Assange, Homeless, Hungry, Women, Migrants, Tax Equity, Veterans, Abortion, Internet, Opioids, Energy, Hate Crimes

News from the Newsmakers for April 14, 2019

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Because The Ponder can't possibly post all the information we have access to on a daily basis, we look at each press release, and if it is news that has been posted in the last seven days, we post it as we get to it. We go through all our sources in alphabetical order, as we have time to do so, so no news-maker is missed. News that is more than seven days old from people, groups and organizations is not posted at The Ponder. Sometimes this means that you will get information about an issue for seven days straight from different people groups and organizations. The Ponder feels that this serves to help you become more informed with quality information.

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MITCHELL, CARBAJAL, BACON INTRODUCE BILL TO HELP EDUCATE HOMELESS AND FOSTER YOUTH
by: Paul Mitchell (R MI, 10th)
April 14, 2019
Congressmen Paul Mitchell (R-Mich.), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), and Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the Removing Barriers to Foster Youth Success in College Act, which revises certain federal TRIO policies and practices to remove barriers to participation for homeless youth, and students in foster care. Federal TRIO programs are outreach and student service programs designed to identify and aid individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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NH Food Bank Kicks-Off 7th Annual Nothing Campaign April 12, generously supported by Citizens Bank
by: New Hampshire Food Bank
April 14, 2019
In partnership with Citizens Bank and with the support of NH Food Bank’s grocery partners, Granite Staters can help make a difference, starting April 6 and through May 31 purchase Nothing cans for $5 at participating Hannaford®, Harvest Market®, Market Basket®, Shaw’s®, Sully’s Superette® in Allenstown and Goffstown and Vista Foods® in Laconia. Each Nothing can purchased will provide approximately 10 meals, and cans filled with generous donations can help provide approximately 60 meals to your neighbor that faces hunger every day.

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Meeks Issues Statement Regarding Julian Assange
by: Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY, 5th)
April 12, 2019
"There is no question that the actions of Julian Assange and Wikileaks has directly compromised U.S. intelligence and our national security. Not only were Assange’s actions dangerous, they worked to advanced Russian interests by selectively releasing classified information obtained by the FSB to compromise our most sacred of institutions, our free and fair elections.

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Meng Fights to Protect Women and Children
by: Grace Meng (D-NY, 6th)
April 12, 2019
“Protecting women and children from harmful chemicals is a top priority of mine,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Americans are bombarded daily with advertisements to purchase consumer goods from infant formula to menstrual hygiene products. Yet, important safeguards are lacking which undermine consumer confidence that the products they purchase are safe for their loved ones. My bills are commonsense fixes that would greatly help American families. It’s time for Congress to step up and make these issues a priority.”

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Mucarsel-Powell Cosponsors Families, Not Facilities Act to Promote Migrant Child Reunifications
by: Mucarsel-Powell, Debbie (D-FL, 26th)
April 11, 2019
“I am proud to cosponsor a bill that places the welfare of children first. The Administration’s information sharing policy is cruel and results in vulnerable children residing in prisonlike detention facilities, like the Homestead facility in my district, for indefinite periods of time,” said Mucarsel-Powell. “Sponsors who are able and willing to provide safe homes must be free to care for these children without fear of retribution. These children deserve a home, not a prison. In many of these facilities, we have no idea what is going on behind those walls. The Advisory Committee on Shelters for Unaccompanied Alien Children created by this bill is an avenue to address this glaring lack of information. I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that provides increased transparency at shelters like the one in Homestead that are going completely unchecked. These children came here looking for a country to welcome them, and we must make sure they are living in safe environments free from abuse and harm.”

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Top House and Senate Democrats Write to AG Barr About Expectation that Congress Receive Full Mueller Report
by: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
April 11, 2019
Top House and Senate Democrats sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr following his testimony before the House and Senate appropriations committees reasserting their expectation for the full, unredacted Mueller report, along with the underlying evidence, to be provided to Congress. The letter, signed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Senate Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), also urges the Department of Justice (DOJ) to work with them to find an accommodation on providing the full report from the Special Counsel, with the underlying materials, to the relevant committees.

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As Tax Day Approaches, Reps. Nadler, Lowey, and Suozzi Call for Tax Equity
by: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
April 11, 2019
"The Tax Equity Act is a practical approach to making tax brackets more fair and ensuring they reflect the actual cost of living in New York, San Francisco, Houston, or any high-cost city,” Reps. Nadler, Lowey, and Suozzi said in a joint statement. "One-size-fits-all tax brackets don’t work in the country’s most expensive communities, where residents pay more for housing, food, transportation, and daily costs of life. This bill ensures that taxpayers in our districts – many of whom are struggling to make ends meet as a result of the GOP Tax Scam's reckless cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions - are not hit with additional tax burdens that don't reflect their day-to-day reality..."

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Neguse, Ruiz Introduce the Veterans Conservation Corps Act
by: Joe Neguse (D-CO, 2nd)
April 11, 2019
This bill provides transitional assistance for veterans, through employment opportunities for those that would like to work in conservation, resource management, firefighting, law enforcement, or historic preservation. The initiative has been widely praised by veteran and environmental advocates, as well as nonprofit and state-run conservation corps.

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Governor Mike DeWine Signs Ohio's Heartbeat Bill
by: Ohio Right to Life
April 11, 2019
“Pro-life Ohio thanks Governor DeWine for taking a courageous stand on behalf of unborn children with beating hearts,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “Governor DeWine continually stated throughout his campaign that he would sign the Heartbeat Bill, and he made good on that promise today. Ohio Right to Life thanks our legislative and statewide pro-life leaders for prioritizing this important legislation."

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CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE VOTES TO RESTORE NET NEUTRALITY PROTECTIONS AND MAINTAIN FREE, OPEN INTERNET FOR ALL
by: Joseph Morelle (D-NY, 25th)
April 10, 2019
“In today’s high-tech world, the internet is a right, not a privilege – one we must ensure is available to every American,” said Rep. Morelle. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this common-sense, bipartisan legislation to help ensure the internet remains a level playing field that is free, accessible, and reliable for all.”

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Norcross Votes for a Free & Open Internet
by: Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st)
April 10, 2019
“We need to preserve consumer freedom online, protect small businesses and promote competition – and the Save the Internet Act does all of these things. It balances our need to provide fairness for users and, at the same time, encourage innovation in the tech industry.

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O’HALLERAN VOTES FOR FREE AND OPEN INTERNET
by: Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ, 1st)
April 10, 2019
“Across rural Arizona, communities of every size have little to no access to quality broadband internet, and this is hurting their competitiveness and making it impossible to grow and thrive. Today, Congress took an important step to ensure our internet remains free and open for consumers and businesses, but we cannot stop here,” O’Halleran said. “We need to start seriously investing in broadband infrastructure that prioritizes rural America. These communities have been left behind for too long.”

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OTI Applauds Historic House Vote to Restore Net Neutrality
by: New America's Open Technology Institute
April 10, 2019
“Today's vote shows that support for net neutrality just keeps growing. Congress can no longer ignore the fact that the American people overwhelmingly support these rules and want them back. For years, Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon have tried to outmaneuver public opinion with backroom lobbying and campaign donations. Today's vote is yet another sign that the cable industry's grip on Washington is weakening, and that the American people won't give up until net neutrality is restored as the law of the land.

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Moulton, Buchanan Introduce Bill to Combat Chinese Opioids
by: Seth Moulton (D-MA, 6th)
April 10, 2019
“Fentanyl has become the leading illegal drug in the opioid crisis in our country, and it’s time we attack the source,” Moulton said. “While China’s ban on producing fentanyl is a promising start, Congress should hold China to its word. This bill will target the fentanyl producers worldwide who profit from the overdose deaths happening in communities across our country, including Massachusetts where fentanyl is the leading cause of opioid-overdose deaths. Congress must act quickly.”

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Neal Statement on IRS Failure to Meet April 10 Deadline
by: Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st)
April 10, 2019
“I received a letter this evening from Secretary Mnuchin related to my request to the IRS commissioner. The department has decided not to allow the IRS to comply with my request by the April 10 deadline. I will consult with counsel and determine the appropriate response to the commissioner in the coming days.”

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Olson Joins Trump In Support Of American Energy
by: Pete Olson (R-TX, 22nd)
April 10, 2019
“As America’s global energy dominance continues to grow, we must ensure we have the infrastructure and laws in place to support the expansion of American Liquid Freedom,” Rep. Pete Olson said. “I was proud to stand with President Trump in Houston, the epicenter for energy production, as he signed these executive orders today. Streamlining the permitting and transportation of American energy will ensure we continue to grow as an energy super power by supporting current and future energy projects.”

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What’s Wrong at NYC Margaret Sanger Planned Parenthood? 5 Women Hospitalized in 7 Weeks
by: Operation Rescue
April 10, 2019
Four more medical emergencies at New York’s Margaret Sanger Center Planned Parenthood abortion facility have surfaced, with one pro-life activist telling Operation Rescue that she has observed a dramatic increase in women leaving the clinic with difficulty walking, and sometimes even vomiting, as well as a troubling increase in ambulance transports of abortion patients.

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House Chairs Seek Documents from Trump Administration on Sudden Decision to Stop Defending Health Care Law
by: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
April 9, 2019
Five House Committee Chairs sent letters to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the White House requesting documents and information regarding the involvement of White House officials in the Administration’s troubling decision to not defend the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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Chairman Nadler Opening Statement for the Hearing on Hate Crimes and the Rise of White Nationalism
by: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
April 9, 2019
“Hate incidents target victims based on their actual or perceived race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other immutable characteristics. Some of these incidents may be crimes, and some are not, but all of them harm not only individuals but also our communities and, ultimately, our entire nation. Unfortunately, various statistics confirm what most of us have observed—that hate incidents are increasing in the United States..."

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Representative Levin Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Flexibility in Forever GI Bill Benefits

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by: Mike Levin (D-CA, 49th)

Washington, D.C. - April 11, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA), Chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, joined his colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to ensure that student veterans have access to the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM scholarship program that was enacted as part of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also known as the Forever GI Bill. The bill was led by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and cosponsored by Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Current law prohibits many student veterans from using this scholarship as there are very few undergraduate programs that meet the current requirement that a program require more than 128 credit hours for completion. The legislation would ensure that student veterans enrolled in a STEM degree program are able to fully utilize their educational benefits, regardless of the current 128 credit hour requirement.

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields are the future of our 21st century economy, and it is critical that veterans have the support they need to pursue a STEM degree," said Levin. "I am proud to help introduce bipartisan legislation that will allow more veterans to pursue STEM degrees, and I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle on measures to ensure that veterans can launch careers in high-demand industries.”

“It is incumbent upon us to provide our Veterans with the tools they need to be successful in their transition to civilian life after serving in the Armed Forces,” said Barr. “By removing arbitrary credit hour requirements for student Veterans enrolled in STEM programs and giving them more flexibility to use their Forever GI Bill benefits, Veterans will be able to better take advantage of the education benefits they are owed. I am honored work with Representative Levin and Ranking Member Roe on this important and bipartisan issue.”

"When the Forever GI bill was signed into law last Congress, it created a scholarship program that helped pay for student veterans who were in STEM degree programs," said Roe. "By eliminating the credit hour requirement for a STEM degree program to qualify for this scholarship, we are ensuring that the scholarship functions as intended and that all student veterans interested in a STEM degree are able to qualify for the additional funding. I am thankful that Rep. Barr and Rep. Levin have taken the lead on fixing this error and ensuring all our student veterans receive access to the educational benefits they have earned.”

"We must ensure our nation’s veterans can continue to serve our country out of uniform and fully utilize their GI benefits by earning degrees in STEM fields-- regardless of the length of their education program," said Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "Broadening these criteria, not only helps modernize our workforce but prepares our country for the economy of the future.”

Background:

H.R 2196 would ensure that the scholarship program Congress provided for student veterans in STEM programs can be used in the way Congress intended and - more importantly - ensure that student veterans in these important degree programs receive the support they need to pursue their dreams. This program helps student veterans who often need to take additional credit hours to brush up on critical math or science skills necessary for success in a STEM program

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2019

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by: Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)

Washington, D.C. - April 5, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva introduced the Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2019. The legislation would establish a veteran visa program that would allow for eligible deported veterans to permanently return to the United States as lawful permanent residents.

“It is unconscionable that the phrase ‘deported veteran’ even exists,” said Rep. Grijalva. “If you’re good enough to enlist in our military and fight for this country, you’re good enough to become a U.S. citizen. I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to ensure that we honor our commitments to all veterans and end this shameful practice of deporting them even after they serve time for the offense they committed.”

While very little data exists on the number of veterans deported, advocates estimate that more than 2000 veterans are currently living in Mexican border towns after their deportation. Under current law, the only way that deported veterans can return to the United States is only in death, for a burial in a veteran’s cemetery. By allowing deported veterans to return, this legislation will reunite families and allow veterans access to their hard-earned VA benefits.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Men and women willing to wear our uniform shouldn’t be deported by the same nation they risked their lives to defend,” Sen. Duckworth said. “These pieces of legislation will help Servicemembers become citizens and help Veterans like Miguel who have been deported return to this country, enabling them to live here with their families and ensuring they can access the life-saving VA care they earned through their tremendous sacrifices.”

The Veterans Visa and Protection Act is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the American Legion.

VA COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act Introduced

by: Mike Bost (R-IL, 12th)

Washington, D.C. - March 28, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL, 12th) has introduced the bipartisan VA COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act, which will save the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) tens of millions of dollars annually and improve care for our veterans. The legislation requires the VA to install on-site medical waste treatment systems in VA facilities where it is determined this will result in a cost-savings within 5 years.

“I completely understand that most folks probably don’t think too much about medical waste treatment systems,” said Bost. “I didn’t either. That was until I saw the tens of millions of dollars being spent on the VA’s generally inefficient process of medical waste disposal. This bipartisan legislation is a straightforward, commonsense solution that embraces proven technology that will free up millions of dollars for the VA to better serve our veterans.”

Background:

In 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported to Congress that on-site medical waste treatment at individual VA facilities may cost half as much as sending waste off-site to treatment locations. However, despite the efficacy of such a program, little implementation has ever been initiated.

Current waste treatment technologies have demonstrated to be safer, more efficient, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly compared to previous technologies. In addition, onsite disposal reduces hazards associated with storing waste on-site and transporting it through communities to regional disposal centers. Implementing this technology will align the VA with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) best practices for infection control, and VA hospitals will no longer truck millions of pounds of hazardous waste on our roads.

‘The Administration is Setting Us Up to Fail,’ says VA Workers Union

by American Federation for Government Employees

Washington, D.C. - February 23, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- On Friday, February 15, the Department of Veterans Affairs quietly posted that the agency now has 48,985 unfilled vacancies – up nearly 4,000 since the VA started posting vacancy totals in August 2018. The muted rollout of the data – which is only tracked and posted because of a push for transparency from the American Federation of Government Employees – follows Secretary Robert Wilkie’s recent announcement that the Department is outsourcing care and funding from the already short-staffed and underfunded agency.

“It is unconscionable that Secretary Wilkie is starving the VA by leaving almost 49,000 positions unfilled– 42,790 of which are at the Veterans Health Administration,” said AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. “As the Secretary recently said, the ‘VA is seeing more patients than ever before, more quickly than ever before, and Veterans are more satisfied with their care than they have been previously’ – which comes as the VHA has jumped from having 35,000 unfilled vacancies in October 2017 to nearly 43,000 today.”

Cox added, “With the outstanding work being done by VA medical centers across the country, why would anybody try to undermine them with short staffing or shifting funding to the private sector?”

Last month the VA announced new criteria for privatized care that will be simultaneously slower and inferior to the integrated and specialized care offered by the VA. Understaffing the VA is a slow-motion replacement of VA’s in-house care with private care that is demonstrably unable to deal with veterans’ unique needs. Workers, medical experts, and members of Congress raised concerns that the VA’s in-house funding and staffing challenges will be worsened by funneling more money into the private, for-profit sector, and questioned the lack of transparency around the development and implementation of expanding private care for veterans.

“This push for further privatization should not occur, and the MISSION Act should not be implemented under the current schedule unless and until the VA does a thorough analysis of the impact of privatization on the quality and cost of care,” said AFGE National Veterans Affairs Council President Alma Lee. Lee, who represents 250,000 workers at the VA, says there are alternative approaches that will improve care – namely increased funding and a commitment to achieving full-staffing inside the VA.

“While the administration is setting us up to fail so they can dismantle veterans’ preferred health care provider, there are thankfully allies in Congress who are working to ensure we can hire and retain the medical professionals we so desperately need,” said Lee.

In early February, Rep. Mark Takano of California, introduced H.R. 1133 – VA Employee Fairness Act – to restore equal workplace rights to VA Title 38 health care professionals. H.R. 1133 already has 27 co-sponsors, and in mid-February was introduced as companion legislation in the Senate by Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

“Veterans are provided the best quality and timely care when the VA workforce can thrive,” said Rep. Takano. “With more than 40,000 employee vacancies in the VHA alone, it is crucial to ensure that doctors, nurses, and other medical professional are equipped with the best tools to retain and recruit the best talent to serve veterans — this bill will help make that possible.”

“The nurses, physicians, and health care workers at our nation’s VA medical centers, many of whom are veterans themselves, are the best at what they do. When they are able to collectively bargain and have their voices heard in the workplace, care improves for veterans. At a time when Americans are working harder and earning less for the time they put in, we should be making it easier for all workers to advocate for better working conditions, which leads to better veteran services and care,” said Sen. Brown.

“Thank you to Rep. Mark Takano and Sen. Sherrod Brown for once again standing with the women and men who care for our nation’s veterans,” said Cox. “Without the ability to advocate for other health care employees working under stressful conditions, or the ability to advocate for better patient care, the VA is going to struggle to attract and retain the best and brightest in the medical field and veterans will be at greater risk. It’s essential that Congress pass the VA Employee Fairness Act as soon as possible, so we can stop losing the professionals we have and hire the workers we need to continue serving those who have borne the battle.”

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

HOUSE ADVANCES BILLS TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM FINANCIAL PREDATORS, PROVIDE CHILDCARE AT VA FACILITIES

Washington, D.C. - February 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO, 3rd) voted to advance bills to protect veterans from financial predators and increase access to child care for veterans receiving care at Veterans’ Affairs (VA) hospitals. Both bills, the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2019 (H.R. 450) and The Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act (H.R. 840), passed the House with strong bipartisan votes.

“It is absolutely disgusting that there are people out there who exploit veterans when they are most vulnerable,” said Tipton. “These crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and I am glad the House took steps to give the legal system the tools it needs to go after these criminals.”

Financial predators have increasingly targeted vulnerable veterans, particularly the elderly, to defraud them of their VA benefits. Under current law, it is illegal for an unauthorized person to charge a veteran a fee for assistance in receiving their benefits, but there are no repercussions for individuals who deliberately violate the law. H.R. 450 would establish a new federal crime for individuals who violate the law, imposing a fine, imprisonment, or both.

H.R. 840 makes permanent a pilot program that provides child care at VA hospitals to veterans who are receiving mental health or other intensive health care services and who also serve as the primary care taker of a child. The bill would require the VA to provide child care assistance to the veteran while they are receiving care either through a stipend, child care facilities at the VA, payment directly to a private child care agency, or a collaboration with a child care program at another federal department or agency.

“Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and it is important that Congress act to make this program permanent, so it will continue to have positive impacts in the lives of veterans and their families,” Tipton added.

See Also:

Walorski Votes to Expand Veterans’ Access to VA Child Care Services

Congressman Don Young Supports Passage of Legislation Expanding Child Care Access for Veterans

Sherrill Strengthens VA Child Care Bill

Washington, D.C. - February 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- This morning Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ, 11th) successfully offered three amendments to the Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act of 2019. The bill makes permanent a 2010 pilot program to provide child care at VA medical centers and clinics around the country.

The Congresswoman’s amendments specifically include military sexual trauma (MST) counseling and care services in the definition of services eligible for childcare at a VA center or clinic, and bar employment in a VA child care center of individuals convicted of a sex crime, an offense involving a child victim, a violent crime, a drug felony, or other offense the Secretary of Veterans Affairs deems appropriate. It also ensures that the bill will not weaken state or local laws that enforce rigorous hiring guidelines. Congresswoman Sherrill introduced an amendment on behalf of Colin Allred of Texas that requires the VA Secretary to provide public notification on VA.gov about the program, and to perform outreach to inform eligible veterans.

The amendments on MST and public notice passed the House by voice vote. The amendment on barring employment of individuals convicted of a sex crime passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, 401 to 19.

Excerpts from Congresswoman Sherrill’s floor speech on barring employment of individuals convicted of a sex crime, offense involving a child victim, a violent crime, a drug felon, or other offense deemed appropriate by the VA Secretary:

“As a working mom, I know all too well how important it is to know that your children have a safe and healthy environment while away from home. Mr. Chair, ensuring our veterans have access to childcare at VA facilities is the least we can do for the men and women who have stood up to serve our country.”

“This bill means less stress for our veterans who would need to otherwise arrange for childcare to make an appointment. [Veterans In my community] have also told me that this bill will help veterans make and attend appointments because they wouldn’t have to worry about arranging childcare. This acknowledges both the needs of our veterans and creates a support network for them.”

Excerpts of Congresswoman Sherrill’s floor speech on including military sexual trauma is included in the definition of services:

“Over the summer, I spoke to veterans in my district in New Jersey about the inadequacies they see in VA services for this generation of returning service members. I heard from female service members about the need for better counseling services for victims of military sexual trauma, or MST.”

“These are the invisible wounds of war – invisible trauma that we cannot see as our service members return home. I’m particularly concerned that victims of sexual trauma, which is prevalent in military and civilian populations, are not getting the services they need.

“This amendment will ensure survivors are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve when trying to access care at the VA, without worrying about the cost or availability of childcare.”

Excerpts of Congresswoman Sherrill’s floor speech on providing public notification about the cost-free child care services provided in the bill:

“Each of us have heard from the women and men who have served and sacrificed in uniform about the challenges that come from seeking access to the benefits veterans have earned. Last year, at a veterans’ round table in Woodland Park, I heard from women veterans that it is not enough for Congress to enact a new provision and think our job is done.

“Simply put, this important childcare program will not work as intended, or have the reach it could, without informing our servicemen and women that it exists in the first place.

The pilot program to provide child care at VA medical centers and clinics has received bipartisan support in multiple congressional reauthorizations, and is incredibly popular with the veteran community. The bill will expand the program beyond the VA centers in the pilot program, and designate that all caretakers, including parents and grandparents, can access this service when seeking health services at a VA center.

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and previously served as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot. Congresswoman Sherrill is committed to improving services for the more than 25,000 veterans in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

See also: US House passes bipartisan Veterans' Access to Child Care Act of 2019

NRA, Social Security, 2nd Amendment, Internet, Veterans, Government Shutdown

More of Today's News from the Lawmakers

Republican Social Security Leader Tom Reed Highlights How Social Security Reform Must be Bipartisan
Tom Reed (R-NY, 23rd)
February 6, 2019
“Not once in Social Security’s nearly 100-year history have changes been made to its solvency that didn’t have Republicans and Democrats support in the House,” Republican Leader of the Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady said. “Going it alone, forcing one party, solutions will certainly fail.”

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RASKIN, WHITEHOUSE DEMAND ANSWERS FROM NRA ON ALLEGED CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW VIOLATIONS
Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
February 7, 2019
The NRA is named in four pending complaints to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) alleging campaign finance law violations. In their letter to NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, the Members seek information regarding the NRA’s relationship with media consulting firms that also worked for the Trump Campaign and other Republican candidates.

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Reschenthaler Defends Second Amendment During House Judiciary Committee Hearing
Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA, 14th)
February 7, 2019
“As a lifelong resident of southwestern Pennsylvania and a gun owner myself, I know that the overwhelming majority of American gun owners are hardworking, law-abiding citizens looking to protect their families, hunt with their kids, or just put food on the table,” Reschenthaler said. “I am strongly opposed to H.R. 8 and other legislation that does nothing to address the root causes of gun violence like mental health, and instead limits law-abiding citizens’ ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

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MCMORRIS RODGERS INTRODUCES PROMOTING INTERNET FREEDOM AND INNOVATION ACT
Cathy Rodgers McMorris (R-WA, 5th)
February 7, 2019
At the hearing, Cathy said, “My bill is based on the Washington State law and would codify the “bright line rules” of Net Neutrality, specifically: no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization… The Internet is vital to our future, and the opportunity that it provides is vital to the economic potential of hardworking men and women in the 21st century. I want to once and for all resolve this manufactured political debate and provide certainty to the internet ecosystem so that we can make that opportunity a reality for every single American.”

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House Passes Rose Amendment to Expand Childcare Coverage to Veterans Seeking Addiction Treatment
Max Rose (D-NY, 11th)
February 7, 2019
As one of the few post-9/11 combat veterans who are serving right now in this body, I’ve seen the courage of my fellow former-soldiers who seek the help they so desperately need. I’ve seen that substance abuse counseling at our VA facilities can save lives, save families. And I’ve seen what happens when my brothers and sisters who served do not get the treatment they need, and I’m here to tell my colleagues that I refuse to watch that happen again.

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RUPPERSBERGER INTRODUCES BILL TO REIMBURSE FEDERAL WORKERS AFTER SHUTDOWN – WITH INTEREST
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd)
February 7, 2019
While federal employees impacted by the most recent, 35-day government shutdown will receive compensation for lost wages, many workers were forced to incur additional costs, including fees for late payments on bills and loans. The Back Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 1051) would provide federal workers back-pay with interest matched to the Treasury Prompt Payment policy, the same interest rate federal agencies pay on late payments to vendors and contractors.

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HIGGINS JOINS BROWNLEY IN INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO EXPAND CHILD CARE PROGRAM TO IMPROVE VETERANS’ ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) in introducing the Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act, legislation which would make permanent the VA’s Child Care Pilot Program and expand it so that veterans across the nation who are primary caretakers have a convenient, cost-free option for child care when they have VA medical appointments.

“Treating our veterans right means removing barriers to quality care,” said Congressman Higgins. “This bill gives parents and grandparents, who have severed this nation, access to child care during their health and mental health appointments. We’ve seen the success of this model in Western New York since 2011 and I am proud to work with Congresswoman Brownley to extend this service on a permanent basis to all of our veterans.”

“The lack of affordable and convenient child care should never be a barrier for veterans trying to access the VA healthcare they’ve earned and deserve,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “This is especially important for the growing population of women veterans, who are more often taking care of young children. I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Higgins and all of our colleagues to see this important program finally become permanent and nationwide.”

In 2011, Congress created a pilot program to provide free child care for qualified veterans using VA healthcare services at a limited number of participating sites around the country. Since then, over 10,000 children have used the program, which has been very popular with the veteran community. Women veterans used the service at a rate four times their population among the veteran community at large, indicating the program is working for the growing population of women veterans and their families. According to a VA Satisfaction Survey of veterans who have used the pilot program, a majority responded that, without the available child care, they would have brought their children to their appointment or cancelled their appointment altogether.

Congress has reauthorized this popular and successful program four times, and unless Congress acts again, it will expire on October 1, 2019. The Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act would make the pilot program permanent and expand it to include every VA facility in the nation.

Western New York is home to one of the pilot sites, opening the Kids Korner childcare center at the Buffalo VA Hospital in 2011.

This legislation is supported by Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, Easterseals, and the Fleet Reserve Association.

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Today's News from the Lawmakers

Senators Ernst and Scott to Headline South Carolina Women Veterans Event in Columbia
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
October 9, 2018
“Senator Ernst is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does she hold the title of United States Senator, but she also holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard. A dear friend of mine in the Senate, a combat veteran herself, and a powerful voice for women, I am so excited to welcome her back to the Palmetto State. I have no doubt that her passion, story, and mission will resonate with South Carolina’s 43,000 women veterans,” said Senator Scott.

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Sanders Speech at SAIS: Building A Global Democratic Movement to Counter Authoritarianism
Senator Bernard Sanders (I - VT)
October 9, 2018
“It should be clear by now that Donald Trump and the right-wing movement that supports him is not a phenomenon unique to the United States. All around the world, in Europe, in Russia, in the Middle East, in Asia, Latin America, and elsewhere we are seeing movements led by demagogues who exploit people’s fears, prejudices and grievances to gain and hold on to power.”

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WHITEHOUSE APPLAUDS ACQUISITION OF RHODE ISLAND OFFSHORE WIND PIONEER BY GLOBAL INDUSTRY LEADER
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
October 9, 2018
“Rhode Island’s ocean planning and offshore wind leadership is paying off big,” said Whitehouse. “Deepwater’s first-in-the-nation offshore wind farm created jobs and powers Rhode Island homes and businesses. It’s a model for renewable energy, and for how to bring together everyone – from fishermen to financiers – with a stake in a promising renewable energy project to ensure the process is inclusive and fair. Now, Deepwater’s expertise and experience will combine with the resources of a global energy leader that knows how to grow offshore wind. It is very good news for Rhode Island, American energy leadership, and our climate.”

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Rep. Bass Statement on First Lady Melania Trump’s Return From Africa
Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
October 9, 2018
“Rhode Island’s ocean planning and offshore wind leadership is paying off big,” said Whitehouse. “I am encouraged by the First Lady’s trip to the continent,” said Rep. Bass. “I hope that during her trip she was able to see the critical work of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the benefits of the contributions that our country makes every day across Africa. Successful U.S-Africa policy hinges on mutual interests on issues such as maternal and newborn health as well as education, so I was glad to see that these topics were highlighted during her time there. I hope that this visit is parlayed into continuing collaboration and cooperation with the continent.”

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Bonamici Plan to Create Aviation Consumer Advocate Signed into Law
Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st)
October 9, 2018
An amendment to create the Advocate position was offered by Bonamici and included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which was signed into law Friday to update and modernize the FAA. The Advocate will be a dedicated person at the FAA who resolves consumer problems that arise with airlines, enhancing the FAA’s existing Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

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CONGRESSMAN BOYLE RESPONDS TO RESIGNATION OF U.N. AMBASSADOR NIKKI HALEY
Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 13th)
October 9, 2018
“I’d like to thank Nikki Haley for her service as U.N. Ambassador over the past two years. Whenever she came in front of our committee and answered my questions I was always impressed with her grasp of the myriad challenges facing the United States around the globe. However, the fact remains she was just an instrument to carry out a failed foreign policy of a failed presidency. No matter who the President next appoints to the position, if he continues to cobble together his foreign policy from “Fox and Friends” then we will continue to fail at promoting American interests and values abroad. President Trump has jeopardized our standing around the globe, as evidenced by the chorus of laughter he received during his speech to the United Nations last month.”

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OH NO! Nikki was an OUTSTANDING Ambassador! We have truly lost a great one! I pray the next ambassador can come close to her effectiveness! And Congressman Boyle has given a typical Democrat response.

Russia, Election Commission, Immigration, Women, Trade, SAFE Act, Disabilities, Shooting, Soil, Nominations, Precision Medicine, USAF, Budget, Veterans

News from the Lawmakers

Sarbanes Statement on Mueller Indictments of Russian Nationals for 2016 Election Meddling
John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
February 16, 2018
Democracy Reform Task Force Chair Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement today after special counsel Robert S. Mueller III charged 13 Russian nationals and 3 Russian companies with conspiracy for illegally using social media to spread discord among the American public and to support Donald Trump’s campaign while maligning Hillary Clinton’s campaign:

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Sarbanes Joins Bipartisan Group Calling on President Trump to Immediately Fill Vacant Seats on Federal Election Commission
John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
February 16, 2018
"Our nation needs an effective watchdog to respond in real-time, enforce our nation’s election laws, and provide guidance to incumbents and challengers as they navigate our federal election laws,” the Members wrote. “That is why we urge you to promptly nominate replacements for former Commissioner Ann Ravel and Commissioner Lee Goodman and to fill any further vacancies on the Commission without delay."

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Scalise Urges Support for Goodlatte-McCaul Immigration Bill, Reflects on Personal Experience Enduring Shooting Attack on The Ingraham Angle
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House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel's The Ingraham Angle last night to discuss his efforts to whip support in the House for the Goodlatte-McCaul immigration bill. In light of this week's tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Whip Scalise also reflected on his own experiences of being a target of a shooting attack.

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Schakowsky Reintroduces the International Violence Against Women Act
Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
February 16, 2018
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip and member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, released the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 5034, the International Violence Against Women Act:

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Sensenbrenner Leads Delegation-Wide Effort Asking for Local Business Support
James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI, 5th)
February 16, 2018
Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), along with all other members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation, sent a letter of support to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross regarding an effort to combat imbalanced trade incentives and protect jobs in Wisconsin. Specifically, the request was made by the Port of Milwaukee on behalf of Quad/Graphics, which employs 7,700 Wisconsin residents and is headquartered in Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District.

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Congressman Sires’ Statement on the Indictment of Russian Individuals and Entities for Election Interference
Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th)
February 16, 2018
“Today’s indictment is further proof of Putin’s continued attempts to undermine the integrity of our democracy. My colleagues and I in Congress have repeatedly urged the Trump Administration to stand up to Russia and take action to defend ourselves from these acts. Bipartisan legislation I supported to sanction Russian actors was signed into law by President Trump himself yet he refuses to enforce it. The President continues to ignore the will of Congress and the American people to sanction those individuals responsible for undermining our democracy. These are attacks on the foundation of our country and protecting against future intrusions should be our number one priority. In the wake of this indictment, it is essential that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation be allowed to continue unhindered so that we can discover the full extent of Russian interference and hold those responsible fully accountable for their actions. ”

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Rep. Stivers Applauds R+L Carriers’ Announcement of Bonuses up to $1,000 for all Employees
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February 16, 2018
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Sasse Statement on Mueller Indictment
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Shaheen Statement on Mueller Indictment of Russian Nationals and Entities for Meddling in 2016 Elections
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D - NH)
February 16, 2018
“Russia clearly interfered in our elections and this indictment paints a very disturbing picture as to some of the methods the Kremlin used,” said Shaheen. “This indictment further underscores the need to protect Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation from political interference from the White House and partisan members of Congress. This should not be a partisan issue. We have a duty to come together, both Republicans and Democrats, to support efforts to follow the facts and take aggressive action to defend our democracy.”

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Stivers' SAFE Transitional License Act Passes House
Steve Stivers (R-OH, 15th)
February 15, 2018
This week, the SAFE Transitional License Act, introduced by Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH), passed the House of Representatives as part of a package of bills from the Financial Services Committee (H.R. 3978). This bill changes the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE) by providing regulatory relief for loan originators in an effort to make a smooth employment transition between bank and non-bank entities. Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) joined as cosponsors of this bipartisan legislation.

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Schakowsky defends the Americans with Disabilities Act
Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
February 15, 2018
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip, spoke on the House floor to oppose H.R. 620, the so-called “ADA Education and Reform act of 2017”, a bill that would severely weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act and roll back decades of progress for people living with disabilities.

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Rep. Sewell Statement on Parkland School Shooting
Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
February 15, 2018
“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and to the Parkland community. Our schools should be places where our children are loved, where they learn, and where they are kept safe. When classrooms are turned into crime scenes, when our students and teachers are terrorized by guns, something has gone horribly wrong. This is not the first school shooting our nation has witnessed, it is not the second, it is the 239th school shooting since the Sandy Hook massacre. There is an epidemic of gun violence in America, and every day Congress fails to address this epidemic, more students, more teachers, more parents and brothers and sisters are killed.”

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Shea-Porter Stands with Disability Rights Groups Against Legislation to Undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act
Carol Shea Porter (D NH, 1st)
February 15, 2018
“The Americans with Disabilities Act protects millions of people from discrimination. It is disturbing that Speaker Ryan continues to use his majority to attack the civil rights of people with disabilities after spending half of last year trying to undermine their health care. H.R.620, if passed by the Senate, would place the burden of complying with the Americans with Disability Act on the victims of discrimination rather than the entities that are in violation of the law. I will continue to stand with hundreds of disability rights organizations against these misguided policies.”

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VIDEO: Shea-Porter Blasts Republican Leadership for Inaction on Gun Violence
Carol Shea Porter (D NH, 1st)
February 15, 2018
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) spoke on the House floor in support of common sense solutions to reduce gun violence. She directly called on Speaker Ryan to end his obstruction and bring bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation to the floor for a vote.

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Congressman Sires’ Statement on the Shooting in Parkland, Florida
Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th)
February 15, 2018
“My heart breaks for the victims of yesterday’s shooting and for their families and friends. 17 innocent lives were lost in yet another senseless act of violence. The community of Parkland, Florida has been struck by an unimaginable tragedy and my sincerest condolences go out to all those affected and I will continue to hold them in my thoughts as they grieve. I would also like to thank the brave first responders as well as the teachers and faculty who risked their lives to protect the students they teach every day.

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Pro-Choice Caucus Leaders Call on Secretary Azar to Fire Director Lloyd Due to His Ongoing, Blatant Disregard for Women’s Constitutional Rights
Louise Slaughter (D-NY, 25th)
February 15, 2018
After revelations today by the Washington Post about continued unlawful behavior by Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement Scott Lloyd, who has ignored the constitution and federal rules regarding women’s rights and reproductive health, the co-chairs of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, Congresswomen Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Louise Slaughter (D-NY), called on Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar to fire him.

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REP. SOTO STATEMENT ON PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING
Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th)
February 15, 2018
There is a photograph in Bill Kelly’s room in the Claremont Center nursing home. It’s of him, wearing a Manasquan High School football uniform, on Thanksgiving 1942.

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BOST, SOTO INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPROVE SOIL QUALITY
Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th)
February 15, 2018
Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) and Representative Darren Soto (FL-09) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act, to expand options for agriculture producers to access nutrient management technical assistance. This bill would allow qualified individuals, including Certified Crop Advisors or Certified Agronomists, to act as Technical Service Providers for nutrient management.

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Reps. Speier, Takano, and McGovern Calls For Review of John Kelly’s Role in Overseeing Personnel Misconduct
Jackie Speier (D-CA, 14th)
February 15, 2018
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, was joined by Congressmen Mark Takano (CA-41) and James McGovern (MA-2) yesterday in writing a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis requesting information related to General John Kelly’s handling of complaints against personnel under his command.

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Sanders Statement on Rounds-King Immigration Bill
Senator Bernard Sanders (I - VT)
February 15, 2018
"With an extremely anti-immigrant president in office who precipitated the current DACA crisis, I fear very much about the fate of 800,000 Dreamers who will soon be losing their legal protections under DACA and be subject to deportation.

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Sasse Statement on Kelly Nomination
Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
February 15, 2018
“Joe Kelly’s next career calling is to the benefit of Nebraskans across our state. Throughout his nomination process Joe showed that Nebraskans will continue to be well served by his commitment to honesty, humility, and the law.”

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Shaheen Statement Following Senate Vote on Bipartisan Immigration Agreement
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D - NH)
February 15, 2018
“The agreement we voted on was the product of good faith bipartisan discussions and would have allowed Dreamers a pathway to citizenship so that they no longer have to live in fear of deportation,” said Shaheen. “I’m disappointed that, because of President Trump’s erratic and inconsistent positions on this issue, this agreement did not receive enough support to move forward in the Senate. It’s critically important that the Senate provide a pathway forward to protect Dreamers which is why I’ll continue my efforts across the aisle to find common ground.”

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Swalwell Introduces Bipartisan Advancing Access to Precision Medicine Act
Eric Swalwell (D-CA, 15th)
February 14, 2018
“It’s time to use technology to transform our health care system to focus on the uniqueness of every patient – this is the future of medicine,” Swalwell said. “Genetic and genomic testing technology is getting better every day. We’re working in a bipartisan way to look ahead for ways to make it more accessible to Americans, in order to improve and save lives.”

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Sarbanes Statement on School Shooting in Parkland, Florida
John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
February 14, 2018
“It's not enough to send thoughts and prayers to the grieving families. We must do more. Sadly, Congressional leaders refuse to bring even the most minimal commonsense gun safety measures to the floor of the House or Senate. But we cannot be silent. In sober memory of the thousands who have been victimized by gun violence, we will keep fighting for a meaningful response to this terrible epidemic.”

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ICYMI: Rep. Austin Scott to USAF: It was a mistake to cancel the F-22, it was a mistake to try to cancel the A-10, and it would be a mistake to cancel JSTARS
Austin Scott (R-GA, 8th)
February 14, 2018
During a House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Readiness Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Air Force Readiness Posture,” Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) questioned Lieutenant General Mark C. Nowland, United States Air Force (USAF) Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, on USAF’s decision to divest three E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) Battle Management and Command and Control Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (BMC2/ISR) platforms in its Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal.

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Rep. Sewell Questions HHS Secretary Azar on Trump Budget
Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
February 14, 2018
On Wednesday, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee to testify about the White House budget request for HHS. The President’s budget cuts Medicare by $500 billion, Medicaid by $1.3 trillion, and renews the failed Republican attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, raising health costs and taking health coverage away from millions of Americans. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), who sits on the Ways and Means Committee, asked Secretary Azar about the impact of these cuts on rural hospitals.

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Shea-Porter Statement on School Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida
Carol Shea Porter (D NH, 1st)
February 14, 2018
“I am once again horrified and sickened by yet another massacre at an American school. This is at least the 18th school shooting this year. I am praying for the victims and their families. Parents and students should never have to endure such awful tragedies. And yet, they keep happening. Every single week. This cannot continue—we need common sense laws to reduce gun violence. It’s the least we can do for all of the victims and their grieving families, friends, and communities.”

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Sinema Passes Bill to Cut Red Tape, Help Arizona Companies Making Life-Saving Breakthroughs
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ, 9th)
February 14, 2018
Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Trey Hollingsworth (IN-09) passed the Fostering Innovation Act through the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation provides commonsense regulatory relief for companies on the cutting edge of scientific and medical research, allowing them to save lives and bring more high-tech, high-wage jobs to Arizona.

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Senator Stabenow Hosts Michigan Veteran to Share Perspective on the Importance of the Farmer Veterans Programs in the Farm Bill
Senator Debbie Stabenow - (D - MI)
February 14, 2018
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) hosted Nick Babcock, President of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Michigan, to share his story as a farmer veteran and discuss the importance of incentives in the Farm Bill with Senators and leaders of the veteran community. Babcock was one of seven veteran leaders from across the country that participated in the discussion hosted by Senators.

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Housing, Shooting, Opioid, Medicaid, Retirement, Tax Reform, White House Security, Dreamers, Farmers, China, Budget, STEM, Infrastructure, Veterans, North Korea

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News from the Lawmakers

Reed Lauds Independent Effort by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director to Preserve Needed Funding Program for Affordable Rental Housing
Senator Jack Reed (D - RI)
February 14, 2018
I thank the Federal Housing Finance Agency for exercising its independent authority pursuant to the 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery Act to continue funding the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund.

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Rubio Statement on Broward County School Shooting
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
February 14, 2018
“A mass shooting at one of Florida’s schools is a day you pray will never come. Jeanette and I are devastated and saddened by today’s inexplicable tragedy at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We join millions of Americans in praying for the victims, their families and all the students and teachers impacted by today’s events. We are grateful to the emergency responders, law enforcement officials, nurses and doctors who assisted the victims of today’s tragedy. Over the next few hours and days we will learn more about why and how this killer carried out this carnage. My office and I remain ready to assist state and local officials and anyone impacted by this horrible tragedy.”

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RASKIN, NADLER LEAD JUDICIARY DEMOCRATS IN DEMANDING REAL HEARINGS ON OPIOID CRISIS
Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
February 14, 2018
Ahead of House Judiciary Republicans’ politically divisive Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee hearing entitled “The Effect of Sanctuary City Policies on the Ability to Combat the Opioid Epidemic,” House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Vice Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and eight other House Judiciary Democrats sent a letter to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, urging him to hold a real hearing to appropriately examine the ongoing opioid epidemic in America.

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REP. RASKIN URGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO RECONSIDER UNLAWFUL MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENTS
Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
February 14, 2018
Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar today expressing his opposition to the Trump Administration’s actions that will allow, for the first time in the history of the Medicaid program, a work requirement as a condition of coverage. Rep. Raskin is deeply concerned that linking health coverage to a work requirement will undermine access to health care, and contradict the plain text and purpose of the law. Raskin joined 172 members on the letter to Azar.

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Roe, Norcross Introduce Bipartisan GROW Act to Give Retirement Options to Workers
Phil Roe (R-TN, 1st)
February 14, 2018
The bipartisan GROW Act will safeguard the multiemployer pension plan system by authorizing the creation of a new type of retirement option that combines the key features of defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

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Report from Washington: Bigger Paychecks and Bonuses Across East Alabama
Mike Rogers (R-AL, 3rd)
February 14, 2018
After over 30 years of working under an outdated tax code, local businesses and folks across East Alabama and the entire country, are feeling the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

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Rokita Introduces CRUMBS Act, Maximizing Tax Reform Bonuses
Todd Rokita (R-IN, 4th)
February 14, 2018
Congressman Todd Rokita introduced the "Creating Real and Useful Middle-Class Benefits and Savings" (CRUMBS) Act to make bonuses received in 2018 tax-free up to $2,500 to help lower and middle-class families. The legislation follows the passage of President Trump's tax reform, which has led to millions of Americans receiving bonuses, pay raises, and increased benefits.

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RUPPERSBERGER QUESTIONS DNI ON WHITE HOUSE SECURITY CLEARANCES
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd)
February 14, 2018
Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today questioned why advisers to President Trump without full security clearances have been given access to highly classified documents. The former Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee and Member of the Gang of Eight sent a letter to Director Of National Intelligence Dan Coats to get answers.

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Reed: Trump Broke Protections for Dreamers, Time for U.S. Senate to Fix It
Senator Jack Reed (D - RI)
February 13, 2018
U.S. Senator Jack Reed is urging his Senate colleagues to come together and pass the bipartisan DREAM Act, which would allow young immigrants who have worked, studied, and served in the Armed Forces to earn lawful permanent residence and provide them with a path to American citizenship. These young people, known as Dreamers, were brought here through no fault of their own, have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status.

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Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act Introduced in the Senate
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
February 13, 2018
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with seven of his Senate colleagues introduced the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act. The bipartisan bill would protect farmers, ranchers and livestock markets from burdensome Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting requirements for animal waste emissions. These requirements were not intended to affect animal agriculture and instead were meant to address dangerous industrial pollution, chemical plant explosions and the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

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VIDEO: Rubio Raises Concerns About the Growing Threat Posed by China
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
February 13, 2018
At a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) highlighted the threat posed by China’s growing influence, including their long-term multi-faceted strategy to supplant the United States internationally, and raised these concerns with Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Dan Coats and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Michael Wray.

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House Passes Reichert Bill to Bring Tariff Relief to American Businesses
David G. Reichert (R-WA, 8th)
February 13, 2018
Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) led debate on the House floor on H.R. 4979, a bill to extend the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and to make technical changes to the competitive need limitations provisions of the program. The bill passed the House by a vote of 400-2.

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Reichert Statement on President's FY 2019 Budget
David G. Reichert (R-WA, 8th)
February 13, 2018
“I am pleased that the President’s budget request highlights the need to strengthen our military, meet our nation’s infrastructure needs, address our national parks’ maintenance backlog, conduct life-saving medical research at the National Institutes of Health, and fight the opioid crisis," said Rep. Reichert.

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ROSEN’S BIPARTISAN STEM BILLS PASS THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Jacky Rosen (D-NV, 3rd)
February 13, 2018
Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV-03) announced that two bipartisan bills she introduced this Congress to improve STEM education unanimously passed the House of Representatives as one combined bill. The Building Blocks of STEM Act, H.R. 3397, directs the National Science Foundation to more equitably allocate funding for research in the Discovery Research PreK-12 (DRK-12) program to studies with a focus on early childhood. The Code Like a Girl Act, H.R. 3316, creates two National Science Foundation grants to research and fund computer science programs that encourage early childhood education in STEM for girls under the age of 11. The combined bill is now awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.

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RUPPERSBERGER, HULTGREN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd)
February 13, 2018
U.S. Representatives Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Randy Hultgren introduced legislation to help state and local governments take advantage of low interest rates to build essential infrastructure projects. The bill restores the tax exemption for advance refunding bonds that was repealed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by Congress in December.

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Reed Warns President Trump’s Budget Would Be a Major Disaster for American People & U.S. Economy
Senator Jack Reed (D - RI)
February 12, 2018
This budget blueprint is a disaster. The Trump Administration is using the same phony accounting it did when it claimed that a $1.5 trillion tax bill would pay for itself or that Mexico would pay to build a border wall.

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Senators Urge VA to Reimburse Veterans for Their Emergency Treatment Claims Before Recent Court Decision
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
February 12, 2018
U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, along with 11 of his Senate colleagues, today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin to request that the VA reimburse veterans who were billed for emergency treatment at private hospitals.

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Rubio Statement on Trump Administration's Budget, Infrastructure Proposals
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
February 12, 2018
"While it is Congress that funds the nation’s policy priorities, I am encouraged to see the President’s budget also support efforts to strengthen border security, combat the opioid epidemic, rebuild our military and improve health services for veterans.

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QUIGLEY STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP'S FISCAL YEAR 2019 BUDGET
Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5th)
February 12, 2018
President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal is as ludicrous as it is disturbing. After drastically increasing our unsustainable debt by adding $1.5 trillion in unpaid tax cuts for the wealthy, the president is doubling down on failed, far-right policies that slash Medicare, Medicaid, and a number of anti-poverty programs for the most vulnerable amongst us. With at least a half trillion in proposed cuts to Medicare and $250 billion stolen from Medicaid, President Trump has yet again turned his back on hardworking Americans and his dishonest pledge to preserve entitlement programs.

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Rep. Rice Statement on President Trump’s Infrastructure Plan
Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)
February 12, 2018
In 1991, Congress designated I-73 as a high priority project. This morning, President Trump released his infrastructure framework that I believe will finally get this project off the ground. President Trump called on Congress to draft a comprehensive infrastructure bill that will stimulate at least $1.5 trillion in new investment over the next 10 years, shorten the process for approving projects, address unmet rural infrastructure needs, empower State and local authorities, and train the American workforce of the future. There are too many regulatory barriers preventing essential infrastructure projects from moving forward, a prime example being I-73. The permitting process for I-73 began in 2004, and due to the inefficient environmental review process we just received permits over the summer. I stand ready to work on legislation that will cut through this red tape and unleash economic prosperity through critical infrastructure investment. Delivering on the Administration’s legislative framework will help build a stronger America, and I intend to take this opportunity to invest in a stronger South Carolina.

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Rogers: Liberal Media Elite Glamorizing North Korea
Mike Rogers (R-AL, 3rd)
February 12, 2018
“What the liberal media elite like CNN and The New York Times has done is sickening to me. Her brother Kim Jong-un is a murderer and his regime in its brutality forces its people to live a Stone Age existence. He threatens the world with nuclear war, starves the people in his own country and tortured American student Otto Warmbier to the point that he passed away once he was returned to the United States. Kim Yo Jong is not only a part of that cruel family, but is a part of the brutal regime. Nothing should be romanticized about her as she is an enemy,” Rogers said.

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Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Trump's Proposed Budget for 2019
Harold Rogers (R-KY, 5th)
February 12, 2018
"President Trump’s proposed budget compliments the diligent work of the Bipartisan Budget Act, calling for much-needed boosts to funding for our nation’s military, border security, infrastructure, rural broadband expansion and efforts to combat the nation’s deadly opioid epidemic.

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ROSEN: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S BUDGET PROPOSAL FAILS NEVADA’S WORKING FAMILIES
Jacky Rosen (D-NV, 3rd)
February 12, 2018
“Instead of investing in Nevada’s working families, this irresponsible and harmful budget proposal leaves them behind by slashing Medicaid and making deep cuts to Medicare and Social Security, all while adding trillions to our national deficit,” said Rosen. “This budget would rob hundreds of millions from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act program, which helps fund our state’s education system, water authority, and projects that protect and maintain our public lands. It eliminates key programs, such as BrandUSA and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which play a vital role supporting Nevada’s economic growth. This budget would also waste millions in taxpayer dollars to try to revive Yucca Mountain, a dangerous and reckless project that would turn Nevada into a dumping ground for nuclear waste. I will continue to fight against this Administration’s efforts to dump nuclear waste in Nevada and work across the aisle on a spending plan that supports our state’s priorities and lifts up working families.”

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Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on Homeland Security Budget
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA, 40th)
February 12, 2018
“While I support some elements of the DHS budget request, I have strong objections to this budget’s significant increase in funding for interior immigration enforcement. Democrats will not support the continuation of ICE’s aggressive enforcement actions that have increasingly led to the arrest of individuals who pose no threat to our country or our communities, and who have called the United States home for many years or even decades. We should not be tearing these individuals away from their families and their communities. Furthermore, I believe any discussion of border security funding should be part of a larger discussion that includes protections for Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status recipients.”

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Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on President Trump's Budget Proposal
Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
February 12, 2018
“Until just days ago, a Republican Congress and a Republican President spent the first four months of this fiscal year stumbling through five temporary funding bills, utterly failing the most basic duty of Congress – keeping the government open. The idea that the current majority party in the House could follow through on anything even resembling regular order as it relates to setting a budget for the Federal Government is laughable. The only function the President’s budget proposal serves is to remind us how completely out of whack his priorities are for the American people. He would add over $7 trillion dollars to the national deficit over the next decade -- $984 billion in the next year alone, and stick the middle class with the bill. It is a non-starter. I stand ready to get to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a realistic budget that properly funds our defense and important programs families rely on,” said Congressman Ryan.

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