The Ponder News does not share private information with anyone, even advertisers.
The Ponder News does not necessarily agree with the political (or otherwise) opinions of the advertisers.
The Advertisers do not necessarily agree with the political (or otherwise) opinions of The Ponder News, its owners or its other advertisers.
A commission is made with each product that is sold from each advertiser using the ad links provided on this blog site.
The Ponder News offers news from press releases and news sources about the current news of the day from the news-makers that matter, in order to inform you as voters and citizens what is going on in Washington and around the country that could effect you or your future.
The Ponder will NOT promote anti-Christian rhetoric or campaigns. We are a conservative and Christian based news organization. We are not in any way affiliated with the KKK, or any other White Supremacist group, or the BLM or ANTIFA or any other group that instigates or uses violence and/or hate in order to achieve its goals.
The Unpopular Truth
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Budget, Travel Ban, Climate Change, Science and Technology, Employee Wellness Programs, Energy Prices, VISAs
Congressman Jeff Duncan Reacts to Presidential Budget Blueprint
Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
March 16, 2017
"As Mick said yesterday, ‘This is not a soft power budget, this is a hard power budget.’ I couldn’t agree more. It is long past time to shore up the nation’s defenses with the spending needed to modernize our military and improve readiness. Defending our country must always be the nation’s top priority, and this budget takes important steps in that direction."
Read more...
ENGEL STATEMENT ON LATEST DISTRICT COURT RULING AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP'S TRAVEL BAN
Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)
March 16, 2017
Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement on the U.S. District Court ruling which froze President Trump’s latest travel ban:
Read more...
Esty Statement on President Trump’s FY 18 Budget Outline
Elizabeth Esty (D-CT, 5th)
March 16, 2017
Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) today issued the following statement regarding the budget outline released by President Trump:
Read more...
Rep. Faso Cosponsors Resolution to Combat Climate Change
John Faso, (R-NY, 19th)
March 15, 2017
Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today joined 16 Republican members of the House to introduce a resolution that calls for using American innovation to preserve and protect our environment.
Read more...
FITZPATRICK STATEMENT ON WHITE HOUSE BUDGET PROPOSAL
Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)
March 16, 2017
“President Trump is a negotiator and, as such, this broad-stroke budget proposal should be treated as a starting point, not a final product. As a CPA, I appreciate the administration’s focus on fighting back against Washington’s overspending, and as a former counter-terror FBI agent, I appreciate the commitment to rebuild our military and support a robust foreign policy. However, I am very concerned about any proposed cuts to places like the EPA and State Department. We are requesting more information on the White House’s spending priorities – and I will fight for my own – during the upcoming budget debate.”
Read more...
=====
=====
Foster Introduces American Innovation Act
Bill Foster (D-IL, 11th)
March 16, 2017
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the American Innovation Act, a measure that would support the steady growth of federal investment in scientific and technological research.
Read more...
Setting the Record Straight: Q&A on Voluntary Employee Wellness Programs
Virginia Foxx (R-NC, 5th)
March 16, 2017
Voluntary employee wellness plans have long helped lower health care costs for working families and promote the health and wellbeing of employees. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, introduced the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act (H.R. 1313) to provide regulatory clarity so employers can have the certainty they need to continue offering their workers the option of participating in employee wellness programs. Unfortunately, critics of the bill are spreading false information to deny workers that option. Below are some basic facts to help set the record straight.
Read more...
SCHUMER VOWS TO PROTECT CRITICAL FED INVESTMENT
Charles E. Schumer- (D - NY)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today sounded the alarm and expressed serious concerns over reports that the administration will eliminate all funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)- the proposed elimination Schumer says would put countless community development and infrastructure projects at risk in Syracuse and across Central New York. Schumer promised to fight to protect the CDBG program, which is currently scheduled to receive $3 billion from HUD.
Read more...
Senator Scott, Congressman Rice Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Energy Prices
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced legislation that could help lower energy prices for millions of Americans. His legislation corrects an inefficiency in the United States tax code to allow more effective use of the nuclear production tax credit (PTC) to lower energy prices for consumers and mitigate the risk public-private partnerships incur when involved in the construction of first-in-a-generation nuclear power facilities.
Read more...
Senator Stabenow Statement on President Trump’s Budget Request that Completely Eliminates Great Lakes Funding
Senator Debbie Stabenow - (D - MI)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget request, which completely eliminates funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:
Read more...
=====
=====
Statement on President Trump’s Budget Blueprint
Patrick J.Toomey - (R - PA)
March 16, 2017
"President Trump's budget blueprint proposes a significant increase in spending to strengthen national security, rebuild our neglected military, and honor our commitment to veterans with additional resources for the VA. To pay for these changes, it proposes reductions to non-defense programs. After years of overspending, I am encouraged that the President has proposed actual spending cuts and has committed to maintaining the overall cap on discretionary spending. I look forward to carefully examining each of the proposed reductions in this budget proposal."
Read more...
Tillis, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Legislation Authorizing Additional Visas for Afghan Interpreters, Support Staff
Senator Thom Tillis - (R - NC)
March 16, 2017
Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John McCain (R-AZ), and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide 2,500 more visas for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which allows Afghans, including interpreters, who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and face threats as a result of their service, to apply for refuge in the United States. The senators introduced their bill after the U.S. Embassy in Kabul officially stopped scheduling interviews for applicants seeking a visa through the Afghan SIV program. Last year, Senators Tillis, Shaheen, McCain, and Reed led efforts in the Senate to extend this vital national security program.
Read more...
=====
Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
March 16, 2017
"As Mick said yesterday, ‘This is not a soft power budget, this is a hard power budget.’ I couldn’t agree more. It is long past time to shore up the nation’s defenses with the spending needed to modernize our military and improve readiness. Defending our country must always be the nation’s top priority, and this budget takes important steps in that direction."
Read more...
ENGEL STATEMENT ON LATEST DISTRICT COURT RULING AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP'S TRAVEL BAN
Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)
March 16, 2017
Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement on the U.S. District Court ruling which froze President Trump’s latest travel ban:
Read more...
Esty Statement on President Trump’s FY 18 Budget Outline
Elizabeth Esty (D-CT, 5th)
March 16, 2017
Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) today issued the following statement regarding the budget outline released by President Trump:
Read more...
Rep. Faso Cosponsors Resolution to Combat Climate Change
John Faso, (R-NY, 19th)
March 15, 2017
Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today joined 16 Republican members of the House to introduce a resolution that calls for using American innovation to preserve and protect our environment.
Read more...
FITZPATRICK STATEMENT ON WHITE HOUSE BUDGET PROPOSAL
Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)
March 16, 2017
“President Trump is a negotiator and, as such, this broad-stroke budget proposal should be treated as a starting point, not a final product. As a CPA, I appreciate the administration’s focus on fighting back against Washington’s overspending, and as a former counter-terror FBI agent, I appreciate the commitment to rebuild our military and support a robust foreign policy. However, I am very concerned about any proposed cuts to places like the EPA and State Department. We are requesting more information on the White House’s spending priorities – and I will fight for my own – during the upcoming budget debate.”
Read more...
=====
=====
Foster Introduces American Innovation Act
Bill Foster (D-IL, 11th)
March 16, 2017
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the American Innovation Act, a measure that would support the steady growth of federal investment in scientific and technological research.
Read more...
Setting the Record Straight: Q&A on Voluntary Employee Wellness Programs
Virginia Foxx (R-NC, 5th)
March 16, 2017
Voluntary employee wellness plans have long helped lower health care costs for working families and promote the health and wellbeing of employees. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, introduced the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act (H.R. 1313) to provide regulatory clarity so employers can have the certainty they need to continue offering their workers the option of participating in employee wellness programs. Unfortunately, critics of the bill are spreading false information to deny workers that option. Below are some basic facts to help set the record straight.
Read more...
SCHUMER VOWS TO PROTECT CRITICAL FED INVESTMENT
Charles E. Schumer- (D - NY)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today sounded the alarm and expressed serious concerns over reports that the administration will eliminate all funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)- the proposed elimination Schumer says would put countless community development and infrastructure projects at risk in Syracuse and across Central New York. Schumer promised to fight to protect the CDBG program, which is currently scheduled to receive $3 billion from HUD.
Read more...
Senator Scott, Congressman Rice Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Energy Prices
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced legislation that could help lower energy prices for millions of Americans. His legislation corrects an inefficiency in the United States tax code to allow more effective use of the nuclear production tax credit (PTC) to lower energy prices for consumers and mitigate the risk public-private partnerships incur when involved in the construction of first-in-a-generation nuclear power facilities.
Read more...
Senator Stabenow Statement on President Trump’s Budget Request that Completely Eliminates Great Lakes Funding
Senator Debbie Stabenow - (D - MI)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget request, which completely eliminates funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:
Read more...
=====
=====
Statement on President Trump’s Budget Blueprint
Patrick J.Toomey - (R - PA)
March 16, 2017
"President Trump's budget blueprint proposes a significant increase in spending to strengthen national security, rebuild our neglected military, and honor our commitment to veterans with additional resources for the VA. To pay for these changes, it proposes reductions to non-defense programs. After years of overspending, I am encouraged that the President has proposed actual spending cuts and has committed to maintaining the overall cap on discretionary spending. I look forward to carefully examining each of the proposed reductions in this budget proposal."
Read more...
Tillis, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Legislation Authorizing Additional Visas for Afghan Interpreters, Support Staff
Senator Thom Tillis - (R - NC)
March 16, 2017
Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John McCain (R-AZ), and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide 2,500 more visas for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which allows Afghans, including interpreters, who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and face threats as a result of their service, to apply for refuge in the United States. The senators introduced their bill after the U.S. Embassy in Kabul officially stopped scheduling interviews for applicants seeking a visa through the Afghan SIV program. Last year, Senators Tillis, Shaheen, McCain, and Reed led efforts in the Senate to extend this vital national security program.
Read more...
=====
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Welfare, Sick Leave, Healthcare, Immigration, Manufacturing, Agro-Terrorism, Social Security, Death, Economy, Digital Privacy, Tax Reform, and more...
Davidson Introduces Legislation to Consolidate Redundant Welfare Programs
Warren Davidson (R-OH, 8th)
March 9, 2017
Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) has introduced the Welfare Benefit Reform and Alignment Commission (BRAC) Act which will create a bipartisan, eight-member commission tasked with formulating concrete solutions to reform more than 90 federal welfare programs which cost taxpayers almost $1 trillion a year.
Read more...
DeLauro, Murray Reintroduce Healthy Families Act to Allow Workers to Earn Paid Sick Days
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
March 15, 2017
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member on the Appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding the Department of Labor, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today reintroduced the Healthy Families Act, legislation that would allow workers to earn paid sick leave to use when they are sick, to care for a loved one, to obtain preventative care, or to address the impacts of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
Read more...
CBO RATING CONFIRMS WORKING FLORIDIANS WILL PAY MORE FOR LESS COVERAGE UNDER GOP HEALTHCARE PLAN
Val Demings (D-FL, 10th)
March 15, 2017
The Congressional Budget Office released its Cost Estimate on the GOP’s Healthcare plan Monday, which shows 14 million more people would be uninsured in 2018, and 24 million more would be uninsured by 2026. Rep. Val Demings, Florida’s 10th Congressional district, released this statement:
Read more...
Rep. Denham’s ENLIST Act Surpasses 100 Co-Sponsors
Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th)
March 14, 2017
U.S. Representative Jeff Denham today announced that his commonsense immigration reform bill – H.R. 60, the Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training Act (ENLIST Act) – has gained over 100 co-sponsors in the 115th Congress.
Read more...
DeSantis Commends Trump Administration For Charges Against Jordanian Terrorist
Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)
March 14, 2017
The Trump administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that Ahlam Aref Ahmad Al-Tamimi has been charged in connection with a 2001 terrorist attack in Jerusalem that killed two Americans, Malki Roth and Judith Greenbaum. Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the National Security Committee, highlighted this attack and called for the DOJ to charge the mastermind behind the attack, Ahlam Al-Tamimi, during a February 2016 hearing examining the role of the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism.
Read more...
=====
=====
Portman, Stabenow, Brown Introduce Bill to Support U.S. Manufacturers, Promote More American Jobs
Rob Portman- (R - OH)
March 15, 2017
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today introduced legislation – the Promoting More American Manufacturing Jobs Act – to clarify the domestic manufacturing tax deduction for U.S. manufacturers. The legislation clarifies the intent of Congress in enacting the domestic manufacturing deduction, section 199 of the tax code, to ensure that in contract manufacturing situations, any party to the arrangement that makes a substantial contribution to the manufacture of qualifying goods through its U.S. employees is entitled to claim the deduction.
Read more...
Senate Homeland Security Committee Passes Roberts’ Legislation to Address Agro-Terrorism Threats to Nation’s Food Supply
Pat Roberts- (R - KS)
March 15, 2017
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) today announced his legislation to address the threat of agro-terrorism and ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply was approved by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC). Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the bipartisan legislation with Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Read more...
Rubio, Cotton, Lee Introduce Legislation to Save Social Security Disability Insurance from Bankruptcy
Marco Rubio - (R - FL)
March 15, 2017
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced the Return to Work Act of 2017, legislation that would save Social Security Disability Insurance from bankruptcy. This bill would help Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries who can recover return to work, while also preserving the program's long-term sustainability for the permanently disabled. U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR) introduced the companion bill in the House.
Read more...
Statement from Consumer Healthcare Products Association on HSA/FSA Provision of the American Healthcare Act
Consumer Healthcare Products Association
March 7, 2017
“CHPA strongly supports restoration of the ability for consumers to use their Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and urges the Ways & Means Committee to advance this important measure. According to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CHPA, the majority of Americans (75%) favor including OTCs in FSAs and HSAs. Since 2011, a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took away the ability of consumers to use their tax-preferred HSA and FSA dollars to purchase OTC medicines, unless they first received a prescription. At a time when more and more Americans are exercising these vital HSA and FSA benefits, this is a common-sense fix for many families who rely on non-prescription OTC medicines to treat common ailments such as allergies, cough and colds, or pain.”
Read more...
Hawai‘i State Senate Passes a Death with Dignity Bill
Death With Dignity
March 9, 2017
The Hawai‘i State Senate thus became the first full legislative chamber this year to pass an assisted dying law. Modeled on the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, SB 1129 would allow terminally ill residents of Hawai‘i to make their own end-of-life decision to die with dignity.
Read more...
=====
=====
The recent productivity slowdown could be reversed by giving the economy “room to run”
Economic Policy Institute
March 13, 2017
“Simply put, businesses’ incentives to invest in equipment and technology to make workers more productive are blunted when labor is so cheap,” said Bivens. “A tighter labor market and the rising wages that come with it would provide an incentive to boost workers’ productivity and will thus boost investment.”
Read more...
Digital Privacy at the U.S Border: A New How-To Guide from EFF
Electronic Frontier Foundation
March 9, 2017
“Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border” helps everyone do a risk assessment, evaluating personal factors like immigration status, travel history, and the sensitivity of the data you are carrying. Depending on which devices come with you on your trip, your gadgets can include information like your client files for work, your political leanings and those of your friends, and even your tax return. Assessing your risk factors helps you choose a path to proactively protect yourself, which might mean leaving some devices at home, moving some information off of your devices and into the cloud, and using encryption. EFF’s guide also explains why some protections, like fingerprint locking of a phone, are less secure than other methods.
Read more...
Getting Tax Reform Done—and Done Right
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
March 13, 2017
In the relationship between government and business, no issue is more fundamental, impactful, or important to get right than taxation. It’s one of government’s oldest responsibilities and one of business’ biggest expenses. Taxes are a critical factor in most major decisions a company makes—including whether to expand, hire new workers, or invest in new technologies. Unfortunately, America has one of the most burdensome tax systems in the world. That is why we must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul our tax code in a way that promotes dynamic economic growth.
Read more...
Family Research Council Applauds Texas Senate Passage of the Texas Privacy Act
Family Research Council
March 14, 2017
Family Research Council praised the State Senate passage of the Texas Privacy Act by a vote of 21 to 10. Last week, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, testified before the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee in support of the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6), which would protect the privacy and safety of women and children. The bill prevents public schools and government buildings from adopting policies that would open women’s showers, bathrooms, and changing facilities to men and visa-versa.
Read more...
Chairman Conaway praises President Trump's nomination of Chris Giancarlo
House Committee on Agriculture
March 14, 2017
President Trump announced today his intent to nominate Chris Giancarlo to serve as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway issued the following statement.
Read more...
=====
=====
Diane Black: “I am confident this bill is going to come out of Budget”
House Committee on the Budget
March 15, 2017
House Budget Committee Chairman Diane Black talked to MSNBC’s Hallie Jackson about the American Health Care Act and her confidence that the committee will pass the bill tomorrow to help those suffering under Obamacare.
Read more...
Nunes Statement on Surveillance of Political Campaigns
House Intelligence Committee
March 5, 2017
“One of the focus points of the House Intelligence Committee's investigation is the U.S. government's response to actions taken by Russian intelligence agents during the presidential campaign. As such, the Committee will make inquiries into whether the government was conducting surveillance activities on any political party’s campaign officials or surrogates, and we will continue to investigate this issue if the evidence warrants it.”
Read more...
=====
Warren Davidson (R-OH, 8th)
March 9, 2017
Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) has introduced the Welfare Benefit Reform and Alignment Commission (BRAC) Act which will create a bipartisan, eight-member commission tasked with formulating concrete solutions to reform more than 90 federal welfare programs which cost taxpayers almost $1 trillion a year.
Read more...
DeLauro, Murray Reintroduce Healthy Families Act to Allow Workers to Earn Paid Sick Days
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
March 15, 2017
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member on the Appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding the Department of Labor, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today reintroduced the Healthy Families Act, legislation that would allow workers to earn paid sick leave to use when they are sick, to care for a loved one, to obtain preventative care, or to address the impacts of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
Read more...
CBO RATING CONFIRMS WORKING FLORIDIANS WILL PAY MORE FOR LESS COVERAGE UNDER GOP HEALTHCARE PLAN
Val Demings (D-FL, 10th)
March 15, 2017
The Congressional Budget Office released its Cost Estimate on the GOP’s Healthcare plan Monday, which shows 14 million more people would be uninsured in 2018, and 24 million more would be uninsured by 2026. Rep. Val Demings, Florida’s 10th Congressional district, released this statement:
Read more...
Rep. Denham’s ENLIST Act Surpasses 100 Co-Sponsors
Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th)
March 14, 2017
U.S. Representative Jeff Denham today announced that his commonsense immigration reform bill – H.R. 60, the Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training Act (ENLIST Act) – has gained over 100 co-sponsors in the 115th Congress.
Read more...
DeSantis Commends Trump Administration For Charges Against Jordanian Terrorist
Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)
March 14, 2017
The Trump administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that Ahlam Aref Ahmad Al-Tamimi has been charged in connection with a 2001 terrorist attack in Jerusalem that killed two Americans, Malki Roth and Judith Greenbaum. Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the National Security Committee, highlighted this attack and called for the DOJ to charge the mastermind behind the attack, Ahlam Al-Tamimi, during a February 2016 hearing examining the role of the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism.
Read more...
=====
=====
Portman, Stabenow, Brown Introduce Bill to Support U.S. Manufacturers, Promote More American Jobs
Rob Portman- (R - OH)
March 15, 2017
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today introduced legislation – the Promoting More American Manufacturing Jobs Act – to clarify the domestic manufacturing tax deduction for U.S. manufacturers. The legislation clarifies the intent of Congress in enacting the domestic manufacturing deduction, section 199 of the tax code, to ensure that in contract manufacturing situations, any party to the arrangement that makes a substantial contribution to the manufacture of qualifying goods through its U.S. employees is entitled to claim the deduction.
Read more...
Senate Homeland Security Committee Passes Roberts’ Legislation to Address Agro-Terrorism Threats to Nation’s Food Supply
Pat Roberts- (R - KS)
March 15, 2017
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) today announced his legislation to address the threat of agro-terrorism and ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply was approved by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC). Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the bipartisan legislation with Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Read more...
Rubio, Cotton, Lee Introduce Legislation to Save Social Security Disability Insurance from Bankruptcy
Marco Rubio - (R - FL)
March 15, 2017
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced the Return to Work Act of 2017, legislation that would save Social Security Disability Insurance from bankruptcy. This bill would help Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries who can recover return to work, while also preserving the program's long-term sustainability for the permanently disabled. U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR) introduced the companion bill in the House.
Read more...
Statement from Consumer Healthcare Products Association on HSA/FSA Provision of the American Healthcare Act
Consumer Healthcare Products Association
March 7, 2017
“CHPA strongly supports restoration of the ability for consumers to use their Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and urges the Ways & Means Committee to advance this important measure. According to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CHPA, the majority of Americans (75%) favor including OTCs in FSAs and HSAs. Since 2011, a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took away the ability of consumers to use their tax-preferred HSA and FSA dollars to purchase OTC medicines, unless they first received a prescription. At a time when more and more Americans are exercising these vital HSA and FSA benefits, this is a common-sense fix for many families who rely on non-prescription OTC medicines to treat common ailments such as allergies, cough and colds, or pain.”
Read more...
Hawai‘i State Senate Passes a Death with Dignity Bill
Death With Dignity
March 9, 2017
The Hawai‘i State Senate thus became the first full legislative chamber this year to pass an assisted dying law. Modeled on the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, SB 1129 would allow terminally ill residents of Hawai‘i to make their own end-of-life decision to die with dignity.
Read more...
=====
=====
The recent productivity slowdown could be reversed by giving the economy “room to run”
Economic Policy Institute
March 13, 2017
“Simply put, businesses’ incentives to invest in equipment and technology to make workers more productive are blunted when labor is so cheap,” said Bivens. “A tighter labor market and the rising wages that come with it would provide an incentive to boost workers’ productivity and will thus boost investment.”
Read more...
Digital Privacy at the U.S Border: A New How-To Guide from EFF
Electronic Frontier Foundation
March 9, 2017
“Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border” helps everyone do a risk assessment, evaluating personal factors like immigration status, travel history, and the sensitivity of the data you are carrying. Depending on which devices come with you on your trip, your gadgets can include information like your client files for work, your political leanings and those of your friends, and even your tax return. Assessing your risk factors helps you choose a path to proactively protect yourself, which might mean leaving some devices at home, moving some information off of your devices and into the cloud, and using encryption. EFF’s guide also explains why some protections, like fingerprint locking of a phone, are less secure than other methods.
Read more...
Getting Tax Reform Done—and Done Right
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
March 13, 2017
In the relationship between government and business, no issue is more fundamental, impactful, or important to get right than taxation. It’s one of government’s oldest responsibilities and one of business’ biggest expenses. Taxes are a critical factor in most major decisions a company makes—including whether to expand, hire new workers, or invest in new technologies. Unfortunately, America has one of the most burdensome tax systems in the world. That is why we must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul our tax code in a way that promotes dynamic economic growth.
Read more...
Family Research Council Applauds Texas Senate Passage of the Texas Privacy Act
Family Research Council
March 14, 2017
Family Research Council praised the State Senate passage of the Texas Privacy Act by a vote of 21 to 10. Last week, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, testified before the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee in support of the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6), which would protect the privacy and safety of women and children. The bill prevents public schools and government buildings from adopting policies that would open women’s showers, bathrooms, and changing facilities to men and visa-versa.
Read more...
Chairman Conaway praises President Trump's nomination of Chris Giancarlo
House Committee on Agriculture
March 14, 2017
President Trump announced today his intent to nominate Chris Giancarlo to serve as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway issued the following statement.
Read more...
=====
=====
Diane Black: “I am confident this bill is going to come out of Budget”
House Committee on the Budget
March 15, 2017
House Budget Committee Chairman Diane Black talked to MSNBC’s Hallie Jackson about the American Health Care Act and her confidence that the committee will pass the bill tomorrow to help those suffering under Obamacare.
Read more...
Nunes Statement on Surveillance of Political Campaigns
House Intelligence Committee
March 5, 2017
“One of the focus points of the House Intelligence Committee's investigation is the U.S. government's response to actions taken by Russian intelligence agents during the presidential campaign. As such, the Committee will make inquiries into whether the government was conducting surveillance activities on any political party’s campaign officials or surrogates, and we will continue to investigate this issue if the evidence warrants it.”
Read more...
=====
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
American Healthcare Act, Flood Insurance, terrorists, Federal Agencies, Regulatory "Dark Matter", Free Speech, Travel Ban
CRIST STATEMENT ON CBO SCORE OF REPUBLICAN HEALTHCARE REPEAL
Charlie Crist (D FL, 13th)
March 13, 2017
Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) made the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found the Republican healthcare repeal bill would result in 14 million fewer Americans having health care coverage in 2018, with a total of 24 million Americans losing coverage by 2026. At the same time, those with coverage would see higher out-of-pocket costs, including higher deductibles and premium increases of 15-20 percent. The bill also would cut $880 billion from Medicaid, gutting the program that 70 million low-income Americans depend on for care, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Read more...
Menendez Outlines Sweeping Reforms to FEMA’s Broken National Flood Insurance Program
Robert Menendez - (D - NJ)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chair of the Sandy Task Force and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, laid out a series of robust reforms to the much-maligned National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that experienced widespread failures and fraud, cheating storm victims and hampering recovery in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Sen. Menendez aims to make the NFIP: simple, affordable, fair, efficient and accountable to consumers and taxpayers.
Read more...
MERKLEY: CBO SCORE SOUNDS THE ALARM – LIFE-AND-DEATH CARE AT RISK FOR MILLIONS
Jeff Merkley - (D - OR)
March 13, 2017
Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its scoring of the American Health Care Act, or “Trumpcare:”
Read more...
Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Stop Arming Terrorists Act
Senator Rand Paul - (R - KY)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senator Rand Paul introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act (S. 532) to prevent American taxpayers’ money from being used to directly or indirectly support armed militants who are allied with or often working under the command of al-Qaeda, ISIS, or other terrorist groups. The legislation serves as a companion bill to H.R. 608, which Representative Tulsi Gabbard (HI-2) reintroduced in January.
Read more...
Sen. Moran Introduces Legislation to Restore Trade with Cuba
Senator Jerry Moran- (R - KS)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently introduced The Cuba Trade Act of 2017 (S. 472), which would restore trade with Cuba and grant the private sector the freedom to export U.S. goods and services to Cuba while protecting U.S. taxpayers from any risk or exposure associated with such trade.
Read more...
MURPHY ON TRUMPCARE CBO SCORE: “PASSING THIS BILL WOULD BE A HUGE MISTAKE”
Christopher Murphy- (D - CT)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement on Monday after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released their projected cost and reach of Republicans’ misguided Trumpcare. The CBO report made clear that under Trumpcare, 24 million fewer people would be insured by 2026 and average premiums would increase by 15-20% for single policyholders in the individual market.
Read more...
Citizens Against Government Waste Praises President Trump’s Executive Order to Improve the Efficiency of Federal Agencies
Citizens Against Government Waste
March 13, 2017
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), America’s largest taxpayer watchdog group, applauded President Donald Trump’s executive order “directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit a comprehensive plan to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of the executive branch,” including the elimination or reorganization of redundant or unnecessary federal agencies.
Read more...
Mapping Washington’s Lawlessness: CEI Releases Updated Inventory of “Regulatory Dark Matter”
Competitive Enterprise Institute
March 14, 2017
Today, the Competitive Enterprise (CEI) released the 2017 update to its comprehensive report Mapping Washington’s Lawlessness: An Inventory of “Regulatory Dark Matter.” This analysis covers how, in addition to Congress’s own laws and the many thousands of rules issued by unelected regulators, regulatory dark matter exists in the form of thousands of additional issuances from executive and independent agencies. This dark matter goes around Congress, the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) public notice and comment requirements, and the American people themselves.
Read more...
CVA TESTIFIES ON ANTI-FREE SPEECH MEASURE S.255
Concerned Veterans for America
March 14, 2017
“Veterans sacrificed for the right for all of us to stand up and speak freely about the issues we care about. But if S.255 passes, South Carolinians could be intimidated from supporting a cause or making a statement. This is America – no one should be forced to report their private information to the government and fear retaliation for their beliefs. We urge the state Senate to protect the First Amendment and block S.255 today.”
Read more...
Important information on Executive Order – Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States
Bureau of Consular Affairs
MARCH 13, 2017
On March 6, 2017, President Trump signed a new Executive Order on Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States which directs us to review current screening procedures, while protecting national security – our top priority when issuing visas.
Read more...
Charlie Crist (D FL, 13th)
March 13, 2017
Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) made the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found the Republican healthcare repeal bill would result in 14 million fewer Americans having health care coverage in 2018, with a total of 24 million Americans losing coverage by 2026. At the same time, those with coverage would see higher out-of-pocket costs, including higher deductibles and premium increases of 15-20 percent. The bill also would cut $880 billion from Medicaid, gutting the program that 70 million low-income Americans depend on for care, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Read more...
Menendez Outlines Sweeping Reforms to FEMA’s Broken National Flood Insurance Program
Robert Menendez - (D - NJ)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chair of the Sandy Task Force and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, laid out a series of robust reforms to the much-maligned National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that experienced widespread failures and fraud, cheating storm victims and hampering recovery in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Sen. Menendez aims to make the NFIP: simple, affordable, fair, efficient and accountable to consumers and taxpayers.
Read more...
MERKLEY: CBO SCORE SOUNDS THE ALARM – LIFE-AND-DEATH CARE AT RISK FOR MILLIONS
Jeff Merkley - (D - OR)
March 13, 2017
Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its scoring of the American Health Care Act, or “Trumpcare:”
Read more...
Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Stop Arming Terrorists Act
Senator Rand Paul - (R - KY)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senator Rand Paul introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act (S. 532) to prevent American taxpayers’ money from being used to directly or indirectly support armed militants who are allied with or often working under the command of al-Qaeda, ISIS, or other terrorist groups. The legislation serves as a companion bill to H.R. 608, which Representative Tulsi Gabbard (HI-2) reintroduced in January.
Read more...
Sen. Moran Introduces Legislation to Restore Trade with Cuba
Senator Jerry Moran- (R - KS)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently introduced The Cuba Trade Act of 2017 (S. 472), which would restore trade with Cuba and grant the private sector the freedom to export U.S. goods and services to Cuba while protecting U.S. taxpayers from any risk or exposure associated with such trade.
Read more...
MURPHY ON TRUMPCARE CBO SCORE: “PASSING THIS BILL WOULD BE A HUGE MISTAKE”
Christopher Murphy- (D - CT)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement on Monday after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released their projected cost and reach of Republicans’ misguided Trumpcare. The CBO report made clear that under Trumpcare, 24 million fewer people would be insured by 2026 and average premiums would increase by 15-20% for single policyholders in the individual market.
Read more...
Citizens Against Government Waste Praises President Trump’s Executive Order to Improve the Efficiency of Federal Agencies
Citizens Against Government Waste
March 13, 2017
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), America’s largest taxpayer watchdog group, applauded President Donald Trump’s executive order “directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit a comprehensive plan to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of the executive branch,” including the elimination or reorganization of redundant or unnecessary federal agencies.
Read more...
Mapping Washington’s Lawlessness: CEI Releases Updated Inventory of “Regulatory Dark Matter”
Competitive Enterprise Institute
March 14, 2017
Today, the Competitive Enterprise (CEI) released the 2017 update to its comprehensive report Mapping Washington’s Lawlessness: An Inventory of “Regulatory Dark Matter.” This analysis covers how, in addition to Congress’s own laws and the many thousands of rules issued by unelected regulators, regulatory dark matter exists in the form of thousands of additional issuances from executive and independent agencies. This dark matter goes around Congress, the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) public notice and comment requirements, and the American people themselves.
Read more...
CVA TESTIFIES ON ANTI-FREE SPEECH MEASURE S.255
Concerned Veterans for America
March 14, 2017
“Veterans sacrificed for the right for all of us to stand up and speak freely about the issues we care about. But if S.255 passes, South Carolinians could be intimidated from supporting a cause or making a statement. This is America – no one should be forced to report their private information to the government and fear retaliation for their beliefs. We urge the state Senate to protect the First Amendment and block S.255 today.”
Read more...
Important information on Executive Order – Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States
Bureau of Consular Affairs
MARCH 13, 2017
On March 6, 2017, President Trump signed a new Executive Order on Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States which directs us to review current screening procedures, while protecting national security – our top priority when issuing visas.
Read more...
Saturday, March 11, 2017
News: Climate Change, Flood Insurance, Cybersecurity, Veterans, Immigration, Airline Seats, Seniors, Volkswagon
Rep. Cartwright Introduces Bill to Improve Climate Change Resilience
Matthew Cartwright (D-PA, 17th)
March 9, 2017
Congressman Matt Cartwright introduced a bipartisan bill that would strengthen America’s ability to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SUCCESS Act directs NIST to convene an effort to make consistent, authoritative set of climate information available to standard-developing organizations (SDOs).
Read more...
Castor, Ross Reintroduce Bipartisan Flood Insurance Bill to Help Homeowners
Kathy Castor (D-FL, 14th)
March 8, 2017
U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, today reintroduced his bipartisan legislation, the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act, which would encourage the development of a robust private flood insurance market that can offer homeowners options in terms of pricing and coverage.
Read more...
Castro, Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Local Cybersecurity Defenses
Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th)
March 10, 2017
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) yesterday reintroduced The National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act, H.R. 1465, legislation that allows non-profit entities, including universities, to work more closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address cybersecurity risks and incidents at the state and local level. Every member of the San Antonio delegation in the House (Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Will Hurd (TX-23), and Lamar Smith (TX-21)) has signed on as a co-sponsor of the measure, and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has also reintroduced the Senate companion bill. Both Rep. Castro and Sen. Cornyn initially introduced the legislation in the 114th Congress, when it passed the House of Representatives with broad support.
Read more...
Cornyn, Leahy, Cruz Introduce Bill to Enhance Cybersecurity
Senator Patrick J. Leahy - (D - VT)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have introduced the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act to authorize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to work with the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) to help prepare for and respond to cybersecurity risks at the national, state, and local levels.
Read more...
Coffman Introduces Bipartisan ‘Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services' Act (VREASA)
Mike Coffman (R-CO, 6th)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) with bipartisan support has introduced H.R. 1445, the ‘Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services Act’. The intent is to correct the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) regulations that unfairly saddle veterans with emergency ambulance payments.
Read more...
Curbelo, Coffman, Introduce Recognize American Children Act
Mike Coffman (R-CO, 6th)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) along with U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06) have introduced the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act, legislation that would provide a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.The bill provides immigrants that have been vetted by The Department of Homeland Security with three pathways toward legalization: higher education, service in the armed forces, or work authorization. Following a 5-year conditional status, these immigrants would be able to reapply for a 5-year permanent status.
Read more...
Reps. Cohen and Kinzinger, Senators Blumenthal, Schumer, Markey, Menendez and Feinstein Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral SEAT Act
Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)
March 9, 2017
The SEAT Act would establish a minimum seat size on commercial airlines as well as a minimum distance between rows of seats to protect the safety and health of airline passengers.
Read more...
King, Collins, Schatz Introduce Bill to Help America’s Seniors Safely Age at Home
Senator Angus S. King Jr. - (I - ME)
March 9, 2017
As more Americans are choosing to grow older in their own homes, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today introduced legislation that will help make independent living less burdensome.
Read more...
Markey and Blumenthal Statemenet on Volkswagen Guilty Plea
Senator Edward J.Markey - (D - MA)
March 10, 2017
Washington (March 10, 2017) - U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement today after Volkswagen pleaded guilty to three felony counts as part of an agreement with the Department of Justice to settle charges related to the automaker’s vehicle emission scandal.
Read more...
Matthew Cartwright (D-PA, 17th)
March 9, 2017
Congressman Matt Cartwright introduced a bipartisan bill that would strengthen America’s ability to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SUCCESS Act directs NIST to convene an effort to make consistent, authoritative set of climate information available to standard-developing organizations (SDOs).
Read more...
Castor, Ross Reintroduce Bipartisan Flood Insurance Bill to Help Homeowners
Kathy Castor (D-FL, 14th)
March 8, 2017
U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, today reintroduced his bipartisan legislation, the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act, which would encourage the development of a robust private flood insurance market that can offer homeowners options in terms of pricing and coverage.
Read more...
Castro, Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Local Cybersecurity Defenses
Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th)
March 10, 2017
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) yesterday reintroduced The National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act, H.R. 1465, legislation that allows non-profit entities, including universities, to work more closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address cybersecurity risks and incidents at the state and local level. Every member of the San Antonio delegation in the House (Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Will Hurd (TX-23), and Lamar Smith (TX-21)) has signed on as a co-sponsor of the measure, and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has also reintroduced the Senate companion bill. Both Rep. Castro and Sen. Cornyn initially introduced the legislation in the 114th Congress, when it passed the House of Representatives with broad support.
Read more...
Cornyn, Leahy, Cruz Introduce Bill to Enhance Cybersecurity
Senator Patrick J. Leahy - (D - VT)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have introduced the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act to authorize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to work with the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) to help prepare for and respond to cybersecurity risks at the national, state, and local levels.
Read more...
Coffman Introduces Bipartisan ‘Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services' Act (VREASA)
Mike Coffman (R-CO, 6th)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) with bipartisan support has introduced H.R. 1445, the ‘Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services Act’. The intent is to correct the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) regulations that unfairly saddle veterans with emergency ambulance payments.
Read more...
Curbelo, Coffman, Introduce Recognize American Children Act
Mike Coffman (R-CO, 6th)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) along with U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06) have introduced the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act, legislation that would provide a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.The bill provides immigrants that have been vetted by The Department of Homeland Security with three pathways toward legalization: higher education, service in the armed forces, or work authorization. Following a 5-year conditional status, these immigrants would be able to reapply for a 5-year permanent status.
Read more...
Reps. Cohen and Kinzinger, Senators Blumenthal, Schumer, Markey, Menendez and Feinstein Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral SEAT Act
Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)
March 9, 2017
The SEAT Act would establish a minimum seat size on commercial airlines as well as a minimum distance between rows of seats to protect the safety and health of airline passengers.
Read more...
King, Collins, Schatz Introduce Bill to Help America’s Seniors Safely Age at Home
Senator Angus S. King Jr. - (I - ME)
March 9, 2017
As more Americans are choosing to grow older in their own homes, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today introduced legislation that will help make independent living less burdensome.
Read more...
Markey and Blumenthal Statemenet on Volkswagen Guilty Plea
Senator Edward J.Markey - (D - MA)
March 10, 2017
Washington (March 10, 2017) - U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement today after Volkswagen pleaded guilty to three felony counts as part of an agreement with the Department of Justice to settle charges related to the automaker’s vehicle emission scandal.
Read more...
Friday, March 10, 2017
News to Ponder, March 10
Remaining 46 U.S. attorneys hired by Obama asked to resign: Justice Dept
MSN.com
March 10, 2017
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has asked the remaining 46 chief federal prosecutors appointed by President Barack Obama who have not already resigned to do so "in order to ensure a uniform transition," the Justice Department said on Friday.
Read more...
Buck’s Innocent Party Protection Act Passes House
Ken Buck (R-CO, 4th)
March 10, 2017
Congressman Ken Buck’s (CO-04) Innocent Party Protection Act (IPPA) passed the House by a vote of ___ to ___. This legislation prevents trial lawyers from fraudulently joining local small businesses to a lawsuit in order to have their case heard in a court they perceive to be a more favorable forum. The small businesses are added to the suit, even though the trial lawyers have no intention of pursuing a claim against them. When these small businesses are dragged into the courtroom and forced to pay legal fees to defend themselves for doing nothing wrong, they can't focus on creating jobs and adding value to the American economy. The IPPA gives judges more discretion to prevent the practice of fraudulent joinder.
Read more...
Butterfield Commemorates Women’s History Month with Librarian of Congress
G.K. Butterfield (D-NC, 1st)
March 10, 2017
March marks Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the role women have played in American history. This week, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) commemorated Women’s History Month with a discussion with Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress.
Read more...
Heitkamp Joins Tester in Fight to Expose Dark, Unaccountable Money in Politics
Senator Heidi Heitkamp - (D - ND)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp joined Senator Jon Tester of Montana in an effort to push back against dark money in politics, signing onto a bill he introduced to make sure the public knows who is funneling money into tax-exempt groups that currently aren’t required to disclose their donors as they try to influence elections through TV and radio ads, direct mail, and more.
Read more...
HOEVEN JOINS SENATOR LANKFORD IN INTRODUCING SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY RELIEF BILL
John Hoeven - (R - ND)
March 10, 2017
Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, legislation that requires federal agencies to analyze the full impact of proposed regulations on small businesses during the rulemaking process.
Read more...
Taylor lecture addresses religious freedom
Chronicle-Tribune
March 10, 2017
The Heritage Foundation’s Ryan T. Anderson tackled pressing arguments about religious liberty and LGBT discrimination in the United States at Taylor University Thursday night.
Read more...
THEOLOGY AND ALCOHOL
The Courier Times
March 10, 2017
New Castle native Samuel Frost is author of a new book that examines the meaning of God as relates to Alcoholics Anonymous and controversies through the years about inclusion of a deity in the 12 steps of recovery outlined by the AA program. The book is called God, As Bill Wilson Understood Him, by Samuel M. Frost, Th.M.
Read more...
MSN.com
March 10, 2017
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has asked the remaining 46 chief federal prosecutors appointed by President Barack Obama who have not already resigned to do so "in order to ensure a uniform transition," the Justice Department said on Friday.
Read more...
Buck’s Innocent Party Protection Act Passes House
Ken Buck (R-CO, 4th)
March 10, 2017
Congressman Ken Buck’s (CO-04) Innocent Party Protection Act (IPPA) passed the House by a vote of ___ to ___. This legislation prevents trial lawyers from fraudulently joining local small businesses to a lawsuit in order to have their case heard in a court they perceive to be a more favorable forum. The small businesses are added to the suit, even though the trial lawyers have no intention of pursuing a claim against them. When these small businesses are dragged into the courtroom and forced to pay legal fees to defend themselves for doing nothing wrong, they can't focus on creating jobs and adding value to the American economy. The IPPA gives judges more discretion to prevent the practice of fraudulent joinder.
Read more...
Butterfield Commemorates Women’s History Month with Librarian of Congress
G.K. Butterfield (D-NC, 1st)
March 10, 2017
March marks Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the role women have played in American history. This week, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) commemorated Women’s History Month with a discussion with Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress.
Read more...
Heitkamp Joins Tester in Fight to Expose Dark, Unaccountable Money in Politics
Senator Heidi Heitkamp - (D - ND)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp joined Senator Jon Tester of Montana in an effort to push back against dark money in politics, signing onto a bill he introduced to make sure the public knows who is funneling money into tax-exempt groups that currently aren’t required to disclose their donors as they try to influence elections through TV and radio ads, direct mail, and more.
Read more...
HOEVEN JOINS SENATOR LANKFORD IN INTRODUCING SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY RELIEF BILL
John Hoeven - (R - ND)
March 10, 2017
Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, legislation that requires federal agencies to analyze the full impact of proposed regulations on small businesses during the rulemaking process.
Read more...
Taylor lecture addresses religious freedom
Chronicle-Tribune
March 10, 2017
The Heritage Foundation’s Ryan T. Anderson tackled pressing arguments about religious liberty and LGBT discrimination in the United States at Taylor University Thursday night.
Read more...
THEOLOGY AND ALCOHOL
The Courier Times
March 10, 2017
New Castle native Samuel Frost is author of a new book that examines the meaning of God as relates to Alcoholics Anonymous and controversies through the years about inclusion of a deity in the 12 steps of recovery outlined by the AA program. The book is called God, As Bill Wilson Understood Him, by Samuel M. Frost, Th.M.
Read more...
Thursday, March 9, 2017
News: Murder, Defense Appropriations, Repealing Obamacare, Women, Eating Dogs and Cats, Missiles, Financial Scams, Wiretapping, Whistleblowers, Education
Police: Solano County man kills daughter-in-law with hammer
SFGate
March 8, 2017
A 63-year-old man was arrested after confessing that he beat his daughter-in-law to death with a hammer in the garage of their Suisun City home because she disrespected him, police said Wednesday.
Read more...
Congressman Andy Biggs’ Statement on Passage of FY17 Defense Appropriations Act
Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)
March 8, 2017
Today, the House of Representatives passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2017. This bill appropriates $577.9 billion for the Department of Defense ($516.1 billion in base discretionary funding and $61.8 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations / Global War on Terrorism funding). After voting on the bill’s passage, Congressman Andy Biggs released the following statement:
Read more...
Bilirakis Gives Remarks During Debate on the American Health Care Act
Gus Bilirakis (R-FL, 12th)
March 8, 2017
During a key House committee debate on the American Health Care Act, the bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) highlighted constituents who faced problems due to the ACA.
Read more...
Reps. Bishop, Johnson Re-Introduce Bipartisan Mobile Workforce Bill in 115th Congress
Mike Bishop (R-MI, 8th)
March 7, 2017
Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-8) has re-introduced his third bipartisan bill in the 115th Congress with support from Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4), the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017. The bicameral legislation, once again led by Senators John Thune and Sherrod Brown, simplifies state income tax requirements for employees who work multiple days per year outside the state of their residence.
Read more...
Blumenauer on GOP Health Care Plan: “Stop This Trainwreck”
Earl Blumenauer (D-OR, 3rd)
March 9, 2017
Today, despite stringent opposition from Democrats, the House Ways and Means Committee took its first step in moving the Republican “health care” proposal toward the House Floor. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) voted against the bill and released the following statement:
Read more...
Bonamici Statement on International Women’s Day
Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st)
Mar 8, 2017
Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) released the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day:
Read more...
BORDALLO STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam)
Mar 8, 2017
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today released the following statement regarding International Women’s Day.
Read more...
Boyle Introduces Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017
Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 13th)
March 7, 2017
“The fact that this legislation is even necessary today is astonishing. It is past time for us to outlaw such a cruel and barbaric practice once and for all. The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 will finally make it illegal to slaughter animals most of us think of as family members. It is my hope that, with the passage of this bill, the United States will no longer be party to this disgusting practice,” said Congressman Boyle.
Read more...
Feinstein, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Veterans’ Recruitment Bill
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
March, 9 2017
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined 7 Senate colleagues to cosponsor the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act, which will prioritize the U.S. Department of Justice COPS grant applications of law enforcement agencies who use that funding to hire veterans. This legislation was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) and also cosponsored by Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Dean Heller (R-Nev.).
Read more...
Senators Introduce Legislation to Limit Spending on Nuclear War-Fighting Missiles
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
March, 8 2017
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and 7 other senators in introducing legislation that will limit funding for a new nuclear-armed air-launched missile, also called the Long-Range Standoff Weapon (LRSO). The cruise missile would be more precise and could be launched without warning, putting pressure on other nuclear-armed states to keep their arsenals on high alert and increasing the risk of nuclear war. Cruise missiles also come in both nuclear and non-nuclear varieties, so the use of a non-nuclear missile against another nuclear-armed state could be mistaken for a nuclear strike, leading to unintended nuclear war. The missile and its refurbished warhead will reportedly cost between $20-30 billion over twenty years to build. Specifically, the legislation caps funding for the missile and its warhead at 2017 levels until the Trump administration submits a Nuclear Posture Review to Congress.
Read more...
Flake Introduces Resolution to Protect Consumers from Overreaching Internet Regulation
Senator Jeff Flake - (R - AZ)
March 7, 2017
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law, today introduced a resolution to repeal economically harmful broadband regulations issued by the Obama administration.
Read more...
Senators Gillibrand And Collins Announce New Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Seniors From Financial Scams
Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand - (D - NY)
March 7, 2017
U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced the Senior Financial Empowerment Act, new bipartisan legislation to protect seniors from financial fraud.
Read more...
Senators Graham And Whitehouse Request Warrant Applications And Court Orders Related To Possible Wiretapping Of President Trump, Trump Campaign, Or Trump Tower
Senator Lindsey Graham - (R - SC)
March, 8 2017
U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), the chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, today sent a letter to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Acting Deputy Attorney General requesting information on possible wiretapping of President Trump, the Trump campaign, or Trump Tower.
Read more...
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Whistleblowers
Senator Chuck Grassley - (R - IA)
March, 8 2017
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) Reauthorization Act and the Follow the Rules Act Wednesday. These bipartisan pieces of legislation would provide greater protections to federal government whistleblowers.
Read more...
Senate acts to protect authority of states to manage their own schools
Senator Michael B. Enzi - (R - WY)
March 9, 2017
The Senate voted today to rescind a Department of Education regulation that directly contradicted a bipartisan education bill Congress passed in 2015, which put control back in the hands of states and parents.
Read more...
SFGate
March 8, 2017
A 63-year-old man was arrested after confessing that he beat his daughter-in-law to death with a hammer in the garage of their Suisun City home because she disrespected him, police said Wednesday.
Read more...
Congressman Andy Biggs’ Statement on Passage of FY17 Defense Appropriations Act
Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)
March 8, 2017
Today, the House of Representatives passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2017. This bill appropriates $577.9 billion for the Department of Defense ($516.1 billion in base discretionary funding and $61.8 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations / Global War on Terrorism funding). After voting on the bill’s passage, Congressman Andy Biggs released the following statement:
Read more...
Bilirakis Gives Remarks During Debate on the American Health Care Act
Gus Bilirakis (R-FL, 12th)
March 8, 2017
During a key House committee debate on the American Health Care Act, the bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) highlighted constituents who faced problems due to the ACA.
Read more...
Reps. Bishop, Johnson Re-Introduce Bipartisan Mobile Workforce Bill in 115th Congress
Mike Bishop (R-MI, 8th)
March 7, 2017
Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-8) has re-introduced his third bipartisan bill in the 115th Congress with support from Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4), the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017. The bicameral legislation, once again led by Senators John Thune and Sherrod Brown, simplifies state income tax requirements for employees who work multiple days per year outside the state of their residence.
Read more...
Blumenauer on GOP Health Care Plan: “Stop This Trainwreck”
Earl Blumenauer (D-OR, 3rd)
March 9, 2017
Today, despite stringent opposition from Democrats, the House Ways and Means Committee took its first step in moving the Republican “health care” proposal toward the House Floor. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) voted against the bill and released the following statement:
Read more...
Bonamici Statement on International Women’s Day
Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st)
Mar 8, 2017
Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) released the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day:
Read more...
BORDALLO STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam)
Mar 8, 2017
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today released the following statement regarding International Women’s Day.
Read more...
Boyle Introduces Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017
Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 13th)
March 7, 2017
“The fact that this legislation is even necessary today is astonishing. It is past time for us to outlaw such a cruel and barbaric practice once and for all. The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 will finally make it illegal to slaughter animals most of us think of as family members. It is my hope that, with the passage of this bill, the United States will no longer be party to this disgusting practice,” said Congressman Boyle.
Read more...
Feinstein, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Veterans’ Recruitment Bill
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
March, 9 2017
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined 7 Senate colleagues to cosponsor the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act, which will prioritize the U.S. Department of Justice COPS grant applications of law enforcement agencies who use that funding to hire veterans. This legislation was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) and also cosponsored by Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Dean Heller (R-Nev.).
Read more...
Senators Introduce Legislation to Limit Spending on Nuclear War-Fighting Missiles
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
March, 8 2017
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and 7 other senators in introducing legislation that will limit funding for a new nuclear-armed air-launched missile, also called the Long-Range Standoff Weapon (LRSO). The cruise missile would be more precise and could be launched without warning, putting pressure on other nuclear-armed states to keep their arsenals on high alert and increasing the risk of nuclear war. Cruise missiles also come in both nuclear and non-nuclear varieties, so the use of a non-nuclear missile against another nuclear-armed state could be mistaken for a nuclear strike, leading to unintended nuclear war. The missile and its refurbished warhead will reportedly cost between $20-30 billion over twenty years to build. Specifically, the legislation caps funding for the missile and its warhead at 2017 levels until the Trump administration submits a Nuclear Posture Review to Congress.
Read more...
Flake Introduces Resolution to Protect Consumers from Overreaching Internet Regulation
Senator Jeff Flake - (R - AZ)
March 7, 2017
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law, today introduced a resolution to repeal economically harmful broadband regulations issued by the Obama administration.
Read more...
Senators Gillibrand And Collins Announce New Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Seniors From Financial Scams
Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand - (D - NY)
March 7, 2017
U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced the Senior Financial Empowerment Act, new bipartisan legislation to protect seniors from financial fraud.
Read more...
Senators Graham And Whitehouse Request Warrant Applications And Court Orders Related To Possible Wiretapping Of President Trump, Trump Campaign, Or Trump Tower
Senator Lindsey Graham - (R - SC)
March, 8 2017
U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), the chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, today sent a letter to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Acting Deputy Attorney General requesting information on possible wiretapping of President Trump, the Trump campaign, or Trump Tower.
Read more...
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Whistleblowers
Senator Chuck Grassley - (R - IA)
March, 8 2017
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) Reauthorization Act and the Follow the Rules Act Wednesday. These bipartisan pieces of legislation would provide greater protections to federal government whistleblowers.
Read more...
Senate acts to protect authority of states to manage their own schools
Senator Michael B. Enzi - (R - WY)
March 9, 2017
The Senate voted today to rescind a Department of Education regulation that directly contradicted a bipartisan education bill Congress passed in 2015, which put control back in the hands of states and parents.
Read more...
Putting Cats, Dogs, Pigs and Cows on the Menu...
by Shonda Ponder
March 9, 2017
Opinion
Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 13th) introduced a bill in congress on March 7, 2017 that would outlaw eating dogs and cats in the U.S.A.
At first glance, I am thinking, "Now that is ONE piece of legislation by a Democrat that I can actually get behind."
However, upon further thought, I start thinking, where does it stop? What happens when they outlaw pork? Should we be telling Americans what to eat (outside of legislating against cannibalism) in the privacy of their own homes?
Just a thought.
I may not like what you have to eat, but shouldn't I protect your right to eat it?
It sickens me to think my Milo would get eaten, though. On the other hand, it probably sickens Jews and Muslims and some Christians to eat pork just as badly. It sickens Indians to eat cows. So, where does it stop?
March 9, 2017
Opinion
Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 13th) introduced a bill in congress on March 7, 2017 that would outlaw eating dogs and cats in the U.S.A.
At first glance, I am thinking, "Now that is ONE piece of legislation by a Democrat that I can actually get behind."
However, upon further thought, I start thinking, where does it stop? What happens when they outlaw pork? Should we be telling Americans what to eat (outside of legislating against cannibalism) in the privacy of their own homes?
Just a thought.
I may not like what you have to eat, but shouldn't I protect your right to eat it?
It sickens me to think my Milo would get eaten, though. On the other hand, it probably sickens Jews and Muslims and some Christians to eat pork just as badly. It sickens Indians to eat cows. So, where does it stop?
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
The Ponder News: Midwives, gun rights, Health Care, NASA, Veterans, Travel Ban, South Korea, Sexual Abuse, Planned Parenthood, Avian Flu
Vote is today on midwife regulation bill in Alabama
TimesDaily
March 7, 2017
Jessica Thompson is just weeks from delivering her fourth child, a son, and she wants a midwife-assisted birth at her Lauderdale County home.
But that would be against the law.
Alabama law does not allow certified professional midwives to practice in the state. The law has stipulations for nurse midwives to practice under an Alabama doctor, but there are few practicing in the state, and even those can't assist a woman desiring to delivery outside a hospital.
Read more...
Trump signs Abraham gun rights bill into law
Ralph Abraham (R-LA, 5th)
March 2, 2017
The law ends a regulation implemented in the midnight hours of the Obama administration that required the Social Security Administration to submit to the FBI the names of all beneficiaries who are assigned a representative payee to manage their financial affairs due to a mental disability. Their names would then be put in the National Instant Criminal Background Check system, which would effectively eliminate their Second Amendment right to buy and possess firearms without due process.
Read more...
Congresswoman Adams Statement on the American Healthcare Act
March 7, 2017
Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)
Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) released the following statement after Congressional Republicans announced their healthcare plan intended to replace the Affordable Care Act.
Read more...
Allen on American Health Care Act
Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
March 7, 2017
House Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee recently introduced the American Health Care Act. This legislation is part of the House Republican agenda to bring Obamacare relief to Americans. Congressman Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) released the following statement:
Read more...
House Approves NASA Transition Authorization Act
Brian Babin (R-TX, 36th)
March 7, 2017
The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (S.442), which cleared the Senate last month. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reaffirms Congress’ commitment to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and directs NASA to pursue a balanced portfolio of activities. It now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
Read more...
BANKS STATEMENT ON OBAMACARE REPLACEMENT PLAN
Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
March 7, 2017
Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today released the following statement regarding the Republican plan to replace Obamacare:
Read more...
BANKS INTRODUCES BILL TO ALLOW VETERANS TO BE BURIED CLOSER TO HOME
Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
March 7, 2017
Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today introduced a bill that would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for the transportation of a deceased veteran’s remains to a state-owned or tribal-owned veterans cemetery. The VA is currently only authorized to transport such remains to a national veterans cemetery.
Read more...
REP. BARLETTA’S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
Lou Barletta (R-PA, 11th)
March 6, 2017
Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) today applauded President Trump’s latest executive order, which pauses the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days. It also suspends the issuance of new visas for 90 days for individuals from six countries that either are designated as state sponsors of terrorism, or have become terrorist hotbeds. The six countries are Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Read more...
Rep. Bass Rips New Health Proposal
Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
March 7, 2017
On Tuesday, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) issued the following statement in response to the House Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Read more...
Beatty Statement on Affordable Care Act Repeal and Replace Bill
Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
March 7, 2017
On March 6th, House Republicans released legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. In response, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement:
Read more...
Rep. Ami Bera Statement on Passage of NASA Transition Authorization Act
Amy Berra (D-CA, 7th)
Mar 7, 2017
Rep. Ami Bera, ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Space, released the following statement after the House voted to pass the NASA Transition Authorization Act, which establishes a funding range for the nation’s space program.
Read more...
Cotton Statement on China’s Criticism of Missile-Defense System in South Korea
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Mar 7, 2017
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement in response to China's criticism of the THAAD missile-defense system recently deployed in South Korea:
Read more...
Congress Sends Bipartisan Cruz-Nelson NASA Transition Authorization Act to the President’s Desk
Senator Ted Cruz- (R - TX)
Mar 7, 2017
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed S. 442, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Transition Authorization Act of 2017, a bill originally introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas). In the House, the chairmen with committees of jurisdiction for the bill are U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), chairman of the House Space Subcommittee. The legislation provides stability for NASA to sustain and build upon existing national space investments designed to advance space exploration and science with an overall authorization level of $19.508 billion for fiscal year 2017. With the House’s passage of the bill today, the legislation now heads to the White House to await President Donald Trump’s signature.
Read more...
Donnelly Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators to Introduce Bill Requiring U.S. Amateur Athletic Organizations, Members to Report Sexual Abuse
Senator Joe Donnely - (D - IN)
March 6, 2017
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly joined a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing legislation that would require amateur athletics governing bodies to immediately report sex-abuse allegations to local or federal law enforcement, or a child-welfare agency designated by the Justice Department. The bill stems from recent allegations of sexual abuse made against personnel involved with USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming and USA Taekwondo. The bill was led by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and also introduced by Susan Collins (R-ME), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ) Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Todd Young (R-IN.)
Read more...
Duckworth Statement on the President’s Newest Discriminatory Executive Order
Senator Tammy Ducksworth (D - IL)
March 6, 2017
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding the executive order signed by the President today restricting travel from six Muslim-majority countries:
Read more...
Planned Parenthood CEOs Raking in the Cash at Taxpayers' Expense
American Life League
March 8, 2017
American Life League’s Stop Planned Parenthood International (STOPP) completed and released its third report on the compensation of the chief executive officer of each of Planned Parenthood’s 56 affiliates across the country. The report showed a significant increase in CEO compensation since the last report released in 2015.
Read more...
APA Concerned About Proposed ACA Replacement Bill
American Psychiatric Association
March 7, 2017
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is deeply concerned that the proposed ACA replacement released last night will negatively impact care for people with mental illness and substance use disorders. The APA urges continued support and expanded access to quality, evidence-based mental health and substance use services.
Read more...
America’s Road Team Captains Complete Weight Loss Challenge, Meet Health Goals
American Trucking Association
March 7, 2017
American Trucking Associations and America’s Road Team are congratulating five America’s Road Team Captains for successfully meeting their team’s weight loss goals and leading the field in Healthy Fleet’s 10 Pound Challenge.
Read more...
What Guttmacher got wrong … again.
Americans United for Life
March 8, 2017
With all the talk about the “need” for more funds for Planned Parenthood, many in the media ignore the reality that nobody goes to the nation’s number one abortion provider for a flu shot. Full-service medical care is available in many locations nationwide, along with contraception if that is desired. But the lucrative and grisly product that Planned Parenthood sells, first and foremost, is abortion. Redirecting scarce taxpayer and healthcare dollars to full-service, actual medical facilities is the right thing to do for mothers and their unborn children.
Read more...
USDA Issues Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Tennessee
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Mar 7, 2017
USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the full subtype for the highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza reported in Lincoln County, TN. The virus has been identified as North American wild bird lineage H7N9 HPAI based upon full genome sequence analysis of the samples at the NVSL. All eight gene segments of the virus are North American wild bird lineage. This is NOT the same as the China H7N9 virus that has impacted poultry and infected humans in Asia. While the subtype is the same as the China H7N9 lineage that emerged in 2013, this is a different virus and is genetically distinct from the China H7N9 lineage.
Read more...
TimesDaily
March 7, 2017
Jessica Thompson is just weeks from delivering her fourth child, a son, and she wants a midwife-assisted birth at her Lauderdale County home.
But that would be against the law.
Alabama law does not allow certified professional midwives to practice in the state. The law has stipulations for nurse midwives to practice under an Alabama doctor, but there are few practicing in the state, and even those can't assist a woman desiring to delivery outside a hospital.
Read more...
Trump signs Abraham gun rights bill into law
Ralph Abraham (R-LA, 5th)
March 2, 2017
The law ends a regulation implemented in the midnight hours of the Obama administration that required the Social Security Administration to submit to the FBI the names of all beneficiaries who are assigned a representative payee to manage their financial affairs due to a mental disability. Their names would then be put in the National Instant Criminal Background Check system, which would effectively eliminate their Second Amendment right to buy and possess firearms without due process.
Read more...
Congresswoman Adams Statement on the American Healthcare Act
March 7, 2017
Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)
Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) released the following statement after Congressional Republicans announced their healthcare plan intended to replace the Affordable Care Act.
Read more...
Allen on American Health Care Act
Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
March 7, 2017
House Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee recently introduced the American Health Care Act. This legislation is part of the House Republican agenda to bring Obamacare relief to Americans. Congressman Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) released the following statement:
Read more...
House Approves NASA Transition Authorization Act
Brian Babin (R-TX, 36th)
March 7, 2017
The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (S.442), which cleared the Senate last month. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reaffirms Congress’ commitment to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and directs NASA to pursue a balanced portfolio of activities. It now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
Read more...
BANKS STATEMENT ON OBAMACARE REPLACEMENT PLAN
Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
March 7, 2017
Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today released the following statement regarding the Republican plan to replace Obamacare:
Read more...
BANKS INTRODUCES BILL TO ALLOW VETERANS TO BE BURIED CLOSER TO HOME
Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
March 7, 2017
Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today introduced a bill that would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for the transportation of a deceased veteran’s remains to a state-owned or tribal-owned veterans cemetery. The VA is currently only authorized to transport such remains to a national veterans cemetery.
Read more...
REP. BARLETTA’S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
Lou Barletta (R-PA, 11th)
March 6, 2017
Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) today applauded President Trump’s latest executive order, which pauses the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days. It also suspends the issuance of new visas for 90 days for individuals from six countries that either are designated as state sponsors of terrorism, or have become terrorist hotbeds. The six countries are Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Read more...
Rep. Bass Rips New Health Proposal
Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
March 7, 2017
On Tuesday, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) issued the following statement in response to the House Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Read more...
Beatty Statement on Affordable Care Act Repeal and Replace Bill
Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
March 7, 2017
On March 6th, House Republicans released legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. In response, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement:
Read more...
Rep. Ami Bera Statement on Passage of NASA Transition Authorization Act
Amy Berra (D-CA, 7th)
Mar 7, 2017
Rep. Ami Bera, ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Space, released the following statement after the House voted to pass the NASA Transition Authorization Act, which establishes a funding range for the nation’s space program.
Read more...
Cotton Statement on China’s Criticism of Missile-Defense System in South Korea
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Mar 7, 2017
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement in response to China's criticism of the THAAD missile-defense system recently deployed in South Korea:
Read more...
Congress Sends Bipartisan Cruz-Nelson NASA Transition Authorization Act to the President’s Desk
Senator Ted Cruz- (R - TX)
Mar 7, 2017
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed S. 442, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Transition Authorization Act of 2017, a bill originally introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas). In the House, the chairmen with committees of jurisdiction for the bill are U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), chairman of the House Space Subcommittee. The legislation provides stability for NASA to sustain and build upon existing national space investments designed to advance space exploration and science with an overall authorization level of $19.508 billion for fiscal year 2017. With the House’s passage of the bill today, the legislation now heads to the White House to await President Donald Trump’s signature.
Read more...
Donnelly Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators to Introduce Bill Requiring U.S. Amateur Athletic Organizations, Members to Report Sexual Abuse
Senator Joe Donnely - (D - IN)
March 6, 2017
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly joined a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing legislation that would require amateur athletics governing bodies to immediately report sex-abuse allegations to local or federal law enforcement, or a child-welfare agency designated by the Justice Department. The bill stems from recent allegations of sexual abuse made against personnel involved with USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming and USA Taekwondo. The bill was led by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and also introduced by Susan Collins (R-ME), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ) Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Todd Young (R-IN.)
Read more...
Duckworth Statement on the President’s Newest Discriminatory Executive Order
Senator Tammy Ducksworth (D - IL)
March 6, 2017
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding the executive order signed by the President today restricting travel from six Muslim-majority countries:
Read more...
Planned Parenthood CEOs Raking in the Cash at Taxpayers' Expense
American Life League
March 8, 2017
American Life League’s Stop Planned Parenthood International (STOPP) completed and released its third report on the compensation of the chief executive officer of each of Planned Parenthood’s 56 affiliates across the country. The report showed a significant increase in CEO compensation since the last report released in 2015.
Read more...
APA Concerned About Proposed ACA Replacement Bill
American Psychiatric Association
March 7, 2017
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is deeply concerned that the proposed ACA replacement released last night will negatively impact care for people with mental illness and substance use disorders. The APA urges continued support and expanded access to quality, evidence-based mental health and substance use services.
Read more...
America’s Road Team Captains Complete Weight Loss Challenge, Meet Health Goals
American Trucking Association
March 7, 2017
American Trucking Associations and America’s Road Team are congratulating five America’s Road Team Captains for successfully meeting their team’s weight loss goals and leading the field in Healthy Fleet’s 10 Pound Challenge.
Read more...
What Guttmacher got wrong … again.
Americans United for Life
March 8, 2017
With all the talk about the “need” for more funds for Planned Parenthood, many in the media ignore the reality that nobody goes to the nation’s number one abortion provider for a flu shot. Full-service medical care is available in many locations nationwide, along with contraception if that is desired. But the lucrative and grisly product that Planned Parenthood sells, first and foremost, is abortion. Redirecting scarce taxpayer and healthcare dollars to full-service, actual medical facilities is the right thing to do for mothers and their unborn children.
Read more...
USDA Issues Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Tennessee
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Mar 7, 2017
USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the full subtype for the highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza reported in Lincoln County, TN. The virus has been identified as North American wild bird lineage H7N9 HPAI based upon full genome sequence analysis of the samples at the NVSL. All eight gene segments of the virus are North American wild bird lineage. This is NOT the same as the China H7N9 virus that has impacted poultry and infected humans in Asia. While the subtype is the same as the China H7N9 lineage that emerged in 2013, this is a different virus and is genetically distinct from the China H7N9 lineage.
Read more...
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Concord High School live Nativity found in violation of Constitution
Goshen News
March 7, 2017
A federal judge Monday ruled in favor of a challenge by plaintiffs stating that the live Nativity scene long presented as the finale to Concord High School’s annual Christmas Spectacular violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The ruling brings a tentative end to a contentious legal battle that began as far back as September 2015.
Read more...
March 7, 2017
A federal judge Monday ruled in favor of a challenge by plaintiffs stating that the live Nativity scene long presented as the finale to Concord High School’s annual Christmas Spectacular violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The ruling brings a tentative end to a contentious legal battle that began as far back as September 2015.
Read more...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)