by Tom MacArthur (R-NJ, 3rd)
As an entrepreneur and business owner, I was proud to build a multinational company with thousands of employees representing every gender, ethnicity, color and creed. Our diversity helped the company to grow, helped families to build better lives, and opened doors of opportunity for some people that may not have been open for their parents and grandparents.
I tell that story because in my life, whether it was in business or now in public service, or through the work of our family charitable foundation across the globe, or at our church, and especially when my wife and I adopted two beautiful children from Korea – the color of one's skin or their ethnicity was never the measure of a person for me. What is far more important, as Dr. King reminded us, is the content of one’s character.
The Courier-Post recently published a letter to the editor that stated: "Now people are dead in Charlottesville. Tom MacArthur's hands are still not clean." So, upon entering politics, while I expected to be called many things, an unrepentant racist who was complicit in the murder of innocent people hundreds of miles away wasn't one of them.
But, unfortunately, that's the state of public discourse in America right now. It is toxic and hate-filled. People across the partisan spectrum are increasingly using inflammatory rhetoric to make their point, or attract attention to their agenda or themselves.
We need to be better than this. President Donald Trump must be better; members of Congress and politicians in both parties must be better; the media, which is too often biased and even dishonest, must be better; and Americans on the fringe of the political left and political right must be better. Each has played a role in getting us to this point, and each has an obligation to move us past it.
What happened in Charlottesville was despicable and tragic. Decent people must utterly reject white supremacists, the KKK, and their hateful and perverse ideology. Many of our parents or grandparents fought in World War II to rid the world of Nazism across Europe; allowing it to rise again on our shores is unacceptable. People of good moral conscience must stand against it.
We must call out prejudice, intolerance and violence wherever it exists, whoever perpetrates it, and whatever part of the political spectrum with which they identify.
We, as a nation, should have an open and honest dialogue about all that is dividing us, but let's recognize that this can't happen if we're screaming at and vilifying each other.
Each of us must look in the mirror and honestly consider whether we are helping to heal our nation or widening the divide. May God help us to be healers. I'm asking all of you reading this to help lower the volume. Only then will we be able to hear one another speak.
U.S. Rep. Tom MacArthur
R-3rd Congressional District
This Letter to the Editor first appeared in the Courier-Post here
The Unpopular Truth
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Connecticut Congressional Delegation Presses Administration on "Dangerous Mixed Messages About Americans' Health Care"
Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Connecticut Congressional Delegation wrote U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tom Price urging the Administration to permanently fund the cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) that are central to the stability and affordability of the individual marketplaces created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) announced August 15 that President Trump’s refusal to fund CSRs would lead to a 20 percent spike in health insurance premiums and would increase the federal deficit by almost $200 billion. President Trump has continued to play politics with Americans’ healthcare, threatening each month to refuse funding for CSRs sowing instability in the ACA marketplaces.
Although President Trump announced last week he would fund CSRs for the month of August, continued uncertainty could contribute to substantial premium increases for American consumers. The Trump Administration has yet to announce if they will continue to make these payments, placing severe burdens on the healthcare market and consumers.
“As Connecticut works to finalize rates for next year and insurers make decisions on whether or not to remain on Connecticut’s exchange, it is essential that the Trump administration stop playing political games with the affordability and stability of our health insurance market. We urge you to immediately and permanently fund cost-sharing reductions at least through the end of 2018 so insurers in Connecticut and around the country have the certainty they need to operate effectively on ACA exchanges,” wrote the Delegation.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) announced August 15 that President Trump’s refusal to fund CSRs would lead to a 20 percent spike in health insurance premiums and would increase the federal deficit by almost $200 billion. President Trump has continued to play politics with Americans’ healthcare, threatening each month to refuse funding for CSRs sowing instability in the ACA marketplaces.
Although President Trump announced last week he would fund CSRs for the month of August, continued uncertainty could contribute to substantial premium increases for American consumers. The Trump Administration has yet to announce if they will continue to make these payments, placing severe burdens on the healthcare market and consumers.
“As Connecticut works to finalize rates for next year and insurers make decisions on whether or not to remain on Connecticut’s exchange, it is essential that the Trump administration stop playing political games with the affordability and stability of our health insurance market. We urge you to immediately and permanently fund cost-sharing reductions at least through the end of 2018 so insurers in Connecticut and around the country have the certainty they need to operate effectively on ACA exchanges,” wrote the Delegation.
5G Internet On the Way
Murray Hill, NJ - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) used a tour of historic Nokia Bell Labs in Murray Hill, N.J. to showcase the work of the U.S. House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, where he serves as the Vice Chair. Lance welcomed Commissioner Michael O’Rielly of the Federal Communications Commission to help lead a round table discussion on the next generation of wireless networks and 5G technology. Lance also welcomed several businesses from the Seventh Congressional District that are helping to pave the way for 5G innovation, including Nokia, Verizon, AT&T, Qualcomm and Samsung. CTIA, the wireless industry trade association, also participated.
“The Internet touches nearly all aspects of American life and the U.S. economy. Every user wants faster speed, better reliability and affordable options. That’s why I’m working to help make the 5G economy a reality and to keep companies like Nokia Bell Labs at the center of this innovation. New Jersey is leading the world and we need to keep it that way,” said Lance. “Many American households now have a number of mobile devices. And small businesses are fully integrated into cutting-edge technology. We have to make sure the laws coming out of Washington are keeping up and allowing these technological advancements to continue to transform public health, the economy and education.”
The panel discussed the potential 5G innovation has to revolutionize wireless communications and the American economy and how the private and public sectors should work together to speed deployment. There was broad agreement among the industry and government stakeholders that removing barriers to deployment such as federal siting rules for small cells and a robust spectrum pipeline are essential to deploying 5G. Head of Policy and Government Relations at Nokia, Brian Hendricks, thanked Congressman Lance for his advocacy on the issue, “Congressman Lance's leadership on technology policy has been an important part of creating a positive investment environment to enable deployment of the next generation of broadband. It will be critical for Congress and the FCC to remain aggressive in removing regulatory barriers to deployment and freeing additional spectrum for mobile broadband.”
Bernardsville Mayor Kevin Sooy attended and highlighted how Bernardsville is one of 11 cities nationwide that Verizon is using to test 5G service. New Providence Mayor Al Morgan also attended and coined #5GinNP. “Thank you to the Nokia Corporation of Murray Hill and Congressman Leonard Lance for inviting me to participate. 5G Technology can potentially improve data rates and speeds for consumers, and for commercial applications in the health, energy, and manufacturing industries. We here in our district will be a hub of 5G development, leading the effort to maintain the United States as a leader in wireless innovation. Very cool indeed!”
Lance sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. The committee is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and has broad jurisdiction over the commerce of the United States, including the telecommunications and technology industries, through its oversight of the Federal Communications Commission. One of the top priorities of the Committee this Congress is increasing access to broadband internet and encouraging private innovation.
“The Internet touches nearly all aspects of American life and the U.S. economy. Every user wants faster speed, better reliability and affordable options. That’s why I’m working to help make the 5G economy a reality and to keep companies like Nokia Bell Labs at the center of this innovation. New Jersey is leading the world and we need to keep it that way,” said Lance. “Many American households now have a number of mobile devices. And small businesses are fully integrated into cutting-edge technology. We have to make sure the laws coming out of Washington are keeping up and allowing these technological advancements to continue to transform public health, the economy and education.”
The panel discussed the potential 5G innovation has to revolutionize wireless communications and the American economy and how the private and public sectors should work together to speed deployment. There was broad agreement among the industry and government stakeholders that removing barriers to deployment such as federal siting rules for small cells and a robust spectrum pipeline are essential to deploying 5G. Head of Policy and Government Relations at Nokia, Brian Hendricks, thanked Congressman Lance for his advocacy on the issue, “Congressman Lance's leadership on technology policy has been an important part of creating a positive investment environment to enable deployment of the next generation of broadband. It will be critical for Congress and the FCC to remain aggressive in removing regulatory barriers to deployment and freeing additional spectrum for mobile broadband.”
Bernardsville Mayor Kevin Sooy attended and highlighted how Bernardsville is one of 11 cities nationwide that Verizon is using to test 5G service. New Providence Mayor Al Morgan also attended and coined #5GinNP. “Thank you to the Nokia Corporation of Murray Hill and Congressman Leonard Lance for inviting me to participate. 5G Technology can potentially improve data rates and speeds for consumers, and for commercial applications in the health, energy, and manufacturing industries. We here in our district will be a hub of 5G development, leading the effort to maintain the United States as a leader in wireless innovation. Very cool indeed!”
Lance sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. The committee is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and has broad jurisdiction over the commerce of the United States, including the telecommunications and technology industries, through its oversight of the Federal Communications Commission. One of the top priorities of the Committee this Congress is increasing access to broadband internet and encouraging private innovation.
LABRADOR APPLAUDS TRUMP’S COMMITMENT TO BORDER SECURITY & IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- House Representative Raul R. Labrador (R-ID, 1st), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, released the following statement in advance of President Trump’s speech in Arizona:
“I agree with President Trump that border wall funding must be included in the next government funding bill. President Trump would never have become President without his promise to enforce our immigration laws, and I want to do everything I can to help him succeed. Securing the border is a critical step, but not the only step, in ending illegal immigration as we know it. The House has already passed Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, with my support. Now it’s time for the Senate to act. We also need a House floor vote on the Davis-Oliver Act, which I introduced in May to bolster interior enforcement. The time for excuses is over, and the time for action is now.”
On May 24, the House Judiciary approved Rep. Labrador’s bill, H.R. 2431, the Davis-Oliver Act. This bill gives states and localities the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, strengthens the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to do their job, and makes it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to enter our country.
On June 29, Rep. Labrador voted for and the House passed Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. Kate’s Law increases penalties for deported felons who return to the U.S. The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act combats dangerous sanctuary policies that shield illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. These bills include provisions from the Davis-Oliver Act.
“I agree with President Trump that border wall funding must be included in the next government funding bill. President Trump would never have become President without his promise to enforce our immigration laws, and I want to do everything I can to help him succeed. Securing the border is a critical step, but not the only step, in ending illegal immigration as we know it. The House has already passed Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, with my support. Now it’s time for the Senate to act. We also need a House floor vote on the Davis-Oliver Act, which I introduced in May to bolster interior enforcement. The time for excuses is over, and the time for action is now.”
On May 24, the House Judiciary approved Rep. Labrador’s bill, H.R. 2431, the Davis-Oliver Act. This bill gives states and localities the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, strengthens the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to do their job, and makes it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to enter our country.
On June 29, Rep. Labrador voted for and the House passed Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. Kate’s Law increases penalties for deported felons who return to the U.S. The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act combats dangerous sanctuary policies that shield illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. These bills include provisions from the Davis-Oliver Act.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
OUTRAGEOUS Racist Remarks in Carson's Hometown Newspaper
I never thought I'd see the day when a well established newspaper in Michigan would be so blatantly racist and offensive. In The Michigan Chronicle, the headline reads, "Shame of Detroit Ben Carson competes for House Negro of the Year Award".
As if that wasn't enough, the first paragraph is even more offensive than the headline:
I wonder if the Trump conservatives are going to just sit and take this, or are they going to go on a letter writing frenzy, subscription cancelling frenzy like they need to. Are they going to contact the justice department and report the hate speech and put them under investigation? Are they going to protest outside the Michigan Chronicle office? Write letters to their Senator, House Representative? Demand an apology on Carson's behalf?
Something needs to be done.
Or, will they be content to let the media rage, the irate minority gain ground because they are louder than we are?
There isn't more of them. They are just louder, and the Main Stream Media helps them.
If you want to read the article for yourself, click HERE!
As if that wasn't enough, the first paragraph is even more offensive than the headline:
Being appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and being a House Negro are two different things. It now appears HUD Secretary Ben Carson is imminently qualified to be a House Negro, but remains as unqualified as ever to lead HUD.
I wonder if the Trump conservatives are going to just sit and take this, or are they going to go on a letter writing frenzy, subscription cancelling frenzy like they need to. Are they going to contact the justice department and report the hate speech and put them under investigation? Are they going to protest outside the Michigan Chronicle office? Write letters to their Senator, House Representative? Demand an apology on Carson's behalf?
Something needs to be done.
Or, will they be content to let the media rage, the irate minority gain ground because they are louder than we are?
There isn't more of them. They are just louder, and the Main Stream Media helps them.
If you want to read the article for yourself, click HERE!
Donald Trump in Phoenix, Arizona
For those of you who want to know what Donald Trump is really thinking, watch this speech.
Why is there a Shortage of Doctors?
Washington, D.C. - August 23, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Representative Ruben J. Kihuen released the statement below following a press conference addressing the shortage of doctors in Nevada. The event highlighted H.R. 2267: Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2017, which would expand the current cap on the number of Medicare-supported training slots for doctors, helping to grow a strong physician workforce and address the nation’s looming doctor shortage.
“The Affordable Care Act helped improve Nevada’s healthcare system, but we still rank among the worst states in the nation. Too often, hard working Nevadans are getting left behind when it comes to getting reliable and affordable health coverage. All of Nevada's 17 counties have been designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. New academic programs like those offered by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas medical school will help alleviate this doctor shortage long term. However, our graduates will still have a tough time finding a hospital in Nevada to complete their required training because of a lack of Medicare-supported residency training programs. Passing the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act is the first step in addressing our doctor shortage crisis in Nevada by helping expand the number of residency slots for doctors. It is unacceptable for anyone to be forced to wait months to access vital healthcare services. I look forward to working with community stakeholders and my colleagues in Congress to help Nevadans finally get the care they deserve.”
Why is there a shortage of doctors?
Primary Care Physician Shortage Requires Bold Action
“The Affordable Care Act helped improve Nevada’s healthcare system, but we still rank among the worst states in the nation. Too often, hard working Nevadans are getting left behind when it comes to getting reliable and affordable health coverage. All of Nevada's 17 counties have been designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. New academic programs like those offered by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas medical school will help alleviate this doctor shortage long term. However, our graduates will still have a tough time finding a hospital in Nevada to complete their required training because of a lack of Medicare-supported residency training programs. Passing the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act is the first step in addressing our doctor shortage crisis in Nevada by helping expand the number of residency slots for doctors. It is unacceptable for anyone to be forced to wait months to access vital healthcare services. I look forward to working with community stakeholders and my colleagues in Congress to help Nevadans finally get the care they deserve.”
Why is there a shortage of doctors?
Primary Care Physician Shortage Requires Bold Action
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
ABIDE SURVEY REVEALS VIEWS ON TRUMP, CONFEDERATE MONUMENTS AFTER CHARLOTTESVILLE
San Francisco, CA - August 22, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- A new survey from Abide, the Christian meditation and prayer app, revealed the majority of Christians have a negative view of President Trump’s handling of Charlottesville.
In a survey of 1,500 American Abide users across all races, when asked if they thought President Trump handled the rallies is Charlottesville appropriately, 61 percent of Abide users said he had not. Additionally, 45 percent of respondents said their views of President Trump had been impacted negatively since Charlottesville.
Additionally, 45 percent of respondents said their views of President Trump had been impacted negatively since the Charlottesville protests.
“While some polls have show that Christians have been favorable toward President Trump in the past, this survey showed they feel work needs to be done when it comes to his leading the discussions on healing our nation’s racial divide,” said Neil Ahlsten, CEO and co-founder of Abide.
The survey also asked users about opinions on Confederate statues.
The majority of individuals – 40 percent – believe historical Confederate monuments should be removed compared to 20 percent who believe they should not be removed and 27 percent who are unsure.
However, when broken down by race, 52 percent of whites said the statues should remain where they are. Meanwhile, 60 percent of African Americans, 33 percent of Hispanics, 40 percent of people of Middle Eastern descent and 34 percent of Asian Americans believe the monuments should be eliminated.
Moving forward, when given the choice between violence, racial matters, equality and freedom of speech, a majority 59 percent said violence was their biggest concern following Charlottesville.
“It’s important that we take this information and use it to better ourselves,” said Ahlsten. “We may not agree on everything, but the Church should be at the forefront of the tough discussions regarding race. At the end of the day, we’re all created equal in God’s image and loved by Him. Just as He loved us, we need to love each other.”
Abide is a Christian prayer and meditation app developed by Carpenters Code, a fellowship of technologists from Google, Tesla, Ebay, Microsoft, and other firms seeking to use their gifts to bring people closer to God. Abide offer’s meditative guides for every season of life with a goal to touch the world with meaningful, scriptural prayer so everyone may know God’s love and be transformed by His Spirit. The Abide app that is available for download on iTunes and Google Play. For more information, visit Abide.is.
In a survey of 1,500 American Abide users across all races, when asked if they thought President Trump handled the rallies is Charlottesville appropriately, 61 percent of Abide users said he had not. Additionally, 45 percent of respondents said their views of President Trump had been impacted negatively since Charlottesville.
Additionally, 45 percent of respondents said their views of President Trump had been impacted negatively since the Charlottesville protests.
“While some polls have show that Christians have been favorable toward President Trump in the past, this survey showed they feel work needs to be done when it comes to his leading the discussions on healing our nation’s racial divide,” said Neil Ahlsten, CEO and co-founder of Abide.
The survey also asked users about opinions on Confederate statues.
The majority of individuals – 40 percent – believe historical Confederate monuments should be removed compared to 20 percent who believe they should not be removed and 27 percent who are unsure.
However, when broken down by race, 52 percent of whites said the statues should remain where they are. Meanwhile, 60 percent of African Americans, 33 percent of Hispanics, 40 percent of people of Middle Eastern descent and 34 percent of Asian Americans believe the monuments should be eliminated.
Moving forward, when given the choice between violence, racial matters, equality and freedom of speech, a majority 59 percent said violence was their biggest concern following Charlottesville.
“It’s important that we take this information and use it to better ourselves,” said Ahlsten. “We may not agree on everything, but the Church should be at the forefront of the tough discussions regarding race. At the end of the day, we’re all created equal in God’s image and loved by Him. Just as He loved us, we need to love each other.”
Abide is a Christian prayer and meditation app developed by Carpenters Code, a fellowship of technologists from Google, Tesla, Ebay, Microsoft, and other firms seeking to use their gifts to bring people closer to God. Abide offer’s meditative guides for every season of life with a goal to touch the world with meaningful, scriptural prayer so everyone may know God’s love and be transformed by His Spirit. The Abide app that is available for download on iTunes and Google Play. For more information, visit Abide.is.
Jordan calls for securing U.S. borders in advance of Trump border visit
Washington, D.C. - August 22, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In advance of President Trump’s visit to the U.S./Mexico border today, Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) made the following comments:
“Today President Trump will visit the U.S./Mexico border and reaffirm his commitment to securing our border. Under President Trump, the number of people trying to enter the U.S. illegally has dropped significantly. But we need to do more. I agree with the president that secure borders are a vital part of our national security. For the good of our country, Congress should include border wall funding in government funding legislation this fall. It’s what we ran on – we need to fulfill that promise.”
“Today President Trump will visit the U.S./Mexico border and reaffirm his commitment to securing our border. Under President Trump, the number of people trying to enter the U.S. illegally has dropped significantly. But we need to do more. I agree with the president that secure borders are a vital part of our national security. For the good of our country, Congress should include border wall funding in government funding legislation this fall. It’s what we ran on – we need to fulfill that promise.”
Rep. Johnson files FBI Director Integrity Act
Washington, D.C. - August 22, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) filed the FBI Director Integrity Act, which would mandate that a sitting FBI director can only be fired for cause rather the serving at the political whim of the president.
The bill would amend the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1968 to provide that the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation can only be removed for certain causes and for other purposes.
“A free and independent federal law enforcement agency is critical to upholding our democracy, and all the values we cherish as Americans,” said Johnson. “Instead of the FBI director serving at the pleasure of the president, this legislation will mandate a for-cause standard to justify an FBI director’s dismissal.”
The bill is in part a response to the firing of former FBI Director James Comey and to ensure the integrity of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Congress limited the term of FBI directors to 10 years in order to insulate the director from political pressure. In order for this intention of impartiality to be maintained, the FBI director deserves protection from the possibility of being fired as a result of an abuse of presidential authority, Johnson said.
Specifically, the bill would hold that the President may only remove the Director of the FBI for:
-- Violation of a code of conduct or ethics policy of the Department of Justice or the FBI;
-- Being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor;
-- Misappropriation of money or property under the official control of the FBI;
-- Making a false statement related to official duties with intent to mislead; or
-- For other good cause.
Original co-sponsors of the bill include: Reps. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Shelia Jackson-Lee (TX-18), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), G.K. Butterfield (NC-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Alcee Hastings (FL-20).
The bill would amend the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1968 to provide that the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation can only be removed for certain causes and for other purposes.
“A free and independent federal law enforcement agency is critical to upholding our democracy, and all the values we cherish as Americans,” said Johnson. “Instead of the FBI director serving at the pleasure of the president, this legislation will mandate a for-cause standard to justify an FBI director’s dismissal.”
The bill is in part a response to the firing of former FBI Director James Comey and to ensure the integrity of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Congress limited the term of FBI directors to 10 years in order to insulate the director from political pressure. In order for this intention of impartiality to be maintained, the FBI director deserves protection from the possibility of being fired as a result of an abuse of presidential authority, Johnson said.
Specifically, the bill would hold that the President may only remove the Director of the FBI for:
-- Violation of a code of conduct or ethics policy of the Department of Justice or the FBI;
-- Being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor;
-- Misappropriation of money or property under the official control of the FBI;
-- Making a false statement related to official duties with intent to mislead; or
-- For other good cause.
Original co-sponsors of the bill include: Reps. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Shelia Jackson-Lee (TX-18), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), G.K. Butterfield (NC-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Alcee Hastings (FL-20).
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