Trump Nominates Amy Barrett to Supreme Court

FDA Allows Legal Importation of Drugs from Canada

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took actions to help provide safe, effective, and more affordable drugs to American patients as part of the Safe Importation Action Plan, fulfilling the aspect of the July Executive Order on drug pricing to complete the rulemaking to allow states to import certain prescription drugs from Canada.

The final rule implements a provision of federal law that allows FDA-authorized programs to import certain prescription drugs from Canada under specific conditions that ensure the importation poses no additional risk to the public’s health and safety while achieving a significant reduction in the cost of covered products to the American consumer. The final guidance for industry describes procedures drug manufacturers can follow to facilitate importation of prescription drugs, including biological products, that are FDA-approved, manufactured abroad, authorized for sale in any foreign country, and originally intended for sale in that foreign country.

“Today’s action is an important part of FDA’s priorities to promote choice and competition. The Safe Importation Action Plan aims to clearly describe procedures to import drugs that would lower prices and improve access while also maintaining the high quality and safety Americans expect and deserve,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “The FDA will continue to assess and act on opportunities to increase competition in the prescription drug market and help reduce the cost of medicines.”

The rule allows states (including the District of Columbia and territories), Indian tribes and — in certain future circumstances — pharmacists and wholesalers, to submit importation program proposals to the FDA for review and authorization. An importation program can be co-sponsored by a state, Indian tribe, pharmacist or wholesaler. Referred to as Section 804 Importation Programs, these programs will be managed by the respective sponsor and any co-sponsors and authorized by the FDA to facilitate the importation of certain prescription drugs that are approved in Canada and, with appropriate labeling, meet the conditions of an FDA-approved drug application. Eligible prescription drugs would have to be relabeled with the required U.S. labeling and undergo testing for authenticity, degradation and to ensure that the drugs meet established specifications and standards. These programs will also have to demonstrate significant cost reductions of the covered products to the American consumer.

The final guidance describes procedures for a drug manufacturer to obtain a National Drug Code (NDC) for certain FDA-approved prescription drugs, including biological products and combination products, that were originally manufactured and intended for sale in that foreign country. The use of an additional NDC for these products may allow greater flexibility for drug companies to offer these products at a lower price than what their current distribution contracts require. Prescription drugs, including biological products, imported under the pathway described in the final guidance could be available to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, health care providers’ offices or licensed pharmacies, and would include the FDA-approved labeling (including prescribing information).

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) was not happy with the decision.

"APhA is disappointed that FDA would risk the safety and security of our nation's drug supply by creating a complex and convoluted program allowing legal importation of certain drugs from Canada. We believe FDA's new drug importation program is not a safe way to reduce drug prices—and puts patients at risk.

FDA's final rule jeopardizes patient safety by creating supply chain vulnerabilities that could potentially introduce counterfeit or unsafe drugs. It also undermines the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), which creates "track-and-trace" safeguards that do not exist in Canada. By commingling FDA-approved and imported versions in the marketplace, this program also creates pharmacy operation disruptions and product selection confusion and may limit patient access to medications by complicating insurance coverage and reimbursement at the pharmacy.

Given the additional steps in the supply chain, such as relabeling and laboratory testing requirements, additional reporting systems, and the fact that most high-cost drugs are excluded from the program, it fails to produce significant cost savings to American consumers.

Today's final rule threatens our drug supply by creating opportunities for mischief that could introduce unsafe drugs into the U.S. The lack of clarity around unknown, unproven cost savings does not justify jeopardizing U.S. supply chain integrity and patient safety," said Ilisa Bernstein, PharmD, JD, FAPhA, APhA Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Practice and Government Affairs.

APhA has long advocated against unsafe drug importation schemes that would allow the introduction of risky products into our secure U.S. drug supply chain. Together with colleague pharmacy organizations, countless concerned pharmacists, and consumers, we opposed the December 2019 proposed rule and emphasized to FDA that patient safety cannot be compromised. FDA failed to consider the thousands of comments that opposed finalizing this program. We will continue to explore ways to protect patients and the drug supply from the perils that importation may bring and to ensure patient safety is not compromised."

The American Pharmacists Association is the largest association representing all of pharmacy, bringing together practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others to support pharmacists' ability to deliver optimal patient care.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

Judicial Watch Opposes State/Justice Department Request to End Remaining Discovery in Clinton Email/Benghazi Lawsuit

Lest we forget: Ambassador Chris Stevens as he is being tortured and killed in Benghazi

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Judicial Watch has filed an opposition to the U.S. Department of State’s motion to overturn a court order authorizing additional discovery in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit that led directly to the 2015 disclosure of former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton personal email system.

The State Department’s motion seeks to avoid the depositions of Clinton’s former Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills as well as current and former State Department Information Technology Officials Brett Gittleson and Yvette Jacks.

Judicial Watch argues in its opposition that the State Department is wrong to try to expand an August 2020 appellate court ruling blocking Clinton’s deposition. The ruling did not bar the deposition of Mills or any other witness. Judicial Watch intends to seek further review of the ruling.

The lawsuit seeks records about the Obama administration’s public statements regarding the 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. In addition to exposing the Clinton email system, the lawsuit uncovered “talking points” drafted by Obama administration officials demonstrating that then-National Security Advisor Susan Rice’s statements on the eve of the 2012 presidential election were false (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State (No. 1:14-cv-01242)).

On December 6, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ordered that Rice and senior Obama State Department officials, lawyers and Clinton aides be deposed or answer written questions under oath in the lawsuit. Judge Lamberth called Clinton’s email system “one of the gravest modern offenses to government transparency.”

In May 2019, Rice admitted under oath that she emailed Clinton on Clinton’s personal email account and “in rare instances” received emails related to U.S. government business on her own personal email account. Rice claimed she “took steps” to ensure that official emails were “also on her government email account” but did not identify those steps. Rice’s 2019 sworn answers are available here.

On March 2, 2020, Judge Lamberth ordered Judicial Watch to depose Clinton and Mills, under oath, regarding Clinton’s email system and the existence of records about the Benghazi attack. Clinton and Mills filed an emergency mandamus appeal to avoid testifying.

“It is shameful that Judicial Watch still must battle Hillary Clinton, the DOJ, and the State Department in court over the Clinton email scandal,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “President Trump should demand answers about these efforts to avoid accountability and the truth.”

DR. JOYCE HIGHLIGHTS PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM SUCCESS STORY IN BEDFORD COUNTY, URGES SUPPORT FOR EXTENSION

Washington, D.C - September 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA, 13th), a member of the House Small Business Committee, this week highlighted his support for small businesses and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Though the deadline to apply for Paycheck Protection Program assistance has passed, nearly $138 billion in funding remains unspent. Dr. Joyce signed a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 8265, which would extend the Paycheck Protection Program until December 31, 2020 and offer a lifeline to small businesses in Pennsylvania and around the country.

At Wednesday’s Small Business Committee hearing on the Paycheck Protection Program, Dr. Joyce asked Small Business Administration (SBA) Chief of Staff William Manger to explain the process for reopening the Paycheck Protection Program. Mr. Program testified that the SBA could “flip a switch” and get much-needed funding to small businesses. Watch their full exchange.

National Suicide Hotline Designation Act

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote on Monday.

The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system. The system will include the Veterans Crisis Line to specifically support veterans seeking mental health support. Additionally, the bill authorizes states to collect a fee dedicated solely to supporting local crisis call centers that are affiliated within the national network for enhancements of such services.

“As a former chief psychiatric nurse, I have spent my legislative career advocating for more accessible mental health resources in our communities, especially with the significant needs in these difficult times. We must not allow the tragedies of COVID-19 to be compounded by preventable losses of life due to mental health distress, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that 40% of American adults have struggled with mental health or substance abuse during this pandemic,” said U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th) “I am pleased that the House is considering the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act on the floor today, in honor of September as Suicide Prevention Month. We must move quickly to designate 9-8-8 for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system and to provide the state funding guidance, federal reporting, and specialized service training to implement this new dialing code. I would like to thank my colleagues Representatives Chris Stewart, Seth Moulton, and Greg Gianforte for their partnership on this critical effort.”

This bill is a subsequent effort following Congresswoman Johnson’s National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act that was signed into law in August 2018, during the previous 115th Congress. That law directed the FCC and SAMHSA to study the feasibility of a 3-digit dialing code for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. The FCC publicly released their report in August 2019, finding that designating a 3-digit code dedicated solely for the purpose of a national suicide prevention and mental health hotline would likely make it easier for Americans in crisis to access lifesaving resources. It was in that report that the FCC recommended 9-8-8 as the best 3-digit code to be used for this purpose, thus setting the framework for Congresswoman Johnson’s National Suicide Hotline Designation Act.

Supporting organizations of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act include: American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, American Association of Suicidology, American Counseling Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Legion, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Telemedicine Association, AMVETS, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Association For Ambulatory Behavioral Health, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Behavioral Health Association of Providers, Behavioral Health Link, Centerstone, College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, Colorado Access, Confederation of Independent Psychoanalytic Societies (CIPS), Depression Association of America, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Eating Disorders Coalition, Education Development Center, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, Illinois Association of Behavioral Health, Kennedy Forum, Kevin & Margaret Hines Foundation, Mental Health America, Mental Health Colorado, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association for Rural Mental Health, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National Board for Certified Counselors, National Council for Behavioral Health, National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, NowMattersNow, Open Minds, Postpartum Support International, Residential Eating Disorders Consortium, RI International, SMART Recovery, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, Tourette Association of America, The Trevor Project, United Suicide Survivors International, Vibrant Emotional Health, Wounded Warrior Project, and 2020 Mom.

Introducing the Digital Commodity Exchange Act of 2020

By: U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota at Large)

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway and Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD) introduced the Digital Commodity Exchange Act of 2020, legislation that creates a single, opt-in national regulatory framework for digital commodity trading platforms under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Cosponsors of the Digital Commodity Exchange Act (DCEA) include Congressmen Tom Emmer (MN-06), David Schweikert (AZ-06), Austin Scott (GA-08), and Darren Soto (FL-09). The text of the bill can be found here, a summary of the bill here, and Rep. Conaway's statement here. Here's what supporters are saying:

House Agriculture Committee Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Subcommittee Ranking Member Dusty Johnson (SD-AL): "America is an innovative nation. That innovation often outpaces the federal regulatory environment. The Digital Commodity Exchange Act ensures Americans can have confidence in emerging financial tools. This bill offers necessary protections without stifling the creativity of new market commodity tokens.”

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway: “The Digital Commodity Exchange Act (DCEA) provides a clear path forward to improve the regulation of digital commodities. Digital commodity trading platforms are currently required to comply with a complicated labyrinth of 53 state and territory regulatory frameworks, hindering the ability for newcomers to enter the market. The DCEA provides responsible federal oversight of trading platforms and critical consumer protections, while also paving the way for innovators to develop new digital commodity projects. I’m excited by the support this bipartisan legislation has received in Congress and from those in the industry. I look forward to developing a legal framework and providing clarity for fintech innovators and strong protections for users of digital commodities.”

Blockchain Caucus Co-Chair, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06): “We must ensure our laws and regulations are clear to give digital markets the clarity needed to protect consumers while ensuring further innovation can take place. This bill is a great step in the right direction for continuing to update and future-proof our federal policy, and I am pleased to join my colleagues in working to strengthen our regulation framework and fill the regulatory gaps that currently exist.”

House Agriculture Committee Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee Ranking Member Austin Scott (GA-08): “I appreciate Ranking Member Conaway for his leadership on this legislation which will help us better understand emerging technologies like blockchain, and his continued focus to promote public policy that fosters, rather than inhibits, growth of FinTech in the United States.”

Blockchain Caucus Co-Chair, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09): "Regulatory clarity is critical for digital commodity markets to promote innovation and consumer protection. Innovators are spending up to fifty percent of start-up costs on legal fees because of the current regulatory ambiguity between what is a security and what is a commodity. That’s why the Digital Commodity Exchange Act will provide the necessary consumer protections, responsible federal oversight and regulatory clarity for all participating in digital commodity markets.”

Jerry Brito, Executive Director, Coin Center: "This bill is a win-win. Innovators and entrepreneurs get greater clarity and more regulatory options, while investors benefit from increased supervision of markets. We’re grateful for Mr. Conaway’s innovative thinking and leadership on this issue."

Kristin Smith, Executive Director, Blockchain Association: “We’re proud to support the introduction of the Digital Commodity Exchange Act and the Securities Clarity Act. Together, these efforts will help clarify outstanding issues related to when and how securities laws and commodities regulations apply to digital assets. Uncertainty over the application of these rules of the road continues to act as a strong headwind for the crypto ecosystem. These bills would do much to clarify the situation and put into law pro-growth policies for the crypto economy.”

To What Extent is the Government Collecting Your Internet Use Data?

By: U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th)

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Warren Davidson (OH-08) sent a bipartisan letter to Attorney General William Barr and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe today, seeking clarification on current surveillance practices since the March expiration of the USA Freedom Act, which includes the business records (Section 215), roving wiretap and lone wolf authorities.

In order for Congress to conduct its oversight responsibilities, Congress and the American people must know the extent of the government’s surveillance programs and which authorities they rely on. The letter refers to multiple incidences where U.S. intelligence agencies circumvented the will of Congress, violating Americans’ Fourth Amendment right to privacy and agencies’ own internal guidelines in conducting illegal surveillance. Reps. Davidson and Jayapal also question the extent to which the federal government is collecting Americans’ internet search and browser history data.

“We should all be concerned about the state of every American’s Fourth Amendment right to privacy if this administration is operating any surveillance on U.S. citizens without express Congressional authorization and oversight,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “We need a clear public explanation of the guidance issued to federal agencies to confirm that the administration is not illegally surveilling the American people.”

“I look forward to a prompt response from Attorney General Barr and Director Ratcliffe. It is of utmost importance that we verify that U.S. intelligence agencies are abiding by the Constitution and upholding Americans’ right to privacy,” said Congressman Davidson. “Given recent history, Americans are entitled to know that, in the absence of Section 215, their Fourth Amendment rights are secure.”

Thirty-nine representatives joined Jayapal and Davidson in signing the letter.

The full letter is available here.

Veterans, Forced Labor, Immigration, AI, Abortion Pills, Supreme Court

Hurd, Kelly Call for Creation of National AI Strategy
Source: U.S. Representative Will Hurd (R-TX, 23rd)
September 18, 2020
“American ongoing and future leadership in AI will be based on today’s policies and investments. We need a real and actionable comprehensive plan, as this resolution calls for, to engage all levers of national power to create and preserve American AI superiority,” said Kelly. “I’m glad to have so many colleagues, experts and advocates standing with us in this call for a comprehensive national AI strategy.”
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Human Rights First Decries Proposed Rules Designed to Put Pressure on Asylum Seekers, Limit Eligibility
Source: Human Rights First
September 22, 2020
“This proposed rule is yet another effort to rig the asylum system against refugees and deny them protection in the United States,” said Human Rights First’s managing attorney, Alysha Welsh. “The proposed regulations are riddled with requirements designed to deny refugees asylum for absurd reasons and will make it impossible for many asylum seekers to file timely applications for asylum. The proposal would exacerbate an application process that is already a minefield of technical requirements which many asylum seekers will not be able to meet, especially those who don’t have legal representation. Even experienced attorneys will be unable to overcome some of these nearly insurmountable barriers.”
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Inhofe Supports Confirming Justice This Year
Source: Senator James M. Inhofe (R - OK)
September 21, 2020
“The precedent here is clear. In the case of a united government, with voters having elected a Senate and White House of the same party, it is our constitutional obligation to consider a nomination of a Supreme Court justice. I look forward to a thorough and swift consideration of President Trump’s nominee. I’ve been pleased at the short lists President Trump has put forward and am confident his nominee will be a well-qualified, constitutional judge.”
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HYDE-SMITH SEEKS PASSAGE OF HER BILL TO RESTORE FDA RULES PROTECTING MOMS FROM DANGERS OF ABORTION PILLS
Source: Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)t
September 22, 2020
This summer a federal judge in Maryland issued a nationwide injunction cancelling the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) rules intended to protect women seeking the abortion pill by requiring physician involvement and education about the potentially lethal side effects of the prescription.
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HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES 5 BILLS FOR VETERANS INCLUDING CHAIRMAN TAKANO’S VETERANS’ COMPACT ACT
Source: House Committee on Veterans Affairs
September 23, 2020
The House of Representatives unanimously passed all five bills brought to the floor by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This legislation will reform VA’s debt collection process and support homeless veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as help reduce veteran suicide through Chairman Takano’s Veterans’ COMPACT Act and the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act Of 2019.
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CHAIRMAN NEAL STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE UYGHUR FORCED LABOR PREVENTION ACT
Source: House Committee on Ways and Means
September 23, 2020
“The Chinese government’s widespread use of forced labor of Uyghur and other Muslim populations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China has tainted an overwhelming amount of goods entering the global market. This bill makes it clear that the actions of the Chinese government are unacceptable, and those goods are not welcome in the United States. This is a strong measure, but appropriate given the circumstances. It is critical that the United States holds the Chinese government accountable for its gross human rights violations, and it is essential that our trade policies not perpetuate human suffering. I applaud the bipartisan support for H.R. 6210 and call upon the Senate to quickly pass this measure as well.”
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Child-like Sex Dolls, Apprenticeship, Small Business, Mothers, Hair, Nuclear Modernization, Teachers, Nuclear Testing, Native Americans, Cybersecurity

FL Delegation Co-Chairs Hastings and Buchanan Lead the Bipartisan Effort to Ban Childlike Sex Dolls Nationwide
Source: U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL, 20th)
September 18, 2020
“There is no more heinous crime than the sexual abuse or exploitation of children,” Buchanan said. “We need to enact a national ban on these obscene products that are known to encourage pedophilia. This is sickening and cannot be allowed to continue.”
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Harder Introduces Bill to Provide College Credit for Apprenticeships
Source: U.S. Representative Josh Harder (D-CA, 10th)
September 21, 2020
“If you’re a carpenter in Modesto and you want to go back to school to get a degree and start your own business, you’ve already spent years in a real-world classroom – that should count for college credit,” said Rep. Harder. “We need to give people who want to continue their education a chance to do that without having to start from scratch and break the bank along the way. That’s where my bill comes in.”
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Jaime Herrera Beutler Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect New Mothers from Surprise Bills
Source: U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA, 3rd)
September 21, 2020
“As a mother to three young children, I can report that the last thing on your mind after having a baby is rushing to fill out complex insurance paperwork to ensure your infant’s health insurance is covered,” Herrera Beutler said. “Yet this glaring loophole that leads to surprise billing is saddling countless new parents with thousands of dollars in expenses they weren’t anticipating and is contributing to rising health care costs in our country. I’m pleased to partner on this bipartisan legislation today to ensure new parents will have the flexibility to enroll their new infant in health insurance, and to focus on what is most important – the health and wellbeing of the mom and their new child.”
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Senator Hassan Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Long-Term Financial Assistance for Small Businesses, Nonprofits Hardest Hit by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: Senator Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH)
September 22, 2020
“It could be many more months before our economy can get back to normal, and in the meantime, businesses across New Hampshire have told me that they need additional, long-term financial assistance to help them stay afloat during this challenging time,” Senator Hassan said. “The bipartisan RESTART Act will provide a lifeline to small businesses and nonprofits that have been hardest hit by this unprecedented economic crisis. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense legislation that will contribute to our economic recovery in New Hampshire and across the country.”
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HIGGINS ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF THE CROWN ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Brian Higgins (D-NY, 26th)
September 22, 2020
“Nobody should be harassed or discriminated against for wearing their natural hair or choosing a style based on cultural heritage and preferences, yet people face these biases every day,” said Higgins. “The CROWN Act solidifies in federal law that race-based hair discrimination is illegal.”
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HOEVEN OUTLINES PROGRESS ON NUCLEAR MODERNIZATION, NEED FOR CREDIBLE DETERRENT
Source: Senator John Hoeven (R-ND)
September 22, 2020
“Our nuclear deterrent has been key to our national defense for more than 70 years, and at the same time, it is the most-cost-effective investment we can make to prevent conflict with other major world powers,” Hoeven said. “We cannot afford to ignore the advancements our adversaries are making. That’s exactly why we continue working to keep the modernization of our nuclear triad on track, including upgrades for the bombers and ICBMs at the Minot Air Force Base. Task Force 21 is an important partner in these efforts, and we appreciate the opportunity to discuss these critical issues with key leaders during their conference today.”
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Rep. Horn Introduces Educators Hazard Pay Bill
Source: U.S. Representative Kendra Horn (D-OK, 5th)
September 22, 2020
“Our educators are on the front lines of this pandemic,” said Congresswoman Horn. “Where schools have started holding in-person instruction, staff and teachers have gone to great lengths to adapt classrooms and keep students safe while providing a quality education. We know that educators providing in-person instruction are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. We need to provide our teachers and staff with the resources they need to make it through this crisis, and I’m proud to fight for them.”
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Reps. Horsford, Susie Lee, McAdams, Panetta, Cox Introduce Legislation to Mandate Congressional Authorization for Nuclear Testing
Source: U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV, 4th)
September 22, 2020
“The Secretaries of Defense and Energy have reported to the President that the U.S. stockpile is safe, secure, and effective in the absence of nuclear testing. Restarting nuclear testing is unnecessary and would have far-reaching consequences on Nevada’s environment and the health and safety of my constituents. Any decision that brings dangerous explosives to our backyard must carefully consider the long-term effects on our state,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “This legislation will ensure that Congress can provide the appropriate oversight and accountability measures necessary and determine any risk this many pose to the surrounding area.”
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Chair Grijalva Applauds House Passage of Bills to Strengthen Indian Country, Combat Crisis of Murdered and Indigenous Women
Source: House Committee on Natural Resources
September 22, 2020
“This Committee is working to strengthen Indian Country at every opportunity,” said Natural Resources Chair Raúl M. Grijalva. “Since the beginning of this Congress we’ve made a point of hearing directly from Native women and Tribal leaders on how to reduce violence against Indigenous women. I’m proud of the work that Democratic members are doing to solve pressing issues in Tribal communities. These bipartisan bills represent the tireless work of many people across Indian Country, and yesterday’s votes show us that persistence really does pay off.”
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Chairwoman Maloney Issues Statement on GAO Report Warning Cybersecurity Response Lacks Leadership
Source: House Committee on Oversight and Governmental Reform
September 22, 2020
“GAO recommends that Congress consider legislation to designate a cyber leadership position in the White House. I am a proud cosponsor of the National Cyber Director Act – the bill that would do exactly that: restore a cyber coordination and planning function to the White House and provide resources needed to strengthen our cyber defenses.
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Election Security, Ginsburg, Health Insurance, Seniors, Farmers, Department of Homeland Security, Guns, Child Care,

GONZALEZ BIPARTISAN ELECTION SECURITY BILL PASSES U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Source: U.S. Representative Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
September 16, 2020
H.R. 4990, the Election Technology Research Act of 2019, authorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct research on ways to improve and secure voting systems across the country.
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GOA/GOF Fund Challenge to NFA in U.S. Supreme Court
Source: Gun Owners of America
September 16, 2020
The Obama Justice Department brought criminal felony charges against Kettler for illegally possessing an unregistered firearm suppressor, despite the fact that Kansas’ “Second Amendment Protection Act” protected his actions.
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Guthrie Child Care Bill Passes House
Source: U.S. Representative Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
September 16, 2020
“Without child care options parents can’t return to work, which is a key component of our nation’s economic recovery,” said Guthrie on the House floor. “Additionally, child care benefits a child’s health and development which are critical to building a strong foundation for future success. In my home state, Kentucky, thanks to the CARES Act, many of our child care centers have been fortunate to reopen; however, one-third of the state’s 2,200 licensed or certified child care centers still have not. The Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers are Safe Act will ensure that child care providers receive guidance and assistance to safely operate, so that parents can return to work, and our economy can continue to recover.”
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Under this bill, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would provide states with educational material and technical assistance related to:

COVID-19 prevention in childcare facilities.

Professional development for childcare providers on health and safety.

How to acquire and use personal protective equipment.

How to modify operations to prevent COVID-19 transmission, including optimal staff-to-child ratios.

Rep. Grijalva Statement on the Death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Source: U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
September 18, 2020
“Today we suffer a momentous loss to our nation as we say thank you and goodbye to Justice Ginsburg - a torch-bearer of equity. Throughout her groundbreaking career in advocacy, law, and ultimately the Supreme Court, she never backed down from a fight for social justice. She paved a path of righteousness in this country, stood up to a system tilted toward men, and took a stand for women and vulnerable populations across this nation. I know that the lives of my daughters and granddaughters are better thanks to her work and shining example. To honor her legacy we must continue the work she began. We must never back down, and we must let her strength guide us.
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Griffith Statement on Justice Ginsburg
Source: U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
September 18, 2020
“I am sorry to learn of the death of Justice Ginsburg. Her service as only the second woman on the Supreme Court was the capstone of a long and notable legal career.”
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Republicans Introduce Legislation to Keep America Secure
Source: U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-MS, 3rd)
September 18, 2020
“After 20 months of Democrat dysfunction and caving to the left-wing of their party, it was clear the Democrats would not be able to build consensus to put forth their own reauthorization package,” Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee Rep. Rogers said. “I’m proud of the collective effort of my Republican colleagues to put together a bill that positions the Department to best combat new and emerging threats to our country. We owe it to the folks who work day-in and day-out to protect our homeland to pass a comprehensive reauthorization that provides them with the authorities and resources they need to effectively do their jobs.”
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Congressman Al Green’s Statement on the Passing of Justice Ginsburg and the Crossroads Our Nation Approaches in Selecting a Successor
Source: U.S. Representative Al Green (D-TX, 9th)
September 19, 2020
“Last night, we learned of the loss of a trailblazing activist attorney whose legacy as a voice for liberty and justice for all will endure the test of time, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For decades, she was unwavering in the fight for gender equity and lent her voice to much-needed judicial change for the social justice movement. She had the courage to be a catalyst for women’s rights in a male-dominated justice system that seeks to maintain an unjust status quo. Her ability to challenge and change the status quo for the good of all will be missed,” Congressman Al Green stated.
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House Passes Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act
Source: U.S. Representative Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ, 4th)
September 21, 2020
"I am pleased to see this much-needed legislation again pass the House. I hope the Senate takes up this effort soon and I am confident that President Trump is eager to sign the bill. As a healthcare provider for more than two decades, I understand the importance of a competitive health insurance market. Patients, doctors, and hospitals all benefit when health insurers compete to provide a variety of quality coverage options. The healthcare market should be patient-centric and should provide a variety of affordable and quality options, all fostered by competition. There is no reason in law, policy, or logic for the insurance industry to have special exemptions that are different from all other businesses in the U.S. The government should not be picking winners or losers, and the insurance industry should also have to comply with federal antitrust laws. I am proud of this legislation, which would restore the application of federal antitrust and competition laws to the health insurance industry. Imagine the possibilities when we put the patient first and demand that health insurance companies compete for their business. I will continue to work with the Senators Steve Daines, Mike Lee, and Mitch McConnel to ensure that this legislation is presented to President Trump for his signature.”said Congressman Paul Gosar.
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GOTTHEIMER FIGHTS TO PROTECT NORTH JERSEY SENIORS, VETERANS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES FROM COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ, 5th)
September 21, 2020
“With flu season around the corner, I’m here today at this state-run veterans home to ensure we are taking the steps now to prevent another massive COVID tragedy here and at other nursing homes in the coming months,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Today, I am announcing new bipartisan support for my Nursing Home Pandemic Protection Act, which will help us protect our seniors and long-term care facilities through COVID and other health crises. I’m also calling on the state to take rapid action on testing protocols at our nursing homes. Unfortunately, according to new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation, data shows that cases and deaths in facilities may be on the rise again. For the sake of our seniors and veterans, we simply can’t allow history to repeat itself.”
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Grassley Joins Iowa Colleagues in Urging Congressional Leaders to Replenish Funds for Farmers
Source: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
September 21, 2020
“In Iowa, our farmers have not only suffered lost markets and disrupted supply chains from the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have also been dealing with drought conditions and the destruction caused by the recent derecho which destroyed thousands of acres of crops and farmland. On top of all of this, farmers are planning to receive farm payments this fall and these resources cannot be taken away when they need it the most. Not providing additional funds to the CCC will delay their payments,” the members wrote.
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