naturalization. The grants also help these organizations promote prospective citizens’ assimilation into American civic life by funding educational programs designed to increase their knowledge of English, U.S. history and civics. Located in 26 states, these organizations will receive federal funding to support citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents through September 2019.
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Federal Teams Working to Restore Power and Stabilize Critical Infrastructure after Hurricane Maria
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
In the wake of Hurricane Maria, the top priority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the entire federal government is continuing to provide life safety and life sustaining resources to Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes efforts to restore power, and stabilize critical infrastructure.
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Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Crop Production Services Alleging Discrimination Against U.S. Workers
U.S Department of Justice
The complaint alleges that in 2016, Crop Production discriminated against at least three United States citizens by refusing to employ them as seasonal technicians in El Campo, Texas, because Crop Production preferred to hire temporary foreign workers under the H-2A visa program. According to the department’s complaint, Crop Production imposed more burdensome requirements on U.S. citizens than it did on H-2A visa workers to discourage U.S. citizens from working at the facility. For instance, the complaint alleges that whereas U.S. citizens had to complete a background check and a drug test before being permitted to start work, H-2A workers were allowed to begin working without completing them and, in some cases, never completed them. The complaint also alleges that Crop Production refused to consider a limited-English proficient U.S. citizen for employment but hired H-2A workers who could not speak English. Ultimately, all of Crop Production’s 15 available seasonal technician jobs in 2016 went to H-2A workers instead of U.S. workers.
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VA Awards $8M in Adaptive Sports Program Grants to Aid Disabled Veterans: Grants promote rehabilitation, health and wellness and community reintegration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA is awarding the grants to national governing bodies, which prepare high-level athletes for Paralympic competition; Veterans service organizations; city and regional municipalities; and other community groups to provide a wide range of adaptive sports opportunities for eligible Veterans and service members. The grants will support activities ranging from kayaking, sailing, cycling, skiing, equine therapy and equestrian sports, among other activities.
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DR. DUNN INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM OPIOID ABUSE

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02), today introduced the Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act, an important step in the fight against the nation’s opioid epidemic.

Dunn’s bill directs Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin to connect VA health care providers to a national network of state-based prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). PDMPs track prescribing data to identify abuse patterns in patients.

Just like private sector physicians, VA doctors consult state-based PDMPs before prescribing potentially dangerous pain medications to veterans. VA doctors, however, lack the ability to consult a national network of state-based PDMPs that can identify someone from another state who is at high risk for abuse, overdose, and death.

“More than 140 people in the U.S. die from opioid abuse each day, and veterans are twice as likely than civilians. This is unacceptable,” said Dr. Dunn, himself an Army veteran and member of the House VA Committee. “This bill instructs the VA to do what more and more private doctors are doing – connect to the national drug monitoring databases so no one slips through the cracks.”

The President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis issued a preliminary report in July that cited the lack of cross-state interoperability as one significant shortcoming of state PDMPs. The Commission recommended “enhancing interstate data sharing among state-based prescription drug monitoring programs.”

Existing national networks of state PDMPs allow providers to confidentially access prescribing data and history across state lines. Access to these networks will help VA health care workers prevent and stop opioid abuse among our veterans.

“We cannot stand silent and watch prescription opioid abuse destroy the lives of those who fought for our freedoms,” added Dr. Dunn.
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In February, Dr. Dunn questioned VA officials in committee about the epidemic of prescription drug abuse among veterans and VA handling of controlled substances.

The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).

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House Extends Critical Veterans Programs That Brownley Is Fighting to Make Permanent

Source: House Representative Julia Brownly (D-CA, 26th)

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement after House passage of the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017, which extends critical veterans programs through September 2019, including the VA’s child care pilot program, women veterans retreats pilot program, and support services for homeless veterans:

“I am happy the House passed bipartisan legislation extending critical veterans programs. Whether it’s ensuring veterans have access to child care when they have VA appointments, to providing mental health services tailored to the unique needs of women veterans, to putting roofs over the heads of those who are homeless, these VA programs are essential parts of our sacred commitment to care for those who served our nation. Today’s vote is a testament to the success, effectiveness, and popularity of these programs, and I will continue fighting to make them permanent so that every veteran gets the care they have earned and deserve.”

Congresswoman Brownley has been spearheading the effort in Congress to secure the future of important veterans programs, including introducing legislation in January to make permanent the VA’s pilot program on retreats for women veterans (H.R. 91), to expand and make permanent the VA’s child care pilot program (H.R. 95), and to make permanent several homeless veterans assistance programs (H.R. 104). H.R. 91 passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in May, and H.R. 95 passed the full House in July.

REPEAL OF PREVAILING WAGE LAW WILL EXPAND OPPORTUNITY FOR WISCONSIN VETERANS

Source: Concerned Veterans for America

Madison, WI - September 22, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Governor Scott Walker signed the state budget, which includes a full repeal of Wisconsin’s prevailing wage law. Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) recently urged members of the Assembly and Senate to move forward with a repeal of the prevailing wage.

CVA Policy Director Dan Caldwell issued the following comment:

“The prevailing wage will no longer stand between Wisconsin veterans and the employment opportunities they deserve in the construction industry. The prevailing wage law padded the pockets of unions while limiting opportunity for veterans and sticking taxpayers with the costs. This law restricted competition and prevented small businesses from creating and maintaining jobs.

“It is important to acknowledge Senator Leah Vukmir and Rep. Rob Hutton who spent years working for this reform. We applaud Governor Walker for speeding up a repeal of the prevailing wage in Wisconsin through a line-item veto and thank Senators Stroebel, Kapenga and Nass for fighting to make that possible.”

Earlier this year, CVA released web ads targeted at Wisconsin legislators. The ads highlighted the positive impact that a prevailing wage repeal would have on veterans in the state. CVA also released a memo which refutes the myth, propagated by union-backed groups, that veterans support prevailing wage laws.

Prevailing wage laws, which were adopted in Wisconsin nearly 85 years ago, mandate that contractors are paid based on rates decided by unions. Instead of having the market determine how much these services are valued by the state, union bosses get to decide – and then taxpayers get stuck with the bill. Prevailing wage laws result in higher taxpayer costs and can limit the ability of many small businesses to compete for government work.

Bill Introduced to Expand Orthotic and Prosthetic Care for Veterans: The Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act

Source: Matthew Cartwright (D-PA, 17th)



Washington, D.C. - September 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced bipartisan legislation that would improve orthotics and prosthetics care for service members and veterans. The Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act would support colleges and universities seeking to establish degree programs to train specialists in orthotics and prosthetics.

“There is an urgent need for orthotics and prosthetics practitioners to care for our service members who have undergone amputations as a result of combat-related injuries,” said Rep. Cartwright. “We are challenged to support the grueling recovery for far too many veterans, and we have a moral obligation to provide our heroes with the best health care available. This bill makes strides toward this goal by expanding orthotic and prosthetic training opportunities to ensure veterans have access to quality care.”

In the past decade, the skill set to provide this state-of-the-art care has become increasingly complex. Unfortunately, there are only around 7,100 prosthetists and orthotists nationwide, with one in five either past retirement already or eligible to retire in the next five years. Current degree programs are not widespread enough to meet this demand for new practitioners and should these degree-granting programs continue at their current rate, they will only be able to replace around two-thirds of the clinicians who retire in the next 20 years.

The Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act authorizes a competitive grant program to help colleges and universities develop master’s degree programs focusing on orthotics and prosthetics. Each institution receiving one of these grants will require students to rotate through facilities run by the Departments of Veterans Affairs or Defense, or that hold VA contracts. This bill also requires the VA to establish a Center of Excellence in Prosthetic and Orthotic Education to provide evidence-based research on the knowledge, skills, and training that clinical professionals need to care for veterans.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

CVA URGES ACTIVISTS TO ATTEND HEARING ON SECRETARY OLIVER’S UNCONSTITUTIONAL ANTI-FREE SPEECH MEASURE

Source: Concerned Veterans for America (CVA)

Santa Fe, NM - September 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver will hold a hearing on her revised, unconstitutional anti-free speech measure in Santa Fe. The hearing will give citizens the opportunity to share their opinions about the measure.

Secretary Oliver recently announced revisions to her formerly-proposed measure forcing citizens who support causes to list their names and personal information publicly – leaving them open to harassment and intimidation. This effort represents a massive overreach by Secretary Oliver, who does not have the authority to implement such drastic changes to New Mexico’s laws.

Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) Policy Director Dan Caldwell issued the following statement:

“Secretary Oliver is circumventing the legislative process to push forward a measure that would inhibit the First Amendment rights of citizens. It’s important that New Mexicans are given the opportunity to voice opposition to this deeply flawed and unconstitutional measure. We’ve seen an overwhelming response to Oliver’s rule from New Mexicans who have serious concerns about the impact it would have on their right to free expression. This measure will limit open debate in New Mexico and we encourage citizens of the state to stand up for their rights today.”

After Secretary Oliver released her revised measure, CVA launched a digital tool that allows New Mexicans to submit comments to her office.

In July, CVA joined a coalition of 29 individuals representing 14 different organizations that submitted a letter to the Secretary asking her to end her attack on free speech in New Mexico. Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson was among the signers urging the Secretary to abandon her measure.

Earlier this year, Governor Susana Martinez vetoed S.B. 96, a similar anti-free speech measure that passed the legislature in April. CVA led a coalition of 11 different organizations and sent a letter to Governor Martinez asking her to reject S.B. 96. The group also launched a targeted digital campaign, including a tool which allowed New Mexico constituents to contact Governor Martinez directly via email, Facebook, Twitter, and phone to warn her about the dangers of S.B. 96.

Last year, CVA launched “Defend the First,” a project focused on protecting the free exchange of information and ideas at the state and federal level.

Veterans Appeals Improvement Act

Washington, D.C. - August 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, who serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee, welcomed the signing into law of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (H.R. 2288), which she was proud to cosponsor.

The legislation modernizes the appeals process at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cut down on the claims backlog and reduce delays. Under the current system, veterans must often wait five years or longer for their appeals to be resolved. The Esty-Bost legislation marks the first significant update to the VA appeals process in 30 years.

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act creates three “lanes” for veterans’ appeals, including the “Local Higher Level Review Lane,” in which an adjudicator reviews the same evidence considered by the original claims processor; the “New Evidence Lane,” in which the veteran could submit new evidence for review and have a hearing; and the “Board Lane,” in which jurisdiction for the appeal would transfer immediately to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

The legislation gives the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs the authority to test the new system prior to full implementation and allows some veterans already going through the appeals process to opt into the new system. It also requires the VA to provide a comprehensive plan for how the new system will be implemented and a subsequent certification by the Secretary that the department is prepared to roll-out the reform. Lastly, the Act requires the Secretary to submit periodic reports to Congress, including information on how many appeals are pending in both the modernized system and the legacy system.

House Representative Aumua Amata (R - American Samoa, At Large) stated:

“Veterans in American Samoa and elsewhere can face frustrations and delays in getting their claims and cases resolved, and this bill makes important reforms so that they can get the answers they need from the VA,” said Aumua Amata. “I want to congratulate Congressman Mike Bost, the bill’s sponsor, along with Chairman Phil Roe and the entire Committee, on this accomplishment for our veterans.”

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 improves the veterans’ appeals process, giving veterans three ways to pursue the appeal, including having an adjudicator review the original evidence as considered previously, submitting new evidence for review followed by a new hearing, and finally, transferring their claim to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

House Representative Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota)

“Our veterans deserve the same access and quality of care that everyone else receives in this country. Unfortunately, with the massive backlog of appeals at the VA, they are not receiving the care we promised them. With President Trump’s signing the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act today, the half million veterans who are still waiting for a resolution regarding their VA benefits will finally get a response in a timely manner. I applaud the President for making this a priority.”

House Representative Elizabeth Esty (D-CT, 5th)

“Because of the enormous appeals backlog, veterans in Connecticut and across the country are routinely made to wait more than five years to receive the benefits they earned. That’s just not acceptable. Our bill to cut down on these delays is the result of thoughtful collaboration among Republicans, Democrats, veteran service organizations, and the VA itself. Today marks a huge step toward our goal of providing all veterans with the timely compensation they deserve for the injuries they sustained in service to our country.”

Peter Scirpo, Chairman of the New Britain Veterans Commission and an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan:

“It’s very apparent that Congresswoman Esty is working tirelessly to see that all veterans have access to the benefits they so desperately need and deserve. It is so important to make sure all veterans get back what they earned.”

CORTEZ MASTO COSPONSORS BILLS TO PROTECT IMMIGRANT VETERANS AND SERVICE MEMBERS

Washington, D.C. - August 7, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) cosponsored two bills intended to protect veterans and service members—men and women who have proven they are willing to lay down their lives to defend America—from being deported. The bills, sponsored by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), an Iraq War veteran, would help keep our promises to these brave individuals by preventing the Administration from deporting veterans, giving legal permanent residents a path to citizenship through military service, and establishing naturalization offices at military training facilities.

“These bills will help us honor our commitment to veterans and service members seeking U.S. citizenship,” said Cortez Masto. “Unfortunately, the programs that exist to help eligible noncitizen military service members complete their naturalization process are often under-resourced and inconsistent. If passed, these bills would allocate resources to help ensure that qualified military members in Nevada and across the country receive the guidance and support they need on their pathway to citizenship. I am proud to have co-sponsored this legislation to support the men and women who have sacrificed so much to keep our nation safe.”

A 2016 American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) study identified 239 non-citizen veterans who have been deported from the United States in recent years – and some experts believe the actual number of deported veterans is significantly higher.

While most deported veterans would have been eligible for naturalization when they were in the military, the U.S. government in many cases failed to prioritize assisting non-citizen service members with completing the naturalization process. Because of this lack of follow-through, some veterans who thought they had become citizens found out later that they were vulnerable to deportation because their paperwork had never been processed.

Once a veteran is deported, they are usually unable to access the VA benefits they have earned and would receive if they were still living in the United States. Many have trouble accessing even basic medical care, which is particularly problematic because veterans struggle with higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and physical health problems like chronic pain than the general population. Many deported veterans have also been separated from their families and their children, who live in the United States. Veterans deported to Mexico or Central America also are vulnerable to threats from gangs and drug cartels because of their military experience.

The following bills were cosponsored this week by Senator Cortez Masto:

The Immigrant Veterans Eligibility Tracking System (I-VETS) Act of 2017 would identify non-citizens who are currently serving or who have served in the armed forces when they are applying for immigration benefits or when placed in immigration enforcement proceedings. The bill would also require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to annotate all immigration and naturalization records to reflect their service records. This information will enable DHS to “fast track” veterans and service members who are applying for naturalization, while also allowing officials to practice prosecutorial discretion, if appropriate, when adjudicating their cases.

The Naturalization at Training Sites (NATS) Act of 2017 would establish a naturalization office at each initial military training site to identify and conduct outreach to non-citizen service members to ensure the government follows through on its promise to help them become American citizens.