NFIB Files Amicus Brief in Fort Bend County, Texas v. Davis, Urging Supreme Court to Protect Small Businesses’ Ability to Resolve Title VII Discrimination Claims Outside of Court

by: National Federation of Independent Business

Fort Bend, TX - March 4, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case of Fort Bend County, Texas, v. Davis today, arguing that the United States Supreme Court should preserve the right of employers and employees to work through discrimination claims first outside of costly litigation.

“Small business owners work hard to ensure that they are compliant with employment laws,” said Karen Harned, Executive Director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center. “Because of their good faith efforts, businesses would much prefer to resolve problems without costly court battles. Moreover, Congress also expressed preference for reconciliation of Title VII discrimination claims through the administrative process. Allowing employees to go directly to court would undermine the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s mandate to resolve these costly claims quickly and outside of the court system.”

Fort Bend County, Texas, v. Davis concerns whether an employee’s failure to exhaust Title VII administrative remedies by first raising a discrimination claim with the EEOC is a jurisdictional prerequisite to filing a lawsuit in a federal court. In our brief, NFIB argues that, “One of the bedrock policies underlying Title VII is that the favored means of resolving employment discrimination issues is not through litigation, but through voluntary compliance and cooperation.”

The NFIB Small Business Legal Center protects the rights of small business owners in the nation’s courts. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.

President Signs Peters, Risch, Evans Bill Helping Small Businesses Access Patent Protection

Washington, D.C. - October 18, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- President Donald J. Trump has signed into law legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and James Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee and Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) aimed at helping small businesses safeguard their intellectual property with expanded education on obtaining and protecting patents. The Small Business Innovation Protection Act will build upon existing outreach programs run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to better inform small businesses on domestic and international intellectual property protections.

“Michigan’s small businesses are creating some of the most innovative goods and services in the world, but many have difficulty navigating the domestic and international patent system with limited resources and expertise,” said Senator Peters. “Under this new law, entrepreneurs who can’t afford a team of patent lawyers will have more assistance in protecting their intellectual property so they can continue to grow their businesses here at home.”

“Idaho has become a hot-spot for tech start-ups, filled with new ideas to grow their small businesses,” said Chairman Risch. “Now these innovative entrepreneurs will have easier access to information on protecting their intellectual property as they navigate the market and manage their businesses, earning back the money they spent on their inventions and creating more jobs. This was truly a bipartisan, bicameral effort and I’m glad the President has made it law.”

Congressman Dwight Evans, D-PA, who introduced the legislation in the House as H.R. 2655, thanked Sens. Peters and Risch for their collaboration and said, “We know that small businesses are critical to job creation and the overall economic strength of our country, both in the middle neighborhoods in cities like Philadelphia, and in the new and growing tech-based economy. Creating and supporting their growth is essential to helping entrepreneurs prosper.”

“Small businesses drive American innovation and job creation, and intellectual property is often the ‘secret sauce’ that give them an edge when they’re fledgling companies,” said Frank Cullen, Vice President of U.S. Policy, U.S. Chamber Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC). “This legislation will help small business owners better understand the important role IP plays in their company’s success, and in turn, help them better leverage and protect those key assets. We commend Sen. Gary Peters and Sen. Risch, as well as all those who supported this measure, for helping make our nation’s small businesses more competitive by increasing IP educational programs and resources at the Small Business Administration and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.”

U.S. intellectual property is estimated to be worth over $5 trillion, and sixty percent of all U.S. exports are driven through intellectual property-intensive industries. Patent protection helps innovators recoup the cost of research and development, profit off their inventions, hire new employees, and bolster their local economy.

Small businesses that do not register in foreign markets, such as China, receive no intellectual property protections. The Small Business Innovation Protection Act will help educate small businesses on the need and resources available to best secure an international patent.

The Small Business Innovation Protection Act directs the SBA and USPTO to maximize current intellectual property education and training programs in order to reach more small businesses. Specifically, the bill would:

Require the SBA and USPTO to develop partnerships in order to develop high quality training relating to domestic and international intellectual property protection by leveraging existing training materials developed for small business and inventor education, which may be conducted in person or online; and

Require the SBA and USPTO to enter partnerships in order to increase the effectiveness of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) by providing training that addresses small business concerns related to domestic and international intellectual property protections which may be conducted in person or online.

H.R. 4771, The Small Bank Holding Company Relief Act

Source: Mia Love (R-UT, 4th)



Washington, D.C. - February 10, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Mia Love’s bill to make it easier for families, small businesses, start-ups, and family farms to obtain loans from small financial institutions has passed the House of Representatives.

H.R. 4771, The Small Bank Holding Company Relief Act eases overregulation on these banks and savings and loans, helping these institutions raise capital so they can make loans in their community.

Congresswoman Love said: “Smaller banks are the lifeblood of many communities in Utah. They support the credit needs of low and middle income families as well as the small businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs that create jobs.”

“Sometimes these small banks are the only lending source for many hard working and ambitious people,” Rep. Love added.

Doug DeFries C.E.O., Bank of Utah said: “Rep. Love's bill will make a big difference to the Bank of Utah, to our customers and the community at large. We are impressed at her ability to show bipartisan leadership to obtain success on a very important issue like this.”

Len E. Williams, CEO, Bank of American Fork and the People’s Intermountain Bank family: “We are thrilled that Congresswoman Love’s leadership has resulted in bipartisan action bringing real relief to our community. Small banks play such an important role in supporting local businesses, families and individuals in our communities, and this law makes it easier for that to happen.”

In technical terms, Rep. Love’s bill would raise the consolidated asset threshold under the Federal Reserve’s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement from $1 billion to $3 billion. The Policy Statement exempts small institutions under the threshold from the Fed’s Tier 1 capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio requirements. The effect of the increased threshold will be to allow more of the smaller bank holding companies to downstream the proceeds of any debt or equity they issue to their banking subsidiaries, helping these institutions make loans and provide services in their communities.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives from across the aisle, Representative Josh Gottheimer D-NJ, and Representative Gregory Meeks D-NY who say the bill is an important step toward supporting community-focused institutions.

Small Business Optimism Hits Near All-Time High

By National Federation of Independent Business



Washington, D.C. - December 12, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Not since the roaring Reagan economy has small business optimism been as high as it was in November, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Index of Small Business Optimism, released today.

“We haven’t seen this kind of optimism in 34 years, and we’ve seen it only once in the 44 years that NFIB has been conducting this research,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. “Small business owners are exuberant about the economy, and they are ready to lead the U.S. economy in a period of robust growth.”

The Index gained 3.7 points in November, a sharp increase over what was already a near-record performance the previous month. Eight of 10 components posted gains, including a stunning and rare 16-point gain in Expected Better Business Conditions and a 13-point jump in Sales Expectations.

“This is the second-highest reading in the 44-year history of the Index,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “The NFIB indicators clearly anticipate further upticks in economic growth, perhaps pushing up toward four percent GDP growth for the fourth quarter. This is a dramatically different picture than owners presented during the weak 2009-16 recovery.

“The change in the management team in Washington has dramatically improved expectations,” he continued.

Job Creation plans increased six points last month, providing more evidence of a strong labor market. The number of owners who said it’s a Good Time to Expand rose four points; Inventory Plans increased by three points; Inventory Satisfaction increased by three points; and Actual Earnings Trend moved up two points.

“Job creation faded, but hiring plans soared, primarily in construction, manufacturing, and professional services,” said Dunkelberg.

Finding qualified workers has been a persistent problem all year for small business owners, a reliable sign of growing economy. Last month, it was the second most important problem facing small business owners. Only taxes polled higher.

“Small business owners are paying very close attention to what is happening in Washington,” said Duggan. “They continue to list taxes as their number-one problem, but they now have clear expectations that Congress and the President will address that problem.

“As long as Congress and the President follow through on tax reform, 2018 is shaping up to be a great year for small business, workers, and the economy.”


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Chairman Chabot Applauds President Trump’s Signing of the NDAA

By The Small Business Committee

Washington, D.C. - December 12, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- House Committee on Small Business Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) released the following statement after President Trump signed the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law:

“Today is a great day for our nation’s military and our nation’s entrepreneurs and innovators. I applaud the President for signing this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill that not only funds our military, but also is a win for America’s 29 million small businesses.”

Some small business-friendly provisions signed into law include:

H.R. 1773, the Clarity for America’s Small Contractors Act of 2017, sponsored by Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH), co-sponsored by Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)

H.R. 3294, the HUBZone Unification and Business Stability Act of 2017, sponsored by Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH)

H.R. 1597, the Commercial Market Representatives Clarification Act of 2017, sponsored by Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA), co-sponsored by Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA) and Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL); and

H.R. 1693, the Improving Contract Procurement for Small Businesses through More Accurate Reporting Act of 2017, sponsored by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

Note: Chairman Chabot, upon the passage of the NDAA conference report, said, “Small businesses play a vital and indispensable role in providing for the common defense, and I thank both Chambers for recognizing their contribution to the safety of our homeland.”



See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2017 Passes House Unanimously

Washington, D.C. - December 8, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Bill Hulzinga (R-MI, 2nd) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 477, the Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2017. This legislation passed the House with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 426 to 0.

“Today’s one-size-fits-all regulatory structure treats the sale of a privately owned family business the same as if an investment bank were buying a publicly traded company. The current structure simply doesn’t make sense. This West Michigan inspired solution would significantly reduce the federal regulatory compliance costs, which can initially exceed $150,000 and after that, cost $75,000 annually. With an estimated $10 trillion in privately held small businesses either being sold or closing as more and more baby boomers retire, our regulatory structure should encourage these neighborhood businesses and small companies to be sold to the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

“This small business initiative promotes economic growth and development, strengthens job creation and preservation, and provides immediate and substantial regulatory relief for small business professionals. Business brokerage services are critically important to entrepreneurs who start, build, and eventually want to sell their private companies. In today’s divisive political environment, H.R. 477 demonstrates that Congress can act in a bipartisan manner to strengthen our economy and positively impact the lives of hardworking Americans.”

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Small Business Saturday is November 25

Texarkana, TX - November 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On Saturday, November 25, in support of a national movement in celebrating Small Business Saturday, to recognize the strength, value and importance imparted by locally owned small businesses to their communities and the state, The Ponder is encouraging citizens to visit their local mom and pop stores.

Sandwiched between the holiday shopping trends of “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday,” the Small Business Saturday observation also follows Thanksgiving and gives people an appropriate time and place to give special thanks and patronage for the state’s small businesses.

“As the holiday shopping season commences this weekend, I hope all Louisianans will participate in Small Business Saturday and support small businesses throughout the state,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they do so much to showcase the skills, talent and culture that can only be found in Louisiana. It is important that we acknowledge the tremendous contributions our small businesses owners and their staffs make throughout the year, and supporting Small Business Saturday is a sincere way to express our thanks and gratitude for all they do to better our state.”

According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 154 million shoppers made consumer purchases during Thanksgiving weekend in 2016. Such retail activity supports the nearly 93,000 small business retail jobs in Louisiana. In particular, Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to make a larger percentage of their purchases at those locally owned, independent business, thus helping those enterprises thrive in a competitive economy.

“When Louisianans participate in Small Business Saturday, they strengthen their local economies by supporting local businesses and keeping the dollars they spend within the state,” said Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development. Louisiana small businesses account for the majority of jobs in our state. We encourage Louisianans to shop at small businesses to support their friends and neighbors, as well as the strength and employment of their communities.”

In Louisiana, small businesses make up over 97 percent of the state’s employers. More than 910,000 Louisiana residents are employed by small businesses, collectively accounting for 53 percent of all private-sector jobs in the state. In October 2017, Louisiana earned an A+ grade in Thumbtack’s report card on small business friendliness, ranking the state No. 4 in the U.S. – a testament to Louisiana’s commitment to support an economic climate in which small businesses can grow and thrive.

“Small Business Saturday is about supporting local businesses and creating jobs in communities all across America,” said Linda McMahon, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “Shopping small this Saturday is the perfect opportunity for Americans to support their local community businesses and promote growth and vitality to America’s booming economy during this holiday season and throughout the coming year.”

This year marks the eighth Small Business Saturday, an annual celebration of America’s small business community. Last year on Small Business Saturday, an estimated 112 million Americans spent a combined $15.4 billion at independent neighborhood retailers and restaurants.

“Small businesses are the engine of our national economy. We now have in the United States about 30 million small businesses. About half of all American workers are either employed by a small business or own a small business. And two out of three new jobs are created by small business. Those are pretty powerful and compelling statistics,” said McMahon.

“One of my goals in leading the U.S. Small Business Administration is to revitalize a sense of entrepreneurship in America. We want entrepreneurs to feel confident taking a risk on starting or expanding their small businesses. Everyone wants businesses to grow and for people to be employed. Shopping small on November 25 supports these men and women who create the foundation for strong, successful small businesses.”

Retirement Plan Modernization Act Introduced in the House

Source: Tim Walberg (R-MI, 7th)



Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congressmen Tim Walberg (MI-07) and Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (MP-00) introduced the Retirement Plan Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation to help make it easier for small businesses to offer retirement plans while keeping fees down for employees. H.R. 4158 helps small businesses better manage the administrative expenses of retirement plans by providing a long-overdue update to the automatic IRA rollover limit for former employees’ assets.

“Far too many families in Michigan are struggling to save for their retirement years,” said Congressman Walberg. “Often businesses will cite not having enough resources to administer a plan, as a key reason for not offering retirement benefits. This bipartisan bill is a commonsense step in our efforts to empower every American to retire with financial security and peace of mind. By reducing administrative costs, we can help more small businesses offer retirement benefits and ensure employees are not needlessly stuck paying higher fees.”

“Our legislation reduces administrative costs in retirement plans for active employees and updates a two decade old standard for automatic rollovers,” said Congressman Sablan. “Chairman Walberg and I continue to work together to find bipartisan agreement on practical fixes like this that benefit employers and employees throughout America.”

“The Chamber thanks Chairman Walberg and Ranking Member Sablan for introducing the bipartisan Retirement Plan Modernization Act. Increasing the cash-out limit is long overdue. It has not been touched in 19 years and is not subject to indexing, unlike many other limits in the retirement system. Updating both of these flaws will streamline retirement plan administration and reduce burdens for employers, especially small businesses,” said Randy Johnson, Senior Vice President of Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Increasing the threshold for employers to cash-out retirement plan accounts brings us into the 21st century and reduces administrative expenses which in turn makes it easier for employers to maintain retirement plans and for employees to keep their retirement assets with them as they move jobs,” said Lynn Dudley, Senior Vice President, Global Retirement and Compensation Policy at the American Benefits Council.

Under current law, automatic IRA rollovers occur if a participant is no longer employed by the employer sponsoring the retirement plan and their balance is between $1,000 and $5,000. Congress has periodically adjusted the cash-out limit over the years to reflect increasing costs of administration; however, the last time it was updated was 1997. The Retirement Plan Modernization Act would raise the automatic IRA rollover limit, based on the rate of inflation, from $5,000 to $7,600 and allow for future increases to be indexed for inflation.

Congressman Walberg serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions while Congressman Sablan serves as Ranking Member of the subcommittee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.

Support Startup Businesses Act Passes House

Source: Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)

Washington, D.C. - October 16, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Legislation authored by Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) designed to assist small startup businesses secure funding for early-stage innovation and development was approved today by the U.S. House of Representatives. Luján introduced the bill, H.R.2789 - the Support Startup Businesses Act, earlier this summer along with U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Daniel Lipinski (D-IL). The bill makes a number of improvements to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, existing federal programs specifically intended to help startups.

Improvements in the bill include:

·         increasing overall funding to help startups take their ideas from concept to commercialization;

·         creating more flexibility in funding guidelines for technical and business assistance grants;

·         expanding the number of local vendors eligible to provide services to awardees.

Luján noted the rate of startup creation in the United States has fluctuated greatly in the past 30 years. The United States now ranks 12th among developed nations in terms of business startup activity.

“One of my top priorities in Congress is creating good jobs in our state, and there is no doubt that innovative small businesses are key to our economic growth,” said Luján. “This bill will make it easier for local businesses to access the resources they need to bring their research to market, and I also hope it will foster stronger partnerships between our those businesses and our national labs, who play a critical role in developing advanced technologies. I’m very pleased that the House has approved this legislation targeted at helping start-ups succeed.”

The two programs central to Luján’s legislation, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program are federal assistance initiatives, coordinated by the Small Business Administration, created to support scientific excellence and technological innovation and intended to help small startup businesses conduct research and development; take products from concept to commercialization; and build a strong national network of small startup businesses.

House Approves SBIR/STTR Improvements Act, Higgins Amendment to Prioritize Cybersecurity

Source: Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)

Washington, D.C. - October 16, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- The U.S House of Representatives today unanimously approved the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2017 (H.R. 2763), sponsored by Rep. Steve Knight (R-Calif.), vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce for the House Committee on Small Business. The bill includes amendments by Reps. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.) and Clay Higgins (R-La.). This legislation updates and strengthens the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Rep. Higgins: “Some of the most innovative ideas and products for cyber warfare originate from American startups and small businesses. We need to harness that expertise to prevent, mitigate, and defend against cyberattacks. That’s why I am encouraged to see my amendment, which identifies cybersecurity as a priority field for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, included in this bill. I want to thank Chairman Smith and Congressman Knight for their leadership and work to pass H.R. 2763.”

Rep. Knight: “H.R 2763 is one step closer towards a more transparent and safe government. This bill would give the opportunity for America’s small businesses to participate in the national security needs for innovation in our country. Small businesses are essential to America’s economic competitiveness and industrial base. Supporting programs like SBIR and STTR is important for the safety and economic stability of our nation. These programs sponsor developments that allow us to compete in the international marketplace and provide innovative tools supported and created by local entrepreneurs that contribute to American security.”

Chairman Smith: “Innovation is a critical component of small business success. The SBIR and STTR programs, through their $3 billion in annual awards to small businesses, spur many innovations and create thousands of jobs. This legislation updates these crucial programs. I thank Congressman Knight for taking the initiative on this issue.

H.R. 2763 was approved unanimously by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on June 22.

H.R. 2763 was approved by the House Committee on Small Business on June 15 by a vote of 19-0.

NFIB Tells Senate Finance that Tax Reform Must Start with Small Business

Source: National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)

Washington, D.C. - September 22, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) told the Senate Finance Committee today that no small business should pay a higher tax rate than large corporations and that every small business should pay less to the IRS under tax reform.

“Tax reform starts with small business,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. “Small businesses should not pay a higher tax rate than large corporations, which would put them at a competitive disadvantage. No small business should pay a higher tax rate than they do currently, and tax reform should result in a tax code that makes it easier for small businesses to comply.”

The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing this morning on business tax reform. Duggan’s testimony underscored the point that tax reform is the number-one priority for American small businesses.

“According to NFIB research, five of the top 10 concerns for small businesses relate to federal taxes,” she said. “Tax reform has the potential to unlock years of stagnant growth and income for small business. Given that small businesses account for nearly half of the gross domestic product (GDP) and private-sector workforce, and create two out of every three net new jobs, the U.S. economy will not reach its full potential for growth without a robust and flourishing small business sector.

“If the purpose of tax reform is to jumpstart the economy and create jobs, then tax reform must start with small business,” she continued.

NFIB has long sought tax reform for small business and has been calling on policymakers to make small businesses the center of tax reform.

Legislation Providing Regulatory Relief From FCC Rules for Small Businesses

Source: House Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR, 5th)

Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressmen Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Bob Latta (R-OH) have authored bipartisan legislation, the Small Entity Regulatory Relief Opportunity Act (SERRO), to provide regulatory relief for small businesses and entities under the jurisdiction of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules. Any entity that qualifies as a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration would be able to seek this regulatory relief.

SERRO seeks to reduce the regulatory burden for these entities in a few different ways.

The bill directs the FCC to establish streamlined procedures for small businesses seeking relief through petition waivers.

The legislation also would provide a one-year grace period before new regulations apply to small entities after they become effective for larger businesses, except in certain cases where statute specifically bans deferment or to protect public safety.

SERRO would also direct the FCC to review all existing regulations applicable to operations of service providers to determine whether there is a good cause for relief to be granted to smaller entities.

“As a former small business owner, I know how burdensome many rules and regulations from Washington, D.C. can be to a small business’s ability to grow and innovate,” said Rep. Schrader. “By establishing streamlined procedures for obtaining waivers from regulations that are often unnecessary and not designed for small entities, we are providing relief for our small telecommunications providers while creating greater certainty and efficiency to help them continue to provide vital services to many of our smaller and often rural communities. I’ve always said DC should be in the business of producing outcomes, not micromanaging, and our bill will help to do just that.”

“Small businesses are the engines of our economy — creating two out of every three new jobs,” said Latta. “We also know small businesses are the most susceptible to burdensome regulations that harm their ability to grow, expand, and hire new employees. In the telecommunications sector, smaller entities often do not require the same level of regulatory oversight as large entities — as both Congress and the FCC have recognized. While the FCC has provided regulatory relief on a case-by-case basis, small businesses and their customers would benefit from greater certainty, fewer costs, and more administrative efficiency that this legislation would provide.”

Save Local Business Act Introduced

Washington, D.C. - August 1, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- At a press conference with small business owners and workers, Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) and colleagues introduced the Save Local Business Act. The legislation rolls back the extreme joint employer scheme to protect American jobs and entrepreneurship.

Congressman Byrne’s bill has bipartisan support from 29 co-sponsors, including House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC).

Byrne said: “Federal labor policies should be focused on benefiting workers and helping small businesses grow instead of creating barriers that limit opportunity. Also important, Congress – not unelected federal bureaucrats – should set our nation’s labor policies through statute instead of executive fiat.

“Under this bipartisan legislation, workers, and the businesses they work for, will be given much needed clarity and certainty. I am especially pleased our legislation has earned support from both sides of the aisle, and I am committed to continuing to build momentum as the bill moves through the legislative process.”

Chairwoman Foxx said: “Right now, local employers across the country face an enormous amount of uncertainty because of a vague and confusing joint employer standard. Congress cannot sit on the sidelines while this harmful scheme threatens to destroy jobs and make it harder for entrepreneurs to achieve the American Dream of owning a business. I commend Congressman Byrne for his leadership in this bipartisan effort to protect jobs and the spirit of entrepreneurship in local communities.”

The Save Local Business Act amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act to restore the commonsense definition of what it means to be an employer. The legislation clarifies that two or more employers must have “actual, direct, and immediate” control over employees to be considered joint employers.

Lawsuit, Heroin, Mines, Electricity, Broadband, ICE, Small Business, Drones, Afghanistan, DACA

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Members of Congress File Largest Congressional Lawsuit in History Against President Trump
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
June 20, 2017
In the week since the lawsuit was filed, public reporting has revealed that President Trump has received additional foreign benefits – including new trademarks in China – and is brokering business deals in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf while regional tensions escalate.
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Leaders of Bipartisan Heroin Task Force React to Study Showing Increase in Emergency Room Visits, Inpatient Stays for Opioid-Related Issues
Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
June 20, 2017
“This study is alarming but not surprising,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “The opioid crisis is putting severe strain on our healthcare system and is impacting communities throughout New Hampshire and across the country. This study underscores the need to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services and strategies for those who are struggling with substance misuse. This crisis requires a comprehensive approach and I’m committed to working across the aisle to improve access to treatment services.”
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Congressman LaHood Introduces Legislation to Increase Opportunity to Restore Abandoned Mines
Darin Lahood (R-IL, 18th)
June 21, 2017
“While mining is an important part of Illinois’ economy, abandoned mines continue to present safety dangers and missed opportunities for new development. That is why I have introduced this bill, which would protect third-party groups from frivolous lawsuits when they attempt to clean up or re-purpose these abandoned mines. No group should be punished for wanting to help out their local community in this way,” stated LaHood. “I look forward to seeing this bill move forward with bipartisan support.”
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LaMalfa’s Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act Passes House
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
June 21, 2017
The bipartisan legislation provides streamlined processes for the removal of hazardous trees or other vegetative overgrowth within or adjacent to electricity infrastructure – such as power lines – on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands, reducing the risk of forest fires and electrical grid blackouts. The bill passed the House by a margin of 300-118.
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At E&C Hearing, Latta Discusses Increasing Broadband Access In Rural America
Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
June 21, 2017
During his questioning, Latta said, “Broadband support programs aim to increase broadband coverage in rural America where agricultural production generate significant value to the national economy and are an essential source of revenue and jobs in rural communities. Today, modern high precision farming operations require access to high-speed broadband to support advanced operations and technologies that significantly increase crop yields, reduce costs, and improve the environment. A program that only seeks to measure broadband coverage based on population centers, households, or road miles will overlook coverage gaps in agricultural communities.
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Congresswoman Lawrence Sends Letter to DHS on ICE Raids in Michigan
Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)
June 16, 2017
I have sent this letter in order to receive clarity on the rationale and methods used for targeting individuals with final orders especially if some of these orders appear to be decades old and do not reflect the current conditions in the countries of origin.
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HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES LAWSON BILL TO HELP SPUR INNOVATION IN SMALL BUSINESS
Al Lawson (D-FL, 5th)
June 15, 2017
His bill would create a pilot program under the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). This pilot program will provide additional funding for Phase II of the SBIR program which helps small business startups bring their products and services from commercialization into the marketplace.
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Lewis leads bipartisan Drone Innovation Act
Jason Lewis (R-MN, 2nd)
June 19, 2017
“America continues to lead the world in technological advances. It’s clear to me that drones have a growing role to play in interstate commerce, and that’s vital to maintaining our economic strength at home and competitiveness on the world stage. The Drone Innovation Act will promote that spirit of invention by establishing a clear framework for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Importantly, my legislation also lays out clear protections for your right to privacy and gives local governments the primary responsibility in forming guidelines for how drones can be used in our communities. I look forward to working with the FAA to maintain an environment that works for all stakeholders, and thank my colleagues for their support.”
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4 VETERANS IN CONGRESS WRITE TO SECRETARY MATTIS EXPRESSING "GRAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN
Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
June 21, 2017
“Secretary Mattis is right – we definitely aren’t winning in Afghanistan. And it’s completely unacceptable that 6 months into the new administration, President Trump and his advisors still can’t agree on a strategy,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a Marine Corps combat veteran. “Deploying a few thousand additional American troops might buy the struggling Afghan government more time, but it certainly won’t produce any lasting gains. I strongly object to sending more brave young Americans into harm’s way without a real plan, simply to kick the can down the road.”
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Lipinski Joins Bill to Protect DACA Recipients from Deportation
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
June 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) has signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 496, the BRIDGE (Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy) Act, which would protect recipients of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) from the threat of deportation. This past Friday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continued the uncertainty for DACA recipients when it stated, “The future of the DACA program continues to be under review with the administration.”
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Budget, Flood Insurance, Canada, Fishing, Gerrymandering, Veterans, NATO, Small Business, Climate, Skin Cancer

Doyle Responds to Trump Budget
Mike Doyle (D-PA, 14th)
May 23, 2017
“President Trump calls his budget “A New Foundation for American Greatness. It’d be more accurate to call it a budget that undermines the foundations of American greatness. President Trump’s budget would gut the federal investments in education, science, and infrastructure that promote economic growth. It would slash safety net programs and the programs that make life better for millions of hard-working Americans. On top of all that, it would do nothing to create jobs and raise wages.
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Congressman Sean Duffy’s Statement On NFIP Discussion Draft
Sean P. Duffy (R-WI, 7th)
May 25, 2017
“We’re releasing this discussion draft so that all sides can continue to provide input into protecting the program integrity of the NFIP. So far, we have incorporated ideas from both Republicans and Democrats, Members from inland and coastal areas, and stakeholders across several industries. The ideas stemming from this open process will ensure that everyone who needs flood insurance will have access to it while ensuring that the NFIP does not fall further into debt.”
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Duncan, Meeks, Cramer, and Huizenga Introduce Canada Resolution Supporting Bilateral Partnership
Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
May 25, 2017
“Canada is one of our closest friends. We share the longest undefended border, largest bilateral trading relationship, and one of the deepest security and energy partnerships in the world. Today, 32 U.S. States consider Canada their primary trading partner. Canada has been a critical ally of ours in the fight against terrorism, and our border security cooperation is one of the most comprehensive in existence. Our energy ties are especially strong, and I am excited about the future of our energy relationship. As our Canadian neighbors celebrate 150 years of the Canadian Federation, I am thankful for the many ways Canada has supported the United States and look forward to building an even stronger relationship in the days ahead.”
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DR. DUNN FIGHTS FOR LOCAL ANGLERS
Neal Dunn (R-FL, 2nd)
May 25, 2017
“We strongly urge you to use any authority at your disposal to expand the 2017 private recreational Red Snapper season in federal waters to include Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in June, July, and August, as well as July 3 and July 4, consistent with the current health and overall sustainability of the stock,” wrote the lawmakers. “While this proposal does not address the longer term issues, we hope this proposed solutions for the 2017 season will be something you will strongly consider.”
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Rep. Ellison Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on North Carolina’s Racist Gerrymandering
Keith Ellison (D-MN, 5th)
May 23, 2017
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after the Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that two of the congressional districts redrawn by Republicans after the 2010 census were unconstitutional. The Supreme Court found the boundaries of these congressional districts had been been drawn using race as a factor, disenfranchising Black voters.
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Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Honor Veterans
Tom Emmer (R-MN, 6th)
May 26, 2017
This week, U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Tom Emmer (R-MN) and U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) reintroduced H.R. 2754, the Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would authorize the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in the testing of nuclear weapons or under other circumstances.
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ENGEL STATEMENT ON TRUMP'S NATO SPEECH
Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)
May 26, 2017
“While I do agree that NATO allies need to keep working toward their defense-spending goals—as set out at the Wales Summit under President Obama’s leadership—there’s a time and a place for that conversation. It shouldn’t be done in a way designed to embarrass our closest friends while standing before a memorial to 9/11—the single time in NATO’s history Article 5 has been invoked.”
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Eshoo Statement on Updated Trumpcare CBO Score
Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA, 18th)
May 25th, 2017
“The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has once again put out the facts on Trumpcare, and they further confirm how damaging the legislation is.
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Esty Statement on CBO Score of Revised GOP Health Care Bill

Foxx, Walberg Statement on American Health Care Act CBO Report

CONGRESSMAN EVANS INTRODUCES BILL TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Dwight Evans (D PA, 2nd)
May 25, 2017
The Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017 requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) and United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to work together to create valuable training for domestic and international patent protection for our small businesses. The bill will also require the USPTO to work with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network to provide critical training on both domestic and international intellectual property protections for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
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Fitzpatrick Statement on Paris Climate Agreement
Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)
May 28, 2017
"I urge the Administration to keep the United States in the Paris Climate Agreement. Last month, I joined members of both parties in urging the President to remain in the agreement and to keep our seat at the table, and our words are worth repeating: ‘The world's leading nations must work together... It is imperative that we maintain our seat at the table in global discussions of how to address the threats posed by climate change.' I share Secretary of Defense Mattis' view that this challenge must be addressed proactively and head-on, and I agree with both our Secretary of State and Secretary of Energy that retaining our seat at this table is vitally important. A renegotiation is a better option and will benefit our nation in the long run.”
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OP-ED: Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN, 3rd)
May 23, 2017
Listen up, Dad! Your teen daughter isn’t the only one at risk for skin cancer. An estimated 87,110 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma this year, with 1,840 cases expected in Tennessee alone. But did you know that more than half of those cases will be men? Males age 50 and older are at increased risk of skin cancer, and by age 65 skin cancer rates in men are double that of women. This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, educate yourself and your loved ones about skin cancer prevention.
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Honoring our Commitments to American Veterans
Bill Flores (R-TX, 17th)
May 26, 2017
“Our nation’s veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms and liberties. They deserve to know that their health care and benefits are in good hands. This week, the House passed several bills to help our veterans and put the VA on a path to permanent success. I remain committed to working with my fellow House colleagues to create a 21st century VA that improves access to high-quality care and puts the care of our nation’s veterans first. With Memorial Day approaching, it is fitting that the House works to honor the commitments made to our military men and women.”
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Small Business

Congressman Zeldin Votes in Favor of the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act
Lee Zeldin (R-NY, 1st)
April 4, 2017
Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Financial Services Committee, spoke on the House floor today in support of the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017 (H.R. 1343), introduced by Congressman Randy Hultgren (R, IL-14). This legislation would reform the outdated Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 701, which imposes a slew of complicated regulations on small businesses, especially newly formed start-ups. Reform of this rule would encourage small businesses to grow and expand, creating jobs and growing the economy, and give employees the opportunity for ownership through equity in the businesses they are working for. The Encouraging Employee Ownership Act passed the House today by a vote of 331 to 87.
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Westerman Stands with Employees, Small Business
Bruce Westerman (R AR, 4th)
April 4, 2017
“Finding and keeping good employees is tough in today’s economy,” Westerman said. “Government red tape should not get in the way of small businesses trying to keep the best and brightest talent. That is why I voted for H.R. 1343, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017. This bill increases the threshold for private companies offering their own securities as compensation. If companies are to thrive, they must not only attract but keep top talent. This bill will help companies does that and gives employees a stake in the businesses where they work.”
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Small Business, London Attack, Trumpcare, Obamacare, Keystone XL Pipeline, Planned Parenthood, Black Communities, Women, Students, Addiction, Identity Theft, Agriculture

Loudermilk Supports Small Business/Lower Cost Health Insurance for Employees
Barry Loudermilk (R-GA, 11th)
March 22, 2017
“For 15 of the 20 years I owned a small business, my employees received affordable health insurance through a group plan. However, even though my employees were promised they could keep their existing health care plan under the ACA, the government determined their insurance wasn't good enough and forced them into more expensive plans with less coverage. Obamacare was a complete disaster for my employees and my business. The House has passed legislation that will allow businesses to join together to form group health insurance plans for their employees. As promised, we are removing government restrictions, giving these business owners freedom to negotiate lower costs of health care for their employees.”
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UTAHN KILLED IN TERROR ATTACK IN LONDON: REP. LOVE STATEMENT
Mia Love (R-UT, 4th)
March 23, 2017
"I am heartbroken to hear about the violent death of Kurt Cochran and the serious injury of his wife Melissa in London Wednesday. This kind of vicious terrorist attack cannot be tolerated. We, as Utahns are united in grief and loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to their friends and family."
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LOWEY STATEMENT ON LONDON ATTACK
Nita Lowey (D-NY, 17th)
March 22, 2017
"Today’s evil attack on Great Britain is horrifying, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. It is still too early to determine what exactly occurred, but it is clear that those responsible must be brought to justice immediately. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has endured for generations, and I will continue working to ensure that we fully supports our friends in their investigation of this apparent act of terror. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of London and the victims of this senseless attack."
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Luetkemeyer Supports Bill to Help Small Businesses and Workers Receive Affordable Health-Care
Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MI, 3rd)
March 21, 2017
“Over the last several years, the number of small business, with fewer than 10 employees, offering health insurance to their employees has dropped by almost 36 percent – in large part due to Obamacare,” Luetkemeyer said. “By creating these Association Health Plans for small businesses to purchase quality health care for workers and families at an affordable cost, the House of Representatives has taken the next step in the repeal and repeal process."
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LUJAN STATEMENT ON THE POSTPONED HOUSE VOTE ON TRUMPCARE
Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)
March 23, 2017
“President Trump and Congressional Republicans hatched a bill in a back room and tried to slip it through the House with no hearings before anyone – even members of their own party – were able to understand the details,” said Lujan. “And when those details did come out – the fact that this bill strips health insurance from millions of Americans, increases the cost of premiums and deductibles, and creates a crushing age tax on Americans over 50 – President Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan and House Republicans got caught pulling a fast one on the American people.”
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Politifact: Rep. Maloney Claim that More than Half of Planned Parenthood Centers Serve Rural or Medically Underserved Communities is True
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
March 24, 2017
“Americans need to know how much damage taking away funding from Planned Parenthood would cause, which is why I took to the floorto urge my colleagues to vote no on the Republican American Health Care Act. Planned Parenthood provides services to so many men and women who would otherwise be unable to access care. A vote for this bill, a vote to defund Planned Parenthood, is a vote to endanger the health of millions of Americans.”
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Maloney Introduces Federal Legislation to Combat Heroin and Opioid Epidemic
Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
March 20, 2017
In response to the heroin and opioid epidemic, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) joined Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison in Poughkeepsie to introduce federal legislation to combat the opioid and heroin crisis and stop mass incarceration of abusers and low-level drug offenders nationwide. By allowing police officers to use their discretion to divert individuals directly to treatment instead of booking them and processing them through the criminal justice system, these programs give police officers the flexibility they need to help curb the growing opioid epidemic, decrease low-level drug crime, and reduce the number of low-level drug related arrests.
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MARCHANT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM IDENTITY THEFT
Kenny Marchant (R-TX, 24th)
March 15, 2017
U.S. Congressmen Kenny Marchant (R-TX-24) and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35) introduced the Social Security Child Protection Act (HR 1512). The legislation allows the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue a new Social Security Number (SSN) to children age 13 and under who have had their SSN stolen due to inadvertent disclosure.
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Rep. McCaul and Sens. Moran, Ernst Introduce Legislation to Support Young People in Agriculture
Michael T. McCaul (R-TX, 10th)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today introduced legislation to support young people in agriculture by creating a tax exemption for the first $5,000 of income students 18 years of age or younger earn from projects completed through 4-H or FFA. Their bills, the Student Agriculture Protection Act (SAPA) (H.R. 1626) and the Agriculture Students Encourage, Acknowledge, Reward, Nurture (EARN) Act (S. 671), enable students to keep more of the modest income they earn, which can then be invested in education savings or future agricultural projects.
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Repeal and Replace
Tom McClintock (R-CA, 4th)
March 21, 2017
Any discussion of the American Health Care Act needs first to consider where we will be without it. Obamacare is collapsing. More people are paying the steep tax penalty or claiming hardship exemptions than are choosing to buy Obamacare policies. In a third of the counties across America, there is only one provider to choose and soon we will see counties where there are no providers at all. Obamacare premiums soared an average of 25 percent last year, and we’re warned this year will be worse.
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McCollum Floor Remarks Opposing TrumpCare
Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)
March 24, 2017
Mr. Speaker, TrumpCare is a disaster for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
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McGovern: Taking Healthcare Away Requires a Heart of Stone
James McGovern (D-MA, 2nd)
March 24, 2017
U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), the top Democrat leading debate today against the American Health Care Act, delivered the following speech on the House floor in an appeal to the compassion of both Republicans and Democrats to stand up for the families they represent and stop this dangerous bill from becoming law.
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Rep. McSally Secures $15 Billion in the AHCA for Maternity Care, Substance Abuse Treatment, and Mental Health Care
Martha McSally (R-AZ, 2nd)
March 23, 2017
U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (AZ-02) worked with House Republican Leadership and the Trump Administration to further improve the American Health Care Act (AHCA). She successfully negotiated to provide states, through the Patient and State Stability Fund, with supplemental funding so they have the ability to obtain additional resources that will provide new mothers and those struggling with mental and substance abuse disorders access to care while the nation transitions to the new health care system. House leadership and the White House has agreed to incorporate these changes into the AHCA.
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Meehan, DelBene Introduce HELP for Students and Parents Act
Pat Meehan (R-PA, 7th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-Wa.) this week introduced the Higher Education Loan Payments (HELP) for Students and Parents Act, bipartisan legislation that will make college more affordable by modernizing how the tax code treats employer contributions toward student loan repayment.
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House Passes Meng Legislation Honoring 100th Anniversary of First Woman Sworn-Into Congress
Grace Meng (D-NY, 6th)
March 21, 2017
As the nation continues its observance of Women’s History Month, the House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) that would honor the 100th anniversary of the first woman sworn-into Congress, former Rep. Jeannette Rankin (R-Montana).
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Heartgard Plus is a heartworm preventive treatment that also controls and treats various other worm infections. It comes in a real beef flavor which makes it highly palatable in taste for the dogs.
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MITCHELL STATEMENT ON AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT VOTE TODAY
Paul Mitchell (R MI, 10th)
March 24, 2017
“Like many of my colleagues, I ran for Congress with the promise of fixing our broken health care system. The American Health Care Act is an important step toward restoring health care in America.
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Moore Meets with Trump to Discuss Issues Facing Black Communities
Gwen Moore (D-WI, 4th)
March 23, 2017
“We met with President Trump to express our concerns over a disturbing trend of disregard for our communities and to convey our collective alarm over his proposed budget and policy agenda. I entered the meeting with a healthy dose of skepticism and left the White House with a sense of cautious optimism, but only time will tell if the president and his advisors are willing to take action on our recommendations. For the sake of every constituent who is far too familiar with the sting of racism and discrimination, living in communities that are underserved and overpoliced, I truly hope our words didn’t fall on deaf ears."
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Congressman Nadler Speaks in Opposition to Republican’s “Pay More, Get Less” Health Care Proposal
Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
March 24, 2017
Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) spoke in opposition to the House Republican’s proposed American Health Care Act, which throws 24 million Americans off their health insurance while raising heath care costs. For New York, the Republican bill would take away health care from 2.7 million people, costing State taxpayers $6.9 billion in additional costs.
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Noem: Keystone XL Opens Opportunities for South Dakota
Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota)
March 24, 2017
“Access to energy is central to improving our national security and building a more robust economy that offers better jobs and higher wages. Not only does the Keystone XL Pipeline offer these large-scale benefits for our country, its construction will translate into added revenue for cash-strapped South Dakota counties, relief on our roads and rails, and job opportunities for folks across our state. I’m glad to see President Trump move forward on this critical piece of American infrastructure.”
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Congressman Norcross Demands Republicans Reinstate Addiction Coverage in TrumpCare Bill
Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st)
March 24, 2017
As Republicans in Congress debated changes to their health care bill, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today led a group of Representatives petitioning President Donald Trump to reverse provisions that would threaten coverage for drug addiction treatment.
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Norton to Introduce Legislation to Collect and Publish National Demographic Data on Missing Children
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)
March 24, 2017
“Congress has long recognized that missing children is a national problem,” Norton said. “In 2013, Congress required the Department of Justice to conduct every three years national incidence studies of missing children. Such a study is now underway. However, my bill would require the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to collect, break down, and publish demographic subsets of these missing children. It is critical that the public know if there is a disproportionate number of missing children of color, particularly missing girls of color, which we believe is an underreported national problem. Experts need to first measure the incidences, and then study whether children have been trafficked, abducted, are running away, or are missing for other reasons, and what they recommend we can do about it.”
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Nurses, Mobile Workforce, Obamacare, Trumpcare, Airport Security, Mental Healthcare, Aerospace Defenses, Outsourcing, Small Business, London, Russia, Veterans, Energy, Syria

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement After Introducing National Nurse Act of 2017
Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Johnson introduced the National Nurse Act of 2017, which would designate the Chief Nurse Officer position of the U.S. Public Health Service as “The National Nurse for Public Health.” Congresswoman Johnson released the following statement describing the importance of the bill:
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House Judiciary Committee Passes Rep. Johnson’s Mobile Workforce Bill
Henry C. (Hank) Johnson, Jr. (D-GA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s markup, Congressman Hank Johnson’s bipartisan Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017 passed the full House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19-2.
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ICYMI: Jordan reiterates opposition to current House Obamacare repeal bill on MSNBC’s Morning Joe
Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe this morning to discuss congressional efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. During the interview, Rep. Jordan reiterated his opposition to the American Health Care Act in its current form.
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IN LIGHT OF ENHANCED TSA AVIATION SECURITY PROCEDURES, REP. KATKO HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED NEED TO IMPROVE AVIATION AND AIRPORT SECURITY, SUPPORT TSA
John Katco (R-NY, 24th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s announcement that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has temporarily prohibited electronics in carry-on bags on certain U.S.-bound flights, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, highlighted the continued need to address evolving threats to aviation and to airports nationwide.
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KENNEDY: GOP BILL IS 'LARGEST ASSAULT ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN RECENT HISTORY'
Joseph P. Kennedy, 3rd (D-MA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
On the eve of a vote on the Republican health care repeal bill, Congressman Joe Kennedy III took to the House floor to highlight the devastating impact their legislation would have on those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders.
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REP. KHANNA CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONTRACTOR BUSINESS PRACTICES
Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
March 21, 2017
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) sent a letter today to the Defense Department Inspector General asking for an investigation into the business practices of aerospace company, TransDigm Group. Recent news reports indicate that TransDigm may be operating as a “hidden monopolist” and more information must be made available to the public on the company’s business practices.
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Kildee: Trumpcare will hurt Americans and our Economy
Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the Republican health care bill, known as Trumpcare. In his speech, Congressman Kildee called on his colleagues in Congress to vote against the bill that would mean higher costs for worse care and the loss of nearly two million jobs.
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Kilmer, Collins Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop the Outsourcing of American Jobs
Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)
March 23, 2017
Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Doug Collins (R-GA) reintroduced a bill to prevent employers from sending jobs overseas by abusing a temporary visa program. The legislation would stop employers that are awarded temporary visas through the H-1B program from using them to train workers in the United States then move those jobs to another country.
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Kuster: Making It Harder for Veterans to Afford Health Insurance is Un-American and Nonsensical
Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Today it was reported in the Washington Examiner that as many as 7 million veterans could lose access to tax credits for their health insurance under the Republican bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The proposed change comes as a result of yet another late night amendment to appease the Tea Party wing of the Republican party. Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement in response to the proposed change:
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KUSTOFF: OBAMACARE IS COLLAPSING, AND DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION
David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today said the following regarding the state of the Affordable Care Act.
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LaMalfa Votes to Empower Small Businesses
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. This bill creates Association Health Plans (AHP) that allow small businesses to join together to negotiate for the same low health care costs and high quality care that larger businesses and labor organizations have access to. AHPs will increase small businesses’ bargaining power, expand affordable coverage for working families, and lower administrative costs.
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Lamborn Praises Additional Healthcare Legislation
Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Lamborn has released the following statements regarding two pieces of healthcare legislation that passed the House of Representatives:
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Langevin Statement on London Attack
Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
“This attack killed several innocent people and injured many more, including a police officer who died in the line of duty. The proximity of the attack to the Houses of Parliament certainly seems symbolic, and I join my fellow lawmakers from across the Atlantic in solidarity to condemn this cowardly act."
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Larsen, Murray Renew Push to Expand Access to Reproductive Services for Injured Servicemembers, Veterans, and Their Families
Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced bills in the House and Senate to permanently allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer reproductive services to veterans with service-connected injuries, repealing a decades-old ban. The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2017 would also expand the fertility options available to servicemembers through the Department of Defense (DoD), give access to fertility treatment for spouses, allow VA to provide adoption assistance, and make VA’s highly successful child care pilot program permanent.
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Larson Renews Call for Independent Investigation into Russia
John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
March 23, 2017
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after it was revealed that Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-22), the Republican Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee shared information with the White House, before sharing it with the Committee
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Latta Authors Bill To Protect Consumers And Strengthen ENERGY STAR Program
Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Energy Star Program Integrity Act, to strengthen the popular ENERGY STAR program and protect consumers. The legislation fixes a gap in federal law that threatens the voluntary participation of manufacturers in the program, which ultimately harms consumers seeking energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that allows manufacturers to obtain ENERGY STAR labeling for products if specific energy saving guidelines are met.
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee: We Must Stop Endless War
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Lee led a bipartisan coalition of House members in demanding the Trump Administration halt escalating military engagement in Syria. The coalition included: Congressman Walter Jones, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Peter Welch, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Congressman Rick Nolan. The Members were also joined by Afghanistan War Veteran Richard Allen Smith.
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REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON REPORT OF TRUMP ASSOCIATES’ POSSIBLE COLLUSION WITH RUSSIA
Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding the CNN report that Trump associates possibly colluded with Russia to affect the outcome of the 2016 election in the United States.
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Lipinski Amendment Would Get Rid of the Giveaway to Health Insurance Companies and Executives in Republicans' Healthcare Bill
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
March 21, 2017
“The Republicans’ American Health Care Act (AHCA) does not help the middle class or make the healthcare system in the U.S. better, but it does have a tax giveaway for health insurance companies and their top executives. The Republican healthcare bill repeals a provision in current law that limits how much health insurance companies can deduct from their federal taxes for executive pay. Right now, health insurance companies can only deduct up to $500,000 of compensation per executive. Repealing this limit means that taxpayers would lose about $400 million in taxes from insurance companies over the next ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office. Health insurance companies have a right to decide how much they will pay their executives, but hard-working middle-class families should not be subsidizing this pay. This is bad policy, and I have offered an amendment to strike this break from the AHCA."
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LoBiondo Statement on the American Health Care Act
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today issued the following statement on the expected vote on the American Health Care Act:
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Loebsack Statement on Delaying the Healthcare Repeal Vote
David Loebsack (D-IA, 2nd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after House Republicans pushed back a scheduled vote on their plan to repeal the ACA. Republican leaders have been saying for the past week that there would be a vote on their repeal bill this evening
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House News: Congressional Address, Obamacare, Welfare, Domestic Violence, Immigration, WOTUS, Anti-semitism, Small business, Jeff Sessions

REP. RATCLIFFE ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

Reed Fights for Choice in ACA Changes

Reichert Statement on President Trump's Joint Address to Congress

Renacci Introduces Bill to Help Ohioans Move from Welfare to Work

Reps. Rice & Demings to Demand ICE End Courthouse Detentions for Victims of Domestic Violence

Roby Statement on President Trump’s Address

Roe Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address

Rogers on Trump’s Address before Joint Session of Congress

Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Trump's Executive Action

ROKITA REACTS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

Rooney Statement on WOTUS Executive Order

Members Relaunch the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Anti-Semitism

Roskam Statement on President’s Joint Address

Ross Votes to Limit Outdated, Burdensome Regulations on Small Businesses and Families

Rouzer statement on POTUS speech

Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on Presidential Address

Royce Statement on Joint Session of Congress

Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Communication with Russians

Rush Calls for Civil Rights Cold Cases to Be Declassified to Bring Justice and Closure to Families


“Trump’s Speech Was… Campaign Promises on Steroids” and, Chicago Needs Solutions Not Rhetoric

Congressman Tim Ryan Calls for AG Jeff Sessions’ Immediate Resignation and Independent Commission Investigation