The Stop Evasion of Iran Sanctions Act

Janesville, WI - June 11, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The Republican Study Committee (RSC) has endorsed Bryan Steil’s bill, H.R. 6015, the Stop Evasion of Iran Sanctions Act, as part of RSC’s National Security Strategy: Strengthening America and Countering Global Threats. Steil has been a member of the RSC since 2019 and is a member of the RSC National Security and Foreign Affairs Task Force.

“The United States will not allow Iran to avoid our sanctions and develop a nuclear weapon. My bill enforces sanctions on Iran and on countries that evade our sanctions to financially support the regime. Our National Security Strategy targets Iran’s malign actions and includes the toughest sanctions ever on Iran. I am grateful for RSC’s support of my bill and will continue working with my colleagues to hold Iran accountable and keep America safe. We must keep our eyes on the ball and never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon,” said Steil.

“We are proud to endorse this important legislation to stop the Iranian regime’s attempt at sanctions evasion and to help enhance President Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign on Iran,” RSC Chairman Mike Johnson said. “Iran has shown it will stop at nothing to circumvent U.S. sanctions so it will have the funds to spread terrorism, obtain nuclear weapons, and threaten Israel. Congress can make sure that doesn’t happen by passing The Stop Evasion of Iran Sanctions Act. I thank Congressman Steil for his continued leadership in the national security arena, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to support his smart, tough approach on Iran.”

You can read the RSC’s National Security Strategy here.

In April, Steil penned an op-ed in the Washington Examiner on the need to hold Iran accountable. Steil also joined Spicer & Co. on Newsmax to discuss the importance of ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.

The Republican Study Committee (RSC) has served as the conservative caucus of House Republicans and a leading influencer on the Right since its original founding in 1973. It exists to bring like-minded House members together to promote a strong, principled legislative agenda that will limit government, strengthen our national defense, boost America’s economy, preserve traditional values and balance our budget.

legislation, natural disaster, inspector general, Religious Liberty, Women, Essential Workers, broadband, accountablity, Stimulus, Physicians, Farmers, Africa, First Responders, Airlines, small business,

Congressman Biggs Leads Letter to President Trump about Potential Phase Four Package
Source: U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)
April 3, 2020
Our nation is facing an unprecedented public health emergency, and President Trump has shown extraordinary leadership during this difficult time. I have enormous sympathy for all Americans who are ill, as well to those who are out of work. However, even in the midst of this terrible crisis, we must continue be good stewards of our nation’s finances, challenging though that responsibility is during periods like this.
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BRINDISI & FITZPATRICK INTRODUCE BILL TO ENSURE COMPREHENSIVE PREPAREDNESS FOR FUTURE NATURAL EMERGENCIES
Source: U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi (D-NY, 22nd)
April 3, 2020
“Saving lives and keeping Americans safe is my top priority,” said Brindisi. “Unfortunately, we are already seeing breaks in our supply chain of critical supplies like PPE and other essential equipment to keep our frontline workers safe. We must learn from this crisis and in the future, we need to strengthen our supply chain and not be over-reliant on adversaries like China to help us in our time of need. The bipartisan Made In America Emergency Preparedness Act will make our country better prepared for national emergencies and in times of war, strengthen our manufacturing sector, and create good-paying jobs along the way. While we respond to this pandemic, we need to also be working together to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
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CASTRO STATEMENT ON TRUMP FIRING INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY INSPECTOR GENERAL
Source: U.S Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th)
April 3, 2020
“In the middle of the night, in the midst of a global pandemic, as the coronavirus threatens the American people, President Trump is executing retribution against a civil servant who informed the American people of a whistleblower complaint that led to his impeachment for abuse of power.”
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PELL’S RELEASE TRIGGERS BACKLASH
Source: Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
April 3, 2020
Most people are normal and desire justice. Abnormal people prize revenge. A case in point is the reaction to the release of Cardinal George Pell from an Australian prison. Normal people are happy with the news, but there are always the abnormal ones.
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Victory for Arizona Girls and Women!
Source: Center for Arizona Policy
April 3, 2020
31 courageous state representatives stood strong for Arizona girls and women and passed HB2706, ensuring only biological females compete in female sports.
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Casey, Senate Democrats Unveil COVID-19 “Heroes Fund” Proposal To Provide $25,000 Pay Increase To Essential Workers On Frontline Of Nation’s Pandemic Response
Source: Senator Robert P.Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
April 7, 2020
“We are in a war against COVID-19, and we owe our gratitude to all of the workers who are putting their own health and safety at risk by fighting on the front lines of this pandemic,” said Senator Bob Casey. “And just like wartime, we must recognize and reward those who are on the front lines—health care professionals, first responders, personal care and home health workers, truck drivers, grocery store workers and other unsung heroes—for their selfless efforts to do the critical work of protecting our citizens and keeping our country running so millions of Americans can stay safe at home. The Heroes Fund would provide essential workers with increased compensation and incentivize others to join the fight against COVID-19.”
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Chu, Hirono, Harris, Grijalva, Correa Introduce Legislation to Provide Critical Assistance to Vulnerable Communities Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S Representative Judy Chu (D-CA, 27th)
April 3, 2020
The Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act would, among other provisions, help ensure that all communities are able to access COVID-19 testing and treatment, and other relief services provided in coronavirus relief legislation. It would provide dedicated funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct public outreach in multiple languages to hard-to-reach populations to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to COVID-19 relief measures and critical public health information.
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FCC’s 5G Fund Draft Presents False Choice in Path to Bring Critical Mobile Broadband Services to Areas Still In Need
Source: Competitive Carriers Association
April 3, 2020
In a statement, CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “I appreciate the Commission’s focus on ensuring every American has access to robust mobile broadband services and for a dedicated $9 billion for mobile service in rural America; however, I am extremely discouraged by the two options the Commission has proposed. The draft proposal sets up a false choice between, on the one hand, updating the FCC’s maps in line with the recently-enacted Broadband DATA Act but delaying funding for several years, and, on the other hand, moving forward using the flawed coverage data, simply for the sake of moving forward quickly. But these are plainly not the only options, nor the best options; there is no reason why the FCC cannot follow the law that Congress mandated and distribute needed funding in a timely manner, with accurate data. We should not be limiting ourselves to two inadequate options, but rather looking for real solutions to deploy mobile broadband as quickly as possible.”
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Cotton, Hawley, Curtis, Gallagher Introduce Li Wenliang Global Public Health Accountability Act
Source: Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)
April 3, 2020
“Dr. Li tried to warn his country and the world about the Wuhan coronavirus, but he was silenced by the Chinese Communist Party. By hiding the truth about the virus, the CCP turned a regional health problem into a global catastrophe. In honor of Dr. Li, our bill seeks to punish foreign officials responsible for suppressing information about international health crises, including the Wuhan virus,” said Cotton.
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Disability Law Center’s Efforts to Advocate for Utahns with Disabilities During COVID-19
Pandemic
Source: Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
April 6, 2020
The Disability Law Center (DLC) has taken several steps this week to advocate for Utahns with disabilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the DLC filed a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding the State’s Crisis Standards of Care on behalf of the agency and an individual who could be impacted, Jacob Hansen, an individual with cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis. The guidelines’ Patient Prioritization Tool and Adult Triage Guidelines explicitly and implicitly deprioritize people with disabilities for care in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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Beatty’s Votes on Coronavirus Response Bills Help Bring $62 Million+ Back to Central Ohio
Source: U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
April 6, 2020
“As the Representative of Ohio’s Third Congressional District, I am fighting hard to secure the much-needed federal resources to ensure that hardworking Ohioans, families, and small businesses come first during this public health crisis. I was proud to support all three comprehensive COVID-19 response bills, but I am even prouder of the many people in Central Ohio who are working tirelessly on the front lines in the ongoing battle against the virus. The $62 million in federal funds will help my constituents as well as the courageous professionals and dedicated individuals who are saving lives and keeping our country and economy moving forward.”
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Some truths need to be spoken...
Source: Caesar Rodney Institute
April 6, 2020
To their credit, the hospitals have responded appropriately to a perceived crisis and redeployed resources. My guess is that this will be seen as heroic in the short term and over reaction in the long term. History will be the judge.
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Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Veterans, SSI Beneficiaries to Receive Stimulus Checks Automatically Without Having to File Tax Return
Source: U.S Representative Senator Maria Cantwell - (D - WA)
April 6, 2020
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and 40 of their Democratic colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue the direct cash assistance included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act automatically to individuals who receive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. In their letter, the senators point out that the federal government has the data necessary to deliver the stimulus checks automatically, and that many individuals in these groups do not file tax returns.
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Cárdenas, Lofgren Urge Trump Administration to Allow Foreign-Born Physicians to Practice in the U.S. During COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S Representative Troy Cardenas (D-CA, 29th)
April 6, 2020
“Today, the United States has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. For weeks, state, local, and federal officials have focused their efforts on addressing the extreme shortage of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators, that has hindered our response to this national emergency,” the Members wrote. “Long-before this pandemic emerged, the United States was already experiencing a shortage of medical workers. As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase, so does the risk to U.S. doctors, nurses, and other critical care workers. As this crisis will undoubtedly continue to take its toll on these professionals, we must do everything in our power to build and retain a robust workforce.”
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Carter Introduces Legislation to Prevent Scams During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA, 1st)
April 6, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous scams across the country. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been working together to stop fraud, including companies making false claims about COVID-19 treatments and prevention or scammers securing financial information when offering fraudulent COVID-19 assistance.
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REPRESENTATIVE RICK CRAWFORD ANNOUNCES FARM CORPS INITIATIVE PAIRING ARKANSAS AG-PRODUCERS AND UNEMPLOYED GUARD, RESERVISTS
Source: U.S Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR, 1st)
April 6, 2020
“Food Security is national security, and no two groups understand that better than the farmers who produce our food, and the military members who secure our nation. In this challenging environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers across Arkansas are dealing with a labor shortage, while National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, as well as veterans in general are struggling with job loss,” said Crawford. “I’m proud to support FARM Corps in their broad efforts to bring farmers and veterans together with the common mission of securing American agriculture.”
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Rep Bass Urges Continued Support to Africa Against Violent Extremist Threats Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
April 7, 2020
"There have been a series of deadly assaults across the Sahel. Since the beginning of this outbreak, extremists have attacked Chad’s military, killing soldiers near the border of Nigeria and Niger; Nigerian soldiers have been killed in northeastern Nigeria; and this week, numerous Malian soldiers were killed in an attack on their military base. I condemn this violence and any other attempt to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. I urge the administration and international community to continue to support African governments in a comprehensive manner as they combat the increased violence in the region. This especially includes addressing the root causes of violence."
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Rep. Ted Budd Leads Resolution to Honor Health Care Workers and First Responders
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Bud (R-NC, 13th)
April 7, 2020
“Our health care workers and first responders are going above and beyond the call of duty to fight the Coronavirus. It’s essential that we recognize their sacrifice and willingness to put their lives on the line to help save the lives of others. These individuals embody what it means to be true American heroes. Because of their sacrifice, countless lives will be saved and our country will unite and emerge stronger after we defeat this pandemic.”
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Burchett announces legislation to hold airlines accountable for taxpayer-funded relief
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
As of last week, passenger airline traffic has fallen 90% compared to a year ago. The CARES Act included significant financial relief for the airline industry to address the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines in the United States will receive grants and loans designed to keep their businesses afloat and pay the salaries of their employees in order to make it out of the current crisis with their workforce intact. Rep. Burchett wants to ensure this money makes it to the operations of the airline companies that need it most.
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CARTER CALLS FOR MORE SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING
Source: U.S Representative John Carter (R-TX, 31st)
April 7, 2020
“Over the last week, my office and I have spoken to over 700 small business owners about the Paycheck Protection Program, and it’s increasingly obvious the program will need additional funding to continue helping as many small businesses as possible through this hard time. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I wholeheartedly support efforts to increase funding for PPP loans, and I call on my colleagues to avoid partisan games or unnecessary delays in getting this funding into the hands of business owners. Small businesses are truly the backbone of our economy, and I’m committed to doing whatever is necessary to help them survive.”
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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.”

Several Bills Signed Into Law Last Week

Washington, D.C. - November 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On Tuesday, November 21, 2017, the President signed into law:

H.R. 194, the "Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2017,"

which requires the General Services Administration to provide guidance and assistance to Federal agencies to ensure effective processing of the mail;

H.R. 1545, the "VA Prescription Data Accountability Act of 2017," which require the Department of Veterans Affairs to disclose information about covered individuals to State controlled substance monitoring programs to help to prevent misuse and diversion of prescription medications;

H.R. 1679, the "FEMA Accountability, Modernization and Transparency Act of 2017," which requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that the ongoing modernization of grant systems for the administration of disaster assistance include specified features to improve applicant accessibility and transparency;

H.R. 3243, the "FITARA Enhancement Act of 2017," which extends and makes permanent several provisions of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA); and

H.R. 3949, the "Veterans Apprenticeship and Labor Opportunity

Reform (VALOR) Act of 2017," which provides for the designation of State approving agencies for multi-state apprenticeship programs for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Pelosi Sends Letter to Speaker Ryan Calling For Immediate Creation of Select Committee on Gun Violence, Passage of King-Thompson Background Check Legislation

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to Speaker Ryan calling for the creation of a Select Committee on Gun Violence and to bring the King-Thompson Background Check Legislation to the House Floor for a vote following the attack in Las Vegas, the largest mass shooting in our history.

As Leader Pelosi writes, “I urge you to create a Select Committee on Gun Violence to study and report back common sense legislation to help end this crisis. The bipartisan committee would make recommendations to prevent unspeakable tragedies such as the mass shooting in Las Vegas and to restore confidence in the safety of our communities. Today is a day for prayer, mourning and love, but it must also be a day for action.”

Full text of the letter can be found below:

October 2, 2017

The Honorable Paul Ryan
Speaker of the House
H-232, United States Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Speaker:

The epidemic of gun violence in our country continues to challenge the conscience of our nation.

Today, our nation woke up to news of the worst mass shooting in our history, claiming the lives of at least 58 innocent men and women in Las Vegas. Nearly 12,000 Americans have been killed by guns in 273 mass shootings in 2017 – one for each day of the year. On average, more than 90 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every day, a daily toll of heartbreak and tragedy in communities across America.

Congress has a moral duty to address this horrific and heartbreaking epidemic. Charged with the solemn duty to protect and defend the American people, we must respond to these tragedies with courage, unity and decisive action.

First, Congress must pass the bipartisan King-Thompson legislation to strengthen the life-saving background checks that keep guns out of the wrong hands. But this is only a first step.

I urge you to create a Select Committee on Gun Violence to study and report back common sense legislation to help end this crisis. The bipartisan committee would make recommendations to prevent unspeakable tragedies such as the mass shooting in Las Vegas and to restore confidence in the safety of our communities.

Today is a day for prayer, mourning and love, but it must also be a day for action. As Members of Congress, our words of comfort to the families of the victims of the Las Vegas massacre will ring hollow unless we take long overdue action to ensure that no other family is forced to endure such an unimaginable tragedy.

Thank you for your solemn and swift consideration of this request.

best regards,

NANCY PELOSI
Democratic Leader

From what I understand, a machine gun was used. Am I wrong in remembering that machine guns are against the law already? Your laws did not prevent the killer from using it. What good is it going to do to put more regulations on law-abiding Americans?

Reset Act of 2017 Introduced

Washington, D.C. - August 1, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Reset Act of 2017. The Reset Act calls for a review of all major federal regulations and allows Congress the option of overturning any regulation through a majority vote of both the House and Senate. This legislation follows on the success of the Congressional Review Act, which has been used 14 times in 2017 to overturn major federal regulations.

“We all have to answer to someone. Members of Congress do so every two or six years during elections. What I’ve heard at home is that unelected bureaucrats and rulemakers in Washington seem to answer to no one. What my bill does is allow Congress to review every major rule on the books and overturn them if they are not needed. If this bill goes into law, we will have taken a significant step towards a more accountable and responsive system.”