Vindman, Environment, Digital Currency, HIV, War Powers, Children, ERA, Tax Credits

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 14, 2020

REP. HECK ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RETALIATION AGAINST LT. COL. VINDMAN
Source: U.S. Representative Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th)
February 7, 2020
The President’s public humiliation of Colonel Vindman today is beyond shameful. And if there was any doubt that this was an act of petulant retaliation, Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman, Colonel Alexander Vindman’s twin brother and a National Security Council lawyer, was also dismissed from his position and left the White House alongside his brother. President Trump has shown that he will cruelly retaliate against honorable public servants. All evidence shows that he will continue to do so.
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Senators Hirono, Carper Introduce Bill Requiring Net-Zero U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050
Source: Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D - HI)
February 11, 2020
“The devastating consequences of climate change in Hawaii are clear, and that is why we were the first state in the country to commit to achieving a carbon neutral economy by 2045, which includes 100% renewable power. The Clean Economy Act spurs similar bold action across the country by setting a goal of achieving net-zero U.S. greenhouse gas production by 2050. The bill also requires a focus on public health, innovative and equitable access to worker training, and enhancing America’s global competitiveness, all of which will be essential to address the broad impacts of climate change,” Senator Hirono said.
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Federal Reserve Chairman: U.S. is “Working Hard” on Digital Currency
Source: U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)
February 12, 2020
Libra lit a fire and it was a bit of a wakeup call that this was coming fast, and could come in a way that is quite widespread and systemically important. Federal Reserve Chairman Confirms Digital Currency Efforts
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President's Budget Increases HIV Support, But Lacks Direction And Funding In Key Areas
Source: HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA)
February 12, 2020
President Trump’s fiscal year 2021 budget plan proposes $716 million in funding for the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative – more than double the 2020 request. At the same time, however, it reduces support for federal public health programs that are key to the initiative’s implementation, according to the HIV Medicine Association.
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Trump Stripped of War Powers
Source: Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
February 13, 2020
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting to support S.J.Res.63, a war powers resolution to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran without congressional authorization. The resolution passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 55 to 45.
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HOEVEN STATEMENT AFTER SENATE VOTE ON WAR POWERS RESOLUTIONS
Source: Senator John Hoeven (R - ND)
February 13, 2020
“I do not support this resolution because I think it undermines our nation’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran, including diplomatic, economic and military pressure. I believe it sends the wrong message to Iranian leaders that the U.S. is relieving, rather than increasing, pressure on the regime, particularly in the context of widespread anti-government protests in Iran."
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U.S. Reps Herrera Beutler, Kennedy Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Kids’ Access to Health Care
Source: U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA, 3rd)
February 13, 2020
U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Joe Kennedy III (MA-04) reintroduced a bipartisan bill to streamline the enrollment process for care provided to children outside of the state where they are enrolled in a Medicaid program. Cosponsored by Congressman Ben Ray Luján (NM-03), the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act would create a limited pathway for pediatric providers to be screened and enrolled in another state’s Medicaid program to eliminate unnecessary delays in care.
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COMMITTEE ADVANCES BILL, COSPONSORED BY HIGGINS, TO PROTECT PATIENTS FROM SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLS
Source: U.S. Representative Brian Higgins (D-NY, 26th)
February 13, 2020
Higgins said, “Surprise medical bills for out-of-network care can be financially devastating for patients and their families. This legislation protects consumers from receiving surprise medical bills and removes the unfair mystery associated with billing, giving patients access to the information they deserve relative to the coverage they are entitled to under their plan and the costs they can expect to pay following care.”
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Rep. Horn Votes for ERA Legislation
Source: U.S. Representative Kendra Horn (D-OK, 5th)
February 13, 2020
“A vote for the ERA is a vote for equality,” said Congresswoman Horn. “The ERA enshrines in the highest law of the land the same principles that our founders fought for, that we are all created equal. Women today face continued obstacles to full equality, including unequal pay, pregnancy discrimination, domestic violence, and inadequate health care access. These are not just women’s issues, they are economic issues and family issues that impact all Oklahomans. Discrimination in the workplace and our state’s wage gap mean less money at home for food, for bills, for doctor’s visits and school supplies. Ending discrimination and affirming women’s equality under the law is the right thing to do, not just for women but for our whole country.”
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Congressman Steven Horsford Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Empower Nevada’s Workers and Businesses
Source: U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV, 4th)
February 13, 2020
On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the Skill and Knowledge Investments Leverage Leaders’ Untapped Potential Tax Credit (SKILL UP) Act alongside Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02). The SKILL UP Act would provide businesses with a tax credit for investing in work-based learning for workers with low skill levels.
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Impeachment, War Powers, Medicaid, Infrastructure, USMCA, Fentanyl

Today's News for January 30, 2020

RESPONSE TO DUCKWORTH’S QUESTION IN IMPEACHMENT TRIAL: “WE HAVE NO EVIDENCE” TRUMP ENGAGED IN LEGITIMATE PROCESS FOR WITHHOLDING FOREIGN AID
Source: Senator Tammy Duckworth (D - IL)
January 30, 2020
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D - IL) asked House impeachment managers whether there is any documentary evidence of President Trump gathering information to justify withholding aid to Ukraine. Specifically, Duckworth asked if there was evidence of Trump being briefed by the NSC, DOD or State Department on Ukraine corruption and European cost-sharing or that he requested information on anti-corruption reform measures in Ukraine.
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Why Did President Trump Continue Holding Ukraine Military Aid Amid Warnings About Legality?
Source: Senator Richard J. Durbin (D - IL)
January 30, 2020
Mr. Patrick Philbin responded to Durbin’s question on behalf of the President’s counsel. He admitted that because of the President’s hold on the funds, $35 million of the military aid was not spent before the end of the fiscal year. Those funds would have expired had Congress not intervened to extend the availability of the fiscal year 2019 funds. Nearly half of the unspent funds were intended for lethal material to assist Ukrainian security forces battling Russian-back separatists.
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House Action Threatens National Security
Source: The Ponder News
January 30, 2020
“This weekend, the United States Embassy in Iraq was attacked by mortar fire from Iranian backed militias, and today House Democrats voted to remove President Trump’s ability to respond to such attacks. House Democrats are being complete hypocrites. While professing their concerns over national security, they want to strip our President’s and military’s ability to protect our nation and embassies against terrorists who are intent on killing Americans at every opportunity. There’s a reason the Constitution grants this authority to the President and not Congress. With today’s action, Democrats have proven the wisdom of that decision. Today’s vote marks a new low for House Democrats regarding the safety of our service members and diplomats overseas. All Americans are less safe.”
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'No blank check for war': House votes to curb Trump's ability to strike Iran, other targets
Source: U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)
January 30, 2020
In the first House vote, lawmakers approved a bill that would block Trump from using any federal funds for "unauthorized military force against Iran." The final tally was 228-to-175. The House then passed a bill repealing the 2002 Iraq war authorization sought by then-President George W. Bush.
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ENGEL STATEMENT ON ILLEGAL TRUMP ADMIN. PLAN TO BLOCK GRANT MEDICAID
Source: U.S. Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)
January 30, 2020
“In yet another attack on Americans’ health care, the Trump Administration has unveiled illegal rules to block grant Medicaid, which will take coverage away from millions of New Yorkers. These rules are part of the Trump Administration’s ongoing agenda to gut the safety-net programs that are critical to helping Americans access health care. Republicans have tried this horrendous policy before as part of their failed efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. As we did before, we must stop it again.
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Reinvesting in Infrastructure Upgrades Good for Workers, Climate, Manufacturing
Source: U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)
January 29, 2020
The Moving Forward Infrastructure framework is estimated to create 10 million jobs by investing $760 billion over five years for infrastructure updates and rebuilding. The proposal includes strong “Buy American” protections to support US manufacturing and workers. The framework has a strong focus on reducing carbon pollution, strengthening energy efficiency, advancing renewable energy systems, and addressing the PFAS contamination crisis.
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Duncan Statement on Historic USMCA Signing
Source: U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
January 29, 2020
“President Trump has worked tirelessly since day one in office to put America first, and that’s exactly what USMCA does. It’s a major victory for American workers, job-creation, and our economy as a whole. The USMCA is a historic move to modernize our trade relationships and bring them into the 21st century – something no other President has accomplished. Bravo, President Trump – promise made, promise kept!”
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U.S. House Expected to Vote This Week on Fentanyl Bill Advocates Say Will Expand Use of Mandatory Minimums
Source: Drug Policy Alliance
January 27, 2020
Nearly 70 organizations representing civil rights, criminal justice, faith and drug policy communities sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi outlining concerns with a fentanyl-related bill that is expected to receive a vote on the House floor this week. The bill temporarily extends the Drug Enforcement Administration’s “class-wide” emergency scheduling of fentanyl-related substances. The Senate passed a similar bill on January 16th.
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House Action Threatens National Security

Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Ihe House of Representatives passed legislation prohibiting funds from being used in response to Iranian aggression and removed our troops’ legal authority to engage our enemies in Iraq. U.S. Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL, 2nd) was strongly opposed and released the following statement in response:

“This weekend, the United States Embassy in Iraq was attacked by mortar fire from Iranian backed militias, and today House Democrats voted to remove President Trump’s ability to respond to such attacks. House Democrats are being complete hypocrites. While professing their concerns over national security, they want to strip our President’s and military’s ability to protect our nation and embassies against terrorists who are intent on killing Americans at every opportunity. There’s a reason the Constitution grants this authority to the President and not Congress. With today’s action, Democrats have proven the wisdom of that decision. Today’s vote marks a new low for House Democrats regarding the safety of our service members and diplomats overseas. All Americans are less safe.”

China Trade Deal, Student Loans, ERA Amendment, Impeachment, Immigration, Seniors, Uzbekistan, War Powers

China Trade Deal

Lucas Applauds Signing of U.S.-China Phase-One Trade Deal
Source: Frank Lucas (R-OK, 3rd)
January 15, 2020
Beginning in 2015, then presidential-candidate Donald Trump promised to defend America’s farmers and workers and renegotiate the unfair trade policies between the United States and our trading partners. Since then, President Trump and his Administration have stood behind that promise and today, are delivering a strong and enforceable commitment from China leveling the playing field for America’s farmers, workers, manufacturers, and businesses.

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President Trump is Standing Up for Our Agricultural Community
Source: Kevin McCarthy (R-CA, 23rd)
January 15, 2020
“Once again, President Trump is supporting our farmers and agricultural producers through the signing of this first phase of a new trade pact. As part of today’s negotiations, the President secured a commitment from China to purchase $80 billion worth of California and American food, agricultural, and seafood products over the next two years. This will help ensure that California agricultural products retain a presence in the Chinese market despite China’s tariffs on our exports. Additionally, China has agreed to expand access to its market for beef and pork products and rice, among others. The state of California is the fifth largest agricultural producer in the world, and I am confident that these measures will help continue to ensure that our state remains an agricultural leader globally.”

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Student Loans

Maloney Votes to Protect Students and Reject DeVos’ Giveaway to Predatory, For-Profit Colleges
Source: Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
January 16, 2020
“Students and their families shouldn’t have to worry their college is cheating them out of money and a quality education. Unlike Betsy Devos, who’s working to line the pockets of for-profit colleges, we’re fighting to protect students and crack down on the scams hundreds of thousands of students and taxpayers face from these predatory schools,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.

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ERA Amendment

Maloney, House Sponsor of the ERA, Celebrates Virginia Ratification Votes
Source: Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
January 15, 2020
“As the long-time sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment in the House of Representatives, witnessing today’s votes is truly exhilarating. I commend the leaders in Virginia for prioritizing this historic legislation, and celebrate this tremendous victory with them. In less than three years, three states have voted to ratify the ERA, rejecting arguments that the time for the ERA had passed. I am confident that more will follow. I am committed to working to ensure a vote in Congress to remove the time limit that was attached to the amendment when it passed in 1972. We will keep moving forward until the ERA is adopted into the Constitution, where it belongs.

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Impeachment

Luetkemeyer: Articles of Impeachment Moving to Senate After Month Long Delay
Source: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MI, 3rd)
January 15, 2020
“Nearly a month after passing the articles of impeachment Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats continually called ‘urgent’ and a ‘national security concern,’ they finally agreed to release the articles to the Senate. This on again off again strategy has, once again, shown the American people that this process has been nothing more than a political game,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer. “Just like the timing of the House vote was designed to distract the far left from the passage of President Trump’s historic USMCA trade deal, the Speaker’s delay in transmitting the articles is more about political expediency than Democrats’ false claims of wrongdoing by President Trump. I’m glad the House can finally put this sham investigation behind us and get back to work for the American people.”

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MARSHALL VOTES TO MOVE ON TO THE PEOPLE'S WORK
Source: Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)
January 15, 2020
“For months, Democrats said impeachment was urgent and that they’d already proven their case. Then Nancy Pelosi refused to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate for four weeks and now says we need to see more evidence. It is clear this impeachment circus was, and is, nothing but an attempted political railroading of the President. This is a total waste of time. It is time to get on to the people’s work.”

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Immigration

LUJÁN, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALL ON ICE TO END TRANSGENDER MIGRANT DETENTION
Source: Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)
January 15, 2020
In a letter to Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf and ICE Acting Director Matthew Albence, Luján, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), and dozens of Members of Congress sharply criticized the treatment and lack of humanitarian care in ICE facilities for transgender immigrants. LGBTQ+ immigrants are 97 times more likely to be sexually victimized in detention than cisgender immigrants. At least two women, Roxsana Hernandez Rodriguez and Johana Medina León, have died in ICE custody.

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Seriously? JUST the transgenders? If we let them go, we might as well let all the little girls go, too. They might be too pretty and attract child traffickers. Then, we'd have to let all the pregnant women go, because detention centers are nowhere to have a baby. Then the other children who might be missing out on a great education. Let's just let the men go, too. Their families depend on them. Seriously?

Seniors

Congresswoman Luria Votes to Protect Older Americans from Workforce Discrimination
Source: Elaine Luria (D-VA, 2nd)
January 15, 2020
“It is unacceptable that older Americans are routinely discriminated against in the workplace simply because of their age,” Congresswoman Elaine Luria said. “Ageism has no place in today’s society and Congress must stand strongly against it in order to ensure that we have the most competitive workforce in the world—which includes our seniors. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that seniors are treated with the respect that they earned.”

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REPRESENTATIVE MALINOWSKI RESTORES WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS FOR OLDER WORKERS
Source: Tom Malinowsky (D-NJ, 7th)
January 15, 2020
In 2017 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received over 20,000 complaints of age discrimination, which accounted for 23% of all discrimination charges filed. It takes unemployed older workers nearly a full year, on average, to find another job, and once they do land a new job, it’s often for less money. This can have a serious impact on older workers’ long-term financial security and ability to live independently as they grow older.

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Uzbekistan

Chairman Lynch Seeks Information Related To Hazardous Conditions At Uzbekistan Air Base
Source: Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA, 8th)
January 15, 2020
“The Subcommittee is requesting information related to recent reports that U.S. servicemembers and special operations forces who deployed to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K-2) in Uzbekistan in the early years of the Global War on Terrorism may have been exposed to chemical and radioactive contamination, which is now causing them severe adverse health effects, including death,” Lynch and Maloney wrote.

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War Powers

LOWEY SUPPORTS WAR POWERS RESOLUTION TO RECLAIM CONGRESS’ ROLE IN AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTION
Source: Nita Lowey (D-NY, 17th)
January 9, 2020
That is why I’m proud to cosponsor and vote for the War Powers Resolution, which would require the President to obtain Congressional authorization before taking military actions against Iran without limiting the President’s ability to respond to an imminent attack. The President’s actions put us on the brink of war. While tensions seem to have deescalated for now, the American people deserve a public debate before the U.S. enters into another Middle East war.

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Nuclear Waste, Manufactured Housing, PFAS Chemicals, Kidney Transplants, Iran, War Powers, Rape Allegations

Nuclear Waste

Reps. Andy Kim, Mike Levin, and Doris Matsui Lead Congressional Letter Opposing Proposed Inspection Cuts to Nuclear Waste Storage
Source: Andy Kim (D-NJ, 3rd)
January 13, 2020
“As Members of Congress with closed and decommissioning nuclear power reactors in our communities, we oppose actions like these that would mean less inspection and oversight of the materials present in our districts,” the Members wrote. “Any reduction in either inspection hours or number of inspections conducted on ISFSI sites may erode public confidence in the Commission’s ability to protect health and safety. We should work to increase the public’s faith in the NRC’s level of due diligence related to safety standards and a proposal such as this runs counter to that mission.”

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Manufactured Housing

RELEASE: REPS. KHANNA, AXNE INTRODUCE BILL TO KEEP MANUFACTURED HOUSING COMMUNITIES AFFORDABLE
Source: Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
January 7, 2020
The Manufactured Housing Community Preservation Act directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to create a grant program to help nonprofits, resident-formed cooperatives, and other local entities purchase and maintain an MHC through awards of up to $1 million. The legislation includes oversight provisions to ensure rents remain affordable for residents after purchase by grant recipients.

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PFAS Chemical Contamination

House Passes PFAS Action Act Including Kuster Legislation
Source: Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
January 10, 2020
“We know that PFAS chemicals pose a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of communities in New Hampshire and across the country, and we must take action now to protect Americans from these dangerous forever chemicals,” said Kuster. “The PFAS Action Act will help to ensure that Americans have access to clean and safe water free of PFAS chemicals. I was glad to see that this legislation included language from my bill to turn off the tap for new PFAS chemicals making their way through the EPA approval process. I encourage the Senate to bring this commonsense measure swiftly to a vote.”

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HOUSE PASSES HISTORIC PACKAGE TO ADDRESS PFAS CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION
Source: Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th)
January 7, 2020
Included in the PFAS Action Act is a bipartisan amendment Congressman Kildee authored, along with Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI-08) and Congressman Ron Kind (WI-02), that would promote transparency and streamline EPA resources to help people potentially exposed to PFAS and other contaminants better understand what their water testing results mean. In the U.S., 43 million people get their drinking water from well water that is currently unregulated.

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The PFAS Action Act would:

Protect drinking water from PFAS by requiring the EPA to create a drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS within two years.

Protect the Great Lakes, rivers and streams from PFAS pollution by listing PFOS and PFOA under the Clean Water Act within two years.

Protect our air from PFAS by making PFOS and PFOA hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

Require corporate polluters clean up their PFAS contamination by listing PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the CERCLA Act or the Superfund Law.

Kidney Transplants

Reps. Kind and Burgess Introduce Legislation to Protect Kidney Transplant Recipients
Source: Ron Kind (D-WI, 3rd)
January 7, 2020
“Patients and their families shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they can afford the treatment needed to help keep their transplanted kidney. We need to do more to lower costs for these patients, which is exactly what my colleagues and I have worked together to do,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “This bill will provide kidney transplant patients continued access to medication to ensure the success of their transplant while keeping health care costs down by decreasing the need for further dialysis and the likelihood of a re-transplant.”

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Iran and War Powers

KENNEDY CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE AUMF REPEAL VOTE
Source: Joseph P. Kennedy, 3rd (D-MA, 4th)
January 6, 2020
“If the past 17 years is any guide, it is that a single War Powers Resolution to restrict military action in Iran will not be enough," said Kennedy. "Executives of both parties have used our existing AUMFs to justify expanding our engagement in the Middle East and around the globe. And for the better part of an entire generation, Congress has abdicated our Constitutional duty and allowed that dangerous mission creep to occur. Now, a reckless Commander in Chief has led our nation to the threshold of yet another war without the approval of the United States Congress and the Americans we represent. Immediately repealing the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs would force both the legislative and executive branch to clearly debate and define any mission we engage in overseas. Our brave men and women in uniform, and all Americans, deserve nothing less.”

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Rep. Kinzinger on Iranian Attacks in Iraq
Source: Adam Kinzinger (R-IL, 16th)
January 8, 2020
“America is a beacon of light around the world, standing for freedom and justice. We stand for the oppressed, for those who don’t have a voice. And when we stand united, our message is that much stronger. Last night, Iran fired missiles at Al-Asad and Erbil Airbases in Iraq, where our U.S. troops are stationed. This was an escalation by the Iranians, and a misguided one at that. As a nation, we must stand together in support of our military men and women, and their loved ones. This is not a time for political bias and political posturing; this is a time of unity and showing our support to our heroes in uniform.”

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Kaptur Votes to Pass War Powers Resolution
Source: Marcy Kaptur (D-OH, 9th)
January 9, 2020
There is no doubt that Soleimani was a fierce enemy of liberty. However, this attack by the President risks all-out war, greater instability in Iraq and Iran, losing the edge we have gained at such great cost – and some of those names have been put on the record today. We must protect against further attacks on our servicemembers and attacks on U.S. assets wherever they might exist.

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Kelly: President Trump Securing Peace through Strength in the Face of Iranian Aggression
Source: Mike Kelly (R-PA, 3rd)
January 9, 2020
"After years of Iranian aggression and the last administration's appeasement policy, America is leading again under President Trump. He has shown the resolve and restraint necessary to confront the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. It was the right decision to eliminate Iran's top terrorist, Qassam Soleimani, something previous presidents failed to do. Attacks on Americans will no longer be tolerated. I stand behind this president as he pursues peace through strength."

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Rep. Robin Kelly to Vote YES on War Powers Resolution
Source: Robin Kelly (D-IL, 7th)
January 9, 2020
The President has demonstrated rash impulses and proven that he is unable to put U.S. national security before his own personal and political interest. Look no further than his attempt to win a political bribe from the Ukrainian president in exchange for releasing Congressional-approved military aid. Keeping that in mind, it is imperative that Congress reassert its constitutional authority in declaring war.

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Kilmer Takes Action to Reduce Likelihood of War with Iran, Leads Letter to Demand Clear Strategy
Source: Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)
January 9, 2020
“The American people do not want – and Congress has not authorized – another war in the Middle East,” said Rep. Kilmer. “I visited our servicemembers and diplomats in the Middle East less than two months ago. Those brave Americans, and others serving throughout the region, deserve a strategy that keeps them safe, enhances our security and those of our allies, and fosters long-term stability in the region. Today’s action is consistent with Article I of the Constitution, making it clear that if the President wants to start a war, he must get authorization from the representatives of the American people.”

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King Stands with Commander-in-Chief Trump Against House Democrats’ Attempt to Tie President’s Hands on Iran
Source: Steve King (R-IA, 4th)
January 9, 2020
“President Trump recognizes a sober fact that many of the previous Presidential administrations wanted to ignore: Iran has been in a state of war with us since they took over our embassy in 1979, and they have never been held truly accountable for their continued actions against Americans,” said King. “Leave it to House Democrats, so consumed with hatred for this President, to increasingly bemoan the death of the world’s top terrorist and to introduce bad legislation that seeks to tie the President’s hands should a similar order need to be given in the future. President Trump and Secretary Pompeo have both said that Soleimani was planning additional, imminent attacks, and I support President Trump’s bold decision to take him out. House Democrats might want to send the Iranians pallets of cash like President Appeaser-in-Chief Obama did, but I stand with letting President Trump, our Commander-in-Chief, make the tough calls and take the swift and certain actions that he determines are necessary to protect our nation, our citizens, and our interests from Iranian acts of hostility.”

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KUSTOFF VOTES AGAINST DEMOCRAT’S WAR POWERS RESOLUTION
Source: David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th)
January 9, 2020
“As Commander in Chief, the President has the Constitutional authority to use force to protect and defend our nation. Soleimani was responsible for violent attacks around the world, killing hundreds of Americans, and our world is safer without him in it. Through President Trump’s swift actions to defend American interests, we eliminated an imminent threat to our national security. Now is the time to come together to support our men and women in uniform and President Trump’s actions to defend our country, not undermine them with this resolution,” said Rep. Kustoff. “This resolution weakens our nation, ignores the Constitution, and sends a message to Iran that the United States is not united behind our President. While Democrats continue to create roadblocks for President Trump, I will continue to stand with him and our troops to ensure the safety of the American people is kept a top priority.”

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Rape Allegations

Calls for probe of McClain rape cover-up email grow
Source: Crain's Chicago Business
January 10, 2020
A downstate delegation of Congressional Republicans added to the chorus of calls for investigation into an email from former Commonwealth Edison lobbyist and confidant of House Speaker Mike Madigan about what appears to be a rape cover-up. Republican U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood, Rodney Davis, John Shimkus, Adam Kinzinger and Mike Bost asked Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to appoint a special prosecutor to "investigate the alleged rape and cover up in Champaign."

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes to End U.S. Support for Saudi Arabia’s War in Yemen

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by: Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI, 2nd)

Washington, D.C. - April 5, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) voted in support of S.J.Res.7, a resolution calling for the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen. The Congresswoman has been a leading voice in Congress calling for an end to U.S. support for Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen, which Congress has not authorized, and which has created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportion.


Just before the vote, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard spoke on the House Floor urging her colleagues to recognize the urgency of this crisis and to vote to pass the legislation.

The House of Representatives voted 247-175 to pass S.J.Res.7, and it now heads to President Trump for his signature or veto.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said:

“Right now the United States continues to support Saudi Arabia’s genocidal war in Yemen. This support has been ongoing since 2015 and yet has never been authorized by Congress. It must end now.

“U.S. support for this war has resulted in dire consequences. Just last week the Saudi coalition bombed a hospital, they’ve bombed school buses, weddings, markets, funerals. Tens of thousands of Yemeni civilians killed. Millions more are in dire need of humanitarian aid, starving and sick without access to food and water or basic medicine. This has created the worst humanitarian disaster in the world.

“We’re voting later today on an important bill to finally, finally end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen. We need to put politics aside. Lives are at stake. We cannot afford to delay. I urge my colleagues to recognize the urgency with which we must act to vote against any attempts to delay or block this bill and vote to pass S.J.Res.7 today.”

Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a leading voice for peace in Congress, advocating against counterproductive, regime-change wars. She has called for ending support for Saudi Arabia, pushed for additional oversight on acquisition and cross-service agreements (Section 1271 of the FY19 NDAA), supported three resolutions in the 115th Congress (H.Con.Res.81, H.Con.Res.138, and H.Con.Res.142) that sought to stop U.S. military participation in Saudi Arabia's war against the Houthis in Yemen, in addition to bipartisan legislation (H.R.7082) that would immediately stop all military sales and aid to the government of Saudi Arabia, and more. The congresswoman also led a letter calling on former Speaker Paul Ryan to schedule an immediate vote on a bipartisan resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

Last congress, Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Walter Jones introduced H.Res.922, which would reclaim Congress’s constitutional right to declare war by:

Defining presidential wars not declared by Congress under Article I, section 8, clause 11 (Declare War Clause) as impeachable “high crimes and misdemeanors”

Prohibiting the President from perpetuating ongoing wars or supplying war materials, military troops, trainers, or advisers, military intelligence, financial support or their equivalent in association, cooperation, assistance, or common cause without first receiving congressional authorization

No Unconstitutional Strike Against North Korea Act of 2017 Introduced in the House

If this bill is passed, it will weaken our efficiency in dealing with national threats in a timely manner.
Call your congressman and tell him to vote NO on this bill!



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) helped lead more than 60 members of Congress in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation ensuring President Donald Trump seeks Congressional approval before attacking North Korea. The “No Unconstitutional Strike Against North Korea Act of 2017” requires the President to receive Congressional authorization to use funds for such a strike. Senator Markey introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

Upon introduction of the bill, Mr. Lieu said:

“Our Founders gave the greatest power they knew at the time – the power to declare war – solely and exclusively to Congress. Today, Congress is sending a crystal clear message to President Trump that no matter how many incendiary tweets he sends, we have not authorized the use of force against North Korea.

There are no good military options for North Korea. Before President Trump leads America down the uncertain and grisly path towards war, we owe it to our service members, the American people and our allies in Asia to have a thoughtful, deliberate plan of action for North Korea. As a Veteran, I am proud to join dozens of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to ensure that the American people have a voice in whether we make the sobering decision to take military action. “

The introduction of this bill builds upon the Congressman’s efforts to stop the President from authorizing an unconstitutional strike against North Korea. Previously, the Congressman introduced “Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2016”, which would prohibit the President from launching a nuclear first strike without a declaration of war by Congress.

BANKS: NIGER AMBUSH HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR NEW WAR AUTHORIZATION

Source: Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke on the House floor about the ambush in Niger that killed four U.S. service members and the need for Congress to pass a new Authorization of Military Force (AUMF).



Text of the speech follows:

“Mr. Speaker, earlier this month four U.S. service members were killed in Niger by Islamic militants.

“We thank these Americans heroes who paid the ultimate price for our country. Their service will never be forgotten.

“As we learn more about this situation, many of my constituents have asked why American personnel are in Niger.

“Today we have U.S. service members around the globe fighting or advising operations against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups on several continents.

“However, they are doing so under war authorization Congress passed in 2001 and 2002 in the wake of the September 11th attacks.

“Rather than continuing to fight ISIS under an authorization passed by Congress sixteen years ago, it is time to pass a new authorization for the use of military force that is focused on present-day and future threats.

“The authorizations passed by Congress in 2001 and 2002 are out of date, and I have introduced new AUMF legislation that addresses the modern threats we face.

“The Constitution grants Congress the power of declaring war, and we need to take that obligation seriously and debate these important issues. My bill is a good starting point.

“With that, I yield back.”

Another bad day for the President

Steve Bannon who got fired from the Trump Administration 2 days ago decided that instead of going to war for Trump, he would start off attacking Trump.

While President Trump laid out very clearly his plan for our troops in Afghanistan, Steve Bannon claimed that President Trump flip-flopped in his speech.

It sounds to me like Steve Bannon is in revenge mode.

76 Democrats in the House of Representatives have signed on to a resolution to censor president Trump for his Charlottesville remarks, saying that he said there were fine people and both hate groups--when that is not at all what Trump meant to convey. What Trump was saying was that there were fine people at the rally who were not part of either group.

Once again I must state that I believe it's time that members of Congress stop watching CNN and getting their news from them.

Did you watch the Afghanistan speech Donald Trump made on August 21, 2017? If you did not, it is posted below for you to listen to:



Some Democrats could not wait to sink their teeth in him. It wasn't two hours after the speech that House Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH, 9th) posted her statement of what she thought of Trump's speech.

"There can be no blank check for war anywhere. Committing more American troops without a clear path forward will not lead to the resolution of this sixteen-year war.

"Winning battles in ungovernable space does not equal victory. The war in Afghanistan and the instability across that vast, undemocratic region, that includes Pakistan with Iran next door, demands clarity of objective. I did not hear that tonight in the President's address.

"The Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on which I serve must fulfill its Constitutional obligations in matters of war."

Okay, go back and watch the speech, then either write Congresswoman Kaptur, or call her, and tell her to get the peanut butter out of her ears. Everything was pretty clear to me, and Trump made perfect sense.

House Representative Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th) also complained that Trump refused to tell everyone exactly what he was going to do, so the enemies of the United States who were watching would know and be able to defeat us. Unlike previous presidents, Mr. Trump is smart enough not to tell the enemy what move he is fixing to make, and the left-leaning Democrats hate him for it. Mr. Kildee said,

“A President’s most solemn duty is to make a decision as to whether to send young Americans into harm’s way. President Trump owes service members—and the American people—clear stated goals, and a strategy to achieve them, before deploying additional service members to Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the President failed to offer a strategy with a clear objective, timeline and defined end goal. Instead, he vowed to share even less information about the number of young Americans he intends to send to Afghanistan and what exactly he aims to achieve after 16 years of war.

“Simply, the President needs to develop and articulate an actual strategy before committing more lives and resources to Afghanistan. Regardless, Afghanistan is now his war and his responsibility.

“In addition, the President's decision to share even less information on this war reaffirms that it is long past time for Congress to exercise its required responsibility under the constitution and debate and pass an updated authorization for the use of military force in Afghanistan and the other conflicts around the world where Americans are engaged in combat.”

Did you read the part that said Kildee wanted to take the Presidential power to control the troops away from him just because he didn't like what the President we elected might do?

Then, House Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd) showed his ignorance of the way things worked by stating:

“The War in Afghanistan has been the United States’ longest running war, lasting for 16 years. It has been over a decade since the first Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) was authorized by Congress in 2001. It is Congress' responsibility to debate and authorize of use of military force. As I have called for before, it is time for Congress to have this debate again. It appears the President and his advisors have given a lot of thought to his plan, but that thought should also be debated and shared in Congress. When it comes to putting our troops in harms way and all the ramifications of that entails, it is Congress who must authorize the power. This debate must include both the extent of the use of force and what the exit strategy is.

"I would like to commend President Trump on his recognition of the sacrifices our brave men and women have made, but that is precisely why we need to make sure that we have a clear strategy. The President has laid out a plan, but did not mention an exit strategy and that needs to be debated. President Trump also pointed out that we need to address Pakistan, their involvement and our response in this conflict. I agree, but believe this needs to be a part of the congressional debate. It is time for my colleagues to unify our efforts in order to clear the safest path to return for our brave men and women home, as they deserve a thorough, debated plan with a clear strategy."

House Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th) -- yep, you guessed it, she's Democrat, too -- took to whining on her web site:

“I am deeply troubled by President Trump’s failure to outline a comprehensive strategy to bring an end to our nation’s longest war. After sixteen years at war, one thing is clear: there is no military solution in Afghanistan. Any lasting peace in Afghanistan must be secured through diplomacy. Further military engagement will only put our brave servicemen and women in harm’s way while doing little to enhance our national security.

“This war has already cost our nation too much, in blood and in treasure. We have lost 2,386 brave American service members, and more than 20,000 American soldiers have been wounded. It is past time to end the war and bring all of our troops home.

“In 2001, I opposed authorization for this war because it allowed any President a blank check to wage endless war without Congressional oversight. The Constitution is clear: Congress must provide advise and consent in matters of war and peace. At a minimum, Congress should debate and vote on a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force before we commit to another surge that will keep our troops in Afghanistan for years to come and cost billions more in spending.”

True to form, she also made a call for Congress to act to take the war powers away from the President. It's like giving Donald Trump a car and telling him he can't drive it. Democrats are shameful!

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS), introduced the Paperwork Reduction for Farmers Act to create a more efficient process for farmers applying for new H-2A workers or reapplying for the same employees.

Previously, farmers have reported massive financial losses due to H-2A application delays, and excessive paperwork has resulted in backlogs lasting 30 days or longer at both the Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

You can read more about that by clicking HERE.

The co-chairs of the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force, Representatives A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) issued this joint statement opposing President Trump’s Infrastructure Executive Order:

"President Trump's recent executive order suppresses public comment on potentially harmful major projects, and his totally inadequate review process will put our environment even more at risk for the sake of corporate profits. As sea levels rise, and as floods and extreme storms become more common, it will become ever more necessary that we acknowledge and plan for those realities. Removing existing protections and stripping away long-term planning requirements will mean more waste, more accidents, and shorter useful lives for the projects we build. These changes are a deep disservice to the American public, and the president should be ashamed.

"Instead of making bipartisan plans to rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure, Donald Trump has once again put big corporations ahead of our health and safety. What we need instead are fair, inclusive decision-making processes that give all Americans a voice; a prudent, farsighted approach to how we spend scarce public dollars on infrastructure; and a more sustainable economy built on well-paying green jobs.”

If you want the truth about Trump's Executive Order on Infrastructure, click HERE.

Democrat house representative from California Zoe Lofgren (D-CA, 19th) introduced a resolution that urges the Vice President and Cabinet to have the President examined by medical and psychiatric professionals to assist them in determining whether the President is unfit and unable to fulfill his Constitutional duties. This comes after a rally of Cries From the Democrats in the house and in the Senate saying that he is mentally unstable, clinically insane, and needs to be impeached. Personally, I think that if you run on the Democrat ticket and adhere to the Democrat mantra, then that is reason enough to get examined by a psychiatrist. I'm sure the Democrats would like to pick their own psychiatrist when they have him examined, too.

Lofgren stated:

“Many Americans, including many Republicans, have observed the President's increasingly disturbing pattern of actions and public statements that suggest he may be mentally unfit to execute the duties required of him,” said Lofgren. “The President has not released a serious medical evaluation. Just as would be the case if the President were physically unable to execute the office of the President, this resolution urges those entrusted with the responsibility enshrined in the 25th Amendment to employ the services of medical and psychiatric professionals to help in their determination whether the President is mentally capable of carrying out his Constitutional responsibilities.”

She claims that Section 4 of the 25th Amendment of the United States Constitution outlines this, when it does no such thing. Simply put, the 25th Amendment states:

“Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.”

Following a letter sent by U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), along with House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and Judiciary Subcommittee Chairmen Tom Marino and Darrel Issa, sent to multiple federal agencies, the Department of Justice announced it will end Operation Choke Point.

“After years of fighting against the Obama Administration’s Operation Choke Point initiative, I applaud President Trump’s Department of Justice for ending this ill-advised program,” Luetkemeyer said. “I want to thank Chairmen Hensarling and Goodlatte and Reps. Marino and Issa for their support. While I am pleased the Department of Justice has stood up and made the right decision, it is my hope the federal banking regulators follow suit without delay. I will continue my efforts in the House of Representatives to ensure my bill, the Financial Institution Customer Protection Act, will be signed into law so that future administration’s will not have the opportunity to negatively impact individuals and legal businesses through this unprecedented initiative.”

Operation Choke Point was an Obama Administration initiative led by the Department of Justice and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) that destroyed legitimate businesses to which the Administration was ideologically opposed by intimidating financial institutions into denying banking services to those businesses.

H.R. 2706, the Financial Institution Customer Protection Act would dictate that agencies such as the FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, among others, could not request or order a financial institution to terminate a banking relationship unless the regulator has material reason. Any account termination requests or orders would be required to be made in writing and rely on information other than reputational risk. In addition, the legislation strikes the word “affecting” in the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA), replacing it with “by” or “against.” This is to ensure that the Department of Justice’s once broad interpretation of the law is limited and the original intent of the statute is restored.

This sounds a lot like something that would come out of George Orwell's 1984.

I told a friend about this tonight and he shook his head in disbelief, thinking I had just told him of another conspiracy theory. I assured him that Operation Chokepoint was, indeed real He asked me, "What kind of businesses would it bother?" I said, "Well, try Hobby Lobby..." He thought for a moment and said, "Chic Filet?"

It intrigued him so much, he had to do some research on it via his phone. He was surprised and dismayed when he found that I was telling him the unpopular truth.

I don't know. You figure it out. I'm just proud of Trump for stopping it.

Did you know that the U.S. has 3.5 million more registered voters than live adults? No wonder the Democrats are screaming about Trumps investigation into voter fraud.