Will Mexico Pay for The Wall?

Washington, D.C. - May 30, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- President Trump tweeted,

"On June 10th, the United States will impose a 5% Tariff on all goods coming into our Country from Mexico, until such time as illegal migrants coming through Mexico, and into our Country, STOP. The Tariff will gradually increase until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied,.."

This will undoubtedly cause a financial hardship on Mexico, in which paying to build the wall would seem like a less costly solution.

The Ponder holds that stopping illegals from crossing the border is just as much the responsibility of Mexico as it is ours. Mexico has not been doing their part.

READ ALSO:

THAT WAS QUICK: Mexico’s President Begs Trump For Friday Meeting on Just Announced Tariffs

Border Security

Today's News About Border Security

Defund Hate Coalition Rejects Calls for Additional ICE and CBP Funding
by: Defund Hate Watch Network
May 1, 2019
“We reject calls for any additional funding for ICE, CBP, and other agencies involved in immigrant detention and processing, who already have bloated budgets to carry out the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign.

Read more...

NIJC Urges Members Of Congress To Reject White House Request For More Money For Immigration Jails And Border Militarization
by: National Immigrant Justice Center
May 1, 2019
“Congress must not fall for this administration’s rhetoric that building more prisons and infrastructure to block asylum seekers and other immigrants from protection is somehow ‘humanitarian aid,’” said NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy. “Conflating this administration’s policies with real humanitarian aid is an insult to the communities and humanitarian organizations who have actually worked to support the people whose lives have been torn apart by violence and, increasingly, by the U.S. government’s failed anti-immigrant policies. We call on members of Congress to dismiss this request out of hand.”

Read more...

Border Situation Requires Long-term Solutions
by: Immigration Forum
May 1, 2019
The White House has requested $4.5 billion in emergency aid from Congress to address the increasing number of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the dire need for sustainable solutions.

Read more...

Chairman Thompson Statement on the Emergency Supplemental Budget Request
by: Committee on Homeland Security
May 1, 2019
“House Democrats understand that there is a humanitarian crisis at the border, and we stand ready and willing to provide necessary resources to help fix this challenge and alleviate the suffering of thousands. But this crisis is one largely of the Trump Administration’s own making, and we will not appropriate more funds that will add to the chaos and make the problem worse. We cannot forget that this Administration has acted in bad faith when it comes to all issues related to the border.

Read more...

CWS Denounces Trump’s Plan to Dismantle Asylum Protections for Families Seeking Safety
by: Church World Service
May 1, 2019
Asylum saves lives. President Trump will stop at nothing to block families fleeing violence from their right to rebuild their lives in safety. A great nation, the most generous nation in the world, does not punish or charge families who have lost everything for life-saving protection. The president’s proposed restrictions are heartless and un-American.

Read more...

Members of Congress Visit the U.S.-Mexico Border in Yuma, Arizona
by: Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)
April 24, 2019
Last week, Congressman Andy Biggs led a congressional delegation to the U.S.-Mexico border to better understand the escalating crisis caused by illegal immigration. Congressman Biggs was joined by Rep. Matt Gaetz, Rep. Sean Duffy, Rep. John Joyce, Rep. Duncan Hunter, Rep. Dusty Johnson, and Rep. Pete Stauber. During the trip, the delegation met with Angel parents, Border Patrol agents, DEA officials, ICE agents, Immigration Court judges, and Customs officers. Members of the delegation released the following statements:

Read more...

Trump makes new threat to send soldiers to US-Mexico border
by: Senator Michael F. Bennet (D-CO)
April 24, 2019
President Donald Trump made a new threat Wednesday to send armed soldiers to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Read more...

Texas border experts call foul on rules of engagement for troops at border
by: Conservative Review
April 24, 2019
Mexican soldiers detaining and disarming our active-duty soldiers on our own soil is a bigger story than what either the government or media is making of it. We spend roughly $716 billion on the military every year and spent trillions in the Middle East, but our own territory remains unsafe not only for our ranchers, but evidently for our own active-duty military.

Read more...

Militia leader at the border said members were training to kill Obama, Clinton and Soros, FBI said
by: Washington Post
April 23, 2019
The leader of an armed militia that scours the southern border for undocumented migrants had once claimed that his group was training to assassinate former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and billionaire Democratic donor George Soros, the FBI said.

Read more...

Armed volunteer militia group detains migrants at the border
by: Mass Live
April 20, 2019
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) wants members of a volunteer militia group arrested for detaining immigrants at gunpoint and impersonating U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Read more...

Udall, Heinrich Statement on Militia Group Illegally Operating in New Mexico

by: Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

Washington, D.C. - April 23, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement in response to reports of a militia group illegally detaining migrant families and asylum seekers at the border in New Mexico:

“Reports of a militia group illegally operating in New Mexico and intimidating asylum seekers must be immediately investigated by the proper authorities. Vigilante groups attempting to utilize authorities reserved for law enforcement cannot be tolerated. Threatening innocent children and families fleeing violence and seeking asylum is unacceptable and flies in the face of our values as a state and a nation. We will closely monitor this situation and work with local and federal authorities to ensure a full investigation, and that public safety and the rule of law is upheld.”

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko Urges Pelosi to Act on Worsening Border Crisis, Release of Illegal Aliens in Arizona

The Ponder would like to thank the following business for sending quality traffic our way!

======Need quality Website Traffic? Sign up!======

by: Debbie Lesko (R-AZ, 8th)

Washington, D.C. - April 11, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- On Tuesday, Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi urging congressional action to address the worsening crisis at the border that has led to the release of illegal aliens on their own recognizance onto the streets of Arizona communities. The letter is available below.

April 9, 2019

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Speaker Pelosi,

Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen issued a letter to leaders of Congress, including yourself, outlining actions Congress must take to combat the growing security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. I am writing to you today to urge you to put politics aside and take Secretary Nielson’s request seriously. The crisis at our border is worsening. We must secure our southern border and effectively respond to illegal immigration.

As you may know, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently releasing all non-criminal, female head-of-household family units that are seeking asylum into our communities. Those released under current policy are given a Notice To Appear (NTA) in Immigration Court, but not a specific date to appear; their NTA simply states they should appear on a date “To Be Determined.” They are not screened for credible fear, which could allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to send them to Mexico to wait for a hearing, but merely released on their own recognizance.

Groups of illegal aliens have been and are being dropped off by ICE at bus stations and churches with only a packet of information. The drop-offs have increased in frequency and quantity in the last several months. Specifically, councilmembers from the City of Phoenix detailed that the drastic increase is overwhelming the community and posing a crisis to which Phoenix, Arizona has no solution, nor the resources to deal with this massive influx of migrants.

Yuma, Arizona has seen a 261% increase in Family Units compared to last fiscal year. These growing numbers are unsustainable. Nonprofits and church leaders are overwhelmed by the daily release of hundreds of migrant families from federal custody. For weeks, they have asked for assistance and support for what they, themselves, say is a humanitarian crisis. Now, because we have failed to act or give our law enforcement the support they need, illegal aliens are being released in Arizona communities by U.S. ICE and U.S. Border Patrol agents.

The Arizona Sheriffs Association has publicly stated,

“To suggest there is not a crisis is to be intellectually dishonest. The crisis is neither new, nor manufactured. Sheriffs know this because we have been addressing it for decades. We have been impacted by the public safety crisis in witnessing safety in our communities being eroded by drug trafficking, overdoses and transnational crime organizations. Like all thoughtful Americans, we are concerned about the national security nexus to the lack of border security. We do not know who is coming across the border… We are strong, practical leaders not guided by political partisanship or concern over who wins the gamesmanship of political rhetoric. We are guided by a firm commitment to public safety in our respective counties.”

The release of these individuals and the ongoing, growing crisis, should be of concern to every American, as their actions are a blatant exploitation of our immigration laws; our inability to properly vet and monitor them puts our communities at risk. Cities and communities should not be forced to bear the brunt of this crisis, which is inherently a federal responsibility. We should be working to improve, not worsen, the morale of ICE and Border Patrol agents who are already under-resourced and overworked.

We need to listen to our law enforcement and cities who are on the ground and do what we can to support our local communities in this crisis that Congress has let go on for far too long. I look forward to your response and to continuing to work with you to fix our nation’s immigration laws and gain operational control of our southern border. Please let me know if there is any way I can assist you in these efforts.

Sincerely,

Debbie Lesko
Member of Congress

Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S.
Member of Congress

Andy Biggs
Member of Congress

Freedom Partners: U.S.-Mexico Trade Too Critical to Economy to Jeopardize by Closing the Border

============


============

by: Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce

Arlington, VA - April 4, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- In response to reports that the Trump administration is considering closing the U.S.-Mexico border, Freedom Partners urged administration officials to preserve commerce between the two nations.

Freedom Partners Executive Vice President Nathan Nascimento issued the following statement:

“Trade with Mexico and other nations is a big reason why the American economy is as strong as it is today. The flow of goods and people is integral to the larger American economy and central to improving lives and removing barriers to opportunity. Closing down the border would devastate American businesses, families and workers. We urge the administration to support more trade with Mexico, not impose new barriers to it. While immigration reform is long overdue, it’s best addressed by the administration and Congress together – not by punishing Americans.”

President Proposes to Close the U.S. – Mexico Border

============

by: Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX, 7th)

Washington, D.C. - April 4, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement concerning President Trump’s proposal to close the United States – Mexico border:

“Closing the United States-Mexico border is not a solution — it is a problem,” said Rep. Fletcher. “In Texas alone, trade with Mexico represents an estimated $180 billion each year—and more than a third of Texas’ exports. And it’s not just Texas. Closing the border will negatively affect large sectors of the American economy. While we need to address border security and immigration matters, closing the border is simply not a responsible way to address these important issues.”

Congresswoman Fletcher serves as co-chair of the Trade Task Force in the New Democrat Coalition.

Fleischmann on Border Crisis

============


============

by: Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN, 3rd)

Washington, D.C. - April 4, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to the crisis at the southern border:

“I recently visited the southwest border and clearly observed a crisis situation. In the past week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen – as well as President Obama’s former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson – agreed the crisis has rapidly escalated to an unprecedented level.

“The core of our immigration crisis, stemming from our broken asylum laws, has resulted in an overwhelming surge of migrant caravans, unaccompanied minors, and family units. In 2018, Border Patrol apprehension of family units surpassed 100,000. That is a sharp contrast from the previous status quo of single males that migrated across the southern border. In response to the surge of family units, I advocated for additional ICE detention beds and fought to ensure an 18% increase in the number of detention beds was included in February’s conference committee report. However, it is painfully clear we must revisit this topic of discussion and respond to worsening conditions and inundated facilities.

“The way to effectively and honestly address the border crisis is for my colleagues from across the aisle to heed the remarks from Former DHS Secretary Johnson, who did not mince words when responding to the apprehension of over 4,000 migrants in a single day. We are a country of law and order, but our broken immigration system is crippling the ability of our border patrol personnel to enforce the rule of law. Congress must work with the Administration to fix our broken immigration system and secure our sovereignty.”

President’s Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Fortifies DHS Operations, Supports Frontline Personnel, Secures Our Borders & Confronts Emerging Threats Release Date: March 18, 2019

by: U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington, D.C. - March 19, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the details of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Budget request to Congress for DHS and its component agencies and offices. The DHS request includes $51.7 billion in discretionary funding and an additional $19.4 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). The Budget request provides critical resources to help our frontline personnel do their jobs to secure the homeland against all threats and hazards, and it ensures DHS is able to defend Americans against emerging dangers.

“The American people and our law enforcement personnel rightfully demand effective border security as supported by the White House budget—building the wall and giving the men and women of DHS the support, tools, and resources they need to safeguard our territory,” said Secretary Nielsen. “This year’s request also delivers landmark investments to protect America and our way of life—including by combating terrorism and homeland threats, defending our nation’s networks and critical infrastructure, facilitating and securing legal trade and travel, and so much more.”

Border & Maritime Security
To address the unprecedented humanitarian and security crisis at the Southwest Border, the FY 2020 budget requests $5.0 billion for the construction of approximately 200 miles of a new border wall system and over $232 million to equip our law enforcement personnel with the latest in surveillance technology. Further, over $80 million is requested to provide migrant care including medical services, general consumables and transportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding request includes 54,000 beds to address immigration enforcement. DHS continues to support its law enforcement men and women in uniform by requesting over 1,000 combined Border Patrol Agents and Customs and Border Protection Officers, and over 1,660 ICE law enforcement and support staff. In continued commitment to safeguarding our Nation’s ports and waterways while enforcing the law on the high seas, the Department has requested $1.2 billion in funds for recapitalization of U.S Coast Guard resources.

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security
In an age of pandemic malware and network instructions, the Budget requests $1.3 billion for programs such as Federal Network Protection, Proactive Cyber Protection, and Infrastructure Security, which will allow DHS to safeguard the federal government’s civilian information technology systems against cybersecurity risks. It also supports the maturation of the Department’s new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Transportation Security
The FY 2020 Budget goes further to invest in the security of the traveling public. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) continues to experience airline passenger volume growth at airport checkpoints nationwide. The funding request for TSA supports an additional 700 Transportation Security Officers (TSO) contributing to a total of more than 46,600 TSOs, the highest level in history. Additionally, $221 million is requested for new equipment to effectively detect smaller and more artfully concealed threats within checked or carry-on bags in response to an evolving threat landscape.

Emergency Management & Recovery
In keeping with a policy of “Relentless Resilience,” the Budget proposes crucial resources to enhance the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A funding request of $28.5 billion, which includes $19.4 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, ensures FEMA continues to provide the requisite support to disaster survivors by increasing their capacity to take effective and practical steps to help themselves, their families, and their communities. And it funds FEMA’s transformation into a more responsive agency focused on helping Americans better prepare for the worst.

Sen. Cruz: It Is Only Right El Chapo's Ill-Gotten Gains Go to Securing the Border and Stopping the Next Narco Traffickers

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations appeared on ‘Fox News @ Night’ with Shannon Bream where he discussed his EL CHAPO Act and the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

When asked about the El CHAPO Act, Sen. Cruz described the bill as just, saying, “It is only right that those ill-gotten gains go to fixing the problems and stopping the next Narco traffickers.”

“We need to vote on it,” Sen. Cruz said. “A number of months ago when we were starting to really vigorously debate the border wall and Democrats were going on and on saying that it was too expensive, that they didn't want to spend money on it. […] I happened to be reading at the time that the estimates to build a robust wall at the time were between 14 and $20 billion. At the same time, I read that the Department of Justice estimates of the global worth of El Chapo's criminal network worldwide were roughly $14 billion. There is a natural and elegant symmetry that suggested itself. So I filed the EL CHAPO Act, which says all money criminally forfeited from El Chapo and from any other drug lord shall be used for border security and to build the wall. And that means we can do this without spending even a penny of taxpayer money, but not only that: there is a justice to it. Those billions that El Chapo has were made trafficking illegally across the U.S. border, bringing narcotics across the border. And it is only right that those ill-gotten gains go to fixing the problems and stopping the next Narco traffickers.”

Bream also asked about the United States’ response to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

“Nicolas Maduro, and Hugo Chavez before him, are enemies of America,” Sen. Cruz said. “They oppress their people. Maduro is illegitimate. He is seizing power - you want to talk about a coup? Maduro is using military force to stay in office and he is not the legitimately elected leader of Venezuela. Juan Guaidó is instead. And so the president is quite right, as have most of the nations in the community of civilized nations have recognized Juan Guaidó as the legitimately elected leader of Venezuela. And the leftists in the Democratic party need to stop siding with the communists against the United States of America. That's not good for our country.”

Sen. Cruz continued, noting every military leader in Venezuela has a choice to make: cling to a dictator and oppressor as he falls, or stand with the nation, constitution, and people of Venezuela.

“The rule of law matters,” Sen. Cruz said. “Right now, do you know how many generals there are in Venezuela? There are over 3,000 generals. It's an incredible - they are largely disparate and right now the big question is where are the generals going to line up? And what I’ve publicly called on the generals to do is say look, you are facing a choice: do you stand with Maduro? The tyrant who is on his way out, who is losing power? Or do you stand with the people of Venezuela? Do you stand with the constitution? Do you stand with the legitimately elected leadership? One of the things that President Guaidó’s government has promised to do is to hold free and fair elections so let the people of Venezuela have a choice. But the choice shouldn't be a leftist communist strongman who is murdering the people, who is torturing the people, who is oppressing the people. And by the way, for all those Democrats who are big fans of socialism, well, you can see where the Green New Deal ends up. It ends up in Venezuela - once one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America, and now people literally starving in the streets.”

Love Always! One Dozen Roses Vased Send your love with one dozen beautiful long-stem roses vased with accents and delivered by our florists. When ordering simply indicate your color preference.

CRAPO SUPPORTS BILL TO FUND BORDER SECURITY PRIORITIES

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Idaho Senator Mike Crapo this afternoon voted to support a measure that will keep the government open while also funding projects to secure our border. Following the vote, Crapo issued this comment:

“I supported today’s measure because it takes a step toward making our communities safer. Bicameral, bipartisan appropriators diligently advanced a compromise proposal that addresses urgent priorities in the seven outstanding appropriations packages. For homeland security, this agreement provides more than $1.3 billion for physical security barriers along portions of our border that have been designated as the highest priority by our Border Patrol. Additionally, it provides an unprecedented $22.5 billion for overall border security initiatives that includes law enforcement personnel and drug trafficking prevention. Locally, this bill will also fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, which provides funding to Idaho’s counties to make up for lost revenues from federal ownership of lands.

“The President has also indicated he intends to declare a national emergency to use specific powers to secure our border. We need additional physical barriers securing our border. In the coming days, I will work closely with my Senate colleagues and with the White House to learn the details of the President’s intentions and how they will be implemented.”

The bill now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives.

See also:

Durbin Statement On Bipartisan Agreement To Fund The Government

Feinstein Statement on Government Funding Bill

Fischer Statement on Bipartisan Border Security Agreement

Senator Hassan Statement on Border Security and Government Funding Agreement

Heinrich Votes To Keep Government Open, Decries Trump Abuse Of Power On Declaring National Emergency


HOEVEN STATEMENT ON DHS FUNDING AGREEMENT

HYDE-SMITH SUPPORTS FUNDING PACKAGE TO INVEST IN BORDER SECURITY, FUND MISSISSIPPI PRIORITIES

Diaz-Balart: Democratic Leadership Rejects Another Bipartisan Solution to End Shutdown

Washington, D.C. - January 23, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after he testified before the House Rules Committee on his amendment that includes $5.7 billion in border security, the most recent version of the DREAM bill presented by House Democrats, a permanent solution for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries with status nearing expiration, and $12.7 billion in supplemental disaster relief.

“At the Rules Committee this evening, I presented a commonsense solution to end this government shutdown. The amendment I proposed includes funding for border security, provides permanent relief for DREAMers and TPS recipients, and delivers critical dollars to communities impacted by natural disasters. This shutdown is unnecessary and is hurting the thousands of federal employees furloughed and the countless American families who depend on federal programs. I am exceedingly disappointed Democratic leadership has yet again rejected an amendment which would garner bipartisan support and will not have the opportunity to be debated on the House floor. My amendment not only gets us closer to reopening our government, but also protects our national security, addresses vulnerable immigrant communities who seek legal status, and helps those who are rebuilding after Hurricane Michael. Once again, I urge Democratic leadership to consider a real solution to ending the shutdown, whether it be one of my proposals or that of another Member of Congress, that will have a fair chance at Senate consideration and becoming law.”

Earlier this month, Diaz-Balart presented four similar amendments that addressed DREAMers, TPS, and border security and would have opened the government. Democratic leadership also rejected those amendments.

Foxx Cosponsors Bill to Fund the Wall

Washington, D.C. - November 29, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC, 5th) cosponsored H.R. 7059, the Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act. The bill appropriates the full amount of funding requested by President Trump to construct a wall along the Southern border, including technology and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, it affirms Congressional opposition to abolishing ICE, supports border patrol agents, penalizes sanctuary cities and combats transnational crimes including human and drug trafficking.

Rep. Foxx stated, “As a nation built upon the rule of law, it is crucial for our national security and integrity that we strengthen and secure our Southern border. Congress should fully cooperate with President Trump’s request for border wall funding because national security is the number one job of the federal government. To keep America safe, we must go further to prevent illegal immigration and other crimes carried out across our Southern border. I am proud to cosponsor the Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act because it gives priority to our national security, will make our country safer and ensure our immigration system is fairer for those who desire to come here lawfully.”

Iran Sanctions, Shooting at Sutherland Springs and LOTS MORE!

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Sen. Cruz: ‘The Strength of the Sutherland Springs Community Resounds Across the World’

TRUMP BORDER RHETORIC STOKES HATE AND VIOLENCE, STRANGLES BORDER ECONOMY

Bennet, Gardner, Polis, Buck Urge FEMA to Reimburse Counties for Flood Disaster Recovery Projects

CORKER STATEMENT ON RE-IMPOSITION OF IRAN SANCTIONS

Cotton Statement on Iran Sanctions

DURBIN, DUCKWORTH CALL ON ILLINOIS PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR NIRAV SHAH TO RESIGN OVER BOTCHED RESPONSE TO LEGIONNAIRES' OUTBREAKS AT IVH QUINCY
===
Nev 4
===

Cornyn Statement on First Anniversary of Sutherland Springs Shooting

===
Nov 2
===

CRAPO, LITTLE TO HIGHLIGHT NEW JOB, EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES WITH IDAHO VETERANS COALITION

Senators to FBI: Provide Documents on President Trump’s Possible Involvement in FBI Headquarters Project

WILLIAMS SENDS LETTER TO POTUS IN SUPPORT OF GOV. ABBOTT’S DISASTER DECLARATION REQUEST

Menendez, Watson Coleman and New Jersey Democrats Release New Report on the Impact of President Trump’s Tax Law on New Jersey Homeowners

Thompson Statement on October Jobs Report

Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Ensure Effective Responses to Massive Wildfires


Webster Praises Reimposing Iran Sanctions

Congressman Joe Wilson Supports Decision to Reimpose Sanctions on Iran

Donnelly on March of Dimes Report Showing Large Swaths of Indiana Lack Maternity Care

===
Nov 1
===

Brown Statement on the Federal Reserve's Proposal to Weaken Rules for Large U.S. Banks

Rep. Walters Calls for Continued Protections for Sex Trafficking Survivors in Trade Agreements

CAPITO ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO EXPAND TELEMEDICINE IN WEST VIRGINIA

New Data Show Cost of Administration’s Efforts to Sabotage Healthcare Markets

Reps. Hurd and Aguilar Praise Senate Introduction of the Bipartisan USA Act

Source: Will Hurd (R-TX, 23rd)



Washington, D.C. - February 5, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) praised Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Christopher Coons (D-DE) for introducing the bipartisan Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act in the Senate. Like the House version, the Senate companion provides a permanent, legislative fix for DACA recipients and calls for smart border security measures to gain operational control of our borders by 2020. It is also a vehicle that will allow Congress to finally vote on long-term appropriations for our military and Department of Homeland Security.

“Our plan offers a permanent legislative solution for children who came here of no fault of their own – while achieving operational control of the border by 2020 – two things we all can agree on. I am pleased that Senators McCain and Coons are working together to introduce this legislation in the Senate so we can solve this increasingly urgent issue.” said Rep. Hurd whose district includes over 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, more than any other Member of Congress. “Americans are tired of partisan gridlock. They deserve solutions. This is about Congress doing our job and it proves that Republicans and Democrats in both Chambers of Congress are willing to work together to unite and secure America.”

“Hundreds of thousands of young people are waiting for answers about their futures while Congress continues to talk rather than act. Now is the time to work across party lines to provide certainty to Dreamers,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “The USA Act is a targeted approach that can pass the House and Senate today. I’m grateful to Senators McCain and Coons for their leadership on this issue and for introducing the Senate companion to the USA Act.”

Customs and Border Protection agent dies after being injured in west Texas

Source: Los Angeles Times

One U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was killed and another seriously injured Sunday while responding to suspicious activity in the west Texas Big Bend area, officials said.

Agent Rogelio Martinez, 36, and his partner, whose name was not released, were injured and taken to a hospital, officials said. Martinez died and his partner was in serious condition.

Read more

Lofgren & Conyers: detention of 10-year-old disabled child unjust and inhumane

Source: Zoe Lofgren (D-CA, 19th)



Washington, D.C. - October 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Following reports that a ten-year-old disabled child was taken into custody by Border Patrol agents immediately after emergency surgery at the Driscoll’s Children hospital in Corpus Christi, U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) wrote to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke today raising concerns that the child’s detention is unjust, inhumane, and will create community-wide fear resulting in immigrants not seeking medical care, even for their children.

According to news reports, Rosamaria Hernandez was brought to the United States as a three-month-old baby. She suffers from cerebral palsy, and was detained after her ambulance crossed a Border Patrol checkpoint traveling from Laredo to Corpus Chirsti. Border Patrol agents followed her to the hospital and waited outside her hospital room.

The letter reads:

“The Trump Administration has repeatedly told the American people that DHS enforcement efforts regarding immigration detention and deportation would focus on the “bad hombres” and the “gang members.” Rosamaria Hernandez is neither. She is a vulnerable, disabled child who recently underwent a surgical operation. She needs to be with her family and not in immigration custody.

“This is yet another example of the Trump Administration failing to follow DHS Sensitive Locations guidelines. The DHS Sensitive Location memo states that enforcement actions shall not occur at hospitals unless there are exigent circumstances. These exigent circumstances include national security, terrorism, an imminent risk of death, violence or physical harm, or an imminent danger to public safety.

“In this case, this vulnerable child presented no risk of terrorism, danger to the community, nor to the public safety. On the contrary, DHS’s decision to detain a 10-year-old child with cerebral palsy who just received emergency surgery only risks the child’s life and her well-being. It increases her risk of post-operative infection and medical complications.”

A link to the full letter is here.

Zoe Lofgren is the Senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. John Conyers Jr. is the Senior Democrat on the full House Judiciary Committee.

About the Border

Washington, D.C. - August 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- President Trump made a promise to the American People that he would build a wall along the Mexican/U.S. border (and make Mexico pay for it) during his 2016 Campaign for President. Recently, President Trump threatened to shut down government if Congress does not spend billions of taxpayer dollars to begin construction of his border wall. Recently, Trump visited the border as he readied for a rally in Arizona.

Below are some statements referring to this subject by the newsmakers. (keep checking back for updates:

House Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th):

“Last night, (August 22) President Trump yet again threatened to cause chaos in the lives of millions of Americans if he doesn’t get his way. Make no mistake: the President said he will purposefully hurt American communities to force American taxpayers to fund an immoral, ineffective and expensive border wall.

“The last time Republicans shut down the government, their callous recklessness cost the American economy $24 billion and 120,000 jobs. With a Republican House, Senate and Administration, Republicans have absolutely no excuses for threatening America’s families with a destructive and pointless government shutdown.

“President Trump’s multi-billion dollar border wall boondoggle is strongly opposed by Democrats and many Republicans. Democrats will stand fast against the immoral, ineffective border wall and the rest of Republicans’ unacceptable poison pill riders.”

House Representative Bill Posey (R-FL, 8th):

"Maintaining operational control over our nation's borders is critical to our security and our ability to crack down on human traffickers, drug smugglers and other violent criminals and terrorists who mean to do us harm. Having been to the border and seen first hand how open and vulnerable it really is, it's important for Congress to supply the President with the tools he needs to keep our communities safe and our nation secure."

House Representative John Ratcliffe (R-TX, 4th):

“I’d like to thank the Trump administration for working closely with Congress on securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws. After the Obama administration’s failure to protect the sovereignty and integrity of our territorial borders – which led to more crimes within our homeland and the unnecessary loss of life at the hands of criminal aliens – it’s encouraging that President Trump’s commitment to prioritizing border security has already made our country a safer place. As a member of the House Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, I look forward to continuing my work alongside the Trump administration in building upon the progress we’ve made to protect the American people.”

House Representative Bruce Westerman (R AR, 4th)

"Our nation's southern border has lacked necessary security and control for too long,” Westerman said. “I have toured the border first hand and will be making additional trips. While the brave men and women of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection do an outstanding job with the resources at their disposal, they are unable to prevent the immense flow of illegal immigrants, deadly narcotics, and illicit contraband from pouring into our country. President Trump today proved he is serious about securing our borders and protecting American citizens at home. I applaud his efforts and pledge to continue working with him in the months and years to come as we bring real security and control to our southern border."

House Representative Dave Brat (R-VA, 7th):

“The American people placed their trust in the President and Republicans in Congress last November with the expectation that we would finally take action to secure the border. Our country is the melting pot of the world and I support legal immigration, but legal immigrants and American workers should not have to compete with illegal aliens for jobs. Our country was founded upon the rule of law and it is important that we hold to those principles. It is time for Congress to step up and keep the promises we made to the American people by joining with the President to fully fund construction of a border wall and ensure the U.S. Border Patrol has the resources they need to secure our border."

House Representative Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th):

“Sanctuary cities and illegal criminals have been put on notice. From 2016 to 2017, illegal border crossings fell 52% for the period covering February to March. A human smuggler based at our southwest border reports that his business is at an all-time low. He’s considering a career change.

“At the same time, the House continues to work with President Trump to strengthen immigration enforcement policy through legislation like Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, and it’s clear that 2017 has brought new perspective to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As President Trump visits our southern border and we consider the status of illegal immigration into our country today, we realize that the safety of Americans and the rule of law are once again non-negotiables.”

House Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th):

“The President promised that Mexico was going to pay for his wall. That was a lie. Now, he is willing to threaten another Republican shutdown that will hurt millions of Americans who rely on the federal government for everything from social security and veterans benefits to Medicare and Medicaid claims. It is cruel politics at its worst.”

House Representative Daniel Donovan (R-NY, 11th)

“The President is bringing much-needed focus to the crucial first step in solving our immigration crisis: securing the border. Reforming our broken immigration system will be a pointless exercise if we can’t stop illegal entries. I look forward to continuing to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress on this critical matter.”

House Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd):

"I am pleased by the commitment our President has shown when it comes to securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws. I believe this was one of his most important campaign promises – not just to “Build the Wall,” but everything else entailed in true border security.

"The Trump Administration is cracking down on sanctuary cities and campuses, working to begin construction of the wall (as required by the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which President Obama ignored), he’s begun the process of hiring 10,000 new ICE agents (including 5,000 new Border Patrol Agents) and targeted national enforcement of the violent MS-13 illegal immigrant gang.

"The impact has been that illegal border crossings are down 53%, with ICE conducting 40% more raids than last year. Arrests of convicted criminal aliens are up 20%, and 2,700 criminal gang members have been removed – already more than all of last year by 35%. All in all, the President is doing exactly what I’d hoped he would in enforcing our immigration laws and protecting the country, and I look forward to working with him to do even more.

"The proof is in the numbers, and President Trump has proven what many of us have said for years, the first step towards securing our border is to have a President who is serious about enforcing the laws already on the books."

House Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th):

“A weak border has consequences for the whole country. National security is jeopardized when we don’t know who is entering and leaving. The rule of law is diminished. Opportunities for legal immigrants who follow the rules are closed.

“Dangerous and addicting substances routinely cross the border. The 2016 National Drug Threat Assessment found that Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations, which control smuggling corridors across the border, are the biggest criminal drug threat to the United States. Lax border security has fueled the opioid epidemic, the ready availability of meth, fentanyl, and the resurgence of cocaine. Parts of the country far from the border are in pain because the Federal Government didn’t do enough to control who or what entered our territory.

“Fortunately, the Trump Administration has shown that it takes enforcement seriously. The proof is in the numbers. Apprehensions at the border from January 1 to July 31 of this year are almost half of what they were in the same period last year, a sign that many are choosing not to risk illegal border crossings.

“We should build on this success to further guarantee the integrity of our borders. To that end, I supported the inclusion of funding for a border wall in the appropriations bill the House passed last month and urge that it be kept in any bill to fund the government.”

House Representative Louie Gohmert (R-TX, 1st):

“The best thing we can do for BOTH the United States and Mexico is to secure our border. Thankfully, we have a President who understands and is committed to that. A nation founded on laws that apply to everyone, where neither rich nor poor or supposed to be above the law, must have the law enforced to maintain its integrity, fairness, justice and opportunity. If we secure and enforce our border properly, Mexico's drug cartels are reduced dramatically, which reduces corruption and lawlessness in Mexico, and, thereby, helps Mexico finally achieve its place as one of the top economies and vibrant countries in the world.”

“A good neighbor would help Mexico in this way, which also returns America back to being a nation where the law matters and where we can continue to allow more lawful entries into the United States than any other country in the world. Thankfully, we have a President who not only understands the importance of security and the rule of law, but is doing all he can to make such security, propriety, and opportunity a reality."

House Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA, 6th):

“President Trump has demonstrated his commitment to restoring the rule of law by directing his Administration to enforce our nation’s immigration laws. The President’s strong action has caused illegal immigration to drop significantly at the U.S.-Mexico border. In addition to this progress, we also need to improve our nation’s immigration laws and provide more tools to further reduce illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

“The House of Representatives recently passed the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act and Kate’s Law. These bills combat dangerous sanctuary policies that allow criminals to remain on our streets and punish felons who repeatedly enter the U.S. illegally, respectively. Both of these bills would dramatically improve public safety, and I call on the Senate again to pass them without delay.

“The House Judiciary Committee has also approved a number of bills to strengthen the enforcement of our immigration laws within the interior of the United States, reform the refugee and asylum programs, and ensure unaccompanied minors who make the dangerous journey to the U.S. are safely returned home. The House must pass all of these bills to provide the Trump Administration the tools needed to secure the border and enforce our immigration laws, and to ensure that future administrations do not ignore immigration enforcement laws.”

House Representative Jody Hice (R-GA, 10th)

“Securing our borders is vital to maintaining the safety of our homeland,” said Congressman Hice. "I’m grateful that President Trump has brought this issue into the forefront and given it the attention it deserves. I remain firmly committed to supporting the President's security initiatives on the southern border that will help improve our national security and ensure public safety."

LABRADOR APPLAUDS TRUMP’S COMMITMENT TO BORDER SECURITY & IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- House Representative Raul R. Labrador (R-ID, 1st), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, released the following statement in advance of President Trump’s speech in Arizona:

“I agree with President Trump that border wall funding must be included in the next government funding bill. President Trump would never have become President without his promise to enforce our immigration laws, and I want to do everything I can to help him succeed. Securing the border is a critical step, but not the only step, in ending illegal immigration as we know it. The House has already passed Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, with my support. Now it’s time for the Senate to act. We also need a House floor vote on the Davis-Oliver Act, which I introduced in May to bolster interior enforcement. The time for excuses is over, and the time for action is now.”

On May 24, the House Judiciary approved Rep. Labrador’s bill, H.R. 2431, the Davis-Oliver Act. This bill gives states and localities the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, strengthens the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to do their job, and makes it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to enter our country.

On June 29, Rep. Labrador voted for and the House passed Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. Kate’s Law increases penalties for deported felons who return to the U.S. The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act combats dangerous sanctuary policies that shield illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. These bills include provisions from the Davis-Oliver Act.

Jordan calls for securing U.S. borders in advance of Trump border visit

Washington, D.C. - August 22, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In advance of President Trump’s visit to the U.S./Mexico border today, Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) made the following comments:

“Today President Trump will visit the U.S./Mexico border and reaffirm his commitment to securing our border. Under President Trump, the number of people trying to enter the U.S. illegally has dropped significantly. But we need to do more. I agree with the president that secure borders are a vital part of our national security. For the good of our country, Congress should include border wall funding in government funding legislation this fall. It’s what we ran on – we need to fulfill that promise.”

EFF To Court: Border Agents Need Warrants to Search Contents of Digital Devices

New Orleans, LA - August 10, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Searches of mobile phones, laptops, and other digital devices by federal agents at international airports and U.S. land borders are highly intrusive forays into travelers’ private information that require a warrant, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) said in a court filing.

EFF urged the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to require law enforcement officers at the border to obtain a warrant before performing manual or forensic searches of digital devices. Warrantless border searches of backpacks, purses, or luggage are allowed under an exception to the Fourth Amendment for routine immigration and customs enforcement. Yet EFF argues that, since digital devices can provide so much highly personal, private information—our contacts, our email conversations, our work documents, our schedules—agents should be required to show they have probable cause to believe that the device contains evidence of a violation of the immigration or customs laws. Only after a judge has signed off on a search warrant should border agents be allowed to rifle through the contents of cell phones, laptops, or tablets.

Digital device searches at the border have more than doubled since the inauguration of President Trump. This increase, along with the increasing number of people who carry these devices while traveling, has highlighted the need for stronger privacy rights while crossing the U.S. border.

“Our cell phones and laptops provide access to an unprecedented amount of detailed, private information, often going back many months or years, from emails to our coworkers to photos of our loved ones and lists of our closest contacts. This is light years beyond the minimal information generally contained in other kinds of personal items we might carry in our suitcases. It’s time for courts and the government to acknowledge that examining the contents of a digital device is highly intrusive, and Fourth Amendment protections should be strong, even at the border,” said EFF Staff Attorney Sophia Cope.

EFF filed its brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in U.S. v. Molina-Isidoro. In that case, Maria Isabel Molina-Isidoro’s cell phone was manually searched at the border, supporting her prosecution for attempting to import methamphetamine into the country.

The Supreme Court has held that cell phones hold “the privacies of life,” and police need a warrant to search the contents of a phone seized during an arrest. The same principle should apply to the digital devices seized at the border, EFF told the appeals court.

“Any search of data stored on a digital device, whether performed using special forensic software or conducted manually after obtaining and entering the owner’s password, provides access to a person’s entire private life,” said EFF Senior Staff Attorney Adam Schwartz.

EFF is urging the court to find that the extraordinary privacy interests that travelers have in their digital devices render warrantless searches of those devices unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment. Border agents should be required to show they have sufficient cause for this immense invasion of privacy.