Russia, Guns, The Wall, Obamacare, CNN, Charlie Gard, Black Lives Matter and more...

The Ongoing Frustration of Trump's Conservative Critics
Town Hall
July 7, 2017
Most Trump supporters are not cultists who are blind and indifferent to his faults and indelicacies, but nor are they soiling themselves in agony over them. They have not betrayed their principles in supporting and defending Trump. They are not hypocrites for cheering him on against the plethora of leftist assaults. They don't root for Trump because they seek revenge against the left, as some have wrongly supposed. The left's war on America, as founded, is ongoing, not some one-off offense for which we seek redress.
Read more...

Trump at G20 with Mexican President: Mexico ‘Absolutely’ Paying for Border Wall
Breitbart
July 7, 2017
Members of the press were briefly allowed in the meeting where an AP reporter asked Trump, “Mr. Trump, do you still want Mexico to pay for the wall?”
Read more...

Trump, Putin Agree to Tackle Cybersecurity Together
NewsMax
July 7, 2017
"It was agreed that all of these issues, including anti-terrorism efforts, fight against organized crime, and hacker activities in any of their manifestations will be a focus of bilateral Russian-U.S. cooperation," Lavrov said. "A bilateral working group will be set up for these [issues]."
Read more...

Conservative warns McConnell to not give up on ObamaCare repeal
The Hill
JUly 7, 2017
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is not happy about talk that Senate Republicans might give up that effort and instead work with Democrats on legislation to shore up troubled insurance markets.
Read more...

CNN May Have Had The Worst Week In Washington
The Daily Caller
July 8, 2017
The network’s rough week started on Sunday when President Trump jumpstarted controversy by tweeting a video that showed him body-slamming the CNN logo. The tweet was met with widespread condemnation in the media, which resulted in the video being shown over and over again on national television.
Read more...

Meet the Colorado Woman Training Teachers to Use Guns to Stop School Violence
The Daily Signal
July 8, 2017
FASTER trains school workers “not to replace police and EMT, but to allow teachers, administrators, and other personnel on-site to stop school violence rapidly and render medical aid immediately,” according to the FASTER website.
Read more...

GOP Senator’s Bill Passes, Makes Gun Seizure Order Without Gun Owner’s Knowledge Possible
Right Wing News
July 8, 2017
The bill is SB 719, and it has now gone through and passed Oregon’s House and Senate. It appoints an Extreme Risk Protection Order, which forces the subject of the order to give up all firearms, as well as his hidden carry permit if he possesses one.
Read more...

Charlie Gard Gets A Second Chance At Life
Red State
July 7, 2017
The Mengele-esque medical claque at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital has found playing God has responsibility. They’ve “reconsidered” their unilateral decision to remove 11-month-old Charlie Gard from life support over the wishes of his parents.
Read more...

A Texas Judge Turns Back an Irrational Challenge to Campus Carry
National Review
July 7, 2017
Here’s a piece of judicial good news. Yesterday, a Texas trial court dismissed a court challenge to Texas’s campus carry law that was based, of all things, on the First Amendment. No, really:
Read more...

BLM Leader Receives His Court Date As Officer Recovers From Deadly Ambush
Conservative Daily Post
July 7, 2017
A federal lawsuit has been filed in Louisiana, which blames Black Lives Matter, and several leaders, of inciting racial violence, especially against cops. This suit specifically refers to a deadly incident last summer that resulted in the death of Baton Rouge law enforcement officers, and the shooter.
Read more...

Trump's Use of Twitter, Jihad Encouraged Against Trump, and more...

President Trump is changing the norms that empower his media antagonists
American Thinker
June 30, 2017
As usual, President Trump is outraging the political-media establishment, who all assume that his early-morning tweets yesterday zinging the Morning Joe odd couple, "hitting back ten times as hard," as wife Melania once characterized his tactical doctrine, were the result of some form of derangement. They are not equipped to understand the strategy that lies behind his tweets. Like fish unaware of the water in which they swim, they operate on the basis of unconscious beliefs.
Read more...

Actually, I think technology did that. Trump is just smart enough to know how to use it.

Activist Linda Sarsour Calls for 'Jihad' Against Trump Administration
Fox News
July 6, 2017
Adressing the Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) convention this past weekend, Sarsour attacked the Trump administration and called on the Muslim community to unite against the White House.
Read more...

Isn't this the same as making a terroristic threat?

“Women’s March” to Target NRA Headquarters
Gateway Pundit
July 6, 2017
Organizers of January’s “Women’s March” against Trump have now set their sights on protesting the NRA. According to a Facebook event page they have set up, they will protest at the NRA headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, then march 17 miles to the Department Of Justice in Washington, D.C. for some reason. It appears they didn't like an NRA ad that depicts protection from riot intruders.
Read more...

Of course they don't...

Sen. Toomey Explains GOP's Unpreparedness in Repealing Obamacare: 'Didn't Expect Donald Trump to Win'
Town Hall
July 6, 2017
Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) gave an extremely candid response Wednesday evening at a Town Hall meeting when asked about the Senate GOP’s struggle to repeal and replace Obamacare despite years of complaining about it.
Read more...

Lame excuse. It shouldn't have been done because Trump was elected. It should have been done because We the People have been screaming about it for five years. After all, you knew Barack Hussein Obama wasn't going to be elected again.

UN-AMERICAN: On Independence Day, ZERO References to July 4th on Obama’s Social Media Accounts
Western Tribune
July 5, 2017
The former president spent his day overseas at a conference in Seoul, South Korea — but back home, his social media accounts displayed not a hint of the holiday his countrymen were celebrating this July Fourth.
Read more...

Is anyone really surprised?

North Korea tested a Hwasong-14 missile, which is reported as having the capability to reach Alaska.

And, finally, they can't say they weren't warned:

Lindsey Lohan, Free Speech, Media Trust, National Security, Gorsuch, Terrorist Awarded, Planned Parenthood, Charlie Gard

Hollywood Starlet Defends POTUS, Urges Americans to Trust Trump
The Constitution
July 5, 2017
While Lindsay Lohan may not be in the prime of her career currently, she still ranks as one of the larger stars to come out in support of Trump. Hollywood has been busy with their demeaning of The Donald, or outright silence on the subject, thanks to the massive liberal slant of both California and of the movie industry. Now that Lohan has come out of the closet, so to speak, perhaps we will find ourselves with a renewed support of the President in Tinsel Town.
Read more...

Stop Promoting Violence As Protected Speech
The Dana Show
July 5, 2017
The left is ouWhen I made my spot-on NRA ad wherein I condemned violence, I was specifically referring to the violence in Tweeted examples below... The left is outraged that I, or anyone, would condemn these violent acts because in reality, they sanction them.
Read more...

PBS Poll: More Americans Trust Trump Than the Media; 'Horrible Trend'
Newsbusters
July 5, 2017
Monday's PBS NewsHour spotlighted the low trust in the news media, according to the results of their latest poll. Only 30 percent of those surveyed by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist trust the press "a good deal" or "a great amount." The Trump administration scored seven points better in the same poll. Guest Stuart Rothenberg bemoaned the "horrible trend" towards distrust of the media over the past several decades. NPR's Tamara Keith underlined that "these numbers are part of a very long trend of institutions losing trust from the American people; and that...puts America at risk."
Read more...

Trump nat sec strategy to 'translate MAGA into foreign policy'
Conservative Review
July 6, 2017
President Trump will release a National Security Strategy (NSS) document likely by year’s end, one that will be based on the newly formed concept of “principled realism,” senior Trump administration officials tell Conservative Review.
Read more...

Gorsuch already making conservative mark on Supreme Court, amid Kennedy rumors
Fox News
July 06, 2017
The newest member of the Supreme Court already is making his mark after just three months on the job, effectively restoring a conservative tilt to the bench in decision after decision – amid mounting speculation over whether President Trump could soon have the chance to pick a second justice
Read more...

What Canada just AWARDED this jihadist who murdered a U.S. soldier DISGUSTS me
Allen West
July 06, 2017
As reported by CBC.ca, “Alberta PC Leader Jason Kenney and some other conservative politicians are lambasting the federal government over its move to apologize to Omar Khadr and pay him a settlement of $10.5 million [Canadian].
Read more...

Franks: If Senate Strips Planned Parenthood Defunding From Health Bill, It Will Blow It to 'Smithereens'
CNS News
July 5, 2017
On Twitter last Friday, House Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) warned that if the Senate takes the "pro-life components out of" the health care bill, it will blow the bill "to smithereens" in the House. Franks' remarks came several days after he signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that the defunding of Planned Parenthood in the bill was essentially non-negotiable.
Read more...

'Don't give up... miracles do happen' Mother of 'Italian Charlie Gard' says son, 9, given up for dead as a baby has a happy life of painting and chess
Daily Mail
July 5, 2017
The mum of an Italian boy with a condition similar to Charlie Guard has told his parents:' Don't give up – miracles happen.'
Read more...

Some good news worth sharing...

Injury Kept Him From Desert Storm. Years Later, Vet Consumed by Guilt. But Stranger Hands Over Letter
Liftable
July 4, 2017
When Hayley Williams’ father, John Williams, came home injured from a military training exercise before Desert Storm, their life changed dramatically. In addition to the physical and emotional struggles John Williams was experiencing, the family feared they would not be able to afford Hayley’s university tuition.
Read what happens next...

Statement by The Ponder Editor Concerning Trump Bodyslam of CNN

I am about to say something very unpopular, but I don't care. Just because it is unpopular doesn't make it any less the truth:

CNN is astounded at a Trump video that depicts him body slamming CNN. Other Journalists have feigned being shocked along with CNN, accusing Trump of inciting violence against the media.

That is simply not true. He has, however, been shown on CNN in videos that beheaded and tortured him. So, what is wrong with him fighting back?

The DC article I read is quoted as saying: “Around the world, journalists are murdered with impunity on a regular basis,” Poynter managing editor Ben Mullin gravely stated. “This isn’t funny.”

It isn't funny when a certain news organization concentrates all of it's efforts on destroying our President, either. How many other Presidents has it destroyed with lies and fake news? How many other PEOPLE?

The thing is, for CNN to cry out for freedom of speech, and then decry it because it was used against them is justice...pure and simple.

I, for one, am cheering that body slam on!

Signed, a very strong supporter of Freedom of the Press -- providing that EVERYONE, including the President, has it.

Shonda M. Ponder, editor
The Ponder News

Renewable Energy, Trumpcare, North Korea, Hot Cars, Free Speech, Transgender Military, Privatization, Anti-Semitism, Prisoner Rights

Ernst on RFS Renewable Volume Obligations for 2018 and 2019
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
July 5, 2017
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2018 at 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol, meeting the levels Congress prescribed in 2007, along with setting the 2019 RVOs for biodiesel at 2.1 billion gallons:
Read more...

Feinstein: Republican Health Care Bill Increases Costs
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
July 5, 2017
“Under the Senate Republican health care bill, between 3 million and 4 million Californians would have their health coverage taken away. Those Californians who are able to keep their coverage would end up paying much more for less health care.
Read more...

Fischer Statement on North Korea Missile Test-Launch
Senator Deb Fischer- (R - NE)
July 5, 2017
“The latest test-launch demonstrates a sobering reality: the threat of North Korea is quickly advancing. As the threat increases, we must bring greater pressure to bear on North Korea, and its international patrons, China and Russia, but we should have no illusions that they will solve this problem for us.
Read more...

Sen. Franken Announces Bill to Prevent Children from Becoming Trapped in Hot Cars
Senator Al Franken - (D - MN)
July 5, 2017
Tragically, an average of 37 children die each year in overheated cars, and more than 700 have died nationwide since 1998. The Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seat Act (HOT CARS Act) would seek to save the lives of children before they become trapped in a hot car. The bill would require newly manufactured cars to come equipped with technology to alert drivers if a child is left in the back seat once the car is turned off. Such technology exists and is available in some vehicles-including many of GM's 2017 and 2018 models-but has not yet been implemented on a larger scale.
Read more...

Michigan college stops T-Rex-clad student from speaking, acts as if free speech is extinct
Alliance Defending Freedom
July 5, 2017
In April, campus police approached three members of the Turning Point USA chapter at the college who were on a large open area of the MCC Clinton Township campus to raise awareness about the value fossil fuels provide to society. The police told the students, one of whom was wearing T-Rex dinosaur costume, that they could not talk to other students, offer educational literature, or collect signatures in support of the issue. They further warned the students that they were violating the college’s speech permit policies because they had not obtained pre-approval from an administrator on a different campus, and that they could be deemed to be trespassing if they did not immediately cease their activities.
Read more...

American Family Association Urges Congress to end military transgender policy
American Family Association
July 5, 2017
Next week Congress will be voting on a military funding bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2018 (NDAA). Congress will then have an opportunity to put an end to the Obama administration's transgender military mandate.
Read more...

New Video: Why privatizing public services hurts everyone (except big business)
American Federation for Government Employees
July 5, 2017
A new video from the American Federation of Government Employees illustrates how Americans suffer when the government hands over our public services to for-profit corporations.
Read more...

AJC: United Church of Christ Continues Demonization of IsraelAJC: UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CONTINUES DEMONIZATION OF ISRAEL
American Jewish Committee
July 3, 2017
AJC denounced the United Church of Christ (UCC) for adopting a resolution that criticizes Israel but ignores Palestinian leadership responsibility for the human rights of Palestinian children. The resolution, “A Call for the United Church of Christ to Advocate for the Rights of Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation,” passed at the UCC General Synod by a vote of 79 percent in favor, 13 percent against, and 9 percent abstaining.
Read more...

Lawsuit Accuses Los Angeles County Jail of Federal and State Civil Liberty Violations
Human Rights Defense Center
July 5, 2017
A national human rights organization is accusing the Los Angeles County Jail of federal and state civil liberty violations. The jail holds the largest number of pre-trial detainees in the United States, and was previously the target of a federal investigation that resulted in the conviction of the former sheriff and jail officials.
Read more...

Deported Veterans, Election Integrity, Chemotherapy, Gun Group Event, Agriculture and Food

Rep. Juan Vargas Welcomes Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members to San Diego for Meeting with Deported Veterans in Tijuana, Mexico
Juan Vargas (D-CA, 51st)
July 3, 2017
On Saturday, June 3, seven members of Congress visited the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, Mexico to meet with veterans who have been deported from the United States. During the visit, Reps. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) toured the facility and heard the veterans’ personal stories.
Read more...

Veasey Introduces Bill to Deny Funding for Trump’s Sham Commission on Election Integrity
Marc Veasey (D-TX, 33rd)
June 30, 2017
In the wake of President Trump’s request from all 50 states to hand over voters’ sensitive information in his ongoing effort to dismantle the voting integrity of our nation, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, introduced H.R. 3029, the Combating the President’s Voter Suppression Act, to ensure no taxpayer funds will be used to support the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity.
Read more...

Durbin Calls On Illinois To Refuse Request To Release Illinois Voter Files To Trump Commission On Voter Fraud
Senator Richard J. Durbin - (D - IL)
July 2, 2017
“This Commission is a half-baked exercise setting out to prove President Trump actually won the popular vote, which under the clear language of the Constitution is irrelevant. The Vice-chair of the effort, Kris Kobach, is well-known in Washington for hair-on-fire conspiracy theories imagining massive voter fraud which somehow escapes the attention of thousands of appointed and elected officials from both parties who supervise our elections,” said Durbin. "It is understandable that election officials of both parties nationwide are telling Mr. Kobach and his Commission to stick his request where the sun never shines. Illinois should do no less."
Read more...

FDA clears expanded use of cooling cap to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
July 3, 2017
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the expanded use of a cooling cap, DigniCap Cooling System, to reduce hair loss (alopecia) during chemotherapy. This is the first cooling cap cleared by the agency for use in cancer patients with solid tumors.
Read more...

The Well Armed Women Hosts 3rd Annual National Leadership Conference
Well Armed Woman
June 30, 2017
The Well Armed Woman [TWAW] Shooting Chapters nonprofit organization will hold its 3rd Annual National Leadership Conference in Jacksonville, Fla., from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Susan LaPierre, co-chair of the National Rifle Association’s Women’s Leadership Forum and wife of Wayne LaPierre, joins an illustrious group of seminar leaders and firearms trainers in this 3-day historic event at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. More than 350 chapter leaders will meet, train and learn valuable skills to take back to their chapters across the country.
Read more...

President Donald J. Trump Signs H.R. 1238 into Law
White House
June 30, 2017
H.R. 1238, the “Securing our Agriculture and Food Act,” which requires the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to carry out a program to coordinate DHS efforts related to defending the food, agriculture, and veterinary systems of the United States against terrorism and other threats.
Read more...

Jobs, Overtime Pay, Kate's Law, Sanctuary Cities, National Parks, Social Security Act, Independence Day

Swalwell, Hudson, Stefanik Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Online Job-Searching Services
Eric Swalwell (D-CA, 15th)
June 27, 2017
This bill directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to create guidelines for One-Stop Career Center websites – many of which are clunky and outdated – to dramatically improve their design and offer job-seeking services online.
Read more...

Rep. Takano Statement on DOL Decision Regarding Overtime Regulations for Middle-Class Workers
Mark Takano (D-CA, 41st)
June 30, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, released the following statement after the Trump Administration decided to defend the use of a salary threshold to determine workers’ eligibility for overtime pay, but declined to defend the threshold previously set by the Obama Administration, which would have extended overtime protections to millions of middle-class workers.
Read more...

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES KATE'S LAW
Scott Taylor (R VA, 2nd)
June 29, 2017
This legislation enhances penalties for deported felons who return to the United States and allows for the remainder of a sentence to be reapplied to an alien who leaves before completion of their imprisonment term and returns to the United States.
Read more...

CONGRESSWOMAN CLAUDIA TENNEY HELPS PASS BILLS TO COMBAT SANCTUARY CITIES, KEEP AMERICANS SAFE
Claudia Tenney (R NY, 22nd)
June 30, 2017
“Dangerous sanctuary city policies undermine the rule of law while putting innocent American lives in jeopardy. For too long, families have suffered at the hands of unenforced, lax immigration policies. Tragically, if the rule of law had been enforced, the deaths of Kate Steinle, Sarah Root, Grant Ronnebeck and many others could have been prevented,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Today, we kept a promise to the American people by putting their safety first. These bills are common-sense solutions that will reinforce existing immigration laws to prevent criminal illegal aliens from becoming repeat offenders in our communities.”
Read more...

Thompson, Tsongas Introduce Resolution to Mark July as ‘Park and Recreation Month’
The Stuff Gazette
July 3, 2017
H. Res. 406 recognizes the important role that public parks, recreation facilities and activities play in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees and volunteers who work daily to maintain public parks across the nation.
Read more...

Thompson Introduces Bill to Preserve Family Farms, Businesses
Mike Thompson (D-CA, 5th)
June 30, 2017
“Building a legacy for your children and grandchildren is a key part of the American Dream, and families deserve to know they won’t lose what they’ve built—especially after losing a loved one,” said Thompson. “Many family farms are rich in land but cash poor. A major tax on their estate could force them to sell off the very assets they worked so hard to build. That isn’t right. While some have proposed simply wiping out the estate tax altogether, we should address this specific issue without creating a new fiscal hole by fully repealing the tax.”
Read more...

Reps. Tiberi, Burgess, Dingell, and Thompson Introduce Bill to Ease Burdens on Medical Providers
Pat Tiberi (R-OH, 12th)
June 30, 2017
This legislation will amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the volume of future electronic health record-related significant hardship requests.
Read more...

CELEBRATING OUR INDEPENDENCE
The Stuff Gazette
July 3, 2017
For 241 years, Americans have demonstrated their passion for living in a country founded on protecting “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” by celebrating Independence Day. This tradition is a celebration of the actions our founding fathers took when they declared that our new nation would be independent from the tyrannical crown of England. Since then, the United States has overcome periods of adversity and made remarkable contributions to the rest of world, all in an effort to preserve our way of life.
Read more...

Sanctuary Cities, MOTION Act, Immigration, Seniors, GPS Tracking, Terrorist, Human Rights

Rep. Austin Scott Lauds House Passage of Bills that ‘Crack Down’ on Sanctuary Cities
Austin Scott (R-GA, 8th)
June 29, 2017
“For too many years, a lack of immigration enforcement and the spread of ‘sanctuary cities’ has failed the America people and cost innocent lives,” said Rep. Scott. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues today in passing legislation that not only strengthens our immigration policies by cracking down on ‘sanctuary cities’, but also enhances deterrents for criminal aliens who seek to reenter the United States and those states and cities who ignore our immigration laws.”
Read more...

Congressman Sensenbrenner Reintroduces MOTION Act in the House of Representatives
James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI, 5th)
June 29, 2017
The MOTION Act would allow railroad employees to remain on duty and continue working in excess of federal hours of service limits to ensure their trains are not blocking crossings when they have reached their hour allotments.
Read more...

Congressman Serrano Votes Against Anti-Immigrant Bills
Jose E. Serrano (D-NY, 15th)
June 29, 2017
“These bills are just two more pieces of President Trump’s anti-immigrant mass deportation agenda. The reality is that these bills, if they become law, will actually undermine local law enforcement and our national security. By requiring cities and states to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities or otherwise lose federal funding for important law enforcement and homeland security programs, H.R. 3003 coerces local authorities to become an immigration enforcement arm of the federal government. That bill also greatly expands the federal government’s capacity to detain immigrants indefinitely during removal proceedings. H.R. 3004 would broadly attempt to further criminalize and stigmatize all undocumented immigrants, even allowing for the prosecution of someone who is seeking asylum. By expanding federal authorities reach and prohibiting policies to build trust, local immigrant residents will be less likely to cooperate with the authorities, making our communities less safe. These bills demonize immigrants and undermine public safety. That is why I opposed them in the House, and ask that my colleagues in the Senate do the same.”
Read more...

Sessions Supports Bills to Protect American Families
Pete Sessions (R-TX, 32nd)
June 29, 2017
"I proudly joined my colleagues in the House in passing two important measures that will roll back lawless sanctuary policies across the nation by enhancing penalties for deported felons and ensure local officials cooperate and coordinate with federal officials. It is time that we stop putting politics above the safety and security of American families and start upholding our nation’s rule of law."
Read more...

Smith Votes to Strengthen Immigration Law

Rep. Sewell Sponsors Bill to Improve Medicare Advantage for Chronically Ill Seniors
Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
June 29, 2017
“Many benefits necessary to improving health outcomes and quality of life for our seniors affected by chronic illness are not traditionally covered by Medicare Advantage,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “For the 363,000 Alabamians enrolled in Medicare Advantage who suffer from one or more chronic illnesses, our bipartisan bill will enable better care coordination so they can access the benefits that meet their needs, including transportation services, nutrition programs, in-home support services, and more. Protecting our seniors’ health should not be a partisan issue, and I’m proud to have worked across the aisle to introduce bipartisan legislation to help seniors living with chronic conditions, like so many in Alabama.”
Read more...

Shea-Porter Seeks to Stop Employers from GPS Tracking Off-Duty Workers
Carol Shea Porter (D NH, 1st)
June 29, 2017
The so-called ‘Employee Privacy and Protection Act’ was one of three anti-worker bills considered during today’s markup, that would further tilt the playing field against workers seeking to bargain for better wages and working conditions. Since Republicans took control of the House in 2011, they have convened 28 hearings and markups in the Committee on Education and the Workforce aimed at undermining workers’ rights to bargain for a better life, replacing the once bipartisan recognition of the central role of workers in the American economy and democracy with relentless partisan attacks.
Read more...

Sinema, Budd Introduce Legislation to Combat Terrorist Financing
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ, 9th)
June 29, 2017
“Terrorist organizations pose a serious threat to our national security, and it is critical that we cut off the funding that supports these groups,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “I regularly hear from Arizonans who are concerned about the safety of their families and fellow Americans. This legislation is a commonsense solution that ensures the United States denies funding to terrorists and protects America and our allies.”
Read more...

Smith, Pelosi Resolution to Help Human Rights Giant Liu Xiaobo Passes House
Chris Smith (R-NJ, 4th)
June 29, 2017
The resolution, introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-Chairman of the Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC), and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, also urges the Administration to assist in gaining Liu Xiaobo and his wife humanitarian transfer so that they can get treatments in the United States if they desire. Liu Xia has been detained under “house arrest” since 2010 and has been hospitalized for a heart condition.
Read more...

Pro-Life, Death Penalty, Healthcare Bill, 10 Commandments, Voter Fraud, Super Volcano, Suicide, Gay Adoption

Ohio Right to Life's Dismemberment Abortion Ban clears Ohio Senate
Ohio Right to Life
June 28, 2017
Ohio Right to Life's Dismemberment Abortion Ban (S.B. 145) was overwhelmingly approved by the Ohio Senate, 24-9. The legislation, which is sponsored by Senators Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and Steve Wilson (R-Maineville), is being heralded by Ohio Right to Life as the next step in the national strategy to end abortion. The passage of the bill coincides with the 50th anniversary of Ohio Right to Life's founding. In more recent history, Ohio Right to Life has successfully advocated for the enactment of 18 pro-life laws. Since 2010, abortions have dropped 25 percent in Ohio, falling to a 39-year record-low in 2015.
Read more...

Florida Supreme Court hears death penalty-prosecutor dispute
Associated Press
June 28, 2017
The case involves whether the Republican governor violated the state constitution by taking 24 murder cases out of the hands of Orlando-area State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who has said capital punishment is costly and drags on for years
Read more...

Republican lawmakers pressure GOP leaders to drop tax cuts in healthcare bill
Washington Examiner
June 28, 2017
The lawmakers include Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, who says he opposes the cuts in their current form because they come at the expense of low-income individuals, who would be provided less federal money to buy health insurance than under Obamacare.
Read more...

Destruction of Arkansas' Ten Commandments monument places spotlight on separation of church and state
LA Times
June 28, 2017
Authorities in Oklahoma on Wednesday afternoon identified Reed as the man arrested in 2014 for ramming his car into a similar Ten Commandments monument outside the state Capitol in Oklahoma City.
Read more...

Another Democrat Tosses in Prison for Election Fraud
Constitution
June 28, 2016
Spieles admitted to filing the registering the dead folks in August 2016 while making $350-a-week working for a Democratic-affiliated group called Harrisonburg Votes. Apparently he was having problems meeting his quota.
Read more...

Scientists Fear "Supervolcano" Eruption As Earthquake Swarm Near Yellowstone Soars To 800
ZeroHedge
June 28, 2017
More than 800 earthquakes have now been recorded at the Yellowstone Caldera, a long-dormant supervolcano located in Yellowstone National Park, over the last two weeks - an ominous sign that a potentially catastrophic eruption could be brewing. However, despite earthquakes occurring at a frequency unseen during any period in the past five years, the US Geological Survey says the risk level remains in the “green,” unchanged from its normal levels, according to Newsweek.
Read more...

2 California families claim '13 Reasons Why' triggered teens' suicides
Yahoo News
June 28, 2017
Both teenagers died by suicide in April. Their families say Bella and Priscilla both watched “13 Reasons Why,” the controversial Netflix show about suicide, just days before taking their own lives.
Read more...

Justice Gorsuch Wastes No Time Stirring Up Trouble
Bloomberg View
June 27, 2017
It’s customary for new Supreme Court justices to ease into the job. Not so Justice Neil Gorsuch, who has flung himself into his truncated first term like a whirlwind. Now that the dust has settled, it’s clear that Gorsuch wants to establish himself as the new leader of the court’s conservative wing -- fast. No opinion is a better indicator than his dissent from the court’s summary reversal in the Arkansas gay adoption case, Pavan v. Smith.
Read more...

Women Veterans, FAA, National Park, NAFTA, LGBT, Prescriptions, Trees, WOTUS

Rush Cosponsors the Deborah Sampson Act to Support Women Veterans
Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
June 28, 2017
The Deborah Sampson Act aims to fill critical gaps in VA care for women vets, including funding peer-to-peer assistance and improve legal and support services, data tracking and reporting and newborn medical care in addition to changing the VA’s non-inclusive motto.
Read more...

Congressman Russell Introduces Bill to Prevent Closure of FAA Aircraft Registry Office
Steve Russell (R-OK, 5th)
June 27, 2017
Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) introduced H.R. 3062, a bill which would ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Registry Office in Oklahoma City remains open in the event of a government shutdown. The government shutdown in 2013 resulted in an unprecedented closure of the FAA Aircraft Registry Office in Oklahoma City and a furlough of its employees. This closure had a severe impact on aviation industries and national security efforts. This must not happen again in the event of another government shutdown. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) introduced a companion bill, S. 1432, in the Senate.
Read more...

Representative Sanford, Senator Scott Introduce Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Park Act
Mark Sanford (R-SC, 1st)
June 28, 2017
“These two sites are profoundly important to our nation and represent an essential part of South Carolina’s role in securing the personal freedoms we all enjoy today,” said Rep. Sanford. “Establishing the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Park will honor those who lived, worked, and died there as well as help to preserve these sites that remain such an important part of our history.”
Read more...

Cornyn Urges USTR to Strengthen Agricultural Trade in NAFTA Negotiations
Senator John Cornyn- (R - TX)
June 28, 2017
“As Senators representing states with significant agricultural exports, we appreciate the careful approach the administration is taking to strengthen the NAFTA agreement, while ensuring that no changes are made that could result in harm to U.S. agriculture,” Sen. Cornyn and others wrote. “We look forward to working with you throughout the congressional consultation process to ensure that NAFTA continues its substantial economic contributions to U.S. farmers and ranchers and to the growth of our agricultural economy.”
Read more...

CORTEZ MASTO COSPONSORS SENATE’S FIRST EVER RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JUNE AS (LGBT) PRIDE MONTH
Senator Cathrine Cortez Masto - (D - NV)
June 28, 2017
“Diversity is what makes us strong and what defines us as a nation,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Historically, many communities have struggled in the U.S. to gain the equal rights and protections that are guaranteed to them in the Constitution—the LGBTQ community being one of them. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution on the 48th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and I am committed to fighting for equality for all marginalized communities in the U.S. Senate.”
Read more...

FDA Announces Action Plan to Lower Cost of Prescription Drugs that Mirrors Senators Cotton, Collins, McCaskill, and Franken Bipartisan Bill
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)
June 28, 2017
"The steady rise in prescription drug costs over the last several years has left many Arkansans wondering just how much more they can take. And as health-care premiums rise under Obamacare, there's now even less room in family budgets to spend more on prescription drugs," said Senator Cotton. "Regrettably, the current FDA backlog of new generic-drug applications awaiting approval is only making this problem worse. Expediting the approval process for both the first and the second generic and requiring the FDA to make a decision in a timely fashion will increase competition in the prescription-drug market and help lower costs for Arkansas families."
Read more...

Sen. Cruz: WOTUS Withdrawal Is a Welcome Change For Texas Families, Farmers and Ranchers
Senator Ted Cruz- (R - TX)
June 28, 2017
"The announcement to withdraw the Waters of the United States rule is a welcome change for hardworking families, farmers, and ranchers in Texas,” Sen. Cruz said. “The Obama administration's WOTUS rule massively expanded the scope of federal authority over land and waterways in the United States, making it harder for Texans to provide for their families. This withdrawal proposal reflects what Americans overwhelmingly believe: that we can have both clean water and regulations that don’t stifle economic growth and job creation. I applaud Administrator Pruitt for his leadership on this issue, and look forward to working with my colleagues to further roll back harmful regulations.”
Read more...

Governor Abbott Applauds Sen. Hall, Rep. Workman’s Intention To Author Legislation Preventing Cities From Regulating Trees On Private Land
Texas Governor
June 28, 2017
In the upcoming special legislative session, Sen. Bob Hall and Rep. Paul Workman will author legislation to prevent cities from regulating what property owners do with trees on private land. This is one of 20 items that Governor Abbott previously announced will be added to the special session agenda. Governor Abbott thanked Sen. Hall and Rep. Workman for fighting on behalf of property owners in Texas.
Read more...

*The Health Coalition on Liability and Access today applauded the House of Representatives for prioritizing patient access to care by passing H.R. 1215, the Protecting Access to Care Act by a vote of 218-210.