Senator Young introduces bill to authorize military force against ISIS
Chesterton Tribune
March 6, 2017
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, has introduced legislation which would authorize the use of military force against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Read More...
Great Lakes mayors warn against Trump cuts to restoration effort
Chesterton Tribune
March 6, 2017
A group representing Great Lakes region mayors in the U.S. and Canada is sounding the alarm against potentially drastic cuts to an ecological recovery initiative for the Great Lakes. The Trump administration's potential cuts to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative were reported by the Detroit Free Press last week. They would slash annual funding for the $300 million program to $10 million. The initiative combats invasive species, curbs nutrient-fueled algae blooms, cleans up toxic messes and restores sensitive fish and wildlife habitat.
Read More...
Democrats plan program on electoral college in Bartholomew County in Indiana
The Columbus Republic
March 6, 2017
The Bartholomew County Democratic Party will present a seminar on Electoral College Facts and Fiction at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Democratic headquarters, 1417 Chestnut St.
Read more...
Transportation, pre-K funding may be points of contention in second half of legislative session
The Evansville Courier & Press
March 6, 2017
The Legislature is to the halfway point of session and as the House and Senate prepare to switch bills, there could be a few points of contention between the two. Both House and Senate leaders have passed bills placing more requirements on the abortion process, but they could disagree on areas concerning road funding, pre-K and e-liquid regulation.
Read more...
Big hurdles face Texas' 'bathroom bill' ahead of first vote
Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel
March 6, 2017
A North Carolina-style "bathroom bill" targeting transgender people faces big hurdles in Texas as Republican supporters stood with church leaders and others Monday to ratchet up political pressure ahead of a first vote this week.
Although the Texas bill is likely to sail through a Senate committee as early as Tuesday, the hotly contested measure faces a tough road ahead. It is opposed by corporate titans such as Facebook, Amazon, Google and American Airlines and celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Lawrence.
Read more...
The Unpopular Truth
Monday, March 6, 2017
Saturday, March 4, 2017
House News: Regulations, Jeff Sessions, gun loopholes, Classified Information, Digital Currencies, Congressional Address, Anti-Semitism, tax returns, invasive species
The United States House of Representatives' passed H.R. 998, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome (SCRUB) Act of 2017. It now heads to the Senate.
#####
Democrats are calling for the resignation of Jeff Sessions, in spite of the press conference he has attended. They are simply out for blood with no thought to what is best for America. Sessions, on the other hand, has stated explicitly that the question asked in the investigation was did he meet with Russians concerning the Trump Campaign, and his answer was, truthfully, NO. He did meet with the Russians about other matters but that is not the question that was asked. Therefore he did not lie under oath and does not need to resign.
However, there is at least one reasonable Democrat in the House:
“It is imperative that we hold a full and fair investigation into Russian election interference and ties between Russian officials and the Trump campaign. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the investigation is a big step towards that goal,” said Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th).
#####
Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced the introduction of legislation to close the “ghost guns” loophole which allows purchasers to avoid federal background checks by buying unassembled firearms online.
#####
Congressman Peter Welch (VT-AL) introduced the Department of Defense Overhead Cost Savings and Transparency Act which would declassify the entirety of a report from the Pentagon which revealed $125 billion in administrative waste. The Pentagon commissioned the report in 2015 and subsequently covered up its findings. The report lays out suggested ways to cut through bureaucracy and obsolete technologies at the department, ultimately saving $125 billion over five years in administrative waste. Isn't this just like a Democrat? Wanting to declassify sensitive documents for any reason? Just because we might not have needed to spend money on it doesn't make it less sensitive.
#####
Congressman Schweikert sent a letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding digital currencies and their underlying technologies. The Congressman has been an avid supporter of blockchain technology, the technology behind many cryptocurrencies and distributed ledgers, as sees this as the future of financial services. In the letter, the Congressman asks for clarification from the OCC on how it plans to regulate the future of this space. Interesting.
#####
“I had hoped that in his first address to a joint session of Congress the President would have provided more concrete details about his vision for our country. Instead we heard more empty rhetoric with very little specifics.” Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)
I didn't hear empty rhetoric, did you?
“In tonight’s Joint Address, President Trump outlined a straightforward and optimistic vision for the future of this nation. He spoke to the concerns of every American and extended an olive branch across the aisle, highlighting the need to work cooperatively to find serious, lasting solutions to the fundamental issues that weaken our economy, hurt hardworking American families, and threaten our country’s future.” James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI, 5th)
Sensenbrenner obviously didn't, either.
“Finally, now more than ever, our country needs to put politics aside and find common ground for the greater good. I am willing, many of my colleagues are willing, and the American public needs to be willing as well to seek and pursue what unites us in order to move our country forward.” Mike Simpson (R-ID, 2nd)
Simpson is preaching to the choir.
“The President’s address tonight was a home run. How could anyone disagree with putting Americans first?" Lamar Smith (R-TX, 21st)
AMEN!
#####
“This week the House worked to put this agenda in motion by passing three critical measures that responsibly reform our regulatory system while enforcing measures of accountability, transparency, and integrity. Regulations have run rampant these last eight years but enough is enough. Republicans have made a concerted and focused effort to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations to give the American people the relief that they need.” Pete Sessions (R-TX, 32nd)
For more information on H.R. 1009, OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act, click here.
For more information on H.R. 1994, Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017, click here.
For more information on H.R. 998, SCRUB Act, click here.
#####
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) engaged in a colloquy on the House Floor today with Majority Leader McCarthy, where he asked to see the House GOP’s draft Affordable Care Act repeal bill and whether committees will mark that bill up next week.
#####
The Members of Congress joined in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to share a deep concern with increasing number of alarming bomb threats targeting Jewish Community Centers in over thirty states, sowing fear and anxiety in our communities. The letter requests that in the wake of these threats, as well as the desecration of Jewish cemeteries, the DOJ and FBI must tirelessly investigate these matters, and prosecute all offenders to the fullest extent possible.
#####
U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th) introduced the “Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act” or SMASH Act. This bill supports and expands programs for mosquito-borne and vector-borne disease, surveillance and control.
#####
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14) on Thursday introduced the Strengthening Investigations into Foreign Entanglements Act, bipartisan legislation that would give congressional intelligence committees the authority needed to acquire tax returns – including those of the President and future presidential candidates.
#####
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Invasive Species Caucus, re-introduced two pieces of legislation to help combat and raise awareness about the threat invasive species pose to our ecosystems.
#####
#####
Democrats are calling for the resignation of Jeff Sessions, in spite of the press conference he has attended. They are simply out for blood with no thought to what is best for America. Sessions, on the other hand, has stated explicitly that the question asked in the investigation was did he meet with Russians concerning the Trump Campaign, and his answer was, truthfully, NO. He did meet with the Russians about other matters but that is not the question that was asked. Therefore he did not lie under oath and does not need to resign.
However, there is at least one reasonable Democrat in the House:
“It is imperative that we hold a full and fair investigation into Russian election interference and ties between Russian officials and the Trump campaign. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the investigation is a big step towards that goal,” said Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th).
#####
Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced the introduction of legislation to close the “ghost guns” loophole which allows purchasers to avoid federal background checks by buying unassembled firearms online.
#####
Congressman Peter Welch (VT-AL) introduced the Department of Defense Overhead Cost Savings and Transparency Act which would declassify the entirety of a report from the Pentagon which revealed $125 billion in administrative waste. The Pentagon commissioned the report in 2015 and subsequently covered up its findings. The report lays out suggested ways to cut through bureaucracy and obsolete technologies at the department, ultimately saving $125 billion over five years in administrative waste. Isn't this just like a Democrat? Wanting to declassify sensitive documents for any reason? Just because we might not have needed to spend money on it doesn't make it less sensitive.
#####
Congressman Schweikert sent a letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding digital currencies and their underlying technologies. The Congressman has been an avid supporter of blockchain technology, the technology behind many cryptocurrencies and distributed ledgers, as sees this as the future of financial services. In the letter, the Congressman asks for clarification from the OCC on how it plans to regulate the future of this space. Interesting.
#####
“I had hoped that in his first address to a joint session of Congress the President would have provided more concrete details about his vision for our country. Instead we heard more empty rhetoric with very little specifics.” Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)
I didn't hear empty rhetoric, did you?
“In tonight’s Joint Address, President Trump outlined a straightforward and optimistic vision for the future of this nation. He spoke to the concerns of every American and extended an olive branch across the aisle, highlighting the need to work cooperatively to find serious, lasting solutions to the fundamental issues that weaken our economy, hurt hardworking American families, and threaten our country’s future.” James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI, 5th)
Sensenbrenner obviously didn't, either.
“Finally, now more than ever, our country needs to put politics aside and find common ground for the greater good. I am willing, many of my colleagues are willing, and the American public needs to be willing as well to seek and pursue what unites us in order to move our country forward.” Mike Simpson (R-ID, 2nd)
Simpson is preaching to the choir.
“The President’s address tonight was a home run. How could anyone disagree with putting Americans first?" Lamar Smith (R-TX, 21st)
AMEN!
#####
“This week the House worked to put this agenda in motion by passing three critical measures that responsibly reform our regulatory system while enforcing measures of accountability, transparency, and integrity. Regulations have run rampant these last eight years but enough is enough. Republicans have made a concerted and focused effort to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations to give the American people the relief that they need.” Pete Sessions (R-TX, 32nd)
For more information on H.R. 1009, OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act, click here.
For more information on H.R. 1994, Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017, click here.
For more information on H.R. 998, SCRUB Act, click here.
#####
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) engaged in a colloquy on the House Floor today with Majority Leader McCarthy, where he asked to see the House GOP’s draft Affordable Care Act repeal bill and whether committees will mark that bill up next week.
#####
The Members of Congress joined in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to share a deep concern with increasing number of alarming bomb threats targeting Jewish Community Centers in over thirty states, sowing fear and anxiety in our communities. The letter requests that in the wake of these threats, as well as the desecration of Jewish cemeteries, the DOJ and FBI must tirelessly investigate these matters, and prosecute all offenders to the fullest extent possible.
#####
U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th) introduced the “Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act” or SMASH Act. This bill supports and expands programs for mosquito-borne and vector-borne disease, surveillance and control.
#####
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14) on Thursday introduced the Strengthening Investigations into Foreign Entanglements Act, bipartisan legislation that would give congressional intelligence committees the authority needed to acquire tax returns – including those of the President and future presidential candidates.
#####
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Invasive Species Caucus, re-introduced two pieces of legislation to help combat and raise awareness about the threat invasive species pose to our ecosystems.
#####
Thursday, March 2, 2017
House News: Congressional Address, Obamacare, Welfare, Domestic Violence, Immigration, WOTUS, Anti-semitism, Small business, Jeff Sessions
REP. RATCLIFFE ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
Reed Fights for Choice in ACA Changes
Reichert Statement on President Trump's Joint Address to Congress
Renacci Introduces Bill to Help Ohioans Move from Welfare to Work
Reps. Rice & Demings to Demand ICE End Courthouse Detentions for Victims of Domestic Violence
Roby Statement on President Trump’s Address
Roe Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address
Rogers on Trump’s Address before Joint Session of Congress
Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Trump's Executive Action
ROKITA REACTS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
Rooney Statement on WOTUS Executive Order
Members Relaunch the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Anti-Semitism
Roskam Statement on President’s Joint Address
Ross Votes to Limit Outdated, Burdensome Regulations on Small Businesses and Families
Rouzer statement on POTUS speech
Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on Presidential Address
Royce Statement on Joint Session of Congress
Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Communication with Russians
Rush Calls for Civil Rights Cold Cases to Be Declassified to Bring Justice and Closure to Families
“Trump’s Speech Was… Campaign Promises on Steroids” and, Chicago Needs Solutions Not Rhetoric
Congressman Tim Ryan Calls for AG Jeff Sessions’ Immediate Resignation and Independent Commission Investigation
Reed Fights for Choice in ACA Changes
Reichert Statement on President Trump's Joint Address to Congress
Renacci Introduces Bill to Help Ohioans Move from Welfare to Work
Reps. Rice & Demings to Demand ICE End Courthouse Detentions for Victims of Domestic Violence
Roby Statement on President Trump’s Address
Roe Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address
Rogers on Trump’s Address before Joint Session of Congress
Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Trump's Executive Action
ROKITA REACTS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
Rooney Statement on WOTUS Executive Order
Members Relaunch the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Anti-Semitism
Roskam Statement on President’s Joint Address
Ross Votes to Limit Outdated, Burdensome Regulations on Small Businesses and Families
Rouzer statement on POTUS speech
Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on Presidential Address
Royce Statement on Joint Session of Congress
Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Communication with Russians
Rush Calls for Civil Rights Cold Cases to Be Declassified to Bring Justice and Closure to Families
“Trump’s Speech Was… Campaign Promises on Steroids” and, Chicago Needs Solutions Not Rhetoric
Congressman Tim Ryan Calls for AG Jeff Sessions’ Immediate Resignation and Independent Commission Investigation
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Trump Poll
KSLA (Channel 12 News) put out a poll this morning about the reaction to Trump's speech last night. Of the 17,000 viewers, 15,000 had a favorable reaction. NOT BAD
More from the House: Congressional Address, Anti-semitism, Obamacare, Marijuana, Border Security, Foreign Language Education
Pallone Statement on President Trump’s Budget Outline
Rep. Pascrell Urges Action on Rise in Anti-Semitism
Paulsen Statement on the President's Joint Address to Congress
Payne, Jr. Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Speech to Congress
PEARCE VOTES TO RETURN POWER TO STATES
Pelosi Statement on Republican Vote to Keep Trump’s Tax Returns Secret
Perlmutter Statement on Possible Federal Enforcement against Recreational Marijuana
Rep. Peters Responds to Trump Address to Congress
Peterson Calls on Border Security Agency to Update Technology
Statement on President Trump's first address to Congress
PLASKETT FIGHTS REPUBLICAN EFFORT TO UNDERMINE FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Pocan Statement on the President’s Joint Address to Congress
POE ANNOUNCES BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL COALITION TO STOP GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE AND HACKING
REP. POLIQUIN’S STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S FIRST ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
PRICE INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION
Polis statement on Trump administration’s stance on recreational marijuana
PANETTA STATEMENT ON THE RECENT IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN SANTA CRUZ
Rep. Pascrell Urges Action on Rise in Anti-Semitism
Paulsen Statement on the President's Joint Address to Congress
Payne, Jr. Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Speech to Congress
PEARCE VOTES TO RETURN POWER TO STATES
Pelosi Statement on Republican Vote to Keep Trump’s Tax Returns Secret
Perlmutter Statement on Possible Federal Enforcement against Recreational Marijuana
Rep. Peters Responds to Trump Address to Congress
Peterson Calls on Border Security Agency to Update Technology
Statement on President Trump's first address to Congress
PLASKETT FIGHTS REPUBLICAN EFFORT TO UNDERMINE FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Pocan Statement on the President’s Joint Address to Congress
POE ANNOUNCES BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL COALITION TO STOP GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE AND HACKING
REP. POLIQUIN’S STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S FIRST ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
PRICE INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION
Polis statement on Trump administration’s stance on recreational marijuana
PANETTA STATEMENT ON THE RECENT IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN SANTA CRUZ
From the House: Trump Business Interests, Pensions, Wotus, Congressional Address,
House, Senate Bill Would Require Trump to Disclose Foreign Business Interests Before Taking Trade Actions
NOEM: Trump Action, a Step toward Ditching WOTUS Rule
Nolan Invites Pension Leader to Trump’s First Address, Launches Pension Protection for Working Americans Caucus
Newhouse Response to President Trump’s First Joint Address to Congress
Olson Praises Trump Action to Dismantle WOTUS
REP. TOM O’HALLERAN: THE TIME TO ACT FOR HARDWORKING ARIZONA FAMILIES IS NOW
NOEM: Trump Action, a Step toward Ditching WOTUS Rule
Nolan Invites Pension Leader to Trump’s First Address, Launches Pension Protection for Working Americans Caucus
Newhouse Response to President Trump’s First Joint Address to Congress
Olson Praises Trump Action to Dismantle WOTUS
REP. TOM O’HALLERAN: THE TIME TO ACT FOR HARDWORKING ARIZONA FAMILIES IS NOW
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Planned Parenthood, Foster Children, Law Enforcement, Copyright Office, Department of Education, Central America, Pre-Existing Conditions, OIRA, Postal Employees, regulations, Obamacare, ALS, EPA, and Medicare
Legislation was passed on Thursday (February 16) that eliminates an Obama Administration rule prohibiting the redirecting of Title X funding away from Planned Parenthood to health care centers that don’t provide abortions. The bill, H.J. Res. 43, uses the Congressional Review Act to eliminate the ‘midnight rule’ from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was finalized just two days before the end of President Obama’s second term. That regulation blocks states from diverting Title X family planning grants away from Planned Parenthood to community health centers, county health departments, or other providers. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and steadfast pro-choice advocate, claimed it would restrict a woman’s access to abortion.
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Congresswoman Lawrence introduced H.R. 1069, “The Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act”, with five original cosponsors. This bill would require mental health screenings for all children entering foster care. The legislation calls for an initial mental health assessment to take place within 30 days of a child entering foster care with a comprehensive follow-up assessment if deemed necessary.
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On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Jacksonville City Council voted to amend the city’s human rights ordinances to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination.
#####
After The Hill reported that the White House Transition Team has proposed a budget blueprint, which would eliminate the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Representative Sean Patrick Maloney joined local civic and law enforcement officials to call on President Donald Trump to keep his campaign promise to support our law enforcement community and refrain from eliminating the federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. In addition, Rep. Maloney wrote a letter to the President asking him to protect the program. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) COPS program provides investments to allow state and local police departments to hire police officers, test new strategies, and acquire cutting-edge technology.
#####
The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 387, The Email Privacy Act. This bill requires the federal government to acquire warrants before accessing an individual’s digital content.
#####
Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) reintroduced (H.R. 890) the Copyright Office for the Digital Economy Act or the CODE Act. The CODE Act makes several improvements to the copyright office that reflect a consensus across various industries and public interest groups.
These improvements include:
Housing the Copyright Office in the Legislative Branch
Requiring ongoing technology studies to ensure the office remains current with technology to be more user friendly which includes improving upon the searchable database
Establishing an advisory board representing a variety of interests and views tasked with providing the office with candid feedback on the current field of copyright to ensure neutrality and objectivity
Technical provisions to ensure a more seamless transition away from the Library of Congress
#####
Representative Thomas Massie introduced H.R. 899, a bill to abolish the federal Department of Education. The bill, which is one sentence long, states, “The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2018.”
#####
Reps. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and John R. Moolenaar (R-MI), Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), and Albio Sires (D-NJ), introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to reaffirm the United States Congress’s commitment to fighting corruption in Central America.
The resolution states that efforts to fight corruption must remain at the center of U.S. policy in Central America, that the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) are important contributions to these efforts, and that the governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador should cooperate with MACCIH and CICIG and the Attorneys General of the region.
#####
The Bill, Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017, was introduced in the House today.
#####
Representative Paul Mitchell (MI-10) introduced the OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act (H.R. 1009) to strengthen congressional insight and accountability over the regulatory process by putting the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) into statute.
#####
Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) introduced H.R. 942, the Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendments Act to expand U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals rights to mid-level U.S. Postal Service Management. Under current law, approximately 7,500 USPS employees do not have this protection.
#####
U.S. Representative Martha McSally introduced legislation to mandate federal agencies report to Congress about regulations that did not comply with the Congressional Review Act (CRA). According to the text of the CRA, regulations that did not comply with mandated reporting requirements may be subject to overrule by Congress with majorities in both chambers.
#####
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Mark Sanford’s (R-SC) created an Obamacare replacement plan—endorsed by the House Freedom Caucus.
#####
Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Peter King (R-NY) re-introduced The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, bipartisan legislation they spearheaded to ensure that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients are provided vital support and benefits in a more timely manner. The legislation would waive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) five-month waiting period for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
#####
Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) introduced H.J.Res. 59, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution that blocks the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs under the Clean Air Act Rule (RMP rule).
The Congressional Review Act, passed in 1996, allows Congress to vote to overturn any regulation during a period of 60 days after the regulation was created. Regulations created at the end of the Obama Administration are subject to be overturned, so long as it is within the 60-day “in-session” period of Congress.
#####
Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) statute and clarify its application to the Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) program.
The Secondary Payer Advancement, Rationalization, and Clarification (SPARC) Act, replaces ambiguous and uncertain Part D MSP requirements with a simplified, commonsense approach that provides beneficiaries with improved access to the care. The legislation also allows Part D Prescription Drug Plans to recover prescription drug cost deficits more quickly from primary payers.
#####
Congresswoman Lawrence introduced H.R. 1069, “The Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act”, with five original cosponsors. This bill would require mental health screenings for all children entering foster care. The legislation calls for an initial mental health assessment to take place within 30 days of a child entering foster care with a comprehensive follow-up assessment if deemed necessary.
#####
On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Jacksonville City Council voted to amend the city’s human rights ordinances to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination.
#####
After The Hill reported that the White House Transition Team has proposed a budget blueprint, which would eliminate the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Representative Sean Patrick Maloney joined local civic and law enforcement officials to call on President Donald Trump to keep his campaign promise to support our law enforcement community and refrain from eliminating the federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. In addition, Rep. Maloney wrote a letter to the President asking him to protect the program. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) COPS program provides investments to allow state and local police departments to hire police officers, test new strategies, and acquire cutting-edge technology.
#####
The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 387, The Email Privacy Act. This bill requires the federal government to acquire warrants before accessing an individual’s digital content.
#####
Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) reintroduced (H.R. 890) the Copyright Office for the Digital Economy Act or the CODE Act. The CODE Act makes several improvements to the copyright office that reflect a consensus across various industries and public interest groups.
These improvements include:
#####
Representative Thomas Massie introduced H.R. 899, a bill to abolish the federal Department of Education. The bill, which is one sentence long, states, “The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2018.”
#####
Reps. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and John R. Moolenaar (R-MI), Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), and Albio Sires (D-NJ), introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to reaffirm the United States Congress’s commitment to fighting corruption in Central America.
The resolution states that efforts to fight corruption must remain at the center of U.S. policy in Central America, that the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) are important contributions to these efforts, and that the governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador should cooperate with MACCIH and CICIG and the Attorneys General of the region.
#####
The Bill, Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017, was introduced in the House today.
#####
Representative Paul Mitchell (MI-10) introduced the OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act (H.R. 1009) to strengthen congressional insight and accountability over the regulatory process by putting the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) into statute.
#####
Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) introduced H.R. 942, the Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendments Act to expand U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals rights to mid-level U.S. Postal Service Management. Under current law, approximately 7,500 USPS employees do not have this protection.
#####
U.S. Representative Martha McSally introduced legislation to mandate federal agencies report to Congress about regulations that did not comply with the Congressional Review Act (CRA). According to the text of the CRA, regulations that did not comply with mandated reporting requirements may be subject to overrule by Congress with majorities in both chambers.
#####
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Mark Sanford’s (R-SC) created an Obamacare replacement plan—endorsed by the House Freedom Caucus.
#####
Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Peter King (R-NY) re-introduced The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, bipartisan legislation they spearheaded to ensure that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients are provided vital support and benefits in a more timely manner. The legislation would waive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) five-month waiting period for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
#####
Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) introduced H.J.Res. 59, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution that blocks the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs under the Clean Air Act Rule (RMP rule).
The Congressional Review Act, passed in 1996, allows Congress to vote to overturn any regulation during a period of 60 days after the regulation was created. Regulations created at the end of the Obama Administration are subject to be overturned, so long as it is within the 60-day “in-session” period of Congress.
#####
Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) statute and clarify its application to the Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) program.
The Secondary Payer Advancement, Rationalization, and Clarification (SPARC) Act, replaces ambiguous and uncertain Part D MSP requirements with a simplified, commonsense approach that provides beneficiaries with improved access to the care. The legislation also allows Part D Prescription Drug Plans to recover prescription drug cost deficits more quickly from primary payers.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Legal Council for Illegals ...and more.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th) is introducing her first bill, the Access to Counsel Act, to make certain that those held or detained while attempting to enter the United States are guaranteed access to legal counsel.
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Congressman Pete King (R-NY, 2nd) is warning constituents to be on the lookout for debt relief service scams targeting consumers with credit card debt by falsely promising to negotiate with their creditors to settle or otherwise reduce consumers' repayment obligations.
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U.S. Representatives Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN, 2nd) this week reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) access treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill, H.R. 927, makes MST survivors eligible for benefits to cover expenses when they need to travel long distances to receive treatment.
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Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) took to the House floor to address the recent announcement made by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai revoking Lifeline Broadband Provider status to nine companies that provide broadband access to low-income households.
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Rep. Raul R. Labrador (R-ID, 1st), has introduced a constitutional amendment imposing term limits in the House and Senate.
Labrador’s H.J. Res. 50 was introduced in the House and has 12 original cosponsors. The resolution would amend the Constitution to limit service to six two-year House terms and two six-year Senate terms.
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The House passed H.J. Res. 40, Providing for Congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act.
In December of 2016, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a rule that finalizes the criteria for sending the names of certain beneficiaries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). An individual’s name can be sent to the NICS if they receive disability insurance based on having a mental condition, are between the age 18 and the age of full retirement, and if the SSA determines that the individual needs a representative payee to manage their benefits. Once an individual’s name is added to the NICS list, there is no adequate due process for these individuals to have their name removed. This Joint Resolution will repeal this rule, and prevent a serious breach of Second Amendment and due process rights.
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Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd) introduced the Buy American Improvement Act of 2017 to create American jobs, promote the domestic manufacturing industry, increase transparency and accountability in government procurement, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the U.S. whenever practicable.
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Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure no veteran seeking in-patient psychiatric care at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is ever denied such care again. Last year, Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, a veteran from Davenport, Iowa, was turned away from a VA facility after seeking psychiatric help. After being denied care, he tragically took his own life. Sgt. Ketchum’s tragic death reinforces the need for a change at the VA to ensure any veteran who is suffering from a mental health issue gets the treatment they need and deserve. Simply put, under the Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act, if a veteran asks for mental health care from the VA, they will get it.
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H.R. 861, a bill to close down the Environmental Protection Agency, has been introduced, and if implemented, would go into effect on December 31, 2018.
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By signing the Executive Order directing financial regulators to review the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, the President has taken a bold step toward achieving the priority of faster economic growth and job creation, and expanded economic opportunity for hard-working Utahns. Moreover, by directing the Department of Labor to review and delay a rule that would make it harder and more expensive for average Americans to receive advice about their retirement savings, the Administration is helping to ensure that all of us can better plan for a secure financial future.
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Jeff Sessions has been confirmed as Attorney General.
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Congressman Pete King (R-NY, 2nd) is warning constituents to be on the lookout for debt relief service scams targeting consumers with credit card debt by falsely promising to negotiate with their creditors to settle or otherwise reduce consumers' repayment obligations.
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U.S. Representatives Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN, 2nd) this week reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) access treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill, H.R. 927, makes MST survivors eligible for benefits to cover expenses when they need to travel long distances to receive treatment.
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Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) took to the House floor to address the recent announcement made by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai revoking Lifeline Broadband Provider status to nine companies that provide broadband access to low-income households.
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Rep. Raul R. Labrador (R-ID, 1st), has introduced a constitutional amendment imposing term limits in the House and Senate.
Labrador’s H.J. Res. 50 was introduced in the House and has 12 original cosponsors. The resolution would amend the Constitution to limit service to six two-year House terms and two six-year Senate terms.
#####
The House passed H.J. Res. 40, Providing for Congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act.
In December of 2016, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a rule that finalizes the criteria for sending the names of certain beneficiaries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). An individual’s name can be sent to the NICS if they receive disability insurance based on having a mental condition, are between the age 18 and the age of full retirement, and if the SSA determines that the individual needs a representative payee to manage their benefits. Once an individual’s name is added to the NICS list, there is no adequate due process for these individuals to have their name removed. This Joint Resolution will repeal this rule, and prevent a serious breach of Second Amendment and due process rights.
#####
Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd) introduced the Buy American Improvement Act of 2017 to create American jobs, promote the domestic manufacturing industry, increase transparency and accountability in government procurement, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the U.S. whenever practicable.
#####
Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure no veteran seeking in-patient psychiatric care at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is ever denied such care again. Last year, Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, a veteran from Davenport, Iowa, was turned away from a VA facility after seeking psychiatric help. After being denied care, he tragically took his own life. Sgt. Ketchum’s tragic death reinforces the need for a change at the VA to ensure any veteran who is suffering from a mental health issue gets the treatment they need and deserve. Simply put, under the Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act, if a veteran asks for mental health care from the VA, they will get it.
#####
H.R. 861, a bill to close down the Environmental Protection Agency, has been introduced, and if implemented, would go into effect on December 31, 2018.
#####
By signing the Executive Order directing financial regulators to review the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, the President has taken a bold step toward achieving the priority of faster economic growth and job creation, and expanded economic opportunity for hard-working Utahns. Moreover, by directing the Department of Labor to review and delay a rule that would make it harder and more expensive for average Americans to receive advice about their retirement savings, the Administration is helping to ensure that all of us can better plan for a secure financial future.
#####
Jeff Sessions has been confirmed as Attorney General.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Immigration ban, Stream Buffer Zones, Medicare, Supreme Court, Obamacare
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees has introduced H.R. 735, the Universal Security of American Values Act of 2017 (USA Values Act), which will "invalidate the discriminatory Executive Order issued by the President banning visitors and refugees from certain countries from entering the United States simply because they exercise their right to religious liberty by adherence to the Muslim faith."
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The House voted 228-194 to pass H.J. Res 38, a joint resolution of congressional disapproval to stop the stream buffer zone rule. The resolution now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If Congress votes to overturn the rule, it cannot be introduced again unless first authorized by Congress.
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Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) introduced legislation (H.R. 741) to prevent Medicare’s enforcement of unreasonable and inflexible direct supervision rules for outpatient therapy services at Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other small, rural hospitals. An annual extension bill has been passed into law since 2014.
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I applaud President Trump’s nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch has an excellent constitutional background, and was confirmed without any opposition to a seat on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2006. Few judges in the United States are as qualified as Judge Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court and occupy the seat once held by Justice Scalia. I hope the Senate quickly approves this nomination. Bill Johnson (R-OH, 6th)
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Reps. Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) released the following statement calling on Republican leaders to bring H.R. 3762, which repealed the Affordable Care Act through budget reconciliation in 2016, to the floor for a vote:
“Health care will be better and more affordable once Obamacare is repealed. We committed to the American people to repeal every tax, every mandate, the regulations, and to defund Planned Parenthood. That’s what the American people expect us to do – and they expect us to do it quickly. Therefore we strongly encourage Republican leadership on Capitol Hill to take up the Affordable Care Act repeal bill that already passed the House, the Senate, and went to President Obama’s desk in early 2016. There’s no reason we should put anything less on President Trump’s desk than we put on President Obama’s now that we know it will be signed into law. We strongly encourage that this bill be brought to the floor for consideration as soon as possible so we can begin undoing this law that is hurting American families.”
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The House voted 228-194 to pass H.J. Res 38, a joint resolution of congressional disapproval to stop the stream buffer zone rule. The resolution now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If Congress votes to overturn the rule, it cannot be introduced again unless first authorized by Congress.
######
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) introduced legislation (H.R. 741) to prevent Medicare’s enforcement of unreasonable and inflexible direct supervision rules for outpatient therapy services at Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other small, rural hospitals. An annual extension bill has been passed into law since 2014.
######
I applaud President Trump’s nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch has an excellent constitutional background, and was confirmed without any opposition to a seat on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2006. Few judges in the United States are as qualified as Judge Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court and occupy the seat once held by Justice Scalia. I hope the Senate quickly approves this nomination. Bill Johnson (R-OH, 6th)
######
Reps. Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) released the following statement calling on Republican leaders to bring H.R. 3762, which repealed the Affordable Care Act through budget reconciliation in 2016, to the floor for a vote:
“Health care will be better and more affordable once Obamacare is repealed. We committed to the American people to repeal every tax, every mandate, the regulations, and to defund Planned Parenthood. That’s what the American people expect us to do – and they expect us to do it quickly. Therefore we strongly encourage Republican leadership on Capitol Hill to take up the Affordable Care Act repeal bill that already passed the House, the Senate, and went to President Obama’s desk in early 2016. There’s no reason we should put anything less on President Trump’s desk than we put on President Obama’s now that we know it will be signed into law. We strongly encourage that this bill be brought to the floor for consideration as soon as possible so we can begin undoing this law that is hurting American families.”
######
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Travel Ban, Obamacare, Federal Hiring Freeze, Immigration, Fishery, Free Speech, 2nd Amendment, Rules
Will Hurd (R-TX, 23rd) said, concerning Trump's travel ban, that a target has been placed on our military men's and women's backs by increasing tensions in an already volatile region. These men and women are fighting alongside citizens of those countries in order to keep Islamic Extremists on the run and off our shores.
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U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MS, 3rd) introduced H.R. 633, the Patient Fairness and Relief Act of 2017, which allows individuals to maintain the health insurance policies they had before passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, on Tuesday sent a letter to President Trump urging prompt clarification of his memorandum implementing a federal hiring freeze as it pertains to Department of Defense (DOD) civilian personnel and support for complete staffing of DOD contracting personnel.
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Upon returning to the nation’s capital, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) added his support to three bills that prevent President Trump’s harmful executive order from being administered by the United States government.
If passed, the Statue of Liberty Values Act (SOLVe Act) would prevent the executive order from having any force of law and prohibit any federal funds or fees from being used to carry it out. The Freedom of Religion Act states that the United States could not bar foreigners from coming to the United States on the basis of their religious beliefs. The No Religious Registration Act would stop the government from creating or using a database of religious affiliation for the purpose of surveillance or of classifying U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and visa seekers.
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“President Trump made clear that keeping America safe is a top priority for his Administration, and it is refreshing to see that he is willing to take swift and decisive action to achieve that goal. And, while the rollout of his executive action could have gone more smoothly, I believe most Americans, and particularly the East Texans I represent, would agree that it’s just common sense to take a closer look at people trying to enter the U.S. from nations with broad terrorist networks." Jeb Hensarling (R-TX, 5th)
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler’s bipartisan bill to permanently extend a decades old fishery management agreement that has been vital to Washington state’s Dungeness crab fishery. The bill passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 388-0.
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Congressmen Jody Hice (GA-10) and Steve Scalise (LA-01) introduced H.R. 781, the Free Speech Fairness Act, which would amend the U.S. tax code to restore free speech for 501(c)(3) organizations including churches, nonprofits, and educational institutions, so long as they are (1) made in the ordinary course of the organization’s regular and customary activities in carrying out its tax-exempt purpose, and (2) any expenditure related to this are de minimis. A companion bill, S.264, was introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in the Senate.
#####
The House passed H.J.Res. 40, a resolution to disapprove of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rule to share information with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) on individuals who receive Disability Insurance benefits. Following passage of the resolution, Congressman French Hill (R-AR, 2nd) released the following statement:
“Having a disability and seeking help through the federal government should not be a factor in considering whether or not someone is mentally capable of owning or purchasing a firearm. This rule from SSA serves no real purpose other than to limit the Second Amendment rights of the American people, and I am confident the administration and Congress will be able to reverse this ill-conceived rule. I will always fight to uphold Arkansans right to bear arms.”
#####
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), author of bipartisan legislation that passed the House with a veto-proof majority and aimed to strengthen vetting of Syrian and Iraqi refugees, released the following statement on President Trump's exceutive order on refugees:
"At a time of grave security threats, President Trump is right to pause the flow of refugees from countries where terrorism is rampant until we can properly vet them and implement additional screening for individuals traveling to and from these countries. The facts are President Obama's own intel official told us ISIS is trying to infiltrate the refugee program and his Homeland Security Secretary and FBI Director told us we can't properly vet all of these refugees. I do have concerns that the executive order has caused confusion for those with green cards and will work with my colleagues and the administration to clarify it."
#####
Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) sent a letter to President Trump today urging him to rescind the “one in, two out” executive order on federal rules issued earlier this week and an earlier memorandum instituting a regulatory freeze. These two actions have the combined effect of preventing the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) from opening or closing commercial and recreational fishing seasons in federal waters; making in-season adjustments to conservation and management measures; or implementing new or revised fishery management plans without first seeking a waiver from the Trump administration.
#####
Capital Markets Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House passed House Joint Resolution 41, Rep Huizenga's legislation to reform a burdensome provision of Dodd-Frank and require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to rethink their approach to rulemaking:
"Last night's vote helps reset the regulatory process," said Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga. "For too long, regulators have saddled U.S. companies with burdensome regulations putting them at a competitive disadvantage on the global stage. By sending the SEC back to the drawing board, Congress is demonstrating that it is serious about strengthening the economy, boosting private sector job creation, and helping American workers."
During the debate on H.J. Res. 41, Congressman Huizenga explained the core mission of the SEC and refuted false claims made about his legislation. To watch Rep Huizenga's speech, click play on the video below.
#####
Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump in support of the request by Secretary of Defense James Mattis to exempt Iraqis who served alongside our military. The letter expands on the need for a special review process for those who directly supported American personnel overseas.
#####
=====
U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MS, 3rd) introduced H.R. 633, the Patient Fairness and Relief Act of 2017, which allows individuals to maintain the health insurance policies they had before passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
#####
Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, on Tuesday sent a letter to President Trump urging prompt clarification of his memorandum implementing a federal hiring freeze as it pertains to Department of Defense (DOD) civilian personnel and support for complete staffing of DOD contracting personnel.
#####
Upon returning to the nation’s capital, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) added his support to three bills that prevent President Trump’s harmful executive order from being administered by the United States government.
If passed, the Statue of Liberty Values Act (SOLVe Act) would prevent the executive order from having any force of law and prohibit any federal funds or fees from being used to carry it out. The Freedom of Religion Act states that the United States could not bar foreigners from coming to the United States on the basis of their religious beliefs. The No Religious Registration Act would stop the government from creating or using a database of religious affiliation for the purpose of surveillance or of classifying U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and visa seekers.
#####
“President Trump made clear that keeping America safe is a top priority for his Administration, and it is refreshing to see that he is willing to take swift and decisive action to achieve that goal. And, while the rollout of his executive action could have gone more smoothly, I believe most Americans, and particularly the East Texans I represent, would agree that it’s just common sense to take a closer look at people trying to enter the U.S. from nations with broad terrorist networks." Jeb Hensarling (R-TX, 5th)
#####
The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler’s bipartisan bill to permanently extend a decades old fishery management agreement that has been vital to Washington state’s Dungeness crab fishery. The bill passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 388-0.
#####
Congressmen Jody Hice (GA-10) and Steve Scalise (LA-01) introduced H.R. 781, the Free Speech Fairness Act, which would amend the U.S. tax code to restore free speech for 501(c)(3) organizations including churches, nonprofits, and educational institutions, so long as they are (1) made in the ordinary course of the organization’s regular and customary activities in carrying out its tax-exempt purpose, and (2) any expenditure related to this are de minimis. A companion bill, S.264, was introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in the Senate.
#####
The House passed H.J.Res. 40, a resolution to disapprove of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rule to share information with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) on individuals who receive Disability Insurance benefits. Following passage of the resolution, Congressman French Hill (R-AR, 2nd) released the following statement:
“Having a disability and seeking help through the federal government should not be a factor in considering whether or not someone is mentally capable of owning or purchasing a firearm. This rule from SSA serves no real purpose other than to limit the Second Amendment rights of the American people, and I am confident the administration and Congress will be able to reverse this ill-conceived rule. I will always fight to uphold Arkansans right to bear arms.”
#####
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), author of bipartisan legislation that passed the House with a veto-proof majority and aimed to strengthen vetting of Syrian and Iraqi refugees, released the following statement on President Trump's exceutive order on refugees:
"At a time of grave security threats, President Trump is right to pause the flow of refugees from countries where terrorism is rampant until we can properly vet them and implement additional screening for individuals traveling to and from these countries. The facts are President Obama's own intel official told us ISIS is trying to infiltrate the refugee program and his Homeland Security Secretary and FBI Director told us we can't properly vet all of these refugees. I do have concerns that the executive order has caused confusion for those with green cards and will work with my colleagues and the administration to clarify it."
#####
Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) sent a letter to President Trump today urging him to rescind the “one in, two out” executive order on federal rules issued earlier this week and an earlier memorandum instituting a regulatory freeze. These two actions have the combined effect of preventing the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) from opening or closing commercial and recreational fishing seasons in federal waters; making in-season adjustments to conservation and management measures; or implementing new or revised fishery management plans without first seeking a waiver from the Trump administration.
#####
Capital Markets Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House passed House Joint Resolution 41, Rep Huizenga's legislation to reform a burdensome provision of Dodd-Frank and require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to rethink their approach to rulemaking:
"Last night's vote helps reset the regulatory process," said Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga. "For too long, regulators have saddled U.S. companies with burdensome regulations putting them at a competitive disadvantage on the global stage. By sending the SEC back to the drawing board, Congress is demonstrating that it is serious about strengthening the economy, boosting private sector job creation, and helping American workers."
During the debate on H.J. Res. 41, Congressman Huizenga explained the core mission of the SEC and refuted false claims made about his legislation. To watch Rep Huizenga's speech, click play on the video below.
#####
Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump in support of the request by Secretary of Defense James Mattis to exempt Iraqis who served alongside our military. The letter expands on the need for a special review process for those who directly supported American personnel overseas.
#####
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