Public Transportation, Cattle Producers, Infrastructure, SBA, Children with Disabilities, Tariffs, GI Bill, Fetal Tissue Ban, Travel

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 21, 2020

Representatives Moore, García Urge Support for Public Transportation Agencies and their Workforce During Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI, 4th)
March 20, 2020
“Many Americans are staying in their homes to follow guidance by public health officials to keep our communities safe. This is taking a toll on our overall economy, but will particularly impact our public transportation systems, which have lost ridership and farebox revenues” said Rep. Moore. “Reliable transportation options are a must for any economy and we need to work to ensure that our public transit systems remain viable. I am so proud to join Rep. Chuy Garcia in calling for critical funding to support our public transit agencies and their workers through these trying times.”
Read more...

Sen. Moran, Colleagues Urge Secretary Perdue to Make Emergency Payments to Cattle Producers
Source: Senator Jerry Moran- (R - KS)
March 20, 2020
“It is important that we act quickly to provide assistance to cattlemen in these unprecedented times without unnecessarily intruding into the markets,” the senators wrote. “I urge you to use your authorities under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act to make a one-time emergency payment to help beef cattle producers during this crisis.”
Read more...

In Midst Of Economic Volatility, Mucarsel-Powell Renews Call for Transformative Infrastructure Investments To Put People To Work In South Florida And Across U.S.
Source: U.S. Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL, 26th)
March 20, 2020
“The economic crisis we are experiencing now as a result of this global pandemic is unprecedented and requires an extraordinary response,” said Mucarsel-Powell. “Unless we enact big solutions like this, we risk exponential growth in unemployment and a depressed economy. During the Great Depression, the New Deal renewed people’s belief in the American dream. This investment would do the same for generations to come. A nearly billion-dollar infrastructure investment would put people in South Florida and across the nation back to work, fix our crumbling roads and bridges, and take significant steps towards a low-carbon, sustainable future. We need to turn this framework into legislation and pass it now.”
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SBA Loans Available for Small Businesses in Oklahoma
Source: U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK, 2nd)
March 21, 2020
“99 percent of businesses in Oklahoma are small businesses and they need help during this public health crisis,” Mullin said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and I applaud Governor Stitt for taking quick action to help them get the relief they need.”
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AS SCHOOLS CLOSE DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MURPHY, SENATE DEMOCRATS RELAY CONCERNS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Source: Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT)
March 21, 2020
“Assisting states and districts to navigate their obligations to meet the legal requirements of students’ individualized education plans (IEPs) and individualized family service plans (IFSP) for infants and toddlers with disabilities will be critical during this national public health emergency.”
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Murphy, Cunningham Urge Congressional Leadership to Suspend Tariffs in Upcoming Coronavirus Response Bill
Source: U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-FL, 7th)
March 18, 2020
The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on many Chinese imports under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and on aluminum and steel imports from nearly every country under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This has led China and many other countries to retaliate by imposing tariffs on a wide variety of American exports. Today, 161 trade associations representing businesses in every sector urged the President to temporarily suspend these tariffs.
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Senator Murray Applauds Congressional Passage of Legislation to Protect GI Bill Benefits As Colleges Close or Go Online Due to Coronavirus
Source: Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
March 21, 2020
Housing allowances under the Post-9/11 GI Bill are based on whether student veterans attend a university in person versus an online program. As colleges and universities close campuses to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, veterans on the GI Bill could lose or have their benefits cut. This bill would allow these student veterans to continue to receive full benefits even if the colleges they are attending decide to close or temporarily move classes online due to coronavirus. Senator Murray helped introduced this bill last week with U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester, respectively the Chairman and the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Read more...

Rep. Nadler Statement Condemning Trump Administration for Refusing to Lift Fetal Tissue Ban for COVID-19 Vaccine Research
Source: U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
March 19, 2020
"Scientists have told Congress again and again that fetal tissue is the gold standard for vaccine research. The ban on this research imposed by the Trump Administration last year has no scientific purpose, with reports showing it already impacting promising, life-saving medical research. This new report reveals that even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, the Trump administration is unwilling to set aside their dangerous anti-science bias to allow research to go forward simply because it involves fetal tissue."
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CONGRESSMAN NEGUSE URGES IMMEDIATE AND COMPREHENSIVE ACTION TO ENSURE EVERY AMERICAN ABROAD MAY RETURN HOME AMIDST THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Source: U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO, 2nd)
March 20, 2020
“We have heard from an alarming number of constituents whose family members have been unable to leave certain affected areas due to closed borders, movement restrictions, mandatory quarantines, and canceled flights,” Congressman Neguse writes in the letter. “They have contacted us from Peru, Morocco, the Philippines, Honduras, China, Cambodia, Chile, Guatemala, and several other countries looking for clear guidance as they navigate this difficult and frightening landscape to return home to their families. In some instances, constituents informed us that they have been unable to establish any level of communication with U.S. Embassy and Consular personnel.”
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Measles, God, Tariffs, Censorship, Scams

US measles cases still climbing, topping 800 for year
Source: KSLA
May 14, 2019
U.S. health officials say this year’s count of measles cases has surpassed 800, a growing tally that is already the nation’s highest in 25 years.

Read more...

‘So Help Me God’ No More: Democrats Give House Traditions a Makeover
Source: New York Times
May 11, 2019
“I think God belongs in religious institutions: in temple, in church, in cathedral, in mosque — but not in Congress,” said Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. What Republicans are doing, he continued, “is using God.”

Read more...

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God, Government and Globalization
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Coast seafood supplier weighs in on Chinese seafood tariffs
Source: KXOL
May 10, 2019
President Donald Trump announced via Twitter that the United States would raise tariffs on seafood coming in from China from 10% to 25%. Some of the seafood includes tilapia, tuna, crab and shrimp.

Read more...

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HATE: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship (Inalienable Rights)
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Facebook Bans Alex Jones, Milo Yiannopoulos, Other Far-Right Figures
Source: Bloomberg
May 2, 2019
Facebook Inc. said it’s banning a number of controversial far-right figures, including Alex Jones, Milo Yiannopoulos and Laura Loomer, for violating the social-media company’s policies on hate speech and promoting violence.

Read more...

Nebraska passes bill to outlaw scam calls from fake numbers
Source: NBC
May 2, 2019
Scam artists who use fake phone numbers to trick people into answering their calls would be violating the law in Nebraska under a bill passed in the Legislature.

Read more...

United States Wins Dispute Finding China’s Administration of Grain Tariff-Rate Quotas Breaches WTO Commitments

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by: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Washington, D.C. - April 22, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel found that China has administered its tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for wheat, corn, and rice inconsistently with its WTO commitments. Contrary to those commitments, China’s TRQ administration is not transparent, predictable, or fair, and it ultimately inhibits TRQs from filling, denying U.S. farmers access to China’s market for grain.

This panel report is the second significant victory for U.S. agriculture this year, and, together with the victory against China’s excessive domestic support for grains, will help American farmers compete on a more level playing field.

“This second important victory for the United States further demonstrates that President Trump will take all steps necessary to enforce trade rules and to ensure free and fair trade for U.S. farmers. The Administration will continue to press China to promptly come into compliance with its WTO obligations,” said Ambassador Lighthizer.

China’s grain TRQs have annually underfilled. USDA estimates that if China’s TRQs had been fully used, it would have imported as much as $3.5 billion worth of corn, wheat and rice in 2015 alone.

“Making sure our trading partners play by the rules is vital to providing our farmers the opportunity to export high-quality, American-grown products to the world,” said Secretary Perdue. “Today’s announcement is another victory for American farmers and fairness in the global trade system. We will use every tool available to gain meaningful market access opportunities for U.S. grains and other agricultural products.”

Background:
Upon accession to the WTO, China made commitments specific to its administration of TRQs, including the commitment to administer its TRQs in a transparent, predictable, and fair basis, using clearly specified administrative procedures and requirements that do not inhibit the filling of each TRQ. In August 2017, the United States requested that the WTO establish a dispute settlement panel to consider whether China administers its TRQs for long-grain rice, short- and medium-grain rice, wheat, and corn in a manner inconsistent with its WTO commitments.

Today’s panel report agrees with the United States that China administers its TRQs in a manner inconsistent with its Accession Protocol obligations, through its eligibility criteria, allocation and reallocation procedures, public comment process, and processing restrictions. In addition, China allocates a significant portion of each TRQ to a designated state-trading enterprise (STE) and does not subject the STE to the same rules applied to non-state trading enterprises applying for and importing grains under the TRQs. Each finding individually established that China’s TRQ measures are inconsistent with its obligations.

Compliance with WTO rules will lead to market-oriented TRQ administration and improved access for U.S. and other exporters, overall creating a more level playing field.

Read more about the U.S. challenge, including additional details about how China’s TRQ administration breaches its WTO commitments.

SCHUMER CALLS ON FEDS TO DROP UNREASONABLE TARIFFS ON CANADIAN IMPORTS

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by: Senator Charles E. Schumer- (D - NY)

Washington, D.C. - April 17, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Standing at the Novelis factory in Oswego, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to expedite the review and approval of the company’s remaining product exclusion requests from aluminum tariffs that involve imports from Canada. Novelis, which is a top employer in Oswego County, employing over 1,100 people, is a major contributor to the Central New York economy and is seeking exclusions from the Section 232 tariffs that were implemented in March 2018.

Schumer said that while targeted tariffs on heavily subsidized aluminum imports from countries like China–which bends and breaks fair trade rules–can be effective, broad-based tariffs on good actors from partner countries like Canada are negatively impacting companies like Novelis that have an integrated supply chain between its North American facilities. Schumer will say that these tariffs have made Novelis’s New York operation less competitive and will demand that the federal government eliminate these poorly targeted tariffs completely. In the meantime, Schumer called on DOC and CBP to work through Novelis’s product exclusion requests ASAP, to protect Novelis and the Central New York economy from unwarranted damage.

“I have always supported using tariffs to crack down on predatory trade practices from countries like China that massively subsidize their aluminum products and hurt American workers, but targeting allies like Canada with these same tariffs is wrongheaded and does damage to the same entities they are meant to protect—including Novelis’s successful Oswego operation and their 1,100 employees. Tariffs on Canadian imports are forcing Novelis—which has a deeply integrated supply chain in North America, with a major leg of it here in Central New York—to seek product exclusions to avoid paying a hefty price,” said Senator Schumer. “That is why I’m urging the feds to negotiate a common sense deal with Canada that will scrap these unwise tariffs ASAP. In the meantime, the feds must do everything they can to provide temporary relief by expediting and approving Novelis’s remaining requests for tariff exemptions on products that are integral to its Oswego facility.”

Schumer said that Novelis’s Oswego Facility, which opened in 1963, represents its first U.S. operation and largest fabrication facility in North America. With over 1,100 employees and an economic impact of $151.96 million, the facility produces more than a billion pounds of high-quality aluminum products each year used primarily by automotive, building and beverage can markets. Notably, in 2016 Novelis invested more than $500 million to produce aluminum sheet for Ford’s F-Series, F-150 trucks and Expedition SUV. However, Schumer detailed, because the Novelis Oswego plant relies on a supply chain with a Novelis facility in Kingston, Ontario, they are paying significant duties on products due to the Section 232 aluminum tariffs that were implemented in 2018.

Schumer explained that the supply chain between Novelis’s facilities in Oswego and Kingston is closely intertwined due to the unique capabilities at each location, prior duty-free transactions and their close proximity to one another. In fact, all of the products made by Novelis in Kingston are supplied by the Oswego facility, making the Kingston facility the Oswego largest customer. Schumer argued that product exclusions from Section 232 aluminum tariffs will help Novelis avoid excess costs and a significant disruption to their supply chain. Schumer stated that if Novelis doesn’t receive exclusions on material imported from Kingston, the Oswego facility could lose a significant portion of its business and would have to find new markets for its aluminum.

“When it comes to the international aluminum market, China cheats, subsidizes its producers and floods the market, and Canada, which is our steadfast ally, does not,” said Schumer. “It makes no sense to put these two nations in the same basket and treat them with the same negative tariff weapon.”

Therefore, Schumer said that the administration must work towards a deal with Canada that will eliminate these tariffs permanently. In the meantime, Schumer urged DOC and CBP to provide temporary relief to Novelis by expediting and approving the existing product exclusion requests. In 2018, Novelis applied to exclude 897 products it imports from Canada from 232 tariffs that impact the Oswego facility. Schumer worked closely with DOC and CBP to secure expedited consideration and approval of just over 560 of those requests already. Now Schumer is demanding that the remaining 292 requests be examined and approved immediately as well. In addition, since exclusion requests only last one year, Schumer is urging DOC and CBP to also quickly expedite and approve all of Novelis’s already approved exemption requests for a second year.

On March 8, 2018, the U.S. authorized tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the European Union and South Korea from under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on the grounds of national security. Schumer noted that while he has long supported using Section 232 tariffs to stop heavily subsidized foreign companies from dumping artificially cheap metals in our markets, targeting good actors from partner countries like Canada are poorly targeted and negatively impacting companies they are meant to help like Novelis.

A copy of Schumer’s letter to DOC and CBP appears below.

Dear Secretary Ross and Commissioner McAleenan:

I write to request that the Department of Commerce (DOC) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expedite the review of Novelis Inc.’s remaining product exclusion requests that involve imports from Canada. Novelis submitted nearly 900 product exclusion requests from the Section 232 aluminum tariffs that were implemented in March, 2018. Each of these requests have a direct impact on its Oswego, New York facility given its integrated supply chain with a Canadian facility. While most of these requests were approved, many have been backlogged for months and the recent government shutdown only caused further delays.

Novelis’s Oswego facility represents its first U.S. operation and largest fabrication facility in North America. With over 1,100 employees, the facility produces more than a billion pounds of high-quality aluminum products each year used primarily by automotive, building and beverage can markets. Notably, between 2012 and 2016 Novelis invested more than $500 million to produce aluminum sheet for Ford’s F-Series, F-150 trucks and Expedition. However, because the Oswego plant relies on a supply chain with a Novelis’s facility in Kingston Canada, the company is paying significant tariffs as a result of the Section 232 aluminum order.

The supply chain between Novelis facilities in Oswego and Kingston are closely integrated due to the unique capabilities at each location, prior duty-free transactions and their proximity to one another. Product exclusions from Sec. 232 aluminum tariffs will help Novelis avoid a significant disruption to their supply chain. If they do not receive exclusions on imports from Kingston, production capacity at both locations could go down.

While I support targeted tariffs on heavily subsidized aluminum imports, from countries like China, broad-based tariffs on good actors from partner countries like Canada are negatively impacting companies like Novelis that have an integrated supply chains between North American facilities. In January, Congress passed into law a nearly $5 million increase in funding for the Section 232 exclusion process that should help speed up the current process. I understand that the recent government shutdown caused further delays and that pending requests that were objected to may require extra time to review and should be carefully evaluated. Again, to the extent possible, I urge the DOC to expedite Novelis’s remaining exclusion requests that involve imports from Canada and CBP to work through any administrative issues in a timely manner. In addition, I am asking that you quickly expedite and approve all of Novelis’s already approved exemption requests for a second year.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or my staff should you have further questions.

Sincerely,

Report Warns of ‘Tariff Turmoil’ Absent Sweeping U.S.-China Trade Deal

by: Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce

Arlington, VA - February 25, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The Trump administration rightly delayed an increase in tariffs from 10 to 25 percent on March 2nd because it would devastate U.S. producers, workers, and consumers, according to a new analysis from Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce and Americans for Prosperity (AFP), entitled “Tariff Turmoil: The Effects of Section 301 Tariff Increases Told Through Businesses & Consumers.” In conjunction with the special report, at the online grassroots portal www.TradeBuildsAmerica.com, a new feature lists sortable, state-by-state warnings about the negative impact of higher tariffs.

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

“The Trump administration is right to delay the March 1 deadline and give U.S.-China trade talks more time. As our report illustrates, it is critical for Washington and Beijing to swiftly reach an agreement for both sides to eliminate tariffs and other non-tariff protectionist measures. Hundreds of job creators speak with one voice in our report: this 25 percent tariff endangers American prosperity. From rural farmers and small business manufacturers to national retailers and large corporations, trade builds America. Increasing the tariffs would mean higher costs for consumers, job losses for workers, and catastrophic harm for small businesses.”

AFP Senior Policy Fellow Alison Acosta Winters issued the following statement:

“The administration is right to delay increasing tariffs to 25 percent as negotiations continue and we continue to urge them to remove this tariff threat hanging over the country. Across thriving communities and bustling industries, trade is part of our economic powerhouse helping drive growth and improve lives. This new report gives a voice to hundreds of U.S. job creators warning of the devastating impact increasing tariffs to 25 percent on a vast array of Chinese imports would have on their businesses. The Trump administration should avoid the damage these tariffs would wreak on Americans by forging an agreement with Beijing that eliminates trade barriers.”

Budget, Tariffs, Heart, Disaster Aid

News from the Lawmakers

Rep. Nadler Statement on Vote Against Senate Budget Deal
Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
February 9, 2018
"Early this morning, I voted no on the short term spending bill and the budget deal because Speaker Ryan failed to make a sufficient commitment to bring up a bipartisan bill to protect Dreamers from deportation. The bill Congress passed a few hours ago included several Democratic priorities about which I care deeply, including parity in lifting the budget caps and an extension of the debt limit, funding for Community Health Centers and CHIP, and long overdue disaster aid for Puerto Rico and others.

Read more...

Neal, Pascrell Introduce Bipartisan Tariff Relief Legislation to Support American Workers and U.S. Economic Competitiveness
Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st)
February 8, 2018
Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) introduced H.R. 4979, bipartisan legislation that renews the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for three years. The United States’ oldest and largest trade preference program, GSP provides targeted tariff relief while supporting American workers and businesses.

Read more...

Newhouse Statement on No Vote for Budget Package
Dan Newhouse (R WA, 4th)
February 8, 2018
“The legislation that was agreed to in the House and the Senate essentially writes a blank check to enable the federal government to continue to accumulate debt. I have been a vocal proponent of addressing the federal government’s out-of-control spending, and as the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warned, our growing debt is the greatest threat to our national security. We must find ways to rein in our national debt,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The people of the 4th Congressional District demand better and expect their representatives to promote fiscal responsibility, not advance policies that borrow over $1 million a minute.

Read more...

Noem: Know Your Heart
Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota)
February 9, 2018
Never underestimate the power of your story. Earlier this year, Aletha Maki visited our Washington, D.C., office from Rapid City. Her granddaughter had been diagnosed with high cholesterol at age two, a condition brought on, the family learned, by a genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia (or FH). Once diagnosed, the disease is manageable. But 90 percent of those with FH are unaware, and therefore, go untreated.

Read more...

Norcross Condemns Shutdown, Funding Fiasco, Trumpocracy
Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st)
February 9, 2018
“Americans want and deserve higher wages, great schools, safe neighborhoods and a secure nation. Instead, they’re getting Trumpocracy.

Read more...

Senate passes $90 billion disaster aid package
Senator Bill Nelson (D - FL)
February 9, 2018
The U.S. Senate today approved a massive two-year government spending bill that includes, among other things, $89.3 billion in disaster assistance to help areas, such as Florida and Puerto Rico, recover from the devastating 2017 hurricanes.

Read more...

State of the Union Guests, Immigration Reform, Cadillac Tax Delay and more...

The Ponder News
http://thepondernews.com
January 29, 2018



Congresswoman Bustos announces her State of the Union Guest: Sarah Miller from Galesburg
Cheri Bustos (D-IL, 17th)
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos announced that her guest at tomorrow’s State of the Union address will be Sarah Miller from Galesburg, Illinois. In April 2016, when news broke that Galesburg had exceeded the federal “action level” in ongoing E.P.A. tests for lead content in water, Congresswoman Bustos strongly advised the city to apply for funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Over the next several weeks, working with city officials and the Illinois E.P.A., Bustos helped secure a $4 million forgivable loan through this program.
Read more...
https://bustos.house.gov/congresswoman-bustos-announces-state-union-guest-sarah-miller-galesburg/

Julia Brownly (D-CA, 26th)
on Net Neutrality Congressional Review Act Resolution
“FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s decision in December to roll back net neutrality protections was incredibly concerning. I’m proud to sign on as an original co-sponsor supporting the Congressional resolution to reverse this action, so that the net neutrality protections put in place by President Obama are restored. Rather than ping ponging back and forth from one Administration to another, Congress should pass legislation to lay down permanent rules of the road for industry, while ensuring that net neutrality continues to inspire innovation, create jobs, protect free speech, and enable the advancement of civil rights.”
Visit her website
https://juliabrownley.house.gov/

Dave Brat (R-VA, 7th)
on White House Immigration Framework
“The White House amnesty plan may capture the wishes of the Washington establishment, but it does not represent the promises President Trump made to the American people. Giving amnesty beyond DACA recipients opens us up to fraud and corruption, as those who never signed up for the program attempt to become eligible. If you ask voters in states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania that swung to Donald Trump if this amnesty plan keeps his promises, they will tell you it does not.”

“House Republicans have been working to build support for Chairman Goodlatte’s bill. The legislation, while not perfect, represents a rational compromise that provides for DACA recipients but also reforms the underlying immigration system in a coherent way. We are interested in taking a common sense approach to ensure our immigration system works so we are not back here again in another 10 years dealing with millions more who came here illegally.”
Visit his website
https://brat.house.gov/

Brady Briefing: Building American Prosperity
Kevin Brady (R-TX, 8th)
President Trump will deliver his first State of the Union Speech this week. My guest is Jim “Mac” McInvale, a successful businessman, founder of Gallery Furniture and world-class philanthropist who embodies the American Dream.
Read more...
https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401033

Bonamici Invites Oregon Dreamer to 2018 State of the Union
Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st)
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that a Dreamer from NW Oregon will be joining her at the President’s State of the Union Address on January 30.
Read more...
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-invites-oregon-dreamer-2018-state-union

Bishop Calls for Congressional Investigation into US Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics
Mike Bishop (R-MI, 8th)
Following the sentencing of former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar for sexual misconduct, Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-08) submitted a letter to Congressman Trey Gowdy, Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and House Speaker Paul Ryan calling for a Congressional Investigation into the United States Olympic Committee and its subsidiary, USA Gymnastics.
Read more...
https://mikebishop.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=218

Rep. Black Signs on to Securing America’s Future Act
Diane Black (R-TN, 6th)
“With President Trump in the Oval Office, we have an opportunity to fix our broken immigration system and secure the border once and for all. Our current system makes our country less safe and fails to put the interests of the American people first. This is wrong and must be brought to an end,” said Congressman Black. “The primary responsibility of the federal government is to protect its citizens – our Constitution specifically grants Congress the power to do so – and the Securing America’s Future Act does just that. By building the border wall, strictly enforcing our laws and ending chain migration, we are securing our nation for future generations and putting the safety and prosperity of the American people first.”
Read more...
https://black.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-black-signs-securing-america-s-future-act

Marsha Blackburn (R-TN 7th)
On Section 201 Tariff Remedies
"While I support trade policies that strengthen American manufacturing and will put this nation on a fair playing field internationally, I am disappointed in the overly harsh ruling of Section 201 tariff remedies against imports of residential washing machines. Along with Secretary Ross, I attended the groundbreaking of LG Electronics’ $250 million home appliance manufacturing facility in Clarksville, TN last summer. As Secretary Ross said at the groundbreaking ceremony, “This is exactly the kind of job creation and investment that the administration is seeking for American workers […] I look forward to having LG’s high-quality home appliances made right here in the United States starting in early 2019.” This investment was expected to bring in 600 stable, high-paying jobs for Tennesseans. Unfortunately, these harsh tariffs will severely limit LG’s ability to scale up their operation, negatively affecting Tennessee jobs and American consumers. I look forward to working with the administration and other stakeholders to come up with remedies that reduce the economic impact of these tariffs."
Visit her website
https://blackburn.house.gov/

REP. BARRAGÁN TO ATTEND STATE OF THE UNION WITH PREVIOUSLY DEPORTED VETERAN AS GUEST
Nanette Barragan (D-CA, 44th)
Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán will attend President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday with Marco Chavez, a previously deported Marine Corps veteran, as her guest.
Read her statement
https://barragan.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-barrag-n-attend-state-union-previously-deported-veteran-guest

Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
On Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
“One of the primary goals of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was to ensure our tax code helps American businesses compete in a global market, enabling job and paycheck growth here at home. As a result, we’ve seen numerous companies commit to investing billions in communities across America, including the latest announcement from FedEx. They plan to invest $1.5 billion to significantly expand their Indianapolis hub over the next seven years. This long-term investment by FedEx in the Hoosier state is great news and will support quality jobs and add to the robust Indiana economy.”
Visit his web site
https://banks.house.gov/

OMAHA POLICE SERGEANT & MEDAL OF VALOR RECIPIENT TO JOIN REP. BACON AT THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Don Bacon (R-NE, 2nd)
Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) will be joined by Omaha Police Sergeant Jeff Kopietz at the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. on January 30. Sgt. Kopietz is a 27-year veteran with the Omaha Police Department (OPD), where he has worked in the Uniform Patrol Bureau, Weed and Seed Squad, Narcotics and is currently assigned to the Fugitive Squad/Metro Fugitive Task Force. A 25-year veteran of OPD’s swat team, Sgt. Kopietz has served over 1,000 high risk search warrants during that time. He also is a deputized US Marshal.
Read more...
https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/omaha-police-sergeant-medal-valor-recipient-join-rep-bacon-state-union-address

FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe resigns
Washington Examiner
FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe resigned effective immediately Monday.

A source familiar with the situation told the Washington Examinerthan McCabe is taking "terminal leave" for now until he can officially retire when his pension kicks in.

​NBC reported that his retirement would take effect mid-March. In December, the Washington Post first reported his retirement would come in the spring.
Read more...
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/deputy-fbi-director-andrew-mccabe-resigns/article/2647387

Brown on Trump Davos Speech: Take Action on Steel Imports Now
Senator Sherrod Brown (D - OH)
“President Trump is right that we must enforce the rules so American workers can compete on a level playing field, and he can start right now by taking strong action against China’s steel overcapacity,” said Brown. “China’s cheating is shuttering American factories and American steelworkers cannot afford to wait any longer for relief.”
Read it...
https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-on-trump-davos-speech-take-action-on-steel-imports-now

Veteran PEER Act will harness peer-to-peer relationships to more comprehensively treat veterans’ mental health conditions
Senator Roy Blunt (R - MO)
Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) to expand veterans’ access to peer counseling specialists passed the Senate Thursday night by unanimous consent. Peer specialists can be particularly effective in combating the risks of suicide and addressing other mental health needs amongst veterans.
Read more...
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66392548-624E-4AB8-BCB2-4D658A4EE37C

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D - CT)
About the Trump Administration's Immigration Proposal
“This proposal is immigration hostage taking. Hundreds of thousands of young people are being held hostage in the name of the far right’s repulsive and repugnant anti-immigrant fantasy. The party of so-called family values has revealed itself to care more for its nativist political base than the actual families that would be cruelly ripped or kept apart under this proposal. One of its most heartless provisions would send refugee children back to the countries they have fled without even a fig leaf of due process – a proposal almost certain to send children to their deaths,” Blumenthal said.

“This is not a serious proposal and it was not offered in a serious way – it was leaked Thursday night after close of business while Congress was out of session. Instead of playing political games with the lives of children while hobnobbing with billionaires overseas, the Trump Administration must come to the table and engage in real negotiations with Congress.”
Visit his website...
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/

New CDC Study Shows State Tobacco Use Rates Remain High
American Lung Association
"Despite an overall decrease in use of tobacco products, not all states have seen meaningful reductions in tobacco use. Three states – Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky – have significantly higher tobacco use rates than most of the rest of the country, pointing to an urgent need for their state leaders to put in place proven effective policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States, killing 480,000 Americans each year.
Read more...
http://www.lung.org/about-us/media/press-releases/new-cdc-study-shows-state.html

Congress: Groups Oppose Using CRA to Overturn Restoring Internet Freedom Order
American Legislative Exchange Council
We, the undersigned organizations, representing millions of taxpayers and consumers nationwide, urge Congress to oppose usage of the Congressional Review Act to overturn the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Restoring Internet Freedom Order.
Read more...
http://www.alecaction.org/update/congress-groups-oppose-using-cra-to-overturn-restoring-internet-freedom-order/

An issue for infrastructure reform: Too much road salt
Taxpayers Protection Alliance
Faced with budget shortfalls and a decreasing ability to raise revenue, state and local lawmakers are ever eager to divert “savings” to their favorite pet projects. But during cold and snowy snaps, officials have long realized that massive quantities of road salt can cut down on cleanup and emergency response costs.

This cheap solution, however, comes with quite a few additional problems. Road salt is increasingly being recognized as a detriment to human health, the environment, and infrastructure, as reports from federal and state agencies shed light on the mineral’s unintended consequences. Absent long-overdue reforms, local, state, and federal incentives undergirding the salting system will continue to cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
Read more...
https://www.protectingtaxpayers.org/blog/a/view/an-issue-for-infrastructure-reform-too-much-road-salt

Tell Senators to choose life and nuke filibuster on S. 2311
American Family Association
Next Monday, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, S. 2311.
The bill bans abortion after 20 weeks. It is undeniable that unborn babies feel pain at this stage of life. Therefore, this bill simply protects babies from a gruesome and cruel act of barbarism.
See how you can help...
https://www.afa.net/activism/action-alerts/2018/tell-senators-to-choose-life-and-nuke-filibuster-on-s-2311/

Two-year delay of “Cadillac Tax” a timely, important step on road to full repeal
American Benefits Council
“We applaud Congress for approving a critically important twoyear delay of the 40 percent ‘Cadillac Tax’ on employer-sponsored health coverage as part of the government funding bill,” Council President James A. Klein said.
Read more...
https://www.americanbenefitscouncil.org/pub/?id=43c0cda3-d356-7a0a-fde8-e120671e4f67

We're Back!

The Ponder News
http://thepondernews.com
January 28, 2018

We're Back
The Ponder News
After 4 days of trying to download the Bitcoin Wallet, we've changed our minds. It was taking too long, and we have too much to do, and was missing too much because of it.

So, rather than download the Wallet onto my computer, we've chosen another route:

Blockchain Wallet

Sorry about the inconvenience, and we look forward to going back to work.

Click Here to sign up for your Bitocoin Wallet!
https://blockchain.info/wallet/#/

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Amata Welcomes Senator Hatch’s Companion Bill to Her House-Passed Air Service Legislation
Aumua Amata (R - American Samoa, At Large)
Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed newly introduced companion legislation from the honorable Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, the President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate, that mirrors her bill to ensure reliable air service in American Samoa.
Read more...
https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-welcomes-senator-hatch-s-companion-bill-her-house-passed-air

1-25-2018 Sen. Alexander Joins Fox News To Talk About Immigration
Senator Lamar Alexander (R - TN)
Watch Senator Lamar Alexander on Fox News about Immigration
Click Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CS2QdVdcF8&feature=youtu.be

Banks Stop $17 Billion in Fraud Attempts in 2016
American Bankers Association
America’s banks prevented $9 out of every $10 of attempted deposit account fraud in 2016, according to the 2017 American Bankers Association Deposit Account Fraud Survey Report released today. Facing increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, banks have responded by investing in new technologies and enhancing overall customer protections.
Read more...
https://www.aba.com/Press/Pages/DDAFraud012418.aspx

Senate HELP Committee Holds Hearing on Mental Health Reform
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
On Wednesday, January 20th, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a hearing on mental health reform on the 114th Congress. The hearing focused primarily on the provisions of the Mental Health Reform Act (S. 1945)– legislation introduced by Committee members Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). While the Committee did not vote on this legislation, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) said he wants to “move promptly” to put forward a series of recommendation from a variety of mental health proposals.
Read more...
http://aamft.org/imis15/AAMFT/Content/Advocacy/News_Events.aspx

American Action Network Continues Tax Reform Blitz, Releases $1 Million Digital Campaign
American Action Network
As support for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act continues to rise, American Action Network (@AAN) is launching digital ads in 20 congressional districts illustrating the positive benefits of pro-growth tax reform. The $1 million digital ad campaign will run for two weeks as part of AAN’s $10 million commitment to promote the merits of tax reform following the passage of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The district-specific ads indicate several popular tax provisions, such as increasing the Standard Tax Deduction, along with the $2,000 tax cut a typical family of four will save thanks to Congress making pro-growth tax reform a reality. View the districts targeted here.
Read more...
http://americanactionnetwork.org/press/american-action-network-continues-tax-reform-blitz-releases-1-million-digital-campaign/

Trump to Give First State of the Union
All Sides
President Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address on Tuesday where he will outline the economic benefits of the tax cuts and will present his plans for immigration, infrastructure, and trade.
Read more...
https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news

A Question Mark Just Saved James Woods $3 Million
Western Journalism
A single question mark saved one conservative celebrity from paying $3 million in defamation charges.
Read more...
https://www.westernjournal.com/question-mark-just-saved-james-woods-3-million/

CONGRESS APPROVES TWO-YEAR ‘CADILLAC TAX’ DELAY
Alliance to Fight the 40
The Alliance to Fight the 40 | Don’t Tax My Health Care has applauded Congressional leaders for including a two-year delay of the 40% “Cadillac Tax” in their bill to end the government shutdown and provide funding through February 8th. This two-year delay will push the effective date for the “Cadillac Tax” to 2022, and will help to protect health care coverage for the more than 178 million Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance.
Read more...
http://www.fightthe40.com/AlliancetoFightThe40/assets/File/Alliance/FinalCRVote012218.pdf

Solar Panel and Washing Machine Tariffs Signal Hope for American Workers
Alliance for American Manufacturing
The White House announced new tariffs on a flood of imported solar panels and washing machines on Monday. After determining that cheap imports took advantage of America's market, the president imposed tariffs of up to 20 percent for solar panels and up to 50 percent for washing machines.
Read about it
http://www.americanmanufacturing.org/press-releases/entry/solar-panel-and-washing-machine-tariffs-signal-hope-for-american-workers

FEDERAL REGULATORS RESPOND TO OUTCRY FROM ALASKANS CONCERNED ABOUT MINING IN BRISTOL BAY
Alaska Governor's Office
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday took a step that both respects due process rights of the mining industry and acknowledges the concerns many Alaskans have about the potential effects of mining in the Bristol Bay region.
Read about it
https://gov.alaska.gov/newsroom/2018/01/federal-regulators-respond-to-outcry-from-alaskans-concerned-about-mining-in-bristol-bay/