Families First, Immigrants, Cattle, Education, Fair Housing, Hospitals, Inmates, Mental Health, Transgenders, Pharmacies, Rulemaking, Student Loans, Internet, Coronavirus

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 22, 2020

Civil Rights and Racial Justice Organizations Denounce Discrimination Against Asian Americans and Urge Unity in Responding to Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: National Congress of American Indians
March 17, 2020
The nation’s leading civil rights and racial justice organizations issued a joint urgent call to action against racism and discrimination targeting Asian Americans related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
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The National Council of Jewish Women Applauds the US Senate’s Action On Families First Act
Source: National Council of Jewish Women, Inc.
March 18, 2020
“Among many important provisions, workers will be granted two weeks of emergency paid sick leave and twelve weeks of job-protected emergency paid family and medical leave for employees who work at companies that employ 500 people or less; increased Medicaid funding and guaranteed, no-cost coverage of COVID-19 testing in public and private health insurance; and emergency funding for unemployment insurance and for several nutrition programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These are critical and necessary efforts to ensure individuals and families can stay home while retaining their livelihoods, ultimately reducing pressure on our health care facilities and saving lives.”
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Watchdog Report: May Never Know How Many Children Were Separated
Source: National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
March 18, 2020
“It’s pretty damning that we may never have a full accounting of how many children were or remain separated – and that Border Patrol still may not be properly tracking families. Not only was this Administration’s family separation policy heartless – they bungled its implementation at every turn. The Acting DHS Secretary claims no children have been lost – but is withholding documents on this matter from Congress. It’s time for the Administration to come clean and provide these so we can get a full accounting of this policy.”
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NAR Survey Finds Nearly Half of Realtors® Say Home Buyer Interest Has Decreased Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak
Source: National Association of Realtors
March 19, 2020
“As the country reels both economically and emotionally from the spread of COVID-19, NCBA has been hard at work ensuring that cattle producers remain able to focus on the national infrastructure priority of keeping high-quality beef available to consumers."
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NCBA Sends Letter to Capitol Hill Urging Relief for Cattle Producers
Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
March 19, 2020
Nearly half of Realtors® – 48% – said home buyer interest has decreased due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a new survey from the National Association of Realtors®. That percentage tripled from a week ago when it stood at 16%. Almost seven in 10 Realtors® – 69% – said there’s no change in the number of homes on the market due to the coronavirus outbreak, down from 87% a week ago.
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NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER TO INCREASE LIVE ONLINE EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS AND CONVERSATIONS WITH JEFFREY ROSEN AND OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL EXPERTS
Source: National Constitution Center
March 19, 2020
The National Constitution Center today announced increased offerings to support students and citizens with virtual learning resources including live lectures and conversations with constitutional experts.
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NEA to Congress: Put people first to alleviate suffering caused by COVID-19
Source: National Education Association
March 19, 2020
As COVID-19 cases are increasing daily, schools have shuttered, cities are going into quarantine, and panic has begun to grip the American public. Although the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was a step in the right direction to provide much-needed relief, Congress cannot stop there. The National Education Association is calling on members of Congress and the Trump administration to implement immediate financial support measures first, along with regulatory relief that students desperately need from the Department of Education.
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Thousands Submit Comments to HUD Opposing Its Attack on Fair Housing
Source: National Fair Housing Alliance
March 19, 2020
More than 19,500 individuals and organizations submitted comments in response to a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposed rule that would gut an essential civil rights tool under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) before the public comment period closed this week. The Trump administration proposed the rule in January and has since received widespread opposition from a wide array of civil rights advocates, legal experts, business groups and private citizens throughout the country.
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NILC Reacts to Coronavirus Phase 3 Legislation
Source: National Immigration Law Center
March 19, 2020
“The coronavirus phase 3 legislation introduced in the Senate is not a product of bipartisan negotiations. This is another gift to corporations that leaves out millions of tax-paying immigrants, many of whom have family members who are U.S. citizens. Our nation is facing a pandemic that does not discriminate and threatens to wipe out people’s livelihoods and devastate our economy. It is unconscionable that the Republican-controlled Senate continues to play politics with the health and well-being of Americans. We are all at risk when millions are left behind."
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Newhouse Urges Congressional Leadership to Strengthen Rural Hospitals During COVID-19 Outbreak
Source: U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R WA, 4th)
March 20, 2020
Rep. Dan Newhouse joined his colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urgently requesting additional resources for rural health care providers during the COVID-19 outbreak. The letter was signed by a bipartisan group of 28 Members of Congress.
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Norton Calls on U.S. Parole Commission to Use Its Authority to Protect D.C. Residents and Others Under its Jurisdiction During Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: National Constitution Center
March 20, 2020
“The U.S. Parole Commission has the authority to release certain inmates, such as those being held for technical supervision violations,” Norton said. “The Commission should use its authority to ensure the health of inmates, staff and the public.”
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NASW Thanks President Trump, Congress for Swift Action To Promote COVID-19 Mental Health Access
Source: National Association of Social Workers
March 20, 2020
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) applauds the Trump Administration and Congress for swiftly enacting vitally needed legislation to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including ensuring broad access to Medicare mental health services via telehealth. Millions of older adults now practicing social distancing to avoid spread of the coronavirus will now be able to receive in-home teletherapy via video chat on their cell phone. NASW urges administration officials and lawmakers who are currently developing the next COVID-19 package, a massive $1 trillion economic stimulus bill, to continue to prioritize strengthening the social safety net.
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State, Regional and National Organizations Urge Gov. Little to Veto Trans Sports Ban Bill
Source: National Center for Transgender Equality
March 20, 2020
House Bill 500 bans transgender student athletes from participating in sports, which is counter to current policies set by the Idaho High School Activities Association. Idaho would become the first state in the country to pass legislation targeting transgender student athletes.
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Letter: Pharmacy has a critical role to play in COVID-19 crisis
Source: National Community Pharmacists Association
March 20, 2020
"As the coronavirus pandemic continues having huge implications on our health care system, small business neighborhood pharmacies are proving what we say all the time: that they are crucial to the health of their community, whether in crisis or not."
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State Groups Request Formal Pause to Active Rulemakings and Non-Rulemaking Notices
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures
March 20, 2020
Seven state organizations, National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, The Council of State Governments, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, United States Conference of Mayors and International City/County Management Association, requested President Donald Trump to formally pause all open public comment periods concerning both active rulemakings and non-rulemaking notices across every federal department or agency.
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Trump Administration’s plan to pause student loan payments is woefully insufficient
Source: National Consumer Law Center
March 20, 2020
“The administration’s plan to allow borrowers to request a pause in payments is woefully insufficient for addressing the needs of millions of student loan borrowers struggling during this public health crisis. Borrowers who may be short on funds and have limited bandwidth between juggling changes in their childcare and work plans should not have to also find time to consult with their loan servicer. "
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NDIA has just launched a new, national listing of Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans
Source: National Digital Inclusion Alliance
March 20, 2020
The COVID-19 health crisis has shed light on the need for home internet service, and the large number of American households in all kinds of communities who don’t have it. Some Internet Service Providers have responded with new or improved discount broadband plans, that will only be available for a short time; others continue to offer plans that were created prior to the crisis. NDIA commits to keeping this list of Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans updated daily.
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NIH shifts non-mission-critical laboratory operations to minimal maintenance phase
Source: National Institutes of Health
March 20, 2020
To further reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and enhance the safety of staff, the National Institutes of Health is shifting all non-mission-critical laboratory operations to a maintenance phase. Beginning on Monday, March 23, only mission-critical functions within NIH research laboratories will be supported. Mission-critical functions include the following: care of research participants in NIH clinical protocols that are non-elective, research directly on COVID-19, urgent public health research recommended by NIH scientific leadership, work involving significant research investments that could be lost if not continued, and protection of life, property and resources, including the care of research animals. This follows a March 13 guidance to all eligible NIH staff to telework to the maximum extent possible.
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Local Leaders Call for Funds Directly for Cities in Senate COVID-19 Legislation
Source: National League of Cities
March 21, 2020
"As local communities continue to combat the spread of COVID-19 across our nation, we need legislation on Capitol Hill that prioritizes getting funding to cities, towns and villages," said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. "Right now, we estimate that nationally, cities will need at least $250 billion in emergency funding. Local leaders stand ready to work beside Congress to help counteract the devastating economic effects brought on by the Coronavirus."
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China Trade Deal, Student Loans, ERA Amendment, Impeachment, Immigration, Seniors, Uzbekistan, War Powers

China Trade Deal

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

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

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Student Loans

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

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ERA Amendment

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

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Impeachment

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

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

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Immigration

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

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

Seniors

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

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

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Uzbekistan

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

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War Powers

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

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Collins, King-Backed Bill Will Encourage Employers to Help Pay Off Student Loan Debt

Washington, D.C. - February 17, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) this week cosponsored bipartisan legislation to help Americans tackle their student loan debt. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would allow employers to contribute up to $5,250 tax-free to their employees’ student loans – providing employees with much-needed relief and employers with a unique tool to attract and retain talented employees.

“Young people seeking higher education should be able to follow their dreams after graduation, but today the vast majority are shouldered with excessive and seemingly insurmountable debt. A diploma should not be a certificate of anxiety, but one of hope for the future,” Senator King said. “That’s why we must look for innovative new ways to ease the burden of student loans and help the next generation join the workforce and succeed. This bipartisan legislation will support American students and help employers recruit and retain driven young people – a win-win.”

“Education plays a vital role in opening the doors of opportunity to all Americans, but the rising cost of a college education threatens to close those doors to many families across the country,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would help alleviate the financial strain of student loans by encouraging more employers to provide student loan repayment benefits to their employees.”

According to reports, one in four Americans have student loans, and student debt in the U.S. reached $1.5 trillion in 2018. Student debt is a significant financial burden that influences the way the American workforce saves and spends, and thus stifles the entire economy. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would update an existing federal program so that it works better for employees living with the reality of burdensome student loan debt. The Employer Education Assistance Program currently only provides assistance for workers who are seeking additional education. It does not extend to individuals who have already incurred student loan debt during their undergraduate or graduate studies.

In addition to Senators Collins and King, the Employer Participation in Repayment Act is supported by Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Thune (R-S.D.) Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ari.).

The legislation has also been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Scott Peters and (D-CA) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) and has support from numerous educational organizations.

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE. A summary of the legislation can be found HERE.

Bill to Reduce Student Loan Debt Introduced

Source: Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)

Washington, D.C. - October 15, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) has introduced legislation with Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) to address the ballooning student loan debt crisis in America that cripples over 40 million Americans and their families.

The bipartisan Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculating Act would allow students to refinance their student loan interest rates, lower future student loan interest rates, eliminate origination fees on student loans, delay student loan interest rate accrual for low-income and middle-class borrowers while they are pursuing their education, and allow for borrowers in medical or dental residencies to defer payments until the completion of their program.

“We need to revolutionize American education and job training so we’re preparing students for a 21st century job market. That means, among other things, reducing barriers to educational opportunities and post-graduation success,” said Fitzpatrick. “For too many, student loan debt is a crippling burden that impacts their involvement in our economy and achieving personal goals like owning a home, starting a family and supporting their community. This bipartisan legislation is a step toward addressing this crisis.”

The total student loan debt in America has reached $1.3 trillion, and over $875 billion of it is held by the federal government at interest rates of up to 6.84%. That percentage far exceeds the market rate for most government loans.

“For many Americans, the price of a college education is too high. The average 2016 graduate owes over $37,172 in student loan debt. This mountain of debt prevents graduates from reaching important milestones such as starting a family, buying a house, or opening their own business,” Garamendi said. “This bill would help relieve some of the debt burden faced by American students and their families, while ensuring that the federal government is not making a profit on the backs of students.”

Jean Rash, Chair of the Higher Education Loan Coalition, urged support for the legislation. “By refinancing student loan rates for past borrowers and recalculating rates for future borrowers, this bipartisan bill would establish fairer and market-driven loan terms for all borrowers. Additionally, delaying student loan interest rate accrual for low-income families will ensure financial support to those students who need it the most. Students and families also would benefit immensely from the bill’s elimination of origination fees. We believe such changes will have a real and lasting impact on helping make college more affordable.”

“Orthodontists now graduate with an average of $365,000 in student loans. The AAO supports this legislation because it focuses on reducing the enormous debt load our residents and graduates currently face,” said Dr. Nahid Maleki, President of the American Association of Orthodontists. “Reducing interest rates and fees and allowing refinancing for today’s graduates are critical steps to helping them repay these loans sooner and more efficiently so they can begin to invest in their futures and careers.”

Foxx Praises Exit of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Student Loan Servicing

Source: Committee on Education and the Workforce



Washington, D.C. - September 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, issued the following statement praising the Department of Education’s decision to end its Memorandum of Understanding with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding the oversight of student loan servicing:


“Congress bestowed the powers to oversee student loans and student loan servicing solely to the Department of Education, and it was a mistake for the Obama administration to have the Department of Education let the CFPB abuse its privilege on these matters. The Department of Education has made it clear that its partnership with the CFPB is doing more harm than good when it comes to how it can best serve students and borrowers.

“Specifically, the department has shown that a partnership with the CFPB was complicating and undermining its efforts to act in the best interest of borrowers and students. I am pleased that the department is taking its authority back from the CFPB, and remains committed to serving borrowers and students first.”

Click here to read the full letter from the Department of Education.

U.S. Rep. Castor Introduces Legislation to Tackle America's Rising Student Debt

Washington, D.C. - August 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) filed the Student Loan Relief Act (H.R. 3390) to tackle America’s rising student debt, give working families a more affordable path for college and spur economic activity. U.S. Rep. Castor is offering the bill as the U.S. House version of the legislation filed by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

The Student Loan Relief Act will lower the cap on federal student loan interest to 4 percent for undergraduate students, 5 percent for graduate students and 6 percent for parents. It would change the way student loan interest rates are calculated, allow borrowers with loans disbursed before the effective date to refinance their loans at the new rates and eliminate loan origination fees. U.S. Sen. Nelson unveiled the Senate version earlier this month.

“A college or graduate degree is an important pathway to higher wages, better jobs and a better future, but can be very expensive for working families,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. “Today’s students are facing more debt than ever before and even though unemployment is down, higher wages lag. Student loan debt is growing at faster rates than all other household debt, including 42.3 million borrowers topping $1.3 trillion in federal student loan debt. College graduates in Florida face an average of $25,000 in debt when they graduate.

“Student loans have a chokehold on families legitimately trying to move forward and help their children have a better life than their parents and attain the American Dream. The crushing burden of student loan debt also hurts our economy because such debt forces young Americans to delay major life investments. Instead of buying a home, starting a business or saving for retirement, these educated and talented graduates are being forced to start their lives in the red. A recent survey found that 71 percent of student loan borrowers stated that their crushing debt has delayed their home ownership, prohibiting them from saving for down payments or making them feel too financially insecure to buy a home. Constraining young adults from investing in their future deprives our community and economy of the benefits of their hard work and ingenuity.”

The Democratic-led Congress from 2007-2010 took meaningful steps to help college students, including passing the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which boosted the maximum amount for Pell Grants and created an income-based repayment program. But with states, like Florida, contributing less money for public education and tuition prices increasing much faster than the rate of inflation, students are borrowing more to pay for college. While the Republican-controlled Congress has done little to make this a priority and has not brought any major legislation to the floor for a vote to help students and graduates – such as reducing interest rates or restructuring loan repayment plans – U.S. Rep. Castor has filed or cosponsored numerous bills over the past several years to address student loan debt and has been joined by Tampa Bay’s student leaders to bring attention to this important issue.

“U.S. Sen. Nelson and I are fighting to give students and their families a better deal. Student loan debt is holding back today’s students and young people and their hopes for career success and good-paying jobs. For our country and all of us to prosper we must ensure that higher education is not just a luxury for the few, but an opportunity for all,” said U.S. Rep. Castor. “As students begin preparing for school this fall, we should work to ensure pathways to an affordable education for them. This will spur job growth, strengthen our economy and guarantee a bright and boundless future for our country.”

New Bipartisan Bill Will Benefit Student Borrowers, Taxpayers by Promoting Competition Amongst Student Loan Servicers

Washington, D.C. - August 1, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), James Lankford (Okla.), and Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.) introduced the bipartisan Student Loan Servicer Performance Accountability Act. The legislation would benefit student loan borrowers and taxpayers by protecting and strengthening performance-based accountability of federal student loan servicers through greater competition and stronger oversight.

“Maintaining choice and competition amongst student loan servicers is the best way to ensure they will continue improving services for student borrowers,” Blunt said. “This bill will strengthen the performance-based incentives we have now, and prevent any one student loan servicer from becoming so large it poses a risk to taxpayers. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan, commonsense measure.”

“The federal government has a responsibility to make sure student loan servicing is working for student borrowers and for taxpayers. The Education Department’s plan to switch to a single servicer for its trillion-dollar loan portfolio heads in the wrong direction and could create a ‘too big to fail’ federal contractor,” Warren said. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure that there is real competition in student loan servicing and that servicers are held accountable for serving student borrowers effectively.”

“The Department of Education’s plan to reduce the number of contracted student loan servicers to just one would reduce the quality of assistance, make it harder for borrowers to manage their debt, and ultimately hurt our students, their families and our economy,” Shaheen said. “The Student Loan Servicer Performance Accountability Act will ensure strong competition and oversight so that students have high quality service so they can make informed decisions about their loan and repayment options.”

“The Student Loan Servicer Accountability Act is a commonsense bill that temporarily suspends the US Department of Education from awarding a servicing contract to a sole provider for all student loans owned by the US Department of Education,” Lankford said. “As the nation’s student loan debt continues to grow, we need to enact measures that will ensure students have all the resources available to them so they can repay their loans and get good customer service. Moving to a single federal student loan servicer would not accomplish this goal because it eliminates performance-based competition that incentivizes improved service for students. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation to prevent any disruption in service for borrowers to pay back their student loan debt.”

The current federal student loan servicing contracts expire in 2019. In May 2017, the Department of Education released a revised plan for the servicing competition that would reduce the number of federal student loan servicers from nine to one servicer for the entire trillion-dollar federal direct loan portfolio. This plan would limit the Department’s ability to ensure high-quality service to student borrowers.

The Student Loan Servicer Performance Accountability Act would:

Cancel the Department of Education’s current competition for a single federal student loan servicer;

Ensure performance-based competition in federal student loan servicing by requiring the participation of multiple servicers that contract directly with the Department of Education;

Promote competition by requiring the Department of Education to allocate loans to servicers based on measures of their performance, including scores on borrower satisfaction; and

Prohibit the Department of Education from awarding all federal student loans to a single federal student loan servicer and creating a federal student loan monopoly.

Synthetic Drugs, Intelligence, Apprenticeship, Sugar, Student Loans, Hot Cars, General Flynn, and Comey

FOLLOWING SURGE OF SYNTHETIC DRUG OVERDOSES LOCALLY, REP. JOHN KATKO INTRODUCES GROUNDBREAKING, BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO COMBAT EPIDEMIC
John Katko (R-NY, 24th)
June 19, 2017
Toxic, synthetic drugs are designed to mimic street drugs like marijuana, LSD, cocaine, Ecstasy and other hard drugs. They can be more potent than the real thing and just as deadly. Currently, manufacturers and distributors of these substances are able to slightly alter the chemical structure of drugs to avoid law enforcement scrutiny and prosecution. Since being elected to represent Central New York in Congress, Rep. Katko has prioritized addressing this crisis.
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KENNEDY INTROS BILL TO CREATE RUSSIAN RESPONSE CENTER
Joseph P. Kennedy, 3rd (D-MA, 4th)
June 15, 2017
“Russia’s attack on our election was not guided by party affiliation but instead by a deep desire to weaken trust in our institutions and shake the very foundation of our democracy. Without a strong, coordinated response from our government, adversarial assaults on our electoral system, economy and national security will only become more sophisticated and sustained in the coming years. By uniting our agencies and our allies against this common threat, our Response Center will ensure our government is ready and willing to respond to any future meddling before it takes root.”
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STATEMENT: REP. KHANNA SAYS FUNDING NEEDS TO MATCH RHETORIC ON APPRENTICESHIP EXECUTIVE ORDER
Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
June 15, 2017
“Today’s announcement by the White House to create 5 million apprenticeships in the next decade is an aspirational goal. I see this pledge as a way for Congress, the White House, and employers to come together and find new ways to give working families the economic security they deserve. But in order to achieve a 10-fold increase in apprenticeships—from 500,000 to 5 million—the President has to match his rhetoric with funding. His proposed increase to the apprenticeship program is not enough, and the cuts in other parts of the Department of Labor programs undermine his goal.
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STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN DAN KILDEE ON FINAL U.S.-MEXICO SUGAR DEAL
Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th)
June 19, 2017
“I am pleased that the Department of Commerce has reached a deal with the Mexican government to stop illegal dumping of foreign sugar in America. Family farms in my district and across the country are struggling, and this agreement will help provide relief from unfair trade practices. I applaud Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for their work. I will work with them to ensure that this deal is enforced and that our sugar policy works in the best interests of American farmers.”
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Herrera Beutler and Derek Kilmer introduce ocean acidification bill
Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)
June 16, 2017
Acidification is a result of increasing carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels. When carbon dioxide — a chief “greenhouse gas” — is absorbed by the oceans, chemical reactions occur that change the pH level in the seawater, making it more acidic. As a result, the water eats away at oyster larvae shells and kills them, according to marine biologists and oyster growers.
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Rep. Kind Cosponsors Bill to Extend the Perkins Loan Program
Ron Kind (D-WI, 3rd)
June 16, 2017
US Rep. Ron Kind cosponsored the bipartisan bill, H.R. 2482 – the Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2017, which will extend the Perkins Loan Program for a period of 2 years so that students enrolled in the program can continue to receive financial aid. Currently, the Perkins Loan program is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2017. If the program is allowed to expire, around 500,000 students across the country will lose access to the program.
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Rep. Peter King Touts Bill to Protect Kids From Dying in Hot Cars
Pete King (R-NY, 2nd)
June 13, 2017
“The reality is that this can happen to anyone," he says. "People are in a rush -- they forget, they run into the store, they have to get something done in a hurry and what they don’t realize is that very quickly in summer heat the temperature inside a car can go to 120 degrees. And a young kid is three times more affected by it than an adult is."
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Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Of The House Oversight Committee Calls For A Complete Review Of General Flynn’s International Dealings In Response To Explosive New Revelations
Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL, 8th)
June 19, 2017
“In the wake of disturbing new reports on Michael Flynn’s business ties, I’m calling for a complete review of the former National Security Advisor’s international dealings. The last two days have brought a string of disturbing new revelations about Flynn’s suspicious business interests, including his involvement in a plan to build nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia and sell Russian military equipment to Arab states. Flynn also worked with a foreign cyberweapons company that helped repressive governments launch hacking efforts against human rights advocates and political dissidents.
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Jordan questions Justice Department official about Comey's Loretta Lynch comments
Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)
June 15, 2017
“The highest officials at the Department of Justice should be straight with the American people, and that did not happen. … And they were misled at the direction of the attorney general! Mr. Comey’s testimony was real clear, he even questioned – he said, ‘Do we really want to do that? Don’t we want to tell the American people the truth?’ And yet he followed, he carried out the order from the attorney general to mislead the American people and say it was a ‘matter,’ not an ‘investigation,’ and of course as I’ve said a couple times, he allowed the perception to continue that our current president of the United States was under investigation when in fact he was not.”
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Apprenticeship, College, Immigration, Russia, Health, Student Loans, Israel, FBI Director

Reps. Davis & Lipinski Join Aon Apprentices to Announce Bipartisan Bill to Reinvigorate America’s Apprenticeship Programs
Rodney Davis (R-IL, 13th)
May 10, 2017
“Reducing college debt has been a focus of mine since coming to Congress and apprenticeships can help with this,” said Davis. “For example, the apprentices at Aon learn valuable workplace skills while also attending college classes to complete an associate’s degree. At the end of the program, these young men and women have a job and a college degree that didn’t require any student loans. We want more companies to utilize apprenticeships, not only to help reduce college debt, but also to help retrain our workforce. The LEAP Act will help us accomplish this important, bipartisan goal.”
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Davis, Scott, Hirono, Murray Introduce Major Legislation to Secure Pell Grant Program and Make College More Affordable for Low-Income Students
Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd)
May 16, 2017
Representatives Susan Davis (D-Calif.) and Bobby Scott (D-Va), and Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) introduced the Pell Grant Preservation & Expansion Act today that will expand and permanently safeguard the Pell Grant program, helping millions of low-income students offset the rising costs of college. The bill would improve the purchasing power of Pell Grants, permanently index the maximum grant to inflation, shift the Pell Grant program to fully mandatory funding, and restore eligibility for defrauded students.
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DeGette Hails Temporary Stays for Vizguerra and Hernandez Garcia, Calls for Further Action
Diana DeGette (D-CO, 1st)
May 12, 2017
Vizguerra, an undocumented immigrant and immigrant rights’ activist, had sheltered in the First Unitarian Church in DeGette’s district since mid-February to avoid deportation on the eve of her last regularly-scheduled appointment with ICE officials. Because the stay on a previous deportation order had expired the week before, Vizguerra became concerned, alerting her family and her attorney that the check-in might not be routine. She was right; ICE agents were preparing to deport her upon arrival at their offices.
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Delaney Statement on Washington Post Report That President Trump Revealed Highly Classified Information to Russian Officials
John Delaney (D-MD, 6th)
May 15, 2017
Late today the Washington Post reported that “President Trump revealed highly classified information to the Russian foreign minister and ambassador in a White House meeting last week, according to current and former U.S. officials, who said that Trump’s disclosures jeopardized a critical source of intelligence on the Islamic State.”
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DeLauro Calls on Congress to Increase Funding for the NIH
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
May 17, 2017
The NIH is the leading biomedical research entity in the world and my colleagues on the subcommittee have often heard me say that medical research is special. A breakthrough at the NIH saves not just one life, but potentially millions, over generations to come. That breakthrough can improve the life of not just a sick individual, but the lives of their loved ones, caretakers, and friends. That is what the NIH represents.
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DelBene Helps Introduce Bill to Let Families Refinance Student Loans
Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
May 17, 2017
“We should provide every student borrower the opportunity to refinance their loans. It’s unacceptable that Americans are currently able to refinance their car loans, mortgages and business loans, but cannot take advantage of lower interest rates on student loans,” DelBene said. “The rising cost of college is forcing millions of middle-class families deep into debt as they take out higher loan amounts to pay for tuition, fees, textbooks and housing. If we want students to succeed, we need to work toward solutions that make a college degree more affordable for all.”
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Rep. Denham’s ENLIST Act Reaches 200 Co-Sponsors
Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th)
May 11, 2017
The ENLIST Act would allow otherwise qualified undocumented immigrants brought to the United States by their parents, through no fault of their own, to enlist in the armed services and earn legal status upon honorable completion of their contracts.
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DeSantis: Trump Administration Shouldn't Waffle on Whether the Western Wall is Part of Israel
Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)
May 16, 2017
"The Western Wall is one of the holiest sites in Judaism and there is no reason to be waffling about whether it is properly considered to be a part of Israel. Jerusalem is the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish people and of the modern State of Israel. Indeed, soon Israelis will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem during the defensive Six Day War. Let's stand with our strong friend and ally and not kowtow to those who seek to do Israel harm."
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Congressman DeSaulnier’s Statement on Reports President Trump Asked FBI Director Comey to End Investigation of Flynn
Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA, 11th)
May 17, 2017
“We are at a critical moment in our nation’s history. The reported attempt by President Trump to put an end to the FBI’s investigation into Michael Flynn is an inappropriate abuse of power and reason for grave concern. In order to maintain faith in our democracy and trust in our government, it is essential that Republicans and Democrats set aside party affiliation and seek answers to the many questions plaguing this Administration and its connection to Russia.
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Inauguration, commutations, student loans, Environment Protection Agency, refugees,

“In his inaugural address, President Trump delivered a unifying message, pledging to fight for a nation and a federal government that works for all Americans. He offered a vision of an America where everyone has an opportunity to share in its successes and no one is left behind. I look forward to working with him and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve these bold, optimistic goals.” Steve Chabot (R-OH, 1st)


“While I do not question the legitimacy of Mr. Trump's election, I do object to his treatment of other Americans, particularly those who disagree with him. In a diverse democracy like ours, patriotic dissent is vital. That is why the values of pluralism, grievance, and criticism are enshrined in the 1st Amendment's protections of religion, speech, and press - all three of which have been targets of the President-elect.

"The personal attacks on John Lewis were just the latest example of behavior unbefitting a president. So after much thought, I, like millions of other Americans, will choose not to attend the inauguration of President Trump. Instead, I will continue to focus on my efforts to ensure a more just and equal country for ourselves and future generations of all Americans - regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or orientation.”
Judy Chu (D-CA, 27th)


“An Inaugural Address by the President is an opportunity to set forth a clear vision for the country with some specifics of the plan to make that vision a reality. I’m disappointed that President Trump did not do this today. The remarks he offered sounded more like a campaign speech addressed to the base of his political party, rather than a speech to the entire country.”

“Sadly, I think President Trump squandered an opportunity to reach out to the majority of Americans who didn’t vote for him last November with a strong message that would have helped to unite our country. Instead, he doubled down on divisive rhetoric, false bravado, and gaudy promises that have no basis in reality. The President painted an unnecessarily dark and negative picture of America. The entire world was watching this speech, and while we certainly have great challenges, America is by far the best and strongest country in the world.”

“Today, Donald Trump became the least popular person to ever take the oath of office as President. There is no mandate for his agenda, nor a clearer understanding of what that agenda really is, even after his address.”

“As I have always done, I will continue working with members of both parties to deliver results for Rhode Island. I hope President Trump will do the same.”

"If President Trump, however, intends to continue down the path he started today, dividing Americans and offering empty promises instead of real solutions, then I will continue to fight him every step of the way.”
David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)



“Initially, I was inclined to attend the inauguration of the 45th president of our great nation. Like most Americans, I have viewed presidential inaugurations as a ceremonial rite of passage, and representing the people of the Ninth Congressional District of New York at the transition in the governance of our nation was understood as a tradition.

“Unfortunately, I cannot honor this inclination when the normal democratic process has so clearly been undermined. To state the matter simply, the 2016 presidential election lacks integrity. There remains an overriding factor: the deliberate attack by the Russian government on the most sacred exercise of our political process, the election of the President of the United States. With my colleague Congressman John Lewis, I have very real concerns about the legitimacy of the next President of the United States. I believe that we all have an obligation to the American people to have the United States intelligence community and an independent, bipartisan commission thoroughly investigate the hostile intrusion by the Russian government into American politics. As a member of Congress, I have received briefings from intelligence officials about the highly-sophisticated and unprecedented Russian propaganda campaign and massive cyber-attack – done at the behest of the leadership of the Russian government and executed by governmentally sanctioned intelligence agencies and their affiliates – intended to disrupt the presidential election. The success of the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta and the possibility that additional information could compromise and undermine the incoming administration presents a very serious threat to our democracy. We must engage in a thorough investigation to know the truth about the 2016 presidential election, wherever this may lead us.

“In addition, I am deeply concerned about the threat Donald Trump presents to the community I am honored to represent. In his victory speech, Donald Trump promised to unite us as a president for all Americans. But his actions since then reveal that the promise he made was merely words empty of any truth. In the wake of the election, our nation experienced a spike in hate crimes, yet there was no denouncing of this activity by Donald Trump, not even a tweet. The appointments of individuals who have devoted their careers to denying the civil rights of and creating a false, demeaning narrative about African Americans, Latinos, women, Muslims, and immigrants, as with Senator Sessions as Attorney General and Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist, demonstrate that Donald Trump plans to try to restore some of the worst chapters from our nation's history. But we will not turn back. Standing alongside me are millions of Americans who are extremely concerned that Donald Trump and members of his administration are hostile to our communities and, indeed, to our very humanity. Donald Trump's recent insults directed at Congressman Lewis, who risked his life and was brutally attacked and nearly killed marching in Selma, Alabama, for the right to vote, are part of a pattern of divisiveness that should not have any audience in our civil society. Anyone who hoped that the magnitude of the Office of President of the United States would change the man who cruelly insulted Senator McCain’s wartime record or Gold Star parents Khizr and Ghazala Khan has assuredly been disappointed in Donald Trump’s performance thus far. Today, as we honor the life and work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it is in his spirit that I formally announce that I cannot in good faith attend the inauguration of a President who threatens the people I represent and the values that we hold dear. Instead, I’ll be in Brooklyn with my constituents.”
Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY, 9th)



Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after reports that President-elect Donald Trump is planning dramatic cuts to several important federal programs.

“On the eve of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, I fear that America will soon be thrust into cultural and societal deterioration, a new Dark Ages,” said Congressman Steve Cohen. “According to a report by The Hill, President-elect Trump and his team are planning to eliminate the Minority Business Development Agency and the Legal Services Corporation, both of which help minority groups participate in the American dream. Trump plans to eliminate the COPS program and the Office of Violence Against Women Grants, both of which help fight crime in our communities. Trump plans to eliminate the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities, both of which support the cultural participation in America. Trump plans to eliminate the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, both of which would be detrimental to our environment. And Trump plans to privatize the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, limiting the freedom of press guaranteed by our Constitution. Many of these programs are essential to my constituents and for the health, safety and well-being of people all across the country. If they are eliminated, there will be far-reaching negative consequences for the country, setting us back decades. I implore President-elect Trump to preserve these programs.”

According to The Hill, the following federal programs (among others) are being considered by the Trump Administration to be reformed or eliminated:

Corporation for Public Broadcasting
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Humanities
Minority Business Development Agency
Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women Grants
Department of Justice Office of Legal Services Corporation
Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Department of State Paris Climate Change Agreement
United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change


“This presidential inauguration represents more than a celebration of an individual person or party, era or idea. While the peaceful transfer of power testifies to the success of the experiment known as American democracy, this inauguration also underscores the character uniting the citizens of our Republic.

“Our nation was built on principles of universal human dignity and inalienable rights, and our nation stands or falls based on their endurance. I’ve witnessed individuals from both sides of the aisle taking the oath of the presidency, and I’ve seen during these transitions that Americans have an unmatched capacity for humility and mutual respect, regardless of differences in political philosophy. We continue to believe that our fellow men and women have inherent, unquestionable worth, and we draw on this confidence to chart a brighter path forward.

“Americans have chosen President Donald J. Trump to lead us into this new chapter, which I believe will be marked by relief from policies that stifle American creativity, growth, and freedom and by investment in the people who have trusted one another—through the democratic process—to make America greater than she has ever been before.
“I look forward to working with President Trump and Vice President Pence to that end.”
Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th)



“A troubling inaugural address. President Trump offered a dark, dystopian, and defiant inaugural speech that begins a new presidency without aspiration or reconciliation. It failed to unify or reach out to the entire nation, and insists on Trump's view of patriotism and triumphalism. Its insistent nationalism can only encourage Moscow and disconcert our allies.”
Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th)

The White House announced the commutation of the sentences of hundreds of individuals this week, which brings President Obama’s record to 1,715 commutations in total.

“I plan to attend President-Elect Trump’s inauguration. This is a decision each Member must make for himself or herself. Like many of my colleagues, I have been fighting my entire life to create a more equal society for all Americans, so I certainly understand why some of them have come to the conclusion that they cannot attend.

“There are so many people who came before me who struggled so that African Americans could be full participants in our democracy. I believe that I honor their sacrifice by asserting my democratic right to attend an inauguration.

“The inauguration is bigger than President-Elect Trump. It is a chance for the world to witness our nation’s greatest ritual: the peaceful transfer of power. As millions of Americans witness the event, I want them to know that there will be Members of Congress present who will be vigilant to ensure that the Trump Administration is held to the highest ethical standards. Our democracy is the strongest in the world because our powerful executive is checked by an equally powerful legislative branch.

“All Members of Congress—Republicans and Democrats serving in the House and Senate—swore to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people. It is our responsibility to do everything in our power to make sure that our federal agencies operate the way they were intended, and in an efficient and effective manner.

“In two days, President-Elect Trump will control the world’s most powerful military and largest nuclear arsenal, and he will be the steward of the world’s largest economy. I fear that during his Administration, our political institutions will suffer a crisis of legitimacy. Many of our federal agencies, including the CIA and the FBI, will be tested.
“Unfortunately, House Republicans have made clear that they have no intention of checking the Trump Administration. Instead, they have become contortionists in their efforts to avoid doing their jobs and have coordinated with the Trump campaign in their attacks on our nation’s top ethics officials.

“Congress cannot sit by as a President fails to rectify his many conflicts of interest and refuses to acknowledge his impending violations of the Emoluments Clause. We must act as the last line of defense for our democracy, press Republicans to do their jobs, and hold President-Elect Trump accountable to the American people and the rule of law. We must also guard the progress that was made under President Obama by turning our protest into policy, and advancing legislation that will uplift the lives of the American people.”
Elijah Cummings (D-MD, 7th)

Bonamici and Costello introduced bipartisan legislation to help struggling student loan borrowers enroll in affordable repayment plans. The SIMPLE (Streamlining Income-driven, Manageable Payments on Loans for Education) Act allows at-risk borrowers to make more informed decisions about which repayment plans are right for them, and it automatically connects these borrowers with income-driven repayment plans before they default. Additionally, the SIMPLE Act automates the annual process of updating borrowers’ income information while enrolled in income-driven repayment plans, which will prevent unexpected increases in loan payments and help keep payments affordable.

Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the troubling deaths of over 20 pelicans and egrets in the Tampa Bay area last week, as well as the massive beaching of false killer whales this weekend that resulted in more than 80 deaths of these mammals. He is requesting the EPA test the toxicity of the surrounding waterways to see if these deaths are linked to poor water quality caused by harmful algal blooms.

Representative John Culberson (TX-07) has introduced the No Resettlement Without Consent Act, which allows governors, not the federal government, to decide if refugees can be resettled in their State

This legislation requires the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement to get a governor’s permission before refugees can be placed in a state.

Headlines from the House and Senate

Department of Defense Fails to Protect Servicemembers from Exposure to Blasts


Congressman Smith Statement on President-Elect Trump’s Continued Alarming Conflicts of Interest

Smith Issues Regulation Rewind Report

'Christian refugees escaping ISIS get visit from N.J. Rep. Chris Smith'

Sherman Requests Classified Briefing on Russian-led Hacking

Lame Duck President Continues War on Coal

Manufacturing Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King Set To Become Law

Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On POTUS Announcement Banning Drilling in Parts of Atlantic and Arctic Oceans

Senators Markey and Booker Praise Obama Administration Move to Permanently Ban Offshore Drilling in Parts of Arctic and Atlantic Oceans

INDEFENSIBLE: SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN EXPOSES $13 BILLION IN WASTEFUL DEFENSE SPENDING IN NEW AMERICA’S MOST WASTED REPORT


McCaskill-Warren GAO Report Shows Shocking Increase in Student Loan Debt Among Seniors