News about Trumpcare, Obamacare, Keystone XL Pipeline, Wiretapping, Israel, Campaign Finance

REP. TOM O’HALLERAN READY TO WORK ON BIPARTISAN HEALTH CARE LAW
Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ, 1st)
March 24, 2017
Today, following news that Congressional leaders cancelled votes on the American Health Care Act, Congressman Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01) called the move a positive opportunity to start on real work for rural Arizona, those nearing retirement, and hardworking families.
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Pallone on Keystone XL Approval
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ, 6th)
March 24, 2017
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement upon news that the Trump administration granted a permit authorizing construction of the Keystone XL pipeline this morning:
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We Can Provide The American People A Better Solution
Gary Palmer (R-AL, 6th)
March 24, 2017
“After hearing from me and many of my colleagues the Republican leadership decided not to hold the vote on the American Health Care Act. I believe pulling the bill from the House floor was the right call. The American people have suffered for the last 7 years under Obamacare, and I know we can provide them a better solution that will put healthcare decisions back in their hands, not in the hands of the Federal Government. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and President Trump to do just that. Working together we can still pass a bill that allows Americans to access the doctors they want, decide the coverage they need, and lower their healthcare expenses.”
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PANETTA STATEMENT ON THE DECISION TO PULL THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT
Jimmy Panetta (D-CA, 20th)
March 24, 2017
“It is understandable that the AHCA was pulled from a vote on the House Floor by Speaker Paul Ryan not only because of the division in the majority, but because it was a quickly and carelessly crafted bill. I opposed this legislation because if passed, it would have taken health care away from millions, and forced families to pay more for less care,” said Congressman Panetta. “Moving forward, members of Congress on both sides of the aisle must come together to build upon the progress the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made in protecting the most vulnerable Americans. We must address insurance cost increases, and make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans.”
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Rep. Pascrell Statement Pulling of Republican Health Plan
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)
March 24, 2017
"As this rushed process unfolded, it became clear that Republicans could not present workable health care policies but instead were constructing an incoherent hodgepodge of proposals," Rep. Pascrell said. "Fortunately, the American people vigorously responded and derailed this destructive legislation. This was a case of political expedience over sound policy ideas. Rather than coming together with Democrats to make basic fixes to the ACA Marketplaces, they opted for a 'repeal' plan centered around gutting Medicaid and shifting costs onto vulnerable populations in order to give a windfall to the wealthy."
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Payne, Jr. Statement After House Republicans Pull TrumpCare
Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ, 10th)
March 24, 2017
“Given the devastating consequences it would have on access to affordable, quality health care, the collapse of TrumpCare is welcome news. The bill would strip 24 million Americans, including more than 50,000 of my constituents, of their health care while driving up costs for millions of others and taxing older Americans. Republicans aren’t serious about health care, and it shows in their rush to pass one of the worst pieces of legislation ever introduced. The Affordable Care Act isn’t perfect, but it has improved the lives of so many of my constituents, and I will fight every day to defend it."
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PEARCE STATEMENT ON AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT
Steve Pearce (R-NM, 2nd)
March 24, 2017
“I am disappointed that we were unable to get to an agreement this week on a plan that would bring affordability and accessibility back to health care marketplaces in the state of New Mexico and around the nation. The failing Obamacare system has reduced choices and increased prices in the state of New Mexico."
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Perlmutter Statement on Delay of AHCA Vote
Ed Perlmutter (D-CO, 7th)
March 24, 2017
“This is a good day for the thousands of Coloradans and millions of Americans who were at risk of losing affordable healthcare coverage under the Republicans’ disastrous healthcare plan. Republicans have spent the last seven years criticizing and undermining the ACA, and now it is time for the White House and Congressional leadership to come to the table and work with Democrats to improve the Affordable Care Act.”
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Perry, House Conservatives Fight for Full ACA Repeal
Scott Perry (R-PA, 4th)
March 24, 2017
“I ran on repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) - or “Obamacare” – not two-thirds of it, but the entire thing. The replacement bill - the American Health Care Act, as currently written - repeals the individual mandate and the employer mandate, but fails to end government control of personal health care. The fundamental problem with the ACA was the government takeover of personal health care decisions. Until we address that key point, we’ll never get to the root of the issue of rising costs and providing people with greater choice and flexibility in their health care coverage. During my four years in Congress, more people than I can count have told me – repeatedly – that they can’t afford health care. We simply must get costs down, and that starts with removing one-size-fits-all federal mandates. Instead of trying to get this done quickly, let’s get it done right. I’ll continue to work with the President and my House colleagues to get a reasonable proposal through the House to repeal the ACA once and for all.”
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Rep. Peters Helps Stop Reckless Healthcare Repeal Bill from Getting a Vote in the House
Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)
March 24, 2017
U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) marked the defeat of the Congressional Republicans’ reckless healthcare repeal, lauded the progress made under the Affordable Care Act, and reasserted his commitment to fixing what needs fixing in our nation’s current health care law and system. Republican leadership cancelled the vote on their healthcare repeal bill just minutes before it was scheduled because it didn’t have the support it needed to pass. The bill would have dismantled many of the protections of the Affordable Care Act, gutted funding for Medicaid and Planned Parenthood, raised out-of-pocket costs for seniors and working families, and led to 24 million fewer Americans having health insurance.
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Pingree Calls Trumpcare’s Failure in House a Victory for Mainers, Millions of Americans
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
March 24, 2017
“This is a huge win for tens of thousands of Mainers who made their voices heard and rely on the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood. This bill was bad from the start and got worse as President Trump and House Republicans negotiated behind closed doors. Trumpcare would have increased costs for older, rural, and low-income Mainers, stripped funding from Planned Parenthood health centers, and given billions in tax breaks to health insurance companies and the wealthiest Americans. Since the bill did not pass today, I hope President Trump commits to giving the ACA the support it needs to continue protecting and covering millions of Americans."
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CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ON FOX NEWS:‘WE NEED TO TAKE A LESSON FROM RONALD REAGAN’
Robert Pittenger (R-NC, 9th)
March 27, 2017
“(Democrats) shouldn’t be cheering when next month they’re going to have an increase in rates again. The reform that they passed is collapsing on its own weight. When Aetna says it’s on a death spiral, when Humana says they’re leaving next year, there is no opportunity for this health care plan they passed to succeed, and it has to be reformed.”
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Forty Members of Congress Tell Trump to Apologize to Obama Over Baseless Wiretapping Lies
Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)
March 27, 2017
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) led a letter with 39 Members of Congress to President Trump demanding he apologize for repeatedly spreading a lie that President Obama wiretapped Trump Tower. Last week, the Chair of the House Intel Committee, Rep. Devin Nunes, tried to spin Trump’s widely debunked wiretapping claims by releasing new unconfirmed information to the press concerning surveillance of associates to Trump. Yesterday, in an interview on FOX News Sunday with White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, Chris Wallace asked if Trump was ready to apologize regarding his accusations of wiretapping.
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REP. POLIQUIN CONTINUES TO WORK TOWARD HEALTH CARE RELIEF AND SOLUTIONS
Bruce Poliquin (R-MN, 2nd)
March 24, 2017
“I agree that all legislation, especially a proposal for such an important policy change, must have enough time to be thoroughly reviewed by the American people and all lawmakers of all political parties. As I said, I have pushed to ensure those nearing retirement and in rural areas receive support in any proposed legislation.
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Polis statement on health care victory
Jared Polis (D-CO, 2nd)
March 24, 2017
“Power to the people! Today is about each and every person in my district who spoke up and said, ‘Not my health care, not today.’ Health care policy is high stakes. It’s life or death for many, and I am so very happy that political games didn’t win out over the health and wellbeing of Americans. We have work to do going forward, but with my community by my side, I have no doubt we will continue the progress of making sure all Americans have access to affordable, comprehensive health care,” Polis said.
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Rep. Posey’s Statement on the Health Care Bill
Bill Posey (R-FL, 8th)
March 24, 2017
“Early on in the Obama Administration I met with then-Secretary of Health and Human Services Sebelius. I asked if we could move forward together with legislation to address three areas of health care with a bipartisan consensus: helping people with pre-existing conditions, allowing young people to stay on a parent’s insurance plan, and preventing insurance companies from dropping people when they fell ill. Unfortunately, Secretary Sebelius stated that Administration would not work with Congress in these three areas. Instead, they planned to transform America’s health care in its entirety. "
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PRICE LEADS 191 BIPARTISAN MEMBERS IN SUPPORTING TWO-STATE SOLUTION
David Price (D-NC, 4th)
March 24, 2017
Representatives David Price (D-NC) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) sent a bipartisan letter signed by 191 of Members of Congress urging President Trump to reaffirm support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “There must be absolute clarity regarding the United States’ continued support for a negotiated settlement leading to a sustainable two-state solution,” Price and Connolly said.
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QUIGLEY STATEMENT ON DECISION TO PULL TRUMPCARE FROM HOUSE FLOOR
Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5th)
March 24, 2017
“Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act seven years ago, we have seen two things: an increase of quality, affordable care for millions, coupled with empty Republican threats to roll back this undeniable progress. Today, House Republicans tried – and failed – to deliver on their shameful, years-long pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Their efforts to force a vote on TrumpCare had far less to do with the health of the American people, and much more to do with fulfilling a misguided campaign promise, no matter the devastating consequences. Under their replacement plan, up to 24 million Americans would lose health care coverage over the next decade and premiums would skyrocket, not only for those in the marketplaces, but those across our health care system. I am not surprised that President Trump and Speaker Ryan decided to pull this dangerous bill once they realized that it could not pass in the House. I would encourage them to take this opportunity to pursue a bipartisan plan to improve and strengthen the Affordable Care Act so it works for even more hardworking Americans.”
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American Samoa not Affected by Federal Health Care Vote
Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa, At Large)
March 24, 2017
“Although House leadership has pulled the bill for now it would not have affected American Samoa in the first place,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Because this is a reconciliation bill, only those provisions included in the 2010 Affordable Care Act can be considered in this bill. The reason reconciliation is being used, is to make it easier to pass in the Senate where it will only require 51 votes instead of the usual 60. The good news is that there is a three step process and the territories will be considered in step three,” continued the Congresswoman.
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REP. RASKIN INTRODUCES ‘GET FOREIGN MONEY OUT OF U.S. ELECTIONS ACT’
Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) has introduced the ‘Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act’ (H.R. 1615). The bill would close a campaign finance loophole that allows foreign-owned, foreign-controlled, and foreign-influenced corporations to funnel unlimited cash into U.S. elections.
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Roby Statement on Withdrawal of Health Care Bill
Martha Roby (R-AL, 2nd)
March 24, 2017
“The American people gave Republicans a tremendous opportunity to deliver results on their behalf. Our Republican majority’s failure to rally around this priority and keep good faith on the promise we made is disappointing to say the least,” Roby said. “Today I was prepared to keep my promise and vote ‘yes,’ and I am disheartened that I did not have the chance to be a voice for the people I serve. I fought hard for this bill, and I will continue to fight for those burdened by Obamacare. The status quo is simply unacceptable, and I appreciate that President Trump and Speaker Ryan worked diligently to build support for this plan.”
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The Ponder News Answers Your Questions!

Sometimes the Ponder receives questions from our readers, and we would like to address some of them as we get them. Recently, a reader asked:

If this is a Christian Conservative News Blog, then why is there so much information from Democrats?

Answer:
Information is information. Most of the information you will find here come directly from the web sites of those who make the news, not from those who report it.

It is not our job to tell you what to think or how to think. All we, as a news site, can honestly do is tell you what other people think and what other people have to say about a particular issue. With this information, we are praying you, the reader, have the discernment to know right from wrong and can use the information we give you to take action for or against the issue at hand. By denying information from any (and every) source available to us, we deny you the opportunity to create your own opinion, or make an educational decision about the issue.

If you see more from one side than you do the other, you must remain vigilant to wait for both sides of the issue to speak. Only uneducated people tend to "circle the wagon" because they feel that "everybody else is doing it, why not?" The whole idea of conservatism is surrounded by the ability to think for one's self.

Here is an idea, if you think it is unfair that Democrats make more comments than Republicans, or have more ideas, or introduce more laws, and you are a Republican reader, then it is up to you to write your representative and tell him or her to get to work.

We promise you that we are not, as some other sites are apt to do, going to with-hold information from you just because someone we don't like gave it to us, if it is relevant to the times in which we live and the issues we are facing. Besides, if they outright tell a lie, or wish to make a fool of themselves, who are we to keep you from seeing it?

Remember, there are Christians who are Democrats as well as Christians who are Republicans. Besides, don't you want to know what the opposition is up to so you can stop it if it is wrong?

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Small Business, London Attack, Trumpcare, Obamacare, Keystone XL Pipeline, Planned Parenthood, Black Communities, Women, Students, Addiction, Identity Theft, Agriculture

Loudermilk Supports Small Business/Lower Cost Health Insurance for Employees
Barry Loudermilk (R-GA, 11th)
March 22, 2017
“For 15 of the 20 years I owned a small business, my employees received affordable health insurance through a group plan. However, even though my employees were promised they could keep their existing health care plan under the ACA, the government determined their insurance wasn't good enough and forced them into more expensive plans with less coverage. Obamacare was a complete disaster for my employees and my business. The House has passed legislation that will allow businesses to join together to form group health insurance plans for their employees. As promised, we are removing government restrictions, giving these business owners freedom to negotiate lower costs of health care for their employees.”
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UTAHN KILLED IN TERROR ATTACK IN LONDON: REP. LOVE STATEMENT
Mia Love (R-UT, 4th)
March 23, 2017
"I am heartbroken to hear about the violent death of Kurt Cochran and the serious injury of his wife Melissa in London Wednesday. This kind of vicious terrorist attack cannot be tolerated. We, as Utahns are united in grief and loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to their friends and family."
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LOWEY STATEMENT ON LONDON ATTACK
Nita Lowey (D-NY, 17th)
March 22, 2017
"Today’s evil attack on Great Britain is horrifying, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. It is still too early to determine what exactly occurred, but it is clear that those responsible must be brought to justice immediately. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has endured for generations, and I will continue working to ensure that we fully supports our friends in their investigation of this apparent act of terror. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of London and the victims of this senseless attack."
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Luetkemeyer Supports Bill to Help Small Businesses and Workers Receive Affordable Health-Care
Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MI, 3rd)
March 21, 2017
“Over the last several years, the number of small business, with fewer than 10 employees, offering health insurance to their employees has dropped by almost 36 percent – in large part due to Obamacare,” Luetkemeyer said. “By creating these Association Health Plans for small businesses to purchase quality health care for workers and families at an affordable cost, the House of Representatives has taken the next step in the repeal and repeal process."
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LUJAN STATEMENT ON THE POSTPONED HOUSE VOTE ON TRUMPCARE
Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)
March 23, 2017
“President Trump and Congressional Republicans hatched a bill in a back room and tried to slip it through the House with no hearings before anyone – even members of their own party – were able to understand the details,” said Lujan. “And when those details did come out – the fact that this bill strips health insurance from millions of Americans, increases the cost of premiums and deductibles, and creates a crushing age tax on Americans over 50 – President Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan and House Republicans got caught pulling a fast one on the American people.”
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Politifact: Rep. Maloney Claim that More than Half of Planned Parenthood Centers Serve Rural or Medically Underserved Communities is True
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
March 24, 2017
“Americans need to know how much damage taking away funding from Planned Parenthood would cause, which is why I took to the floorto urge my colleagues to vote no on the Republican American Health Care Act. Planned Parenthood provides services to so many men and women who would otherwise be unable to access care. A vote for this bill, a vote to defund Planned Parenthood, is a vote to endanger the health of millions of Americans.”
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Maloney Introduces Federal Legislation to Combat Heroin and Opioid Epidemic
Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
March 20, 2017
In response to the heroin and opioid epidemic, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) joined Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison in Poughkeepsie to introduce federal legislation to combat the opioid and heroin crisis and stop mass incarceration of abusers and low-level drug offenders nationwide. By allowing police officers to use their discretion to divert individuals directly to treatment instead of booking them and processing them through the criminal justice system, these programs give police officers the flexibility they need to help curb the growing opioid epidemic, decrease low-level drug crime, and reduce the number of low-level drug related arrests.
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MARCHANT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM IDENTITY THEFT
Kenny Marchant (R-TX, 24th)
March 15, 2017
U.S. Congressmen Kenny Marchant (R-TX-24) and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35) introduced the Social Security Child Protection Act (HR 1512). The legislation allows the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue a new Social Security Number (SSN) to children age 13 and under who have had their SSN stolen due to inadvertent disclosure.
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Rep. McCaul and Sens. Moran, Ernst Introduce Legislation to Support Young People in Agriculture
Michael T. McCaul (R-TX, 10th)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today introduced legislation to support young people in agriculture by creating a tax exemption for the first $5,000 of income students 18 years of age or younger earn from projects completed through 4-H or FFA. Their bills, the Student Agriculture Protection Act (SAPA) (H.R. 1626) and the Agriculture Students Encourage, Acknowledge, Reward, Nurture (EARN) Act (S. 671), enable students to keep more of the modest income they earn, which can then be invested in education savings or future agricultural projects.
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Repeal and Replace
Tom McClintock (R-CA, 4th)
March 21, 2017
Any discussion of the American Health Care Act needs first to consider where we will be without it. Obamacare is collapsing. More people are paying the steep tax penalty or claiming hardship exemptions than are choosing to buy Obamacare policies. In a third of the counties across America, there is only one provider to choose and soon we will see counties where there are no providers at all. Obamacare premiums soared an average of 25 percent last year, and we’re warned this year will be worse.
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McCollum Floor Remarks Opposing TrumpCare
Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)
March 24, 2017
Mr. Speaker, TrumpCare is a disaster for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
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McGovern: Taking Healthcare Away Requires a Heart of Stone
James McGovern (D-MA, 2nd)
March 24, 2017
U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), the top Democrat leading debate today against the American Health Care Act, delivered the following speech on the House floor in an appeal to the compassion of both Republicans and Democrats to stand up for the families they represent and stop this dangerous bill from becoming law.
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Rep. McSally Secures $15 Billion in the AHCA for Maternity Care, Substance Abuse Treatment, and Mental Health Care
Martha McSally (R-AZ, 2nd)
March 23, 2017
U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (AZ-02) worked with House Republican Leadership and the Trump Administration to further improve the American Health Care Act (AHCA). She successfully negotiated to provide states, through the Patient and State Stability Fund, with supplemental funding so they have the ability to obtain additional resources that will provide new mothers and those struggling with mental and substance abuse disorders access to care while the nation transitions to the new health care system. House leadership and the White House has agreed to incorporate these changes into the AHCA.
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Meehan, DelBene Introduce HELP for Students and Parents Act
Pat Meehan (R-PA, 7th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-Wa.) this week introduced the Higher Education Loan Payments (HELP) for Students and Parents Act, bipartisan legislation that will make college more affordable by modernizing how the tax code treats employer contributions toward student loan repayment.
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House Passes Meng Legislation Honoring 100th Anniversary of First Woman Sworn-Into Congress
Grace Meng (D-NY, 6th)
March 21, 2017
As the nation continues its observance of Women’s History Month, the House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) that would honor the 100th anniversary of the first woman sworn-into Congress, former Rep. Jeannette Rankin (R-Montana).
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MITCHELL STATEMENT ON AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT VOTE TODAY
Paul Mitchell (R MI, 10th)
March 24, 2017
“Like many of my colleagues, I ran for Congress with the promise of fixing our broken health care system. The American Health Care Act is an important step toward restoring health care in America.
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Moore Meets with Trump to Discuss Issues Facing Black Communities
Gwen Moore (D-WI, 4th)
March 23, 2017
“We met with President Trump to express our concerns over a disturbing trend of disregard for our communities and to convey our collective alarm over his proposed budget and policy agenda. I entered the meeting with a healthy dose of skepticism and left the White House with a sense of cautious optimism, but only time will tell if the president and his advisors are willing to take action on our recommendations. For the sake of every constituent who is far too familiar with the sting of racism and discrimination, living in communities that are underserved and overpoliced, I truly hope our words didn’t fall on deaf ears."
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Congressman Nadler Speaks in Opposition to Republican’s “Pay More, Get Less” Health Care Proposal
Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
March 24, 2017
Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) spoke in opposition to the House Republican’s proposed American Health Care Act, which throws 24 million Americans off their health insurance while raising heath care costs. For New York, the Republican bill would take away health care from 2.7 million people, costing State taxpayers $6.9 billion in additional costs.
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Noem: Keystone XL Opens Opportunities for South Dakota
Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota)
March 24, 2017
“Access to energy is central to improving our national security and building a more robust economy that offers better jobs and higher wages. Not only does the Keystone XL Pipeline offer these large-scale benefits for our country, its construction will translate into added revenue for cash-strapped South Dakota counties, relief on our roads and rails, and job opportunities for folks across our state. I’m glad to see President Trump move forward on this critical piece of American infrastructure.”
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Congressman Norcross Demands Republicans Reinstate Addiction Coverage in TrumpCare Bill
Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st)
March 24, 2017
As Republicans in Congress debated changes to their health care bill, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today led a group of Representatives petitioning President Donald Trump to reverse provisions that would threaten coverage for drug addiction treatment.
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Norton to Introduce Legislation to Collect and Publish National Demographic Data on Missing Children
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)
March 24, 2017
“Congress has long recognized that missing children is a national problem,” Norton said. “In 2013, Congress required the Department of Justice to conduct every three years national incidence studies of missing children. Such a study is now underway. However, my bill would require the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to collect, break down, and publish demographic subsets of these missing children. It is critical that the public know if there is a disproportionate number of missing children of color, particularly missing girls of color, which we believe is an underreported national problem. Experts need to first measure the incidences, and then study whether children have been trafficked, abducted, are running away, or are missing for other reasons, and what they recommend we can do about it.”
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Nurses, Mobile Workforce, Obamacare, Trumpcare, Airport Security, Mental Healthcare, Aerospace Defenses, Outsourcing, Small Business, London, Russia, Veterans, Energy, Syria

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement After Introducing National Nurse Act of 2017
Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Johnson introduced the National Nurse Act of 2017, which would designate the Chief Nurse Officer position of the U.S. Public Health Service as “The National Nurse for Public Health.” Congresswoman Johnson released the following statement describing the importance of the bill:
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House Judiciary Committee Passes Rep. Johnson’s Mobile Workforce Bill
Henry C. (Hank) Johnson, Jr. (D-GA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s markup, Congressman Hank Johnson’s bipartisan Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017 passed the full House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19-2.
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ICYMI: Jordan reiterates opposition to current House Obamacare repeal bill on MSNBC’s Morning Joe
Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe this morning to discuss congressional efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. During the interview, Rep. Jordan reiterated his opposition to the American Health Care Act in its current form.
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IN LIGHT OF ENHANCED TSA AVIATION SECURITY PROCEDURES, REP. KATKO HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED NEED TO IMPROVE AVIATION AND AIRPORT SECURITY, SUPPORT TSA
John Katco (R-NY, 24th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s announcement that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has temporarily prohibited electronics in carry-on bags on certain U.S.-bound flights, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, highlighted the continued need to address evolving threats to aviation and to airports nationwide.
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KENNEDY: GOP BILL IS 'LARGEST ASSAULT ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN RECENT HISTORY'
Joseph P. Kennedy, 3rd (D-MA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
On the eve of a vote on the Republican health care repeal bill, Congressman Joe Kennedy III took to the House floor to highlight the devastating impact their legislation would have on those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders.
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REP. KHANNA CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONTRACTOR BUSINESS PRACTICES
Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
March 21, 2017
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) sent a letter today to the Defense Department Inspector General asking for an investigation into the business practices of aerospace company, TransDigm Group. Recent news reports indicate that TransDigm may be operating as a “hidden monopolist” and more information must be made available to the public on the company’s business practices.
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Kildee: Trumpcare will hurt Americans and our Economy
Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the Republican health care bill, known as Trumpcare. In his speech, Congressman Kildee called on his colleagues in Congress to vote against the bill that would mean higher costs for worse care and the loss of nearly two million jobs.
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Kilmer, Collins Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop the Outsourcing of American Jobs
Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)
March 23, 2017
Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Doug Collins (R-GA) reintroduced a bill to prevent employers from sending jobs overseas by abusing a temporary visa program. The legislation would stop employers that are awarded temporary visas through the H-1B program from using them to train workers in the United States then move those jobs to another country.
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Kuster: Making It Harder for Veterans to Afford Health Insurance is Un-American and Nonsensical
Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Today it was reported in the Washington Examiner that as many as 7 million veterans could lose access to tax credits for their health insurance under the Republican bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The proposed change comes as a result of yet another late night amendment to appease the Tea Party wing of the Republican party. Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement in response to the proposed change:
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KUSTOFF: OBAMACARE IS COLLAPSING, AND DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION
David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today said the following regarding the state of the Affordable Care Act.
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LaMalfa Votes to Empower Small Businesses
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. This bill creates Association Health Plans (AHP) that allow small businesses to join together to negotiate for the same low health care costs and high quality care that larger businesses and labor organizations have access to. AHPs will increase small businesses’ bargaining power, expand affordable coverage for working families, and lower administrative costs.
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Lamborn Praises Additional Healthcare Legislation
Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Lamborn has released the following statements regarding two pieces of healthcare legislation that passed the House of Representatives:
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Langevin Statement on London Attack
Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
“This attack killed several innocent people and injured many more, including a police officer who died in the line of duty. The proximity of the attack to the Houses of Parliament certainly seems symbolic, and I join my fellow lawmakers from across the Atlantic in solidarity to condemn this cowardly act."
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Larsen, Murray Renew Push to Expand Access to Reproductive Services for Injured Servicemembers, Veterans, and Their Families
Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced bills in the House and Senate to permanently allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer reproductive services to veterans with service-connected injuries, repealing a decades-old ban. The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2017 would also expand the fertility options available to servicemembers through the Department of Defense (DoD), give access to fertility treatment for spouses, allow VA to provide adoption assistance, and make VA’s highly successful child care pilot program permanent.
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Larson Renews Call for Independent Investigation into Russia
John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
March 23, 2017
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after it was revealed that Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-22), the Republican Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee shared information with the White House, before sharing it with the Committee
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Latta Authors Bill To Protect Consumers And Strengthen ENERGY STAR Program
Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Energy Star Program Integrity Act, to strengthen the popular ENERGY STAR program and protect consumers. The legislation fixes a gap in federal law that threatens the voluntary participation of manufacturers in the program, which ultimately harms consumers seeking energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that allows manufacturers to obtain ENERGY STAR labeling for products if specific energy saving guidelines are met.
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee: We Must Stop Endless War
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Lee led a bipartisan coalition of House members in demanding the Trump Administration halt escalating military engagement in Syria. The coalition included: Congressman Walter Jones, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Peter Welch, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Congressman Rick Nolan. The Members were also joined by Afghanistan War Veteran Richard Allen Smith.
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REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON REPORT OF TRUMP ASSOCIATES’ POSSIBLE COLLUSION WITH RUSSIA
Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding the CNN report that Trump associates possibly colluded with Russia to affect the outcome of the 2016 election in the United States.
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Lipinski Amendment Would Get Rid of the Giveaway to Health Insurance Companies and Executives in Republicans' Healthcare Bill
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
March 21, 2017
“The Republicans’ American Health Care Act (AHCA) does not help the middle class or make the healthcare system in the U.S. better, but it does have a tax giveaway for health insurance companies and their top executives. The Republican healthcare bill repeals a provision in current law that limits how much health insurance companies can deduct from their federal taxes for executive pay. Right now, health insurance companies can only deduct up to $500,000 of compensation per executive. Repealing this limit means that taxpayers would lose about $400 million in taxes from insurance companies over the next ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office. Health insurance companies have a right to decide how much they will pay their executives, but hard-working middle-class families should not be subsidizing this pay. This is bad policy, and I have offered an amendment to strike this break from the AHCA."
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LoBiondo Statement on the American Health Care Act
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today issued the following statement on the expected vote on the American Health Care Act:
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Loebsack Statement on Delaying the Healthcare Repeal Vote
David Loebsack (D-IA, 2nd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after House Republicans pushed back a scheduled vote on their plan to repeal the ACA. Republican leaders have been saying for the past week that there would be a vote on their repeal bill this evening
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Acquisition, Russia, Obamacare, Adoption, IMF, Medicaid, Border Wall, Labor Secretary, Cancer Screening, Veterans, Fort Leonard Wood, Water Infrastructure, Military, Marriage, ALS, Right to Work, Self Defense, Religious Liberty

House Passes Higgins' First Bill to Increase Efficiency of DHS Major Acquisition Programs
Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)
March 20, 2017
The bill, the DHS Acquisition Authorities Act of 2017, creates greater accountability for major acquisition programs within the Department of Homeland Security by ensuring proper oversight and implementing cost-saving budget measures.
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Himes: No Obama wiretapping, Trump Russia
Jim Himes (D-CT, 4th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Jim Himes released the following statement on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence’s hearing on Russian interference in our election, ties between the Trump campaign and Russian figures and President Trump’s claims that he was surveilled:
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HOYER, MEMBERS OF THE MARYLAND DELEGATION CALL ON GOVERNOR HOGAN TO OPPOSE REPUBLICANS' BILL TO REPEAL THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congressmen Elijah Cummings (MD-07), John Sarbanes (MD-03), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) at a press conference this morning calling on Governor Larry Hogan to oppose House Republicans’ bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.
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Reps. Huffman, Russell, Bass & Sens. Gillibrand, Lankford Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Adoption Standards Nationwide
Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd)
March 21, 2017
Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Steve Russell (R-OK), Karen Bass (D-CA) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the “National Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Act,” legislation that builds on successes in states like California to improve the matching of children and families in foster care and adoptions in the United States,
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Huizenga Introduces Bill to Oppose IMF’s Third Greek Bailout
Bill Huizinga (R-MI, 2nd)
March 17, 2017
Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the IMF Reform and Integrity Act. This legislation would require the U.S. to oppose the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) co-financing of a third Greek bailout with the European Stability Mechanism. If such co-financing were to go forward, the bill would prohibit the U.S. from supporting an IMF quota increase until funds are repaid in full.
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Hultgren to Speaker Ryan: New Medicaid Formula will Hurt Illinois
Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) sent a letter to Speaker Ryan yesterday urging House leadership to “seriously consider including provisions” to the American Health Care Act as the bill moves through the legislative process “that would put fairness and parity into the [Medicaid] formula that underpins funding to states. Additionally, as we move forward with health care reform, I am urging my colleagues to make broader structural reforms to Medicaid that are fair for recipients a top priority.”
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Reps. McSally and Hurd Call on DHS to Substantiate Funding Request for Border Wall
Will Hurd (R-TX, 23rd)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (AZ-02) and Will Hurd (TX-23), Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security’s Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee, sent an oversight letter asking for specific details of the Administration’s request for $999 million to plan, design, and construct the first installment of a border wall between the United States and Mexico.
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Alexander: Goal of Labor Secretary, Congress is to Create Environment for American Workers to Succeed in Rapidly Changing Workplace
Lamar Alexander - (R - TN)
March 22, 2017
The chairman of the Senate labor committee today said that the Labor Secretary and Congress’s goal is to create an environment for American workers to succeed in a rapidly changing workplace and that harmful Obama-era labor regulations have only made it harder for Americans to create, find, or keep good-paying jobs.
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Baldwin, Murray, Gillibrand Introduce Legislation to Increase Availability of Preventive, Life-Saving Cancer Screenings for Women
Tammy Baldwin - (D - WI)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Invest in Women’s Health Act of 2017, legislation to provide women with more preventive and life-saving cancer screenings at safety net clinics like Planned Parenthood. This bill would help reduce health disparities by placing an emphasis on populations most at risk, including low-income women and women of color.
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Barrasso: We Must Repair Damage Caused by Obamacare
John Barrasso - (R - WY)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding efforts to repair the damage caused by Obamacare.
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Bennet, Murphy, Tester Introduce Bill to Provide Mental Health Services for Veterans with Other-Than-Honorable Discharges
Michael F. Bennet - (D - CO)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Murphy (D-CN), and Jon Tester (D-MT) today introduced The Honor Our Commitment Act, requiring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide mental and behavioral health services to veterans who received other-than-honorable discharges.
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Blunt Applauds Expansion of Basic Combat Training Mission at Fort Leonard Wood
Roy Blunt - (R - MO)
March 20, 2017
“Fort Leonard Wood is the first stop for thousands of soldiers who answer the call to serve each year,” Blunt said. “The 10 incredibly challenging weeks they face in Basic Combat Training provide them with the knowledge, skills, and discipline to take on the threats we face. I’m proud that even more men and women will become soldiers in our state over the next year, and I'll continue backing efforts to ensure our military branches have the end strength they need to fulfill their missions.”
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Boozman Promotes Increased Flexibility for Managing Wastewater and Storm Water Projects
Boozman, John - (R - AR)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined efforts to provide communities with increased flexibility when complying with Clean Water Act requirements for updates to water infrastructure projects by helping introduce the Water Infrastructure Flexibility Act. The bill would also give communities more autonomy as they prioritize and plan for wastewater and storm water investments.
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Brown Introduces Legislation to Extend Higher Education Opportunities for Troops
Sherrod Brown- (D - OH)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the Educational Development (ED) for Troops and Veterans Act, legislation to improve higher education opportunities for troops and military families.
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#FreeSpeechBus – It's Biology Not Bigotry
National Organization for Marriage
March 22, 2017
Marriage Supporter — I have an important announcement: NOM has joined with the International Organization for the Family (IOF) and CitizenGO, a community of active citizens who promote life, family and liberty, to sponsor a #FreeSpeechBus tour promoting the truth of gender. Starting today, our bus will make appearances at the United Nations, Trump Tower, Yale University and other locations with the message that gender is determined by biology rather than by emotions and feelings, and to call on all Americans to respect the free speech rights of citizens to debate these issues without fear of being demeaned, harassed, or threatened with retaliation.
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Scientists discover urinary biomarker that may help track ALS
National Institutes of Health
March 22, 2017
A study in Neurology suggests that analyzing levels of the protein p75ECD in urine samples from people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may help monitor disease progression as well as determine the effectiveness of therapies. The study was supported by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), both part of the National Institutes of Health.
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Worker Advocate Files Brief with Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Defense of Wisconsin Right to Work Law
National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation
March 21, 2017
National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys have filed a legal brief for six Wisconsin workers with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in defense of Wisconsin’s Right to Work law. The brief was filed after union lawyers appealed a district court judge’s decision to dismiss a challenge by union officials to Wisconsin’s Right to Work law.
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Minnesota: Your Urgent Action Needed to Ensure Self-Defense Bills Advance in the Legislature
NRA-ILA
March 22, 2017
Earlier this month, both House File 188, the constitutional/permitless carry bill, and House File 238, the stand your ground bill, were both held over by the House Committee on Public Safety & Security Policy and Finance with the intention of being included in the committee’s omnibus bill, House File 896. It is imperative that you contact Speaker Kurt Daudt, Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, and Committee Chairman Tony Cornish to voice support for the inclusion of both HF 188 and HF 238 in HF 896! Tell these legislators that law-abiding gun owners across Minnesota are eager to see these important self-defense bills move forward in the House of Representatives.
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First Liberty Institute Condemns Lawsuit Against Judge's Courtroom Invocations
First Liberty Institute
March 22, 2017
Yesterday evening, an activist group filed a lawsuit against Judge Wayne Mack over his practice of allowing volunteer chaplains to open his court sessions in prayer.
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Government Claims First Amendment Protects Only The "Right To Choose A Religion"
First Liberty Institute
March 21, 2017
Two police officers came to the home of Mary Anne Sause late at night and demanded to be let in to her apartment, without giving a specific reason for why they were there. The officers proceeded to harass Sause, telling her to prepare to go to jail, ordering her to stop praying in her own home, and saying the Constitution was “just a piece of paper.” Sause viewed the demand to stop praying as a direct violation of her religious freedom established in the First Amendment. First Liberty Institute is representing Sause before the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, arguing that no government official should tell someone to stop praying in his or her own home.
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Firearms, Healthcare, Students, Immigration, Wiretap, Military

Griffith, Hatch, Introduce Legislation to Improve Firearm Transportation Laws
Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have introduced legislation to address a critical gap in U.S. law related to the transportation of firearms. Under current regulations, many law-abiding Americans unwittingly violate disparate rules governing the transportation of firearms across state lines. Griffith and Hatch’s bills would amend the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 to clarify a number of key provisions.
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Grijalva Re-Introduces Legislation to Encourage Nutrition, Disease Prevention in Healthcare
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today reintroduced legislation for the third consecutive Congress that would encourage a stronger focus on nutrition and disease prevention in continuing medical education. The Education and Training (EAT) for Health Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidelines that ensure federally employed primary care providers learn more about the role nutrition can play in preventing cancer, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. While physicians are already required to earn a set number of continuing medical education credit hours each year, Grijalva’s bill would help ensure that federally employed providers spend a portion of those hours learning about nutrition.
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Guthrie, Bonamici Reintroduce Bipartisan Student Financial Literacy Bill
Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), chairman of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Vice Ranking Member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, today reintroduced the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act.
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GUTIÉRREZ ON HOMELAND SECURITY INITIATIVE TO SHAME STATE & LOCAL POLICE OVER IMMIGRATION POLICIES
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th)
March 20, 2017
Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) issued the following statement today in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement that they would begin publishing the “Declined Detainer Outcome Report,” (http://bit.ly/2nsx1c7) a report designated by one of Trump’s executive orders to shame state and local police departments who do not routinely hold immigrant prisoners without a federal warrant. By enumerating crimes committed by immigrants who were not held in violation of the Fourth Amendment until federal authorities came to deport them, the Trump Administration hopes to further attack so-called “sanctuary cities” that draw a bright line between local public safety activities and federal deportation activities.
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US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE HEARS FROM FBI DIRECTOR JAMES COMEY AND NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY DIRECTOR MIKE ROGERS
Colleen Hanabusa, (D-HI, 1st)
March 20, 2017
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence heard from FBI Director James Comey and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers today. FBI Director Comey testified that “[w]ith respect to the president’s tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI.” NSA Director Mike Rogers testified similarly and also refuted that President Obama asked British intelligence to intercept Trump’s communications. Both men characterized Russia as an adversary clearly interested in undermining the United States in many ways.
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Hartzler on Increase to Fort Leonard Wood Combat Training Mission
Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th)
March 20, 2017
Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Harrisonville) issued the following statement regarding the Army’s announcement it will increase troop levels for fiscal year 2017, increasing the number of soldiers expected to go through basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood:
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Meals on Wheels, Military Obscenity, Budget, Bereavement, Veterans Administration, Healthcare, Wiretapping, Hate Crimes, Todd Young, Tax Reform

Meals on Wheels could take funding hit in Trump budget
CNN
March 16, 2017
The preliminary outline for President Donald Trump's 2018 budget could slash some funding for a program that provides meals for older, impoverished Americans.
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Bipartisan Group of House Members Seek Additional Information on Marine Obscene Photo Sharing Scandal
Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
March 15, 2017
A Bipartisan group of Members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis seeking additional information on the reports that as many as 30,000 Marines are being investigated as part of their involvement in distributing and commenting on obscene photos of female Marines. The Members are specifically requesting “an update to the investigation conducted by NCIS and a detailed explanation of actions taken to date by the Marine Corps, Navy, and DoD.”
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Chairman Frelinghuysen statement on President's FY18 budget blueprint
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ, 11th)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, made the following statement today on the release of the President’s budget blueprint:
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Goodlatte Praises Committee Approval of Legislation to Honor Vietnam Veterans
Bob Goodlatte (R-VA, 6th)
March 16, 2017
Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the following statement upon House Judiciary Committee approval of the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 (S. 305) by voice vote:
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Reps. Gosar, Beyer, McSally, Schneider, Suozzi, Comstock Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Give Parents Time Off to Mourn Loss of a Child
Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ, 4th)
March 16, 2017
Today a bipartisan group of Representatives including Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Martha McSally (AZ-02), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Tom Suozzi (NY-03) and Barbra Comstock (VA-10) introduced the Sarah Grace-Farley-Kluger Act. This legislation would add “death of a child” as a life event that would qualify for unpaid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), allowing a grieving parent up to 12 weeks to deal with the trauma and then return to work.
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Rep. Tom Graves: Start Cleaning House at the VA
Tom Graves (R-GA, 14th)
March 16, 2017
Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) voted for and the House passed the VA Accountability First Act (H.R. 1259), which increases accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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Democratic Senators Ask Ethics Watchdog if Trump Trademarks Run Afoul of Constitution and Anti-Bribery Laws
Senator Tom Udall - (D - NM)
March 16, 2017
After President Trump and the Trump Organization were granted 38 trademarks by the Chinese Government, U.S Senators Tom Udall, Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 17 other senators wrote the Office of Government for guidance on whether the award betrays ethics laws, policies, or established norms. The senators also asked whether or not the government ethics watchdog was even consulted before the trademarks were sought or granted.
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Joint Statement from Senate Intel Committee Leaders on Wiretapping Evidence at Trump Tower
Mark R.Warner - (D - VA)
March 16, 2017
“Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016.”
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Senator Warren: Cruel GOP Health Care Bill Will Hurt Efforts to Address Opioid Crisis
Senator Elizabeth Warren- (D - MA)
March 16, 2017
In a Senate floor speech on Wednesday, Senator Elizabeth Warren raised concerns about how the Republican health care bill would hamper efforts in Massachusetts and across the country to address the opioid crisis.
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WHITEHOUSE STATEMENT ON TRUMP ‘SKINNY’ BUDGET
Sheldon Whitehouse- (D - RI)
March 16, 2017
“Looking at these pages makes me wonder what ‘America First’ means to President Trump. This proposal would gut programs that support jobs, education, and public health for all Americans, while handing out favors to the wealthy and big corporations. And it would abdicate American leadership in the world. It’s light on details, but it’s chock full of terrible ideas.
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Wyden, Merkley Join Congressional Members to Introduce “NO HATE” Act
Wyden, Ron - (D - OR)
March 16, 2017
Following a national surge in hate crimes, Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined Democratic legislators in the House and Senate to introduce legislation that would strengthen federal laws combatting hate speech, threats and attacks.
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Senator Young's statement on confirmation of Senator Dan Coats
Senator Todd Young
March 16, 2017
"Senator Coats will be an effective Director of National Intelligence. He has made our state proud, and I know he will serve our country well."
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Smith Statement on President Trump’s Budget Blueprint
House Committee on Science, Space and Technology
March 17, 2017
“Today President Trump took the first step in rebalancing and reprioritizing the federal budget. For far too long, vital programs have fallen by the wayside while climate funding continues to escalate. Hard decisions have to be made to better protect American taxpayers. This new budget continues to fund priority basic research that will enable policy makers to make informed decisions based on sound science.”
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Cafeteria Plans: A Menu of Non-Options for Small Business Owners
House Committee on Small Business
March 16, 2017
“Cafeteria plans are available across the board to large and mid-size companies, non-profits, schools, universities, and the federal government,” said Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access Chairman Dave Brat (R-VA) in his opening statement. “However, one major category of people who are not allowed to participate in a cafeteria plan is small business owners. They can sponsor these plans for their employees, but they cannot personally participate. This provides a disincentive to offering the plan in the first place.”
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House Passes Bill Improving VA’s Ability To Hire, Retain High-Quality Providers
House Committee on Veterans Affairs
March 17, 2017
H.R. 1367, introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup, contains a number of provisions that would strengthen VA’s ability to identify staffing shortages, recruit employees to fill vacant positions, quickly on-board new hires, and retain high-performing workers across the country. It also contains provisions that would improve leadership and accountability throughout VA and increase the number of veterans in the federal workforce.
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Support Continues to Grow for the House GOP Pro-Growth Tax Reform Blueprint
House Committee on Ways and Means
March 17, 2017
In his Joint Address to Congress on February 28, 2017, President Trump called for bold tax reform that will allow our country to “compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone.” House Republicans are ready to deliver. Our pro-growth tax reform Blueprint will unleash U.S. economic growth and provide unprecedented simplicity and fairness for all taxpayers.
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NEW POLL REVEALS AMERICANS BELIEVE US IS LOSING THE WAR AGAINST THE ISLAMIC STATE
Joni and Friends News
March 16, 2017
Less than one week before the Trump Administration’s 68-nation coalition focused on fighting the Islamic State meets in Washington March 22-23, an insightful new survey reveals a plurality of Americans believe we are losing the war against the Islamic State.
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Religious Liberty Law Firm: Chaplain Prayers Are Allowed on Military Base
Liberty Institute
March 14, 2017
On February 6, a special interest group sent a letter to Pease Air National Guard Base, demanding that the base commander forbid military chaplains from performing invocations at military events held on the base. The Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, an organization of chaplain endorsers that speaks for nearly half of all chaplains in the military, asked First Liberty Institute, a national religious freedom law firm, to advise the Air Force base on the constitutionality of the practice.
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NASA Acting Administrator Statement on Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal
NASA
March 16, 2017
“The President mentioned in his speech to both houses of Congress that, ‘American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.’ NASA is already working toward that goal, and we look forward to exciting achievements that this budget will help us reach."
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NAPO Calls for Resignation of Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala
National Association of Police Organizations
March 17, 2017
On behalf of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) and the more than 240,000 law enforcement officers we represent across the United States, especially those represented by the Florida Police Benevolent Association, we write to you to express our extreme concern and disappointment with your decision not to seek the death penalty for Markeith Loyd, who is charged with murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and then assassinating Orlando Lieutenant Debra Clayton as she tried to apprehend him.
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Trump Budget Abandons the Nation's Public Schools
National Association of Secondary School Principals
March 16, 2017
“The President’s proposed budget abandons the nation’s public schools at a time when states are working to implement the new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The nation’s school leaders are especially concerned about the elimination of Title II, Part A, which provide $2.4 billion in flexible funding for states and districts to improve teacher and principal quality. More than a decade of intensive research by the Wallace Foundation concluded that quality instruction and quality leadership are the two largest school-based factors in student achievement. As states are ramping up their school improvement plans under ESSA, the president is ramping down support for the very professionals committed to educating our nation’s students, 80 percent of whom are in public schools."
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Addressing the Intersection of Domestic Violence and HIV: What You Can Do To Help Survivors
National Network to End Domestic Violence
March 17, 2017
Since 2010, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has brought awareness to the intersection of domestic violence and HIV through the Positively Safe project. Positively Safe mobilizes domestic violence and HIV service providers and allies by building partnerships, increasing capacity, and enhancing linkage to care for persons exposed to domestic violence and HIV. At nearly double the national rate, 55 percent of women living with HIV have experienced domestic violence, and domestic violence victims have a 4x greater risk of contracting STIs, including HIV.
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Nurses: Proposed Budget Latest Attack on the Public Protections and the Most Vulnerable People
National Nurses United
March 16, 2017
National Nurses United sharply criticized President Trump’s proposed federal budget as a broad attack on public protections that also targets some of the nation’s most vulnerable people while shifting resources to the least needed areas.
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