Scott, Coons, Walker, Cleaver Call For April To Be National Month Of Prayer

Charleston, SC - April 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- With COVID-19 modeling showing April will be a potentially devastating month across the nation, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05) and Mark Walker (R-NC-06) are calling for our country to come together in non-denominational, private, and voluntary prayer at Noon every day.

“In April, we ask our nation to come together in prayer at Noon each day to help lift up those suffering from COVID-19, protect our health care professionals and first responders, and bring clarity and strength to the Coronavirus Task Force and state public health officials leading our response.

Be it after the shootings at Mother Emanuel church or the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001, in times of tragedy, our country often turns to faith and prayer to unite us in common resolve. With the projected death toll from coronavirus currently estimating at least 100,000 people, we can all do our part – from social distancing and washing our hands to keeping those on the frontlines of this battle in our prayers each day.”

Fighting Disinformation with Truth

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 27, 2020

Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Separating fact from fiction
Source: BBC
March 17, 2020
Although we don't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus - either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions - Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says, especially for vulnerable patients, "it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice".
Here, at The Ponder, we've been getting private messages from people who are forwarding the recording of the guy telling us frantically not to use Advil ibuprofen. As with most stuff that is forwarded like that, I use the opportunity to do some research on the subject. Here is one of the articles I found that I am posting for your information:
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Third coronavirus law passes
Source: U.S. Representative Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
March 27, 2020
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a third coronavirus bill and the President signed it into law. Although access to the House floor was limited to reduce risk of spreading the virus, I felt I had to be there to express the gratitude of the people of the Marianas for the help being provided to our families, schools, businesses, and the Commonwealth government. Your congressional office was hard at work all week for our islands and we know there is more work ahead. Read our summaries, below, of how the new law, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or “CARES,” Act, applies in the Marianas.
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Rounds USPHS Legislation Included in COVID-19 Relief Bill
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
March 27, 2020
“The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to create a Ready Reserve Corps within the United States Public Health Services (USPHS) so vital healthcare services remain available to our citizens when Commissioned Corps Officers are called away from their duty stations,” said Rounds. “Already, hundreds of officers have been deployed from their regular duty stations, such as an Indian Health Service facility, to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is leaving a gap in healthcare services in already-underserved communities. By creating a Ready Reserve Corps within USPHS, we will now be better equipped to fill these vital positions when the Commissioned Corps Officers need to respond to a national emergency.”
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Congressman Tim Ryan Responds to President Trump's Calls for GM to Produce Ventilators in Lordstown
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
March 27, 2020
“It seems the President has forgotten that GM no longer owns the plant in Lordstown. This is a time for leaders to lead. Instead of tweeting, President Trump should activate the Defense Production Act today and put the full force of American manufacturing to end our equipment shortage. Coronavirus is already taking a toll on our healthcare system, and if we don’t take bold steps to fix that now, many more American will sadly pass away because we couldn’t supply our hospitals with the equipment they so desperately need. The President should stop stalling and fully implement the Defense Production Act to ensure our healthcare workers have the supplies they need to save American lives. The only thing standing in President Trump’s way is himself.“
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Risch Votes Yes on CARES Act to Battle COVID-19
Source: Senator James E. Risch (R-ID)
March 26, 2020
“No one likes to spend this amount of money, but the crisis we find ourselves in compels us to take drastic and decisive measures to protect millions of American lives and livelihoods. The CARES Act provides a lifeline to our nation’s economy, business owners, workers, medical professionals and those on the front lines of the outbreak, and the people and families battling COVID-19."
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Rush, Carter Lead Successful Effort to Ensure Pathologists are Able to Address Critical Testing Needs During Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 26, 2020
Following a request led by U.S. Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that it would allow pathologists to perform their important testing capabilities remotely to help address the coronavirus pandemic.
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Rush Introduces Legislation to Protect Inmates and Their Families from Unjust Charges for Communications Services
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 26, 2020
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) introduced H.R. 6389, the Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act, which protects inmates from unjust and unreasonable charges related to the telephone services and advance communications they rely on during their term of imprisonment. In particular, the bill bans commissions received by prisons and other confinement facilities from communications providers, which is the primary cause of increased rates incurred by inmates and their families.
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U.S. REPS. ASK JUSTICE DEPT. TO REVIEW TRIAL PENALTIES IN CLEMENCY CONSIDERATIONS
Source: U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
March 25, 2020
"Trial penalties are the sentences issued for criminal defendants that are harsher than what had been offered in exchange for a guilty plea. As the letter states, "Instead of accepting a guilty plea, a criminal defendant decides to pursue their 6th Amendment right to a jury trial. The trial penalty results in a significantly longer prison sentence than those imposed on more culpable defendants who voluntarily waive their constitutional right to a jury trial."
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Rep. Harley Rouda Sends Letter to National Governors Association Requesting "Stay at Home" Orders Nationwide
Source: U.S. Representative Harley Rouda (D-CA, 48th)
March 25, 2020
“Without approved treatments and a vaccine, aggressive and enforced social distancing is our only weapon to fight COVID-19 and slow the spread of the disease," said Rouda. "In the past days and weeks governors, Republican and Democratic, have lead by instituting "stay at home" orders. While these orders affect about half of our nation’s population, mitigation is most effective with 100 percent participation.”
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Rush Urges Federal Bureau of Prisons to Release Elderly, Nonviolent Prisoners to Mitigate Coronavirus Risk to Inmates
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 25, 2020
“The close quarters present in our nation’s jails and prisons present a clear and ongoing risk of infection in general, and with the coronavirus in particular,” said Rep. Rush. “This, coupled with the fact that prisoners across the country — including in my home state of Illinois — have tested positive for this virus, underscores the need for action.
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Coronavirus: What you need to know
Source: U.S. Representative Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
March 25, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the progression of the coronavirus and considers the virus to be a serious threat to public health. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
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Reed Helps Reach Bipartisan $2 Trillion Emergency Coronavirus Economic Rescue Agreement
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Reed (R-NY, 23rd)
March 25, 2020
Massive coronavirus relief package includes four months expanded unemployment benefits and direct payments, $367 billion to aid small business, $150 billion for state and local governments, $130 billion for hospitals & health centers, an employee retention tax credit to incentivize businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis, & much more
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Rosen Joins Bipartisan Call for FEMA to Help Individuals, States Handle COVID-19 Outbreak
Source: Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
March 25, 2020
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced she joined her colleagues Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to exercise authorities available in the wake of natural disasters to provide direct emergency assistance to individuals and families and waive local cost sharing in order to increase federal resources to states and communities responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
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Rounds Supports COVID-19 Relief Legislation
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
March 25, 2020
As a nation, we’re all feeling the effects of this unprecedented crisis. I’m glad we were able to come together to provide immediate, direct relief to South Dakota families and businesses, while at the same time taking steps to stabilize our economy. It is not a perfect bill, but it gets resources to state and local governments, who know the needs of their communities better than anyone else. It also removes regulatory barriers so businesses can get people the help they need during this time of crisis.
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National Guard and Reserve Caucus Chairs Call on President to Mobilize US Airlift Assets
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
March 25, 2020
Representatives Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Steven Palazzo (R-Miss), Co-Chairs of the House National Guard and Reserve Caucus, today sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting for President Trump to immediately mobilize America's military airlift, including Reserve and National Guard assets as needed to repatriate Americans abroad.
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Public Advocate Asks Nation To Pray for Victory Over China Virus
Source: Public Advocate USA
March 24, 2020
Eugene Delgaudio, president of Public Advocate, is asking Americans and supporters of Public Advocate to pray for America's success against the China Virus and for President Donald Trump's success in leading the nation to Victory.
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Amata-Cosponsored Legislation Will Help Student Veterans During COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa Delegate)
March 24, 2020
“This bill is a collection of several of the best ideas to quickly help the thousands of Veterans in educational programs during the pandemic,” said Aumua Amata, Vice Ranking Member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “They can be assured of not losing eligibility or their place in a program while it is shut down, and their program’s support and benefits will be secure and available when studies start again. Thank you to Chairman Mark Takano and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe for leading this important effort so these student Veterans don’t need to worry about their ongoing education.”
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Trump’s Financial Conflicts of Interest Endanger Public Health
Source: Public Citizen
March 24, 2020
At a White House press conference Monday, President Donald Trump announced that he may soon roll back federal guidelines on social distancing that are intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus epidemic. The Washington Post has reported that Trump’s “private business has shut down six of its top seven revenue-producing clubs and hotels because of restrictions meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, potentially depriving Trump’s company of millions of dollars in revenue.”
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Public Knowledge Launches Tracking Report to Log Digital Platform Responses to Misinformation During the Pandemic
Source: Public Knowledge
March 24, 2020
Today, we’re happy to announce the launch of our newest tracking report to log digital platform responses to misinformation during this pandemic. The report monitors how major digital platforms like Twitter and Google respond to the crisis and analyzes their various approaches, helping policymakers, media, and the public to better explore what platforms are doing to combat the rising “infodemic” — a dangerous onslaught of misunderstandings, inaccurate data, and lies about the coronavirus spread rapidly online. Public Knowledge will update the tracking report weekly as the pandemic unfolds.
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Rep. Rice Sends Letter to Leadership
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)
March 24, 2020
Congressman Rice urges Congressional Leadership to include $100 billion for tourism and small businesses in aid package.
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U.S. District Court Protects Prayer to Open Congress

Washington, D.C. - October 16, 2017 - (The Ponder News) --  Mike Johnson (R-LA, 4th) issued the following statement after the U.S. District Court’s decision in Baker v. Conroy rejected a challenge to Congress' ability to open its meetings with a prayer:

“As an attorney who defended legislative prayer for many years prior to being elected to Congress, I am thankful for the court’s decision invalidating this latest atheist challenge to our cherished tradition. As the Supreme Court has acknowledged many times, 'we are a religious people, whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.' I look forward to continuing to start our work in Congress each day as our founders did, with a prayer to God.”

Congressman  Walter B. Jones (R-NC, 3rd) praised the U.S. District Court’s decision and released the following statement:

“I am very happy to see the district court in our nation’s capital reaffirm the important role of prayer in our legislative branch,” said Congressman Jones. “Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values.  For 243 years, our Congress has opened its day with prayer, and I will fight to make sure that never changes.”

Congressman Jones is a long time member of the House Values Action Team and has consistently supported and defended religious freedom.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Rules in Favor of Invocations before Jackson County Board of Commissioners Meetings

Source: First Liberty

The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit sitting en banc affirmed the decision of a federal district court judge and ruled today that the Board of Commissioners in Jackson County, Michigan—represented by First Liberty Institute—may open its meetings with invocations. The commissioners offer invocations on a rotating basis and are free to act according to their own consciences by delivering either an invocation or offering a moment of silence.

"Today's decision further solidifies what the U.S. Supreme Court has now twice said: Invocations before government meetings are constitutional and an important part of our nation's history and heritage," said Ken Klukowski, Senior Counsel at First Liberty.

In Marsh v. Chambers (1983) and Town of Greece v. Galloway (2014), the U.S. Supreme Court found invocations before government meetings to be fully consistent with the Constitution and an important part of America's history and heritage.

First Liberty also represents the commissioners of Rowan County, North Carolina (Lund v. Rowan County), whose case was heard en banc in March 2017 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In July, the Fourth Circuit ruled against the Rowan County commissioners in a split 10-5 vote. First Liberty is currently considering an appeal of the Rowan County decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Click here to learn more...

First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.

Trump Issues Ntl Day of Prayer Proclamation for Harvey Victims and First Responders

Source: The White House; President Donald J. Trump

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY AND FOR OUR NATIONAL RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION
Hurricane Harvey first made landfall as a Category 4 storm near Rockport, Texas, on the evening of August 25, 2017. The storm has since devastated communities in both Texas and Louisiana, claiming many lives, inflicting countless injuries, destroying or damaging tens of thousands of homes, and causing billions of dollars in damage. The entire Nation grieves with Texas and Louisiana. We are deeply grateful for those performing acts of service, and we pray for healing and comfort for those in need.

Americans have always come to the aid of their fellow countrymen -- friend helping friend, neighbor helping neighbor, and stranger helping stranger -- and we vow to do so in response to Hurricane Harvey. From the beginning of our Nation, Americans have joined together in prayer during times of great need, to ask for God's blessings and guidance. This tradition dates to June 12, 1775, when the Continental Congress proclaimed a day of prayer following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and April 30, 1789, when President George Washington, during the Nation's first Presidential inauguration, asked Americans to pray for God's protection and favor.

When we look across Texas and Louisiana, we see the American spirit of service embodied by countless men and women. Brave first responders have rescued those stranded in drowning cars and rising water. Families have given food and shelter to those in need. Houses of worship have organized efforts to clean up communities and repair damaged homes. Individuals of every background are striving for the same goal -- to aid and comfort people facing devastating losses. As Americans, we know that no challenge is too great for us to overcome.

As response and recovery efforts continue, and as Americans provide much needed relief to the people of Texas and Louisiana, we are reminded of Scripture's promise that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Melania and I are grateful to everyone devoting time, effort, and resources to the ongoing response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. We invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray for those who have lost family members or friends, and for those who are suffering in this time of crisis.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 3, 2017, as a National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and Recovery Efforts. We give thanks for the generosity and goodness of all those who have responded to the needs of their fellow Americans. I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane Harvey, including people who have lost family members or been injured, those who have lost homes or other property, and our first responders, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and medical professionals leading the response and recovery efforts. Each of us, in our own way, may call upon our God for strength and comfort during this difficult time. I call on all Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one voice of prayer, as we seek to uplift one another and assist those suffering from the consequences of this terrible storm.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.



DONALD J. TRUMP

Governor Abbott Announces Day Of Prayer In Texas After Hurricane Harvey

Source: Texas Governor Gregg Abbott

Austin, TX - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation announcing September 3, 2017, as a Day of Prayer in Texas. In his proclamation, the Governor urged Texans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers on that day for the safety of first responders, public safety officers, and military personnel, and for the healing of individuals, rebuilding of communities and the restoration of the entire region struck by this disaster.

"Throughout our history, Texans have been strengthened and lifted through prayer, and it is fitting that Texans join together in prayer in this time of crisis," said Governor Abbott. "Throughout this disaster, we have seen the power of Texans helping Texans, and I am hopeful this proclamation will bring people together once more. We have remained strong throughout this ordeal, and this Day of Prayer will make us even stronger together."

Governor Abbott announced the Day of Prayer at an event today at First Baptist church in Rockport, TX with Vice President Mike Pence and Reverend Franklin Graham.

Appellate Court Prohibits Legislative Meetings from Opening with Invocation by Government Officials

Washington, D.C. - July 22, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit decided 10-5 to prohibit First Liberty Institute clients, Rowan County, NC, Commissioners, from opening commission meetings with an invocation by government officials. This decision comes three years after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that legislative meetings may open with a prayer given by local religious leaders even if all the prayer givers are of the same faith.

“While we are disappointed in the Fourth Circuit’s decision to ban invocations before legislative meetings contrary to Supreme Court precedent, we are encouraged that the split in the vote on the Fourth Circuit demonstrates the need for Supreme Court review on this issue,” said Mike Berry, Deputy General Counsel for First Liberty Institute.

First Liberty Institute is one of the law firms representing Rowan County in this matter and is also representing Jackson County, Michigan in a similar matter that is currently pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.