About North Korea

Washington, D.C. - August 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) --The Trump Administration announced new sanctions on 16 Russian and Chinese entities which provide support to North Korea’s brutal regime.

This action expands on Congressman Robert Pittenger’s recent legislation to crack down on international businesses that support North Korean cyberattacks.

Robert Pittenger (R-NC, 9th) stated:

“For far too long, China has enabled North Korea to pursue nuclear development, cyber warfare, global provocation, and egregious human rights violations. Russia has also not been a good faith partner on these issues. The status quo is no longer acceptable,” said Congressman Pittenger. “President Trump’s decisive action, coupled with my legislation to further punish businesses which support North Korean cyberattacks, sends a strong message. If you support the brutal North Korean regime, there will be a punitive response from the United States.”

Congressman Pittenger’s amendment to the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2810):

Directs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to create a list of telecom firms who provide essential services or who have been otherwise complicit in enabling North Korean cyberattacks.

Prohibits the Department of Defense from doing business with these firms.

Provides President Trump with a national security waiver to bypass this amendment on a case-by-case basis.

Congressman Pittenger’s amendment was unanimously approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 14th.

More statements and information on this subject from the Newsmakers can be found below (keep checking back for updates)

Schiff-Wilson Bill Restricting Tourist Travel to North Korea Passes Committee

The following statement was issued by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns the latest launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in violation of Security Council resolutions. The launch undermines regional security and stability and efforts to create space for dialogue.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to fully comply with its international obligations and work towards reopening communication channels.

The Secretary-General remains in close contact with all parties concerned.

Congresswoman Julia Brownly (D-CA, 26th) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing situation with North Korea:

“I am deeply concerned about the increasing tensions with North Korea. While the threats posed by a nuclear-armed North Korea are real, President Trump’s belligerent and careless tone is making a bad situation much worse, putting American lives and the lives of our allies in South Korea and Japan at risk. Those advising President Trump need to impress upon him the very serious and real-world consequences of his reckless rhetoric.”

U.S.S. John McCain

Washington, D.C. - August 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On August 21st, 2017 a collision between the USS John S. McCain and an oil tanker left ten American sailors missing and others injured off the coast of Singapore.
The USS John S. McCain, a missile-guided destroyer named in honor of United States Senator John S. McCain’s father and grandfather, both of whom were admirals in the U.S. Navy, was passing east of the Strait of Malacca on its way to Singapore when it collided with a merchant vessel.

U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd) offered his prayers for those sailors who were killed, injured, or are still missing following the collision between the U.S.S. John McCain and a commercial tanker. He also called for Congress to investigate the collision, as well as the June accident involving the U.S.S. Fitzgerald that led to the death of seven sailors, to provide recommendations for how Congress can help prevent similar accidents in the future.

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, announced that his committee will hold a joint oversight hearing with the Readiness Subcommittee to examine several recent US Navy accidents when Congress reconvenes in September. The hearing titled Navy Readiness – Underlying Problems Associated with the USS FITZGERALD and USS JOHN S. MCCAIN will be held on September

Rep. Peters released the following statement:

“We are immensely saddened by the news of our fallen sailors and are keeping them, their families, and other members of the crew of the U.S.S. McCain in our thoughts following this terrible accident. I also offer my thanks to the search and rescue crews from the U.S. Navy and our partners that are assisting in the recovery.

“These tragic, senseless collisions have taken the lives of too many brave sailors. Admiral Richardson, who I know well from his time in San Diego, initiated extraordinary actions to get to the bottom of these tragedies. I fully support the serious approach he is taking, and feel that Congress must also do its part by launching an investigation.

“As we continue the pivot to the Pacific to counter new and dynamic threats, the Navy is being asked to do more than it ever has. It is Congress’ duty to provide our service members with the resources they need to carry out their missions safely and effectively. A thorough investigation by the Armed Services Committee would give Congress a better understanding of what caused these collisions – the increase in operational tempo, insufficient funding for readiness and repairs, or other factors – and how we can better equip and train our sailors to prevent similar accidents in the future.”

Here are more statements and information on this subject:

House Representative Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th):

“My thoughts are with our injured and missing American sailors; may they return home safely to their families. We continue to pray for good news from the search-and-rescue efforts being conducted by Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States.
“I support U.S. Navy Admiral John Richardson, chief of naval operations, in his decision to pause all operations and perform a comprehensive review of the collision. We must ensure all navigational maneuvers are performed safely, and that all protocols are being properly met.

“Today’s collision is the second major accident within the last three months. It is appalling that incidents of this sort keep happening and it is clear something needs to change. The U.S. Navy is vital to our national security and we must continue to strengthen it by providing our sailors with the necessary tools, trainings, and resources to succeed.”

House Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th):

“I was saddened to learn that the United States Navy suspended its search-and-rescue operations for the eight missing sailors of the USS John McCain, and to learn of the deaths of two other Navy sailors aboard the ship, Kenneth Aaron Smith and Dustin Louis Doyon. These Americans died serving our country and serving each other in camaraderie as shipmates. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent people in the United States Navy at the Millington Naval Base. I am thankful for their service and for the brave efforts of the sailors of the USS John S. McCain, who gave their lives in service to their country.

House Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd):

“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the crew and families of the USS JOHN S. MCCAIN who lost shipmates and loved ones in the collision. Like the USS FITZGERALD accident prior to this one, I know the Navy will conduct a full investigation of this matter and promptly report its findings.

“I am increasingly troubled, however, with the rising trend line of accidents that have occurred over the last year. Our sailors are asked to operate every day in contested waters vital to the interests of the United States. We need to make sure that they have the tools, training, and support they need to do their jobs successfully and safely. While CNO Richardson’s operational pause is a good first step, it is clear that Congress must conduct rigorous oversight into the causes of these incidents and the remedies needed to prevent them in the future. I will push to ensure that this is front and center for our subcommittee as we return to session next month.”

About the Border

Washington, D.C. - August 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- President Trump made a promise to the American People that he would build a wall along the Mexican/U.S. border (and make Mexico pay for it) during his 2016 Campaign for President. Recently, President Trump threatened to shut down government if Congress does not spend billions of taxpayer dollars to begin construction of his border wall. Recently, Trump visited the border as he readied for a rally in Arizona.

Below are some statements referring to this subject by the newsmakers. (keep checking back for updates:

House Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th):

“Last night, (August 22) President Trump yet again threatened to cause chaos in the lives of millions of Americans if he doesn’t get his way. Make no mistake: the President said he will purposefully hurt American communities to force American taxpayers to fund an immoral, ineffective and expensive border wall.

“The last time Republicans shut down the government, their callous recklessness cost the American economy $24 billion and 120,000 jobs. With a Republican House, Senate and Administration, Republicans have absolutely no excuses for threatening America’s families with a destructive and pointless government shutdown.

“President Trump’s multi-billion dollar border wall boondoggle is strongly opposed by Democrats and many Republicans. Democrats will stand fast against the immoral, ineffective border wall and the rest of Republicans’ unacceptable poison pill riders.”

House Representative Bill Posey (R-FL, 8th):

"Maintaining operational control over our nation's borders is critical to our security and our ability to crack down on human traffickers, drug smugglers and other violent criminals and terrorists who mean to do us harm. Having been to the border and seen first hand how open and vulnerable it really is, it's important for Congress to supply the President with the tools he needs to keep our communities safe and our nation secure."

House Representative John Ratcliffe (R-TX, 4th):

“I’d like to thank the Trump administration for working closely with Congress on securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws. After the Obama administration’s failure to protect the sovereignty and integrity of our territorial borders – which led to more crimes within our homeland and the unnecessary loss of life at the hands of criminal aliens – it’s encouraging that President Trump’s commitment to prioritizing border security has already made our country a safer place. As a member of the House Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, I look forward to continuing my work alongside the Trump administration in building upon the progress we’ve made to protect the American people.”

House Representative Bruce Westerman (R AR, 4th)

"Our nation's southern border has lacked necessary security and control for too long,” Westerman said. “I have toured the border first hand and will be making additional trips. While the brave men and women of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection do an outstanding job with the resources at their disposal, they are unable to prevent the immense flow of illegal immigrants, deadly narcotics, and illicit contraband from pouring into our country. President Trump today proved he is serious about securing our borders and protecting American citizens at home. I applaud his efforts and pledge to continue working with him in the months and years to come as we bring real security and control to our southern border."

House Representative Dave Brat (R-VA, 7th):

“The American people placed their trust in the President and Republicans in Congress last November with the expectation that we would finally take action to secure the border. Our country is the melting pot of the world and I support legal immigration, but legal immigrants and American workers should not have to compete with illegal aliens for jobs. Our country was founded upon the rule of law and it is important that we hold to those principles. It is time for Congress to step up and keep the promises we made to the American people by joining with the President to fully fund construction of a border wall and ensure the U.S. Border Patrol has the resources they need to secure our border."

House Representative Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th):

“Sanctuary cities and illegal criminals have been put on notice. From 2016 to 2017, illegal border crossings fell 52% for the period covering February to March. A human smuggler based at our southwest border reports that his business is at an all-time low. He’s considering a career change.

“At the same time, the House continues to work with President Trump to strengthen immigration enforcement policy through legislation like Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, and it’s clear that 2017 has brought new perspective to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As President Trump visits our southern border and we consider the status of illegal immigration into our country today, we realize that the safety of Americans and the rule of law are once again non-negotiables.”

House Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th):

“The President promised that Mexico was going to pay for his wall. That was a lie. Now, he is willing to threaten another Republican shutdown that will hurt millions of Americans who rely on the federal government for everything from social security and veterans benefits to Medicare and Medicaid claims. It is cruel politics at its worst.”

House Representative Daniel Donovan (R-NY, 11th)

“The President is bringing much-needed focus to the crucial first step in solving our immigration crisis: securing the border. Reforming our broken immigration system will be a pointless exercise if we can’t stop illegal entries. I look forward to continuing to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress on this critical matter.”

House Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd):

"I am pleased by the commitment our President has shown when it comes to securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws. I believe this was one of his most important campaign promises – not just to “Build the Wall,” but everything else entailed in true border security.

"The Trump Administration is cracking down on sanctuary cities and campuses, working to begin construction of the wall (as required by the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which President Obama ignored), he’s begun the process of hiring 10,000 new ICE agents (including 5,000 new Border Patrol Agents) and targeted national enforcement of the violent MS-13 illegal immigrant gang.

"The impact has been that illegal border crossings are down 53%, with ICE conducting 40% more raids than last year. Arrests of convicted criminal aliens are up 20%, and 2,700 criminal gang members have been removed – already more than all of last year by 35%. All in all, the President is doing exactly what I’d hoped he would in enforcing our immigration laws and protecting the country, and I look forward to working with him to do even more.

"The proof is in the numbers, and President Trump has proven what many of us have said for years, the first step towards securing our border is to have a President who is serious about enforcing the laws already on the books."

House Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th):

“A weak border has consequences for the whole country. National security is jeopardized when we don’t know who is entering and leaving. The rule of law is diminished. Opportunities for legal immigrants who follow the rules are closed.

“Dangerous and addicting substances routinely cross the border. The 2016 National Drug Threat Assessment found that Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations, which control smuggling corridors across the border, are the biggest criminal drug threat to the United States. Lax border security has fueled the opioid epidemic, the ready availability of meth, fentanyl, and the resurgence of cocaine. Parts of the country far from the border are in pain because the Federal Government didn’t do enough to control who or what entered our territory.

“Fortunately, the Trump Administration has shown that it takes enforcement seriously. The proof is in the numbers. Apprehensions at the border from January 1 to July 31 of this year are almost half of what they were in the same period last year, a sign that many are choosing not to risk illegal border crossings.

“We should build on this success to further guarantee the integrity of our borders. To that end, I supported the inclusion of funding for a border wall in the appropriations bill the House passed last month and urge that it be kept in any bill to fund the government.”

House Representative Louie Gohmert (R-TX, 1st):

“The best thing we can do for BOTH the United States and Mexico is to secure our border. Thankfully, we have a President who understands and is committed to that. A nation founded on laws that apply to everyone, where neither rich nor poor or supposed to be above the law, must have the law enforced to maintain its integrity, fairness, justice and opportunity. If we secure and enforce our border properly, Mexico's drug cartels are reduced dramatically, which reduces corruption and lawlessness in Mexico, and, thereby, helps Mexico finally achieve its place as one of the top economies and vibrant countries in the world.”

“A good neighbor would help Mexico in this way, which also returns America back to being a nation where the law matters and where we can continue to allow more lawful entries into the United States than any other country in the world. Thankfully, we have a President who not only understands the importance of security and the rule of law, but is doing all he can to make such security, propriety, and opportunity a reality."

House Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA, 6th):

“President Trump has demonstrated his commitment to restoring the rule of law by directing his Administration to enforce our nation’s immigration laws. The President’s strong action has caused illegal immigration to drop significantly at the U.S.-Mexico border. In addition to this progress, we also need to improve our nation’s immigration laws and provide more tools to further reduce illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

“The House of Representatives recently passed the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act and Kate’s Law. These bills combat dangerous sanctuary policies that allow criminals to remain on our streets and punish felons who repeatedly enter the U.S. illegally, respectively. Both of these bills would dramatically improve public safety, and I call on the Senate again to pass them without delay.

“The House Judiciary Committee has also approved a number of bills to strengthen the enforcement of our immigration laws within the interior of the United States, reform the refugee and asylum programs, and ensure unaccompanied minors who make the dangerous journey to the U.S. are safely returned home. The House must pass all of these bills to provide the Trump Administration the tools needed to secure the border and enforce our immigration laws, and to ensure that future administrations do not ignore immigration enforcement laws.”

House Representative Jody Hice (R-GA, 10th)

“Securing our borders is vital to maintaining the safety of our homeland,” said Congressman Hice. "I’m grateful that President Trump has brought this issue into the forefront and given it the attention it deserves. I remain firmly committed to supporting the President's security initiatives on the southern border that will help improve our national security and ensure public safety."

About Transgenders in the Military

Earlier this year, a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives rejected a measure that would have discriminated against transgender Americans who serve or are able to serve in the military. President Donald Trump sent a memorandum ordering the Pentagon to ban transgender Americans from enlisting or commissioning in the military. The memorandum also halts some medically necessary transition-related health care for transgender service members.

Statements from the Newsmakers (Check back for updates):

Jimmy Panetta (D-CA, 20th):

"I am deeply disappointed that the White House is moving forward with this policy that will direct the Pentagon to prevent transgender Americans from serving in our military, and keep those already serving from receiving the medical treatment they need and deserve. With this decision, the President is putting politics and prejudice above the best interests of our military. Our government should not turn its back on those who are already serving, and are able to serve, simply based on their gender identity. Those who volunteer and are able to defend our country should be allowed to do so; gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, color, or gender has no bearing on one’s ability to serve. The diversity of our military has only made it stronger. This decision could negatively affect our readiness and our ability to recruit the most qualified individuals to our armed services. As a veteran, and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I strongly oppose this policy."

Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th):

“This Presidential order is a cravenly opportunistic act of discrimination against men and women who volunteer to defend the United States.

"President Trump has no credible information suggesting that transgender service undermines military readiness. Yet he is willing to ruin lives and deface our government’s commitment to equality in an apparent attempt to secure funding for his border wall. Apparently, if Mexico won’t pay for the wall, President Trump has decided that honorable men and women in uniform should pay instead as their service is traded away for funding. I oppose this decision in extremely strong terms, and we will fight for its reversal.”

Senator Jeanne Shaheen - (D - NH):

“The President’s actions to ban transgender Americans from serving their country is disgraceful. There are thousands of transgender Americans putting their lives on the line every day to defend our nation, people and liberty,” said Senator Shaheen. She continued, “Imposing a national defense policy that discriminates against American service members based on their gender identity violates their civil rights, undermines our military readiness and puts those affected by the ban, as well as their commanders, in a terrible position. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I oppose this egregious policy and will work with my colleagues in Congress to push back on the Administration’s decision so we can protect all transgender service members proudly serving our nation.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren- (D - MA)

"As a hurricane prepares to devastate Texas, Donald Trump is more concerned with kicking people out of the military and pardoning a racist sheriff who broke the law. Every time we think our President can't go any lower, he goes lower.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again: the only thing that matters when it comes to allowing military personnel to serve is whether or not they can handle the job.

"President Trump just issued an official memo that insults the courage and sacrifices being made by thousands of transgender troops, and he once again proved that he cares more about extreme ideology than military readiness. The President can pretend this decision is about military effectiveness, but it isn't. Banning individuals from serving based on gender identity is shameful and wrong - and it makes America less safe."

House Representative Amy Berra (D-CA, 7th):

“If you wear an American military uniform, you deserve the respect and support of the Commander-in-Chief. Unfortunately, Donald Trump is more comfortable peddling in discrimination and bigotry, and he’s shown that he is unable to support our troops.

Thousands of transgender men and women serve in the United States military. Removing these men and women from service or refusing recruits because of who they are goes against every American value they swear to defend. To those who serve, thank you for your sacrifice. You deserve better.”

House Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH, 8th):

“The Department of Defense should be focused on fighting and winning our nation’s wars, while also training and equipping the force that will do so into the future. The transgender debate is a distraction from this focus. With this announcement, along with the readiness and training review underway by Secretary Mattis, the Trump Administration is setting a clear expectation for that focus. I look forward to reviewing the details of these changes when they become available.”

House Representative Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd):

“Transgender servicemembers have and are serving with honor, distinction, and courage. No evidence has been ­­­­­­presented to warrant this ban, which is based solely on discrimination.

“With the National Defense Authorization Act making its way through Congress, I will seek options to block this action. Our servicemembers should be focused on the singular objective of protecting Americans. This ban will only serve as a disruptive distraction of that effort.”

House Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th):

“Military service is a privilege, not a right. I’m pleased to see the President putting military readiness first and making sure our defense dollars are spent keeping us safe. With the growing threats from Iran, North Korea, China and others, the U.S. military cannot afford to divert precious defense dollars from our national security. Every dollar must be spent investing in new military technology, getting the right equipment for our troops, and making sure we are protected from threats across the globe.”

President Trump Pardons Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Washington, D.C. - August 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- President Donald Trump has issued Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio a full Presidential Pardon. The White house stated:

"Today, President Donald J. Trump granted a Presidential pardon to Joe Arpaio, former Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. Arpaio’s life and career, which began at the age of 18 when he enlisted in the military after the outbreak of the Korean War, exemplify selfless public service. After serving in the Army, Arpaio became a police officer in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas, NV and later served as a Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), formerly the Bureau of Narcotics. After 25 years of admirable service, Arpaio went on to lead the DEA’s branch in Arizona.

In 1992, the problems facing his community pulled Arpaio out of retirement to return to law enforcement. He ran and won a campaign to become Sheriff of Maricopa County. Throughout his time as Sheriff, Arpaio continued his life’s work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration. Sheriff Joe Arpaio is now eighty-five years old, and after more than fifty years of admirable service to our Nation, he is worthy candidate for a Presidential pardon."

Just minutes before Hurricane Harvey touched the Texas coast, Donald Trump issued the pardon, then tweeted:

I am pleased to inform you that I have just granted a full Pardon to 85 year old American patriot Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He kept Arizona safe!

Last week, House Representative Trent Franks (R-AR, 8th) issued the following statement:

“Sheriff Arpaio has been a long-respected member of the law enforcement community who has dedicated his life to keeping Arizona communities safe. He has no prior convictions, no criminal record, no record of wrongs. In his twilight years, he deserves to retire peacefully and enjoy the satisfaction of a hard-earned and honorable retirement.

“Let us have an honest moment – this has been a political prosecution from the beginning. The real reason Arpaio is in legal trouble right now is because a Clinton-appointed judge decided to issue a judgment that contradicted every single witness that testified in the case.

“Pardoning Sheriff Arpaio would be celebrated by Arizonans that appreciate and respect a man who has accomplished so much for law and order in our state. It would absolutely be the right thing for President Trump to pardon Sheriff Joe.”

Now, after the pardon, Franks took to Twitter with:

The president did the right thing -- Joe Arpaio lived an honorable life serving our country, and he deserves an honorable retirement.

Senator John McCain (R - AZ) however, was not happy about the pardon. He stated:

“No one is above the law and the individuals entrusted with the privilege of being sworn law officers should always seek to be beyond reproach in their commitment to fairly enforcing the laws they swore to uphold. Mr. Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt for continuing to illegally profile Latinos living in Arizona based on their perceived immigration status in violation of a judge’s orders. The President has the authority to make this pardon, but doing so at this time undermines his claim for the respect of rule of law as Mr. Arpaio has shown no remorse for his actions.”

Senator Senator Al Franken (D - MN) tweeted,

"Presidential pardons should not be rewards for bad behavior and discrimination. Granting a pardon to Joe Arpaio is shameful and appalling."

Arpaio, however, is very grateful. He responded to the pardon with:

I am humbled and incredibly grateful to President Trump. I look fwd to putting this chapter behind me and helping to #MAGA

Senator Jack Reed (D - RI) stated:

“All Americans should be outraged by the way President Trump pardoned Mr. Arpaio.

“Mr. Arpaio abused his power as a law officer, even after the courts ordered him to stop because his actions were unconstitutional.

“This is another example of President Trump endorsing discrimination. The President may have the authority to pardon, but the American people have the ultimate power to hold him accountable.”

House Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th) issued the following statement on President Trump's decision to pardon former Sheriff Joe Arpaio who was convicted of criminal contempt of court:

"Last night, President Trump once again proved he is willing to give a rubber stamp of approval to racism and bigotry when he pardoned Joe Arpaio. Arpaio repeatedly targeted, tormented, and harassed Latinos based on their race, routinely violating the 4th Amendment. By ignoring the court's ruling and abusing his power to pardon one of his early supporters, the President has shown a complete disrespect for the rule of law and elevated a man who sought to sow fear and distrust across the country.

Rather than working to unite the nation, this action follows in the President's pattern of divisiveness and goes against the core values of our nation. I condemn his actions and will continue to stand against racism, bigotry, and hatred in all its forms."

House Representative Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th) said:

“President Trump's pardon of Sheriff Arpaio is an affront to the rule of law and a deeply disturbing use of Presidential Power to sanction discrimination. As Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arpaio flagrantly ignored clear Federal immigration enforcement guidelines and aggressively pursued policies of racial profiling. His continued violation of civil rights led to a conviction in a court of law for his unlawful immigration practices. Trump's pardon is an endorsement of the bigoted and racists actions that led to Sheriff Arpaio's conviction, and undermines the pursuit of justice that our system of government is built on.”

House Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL, 23rd):

"After drawing kudos from racists for his response to a fatal white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Donald Trump chooses now, of all times, to pardon former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. This shameful act – done under cover of a Friday night rollout – is just another ugly, brazen pander to his nativist base. With a notorious reputation for ethnic profiling, Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt related to his refusal to stop imprisoning suspected illegal immigrants after being ordered by a federal judge to stop. This pardon will only sew more discord and division within our nation, and maintain the steady stream of shame that Trump heaps upon his sacred office nearly every day."

Senator Elizabeth Warren- (D - MA):

"Speaking of making America less safe, President Trump and Sheriff Joe Arpaio are two of a kind: both believe the law doesn't apply to them and have used their office to create a platform for racism and bigotry. No one - not Trump and not Arpaio - is above the law."

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse- (D - RI):

“Sheriff Arpaio systemically discriminated against Arizona Latinos in defiance of our Constitution and ignored our courts. He does not deserve a pardon. Now is a time to bind the wounds left by‎ white nationalists’ repugnant attacks in Charlottesville. Instead, President Trump has again doubled down on the side of ignorance, bigotry, intolerance, and hate."

House Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th):

"As a member of the Arizona Congressional delegation, I applaud President Trump for pardoning Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The President brought justice to a situation where the Obama administration had attempted to destroy a political opponent.

“Sheriff Joe Arpaio made many enemies in the judicial system, the media, and the left because he enforced laws that the federal government ignored. He did right by the law – even as the political consequences continued to mount. America owes Sheriff Arpaio a debt of gratitude and not the injustice of a political witch hunt.

“I am very happy for Sheriff Joe Arpaio and hope that he will be able to live out his days in peace and comfort, knowing that his President and country are grateful for his service to this nation. I look forward to seeing how the Sheriff plans to serve this country in the next chapter of his life.”

House Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th):

“President Trump used the power of the presidency to pardon a bigot today. Sheriff Arpaio is a stain on law enforcement. He directed the targeting of individuals based on their race, and continued the illegal, discriminatory practice after a judge ordered him to stop.

“The President's decision to pardon Sheriff Arpaio in the wake of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville will embolden racist factions of our society. This callous announcement deepens divisions between Americans and hinders the healing our nation needs.”

House Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th):

“President Trump's pardoning of Joe Arpaio isn't just bad, it's dangerous. The President continues to show a callous disregard for the independence of our federal judiciary,” said Congressman Cohen. “Even worse, he did so in defense of a man who had been criminally convicted of failing to follow a court order in connection with a lawsuit involving racial profiling. This was not only a terrible decision, but if reports are accurate that he did not consult the Department of Justice, it was also done incredibly irresponsibly. Presidents have a duty to consult professionals and experts before taking action. Authoritarianism always starts with attacks on the press and the judiciary. We must guard against these kind of attacks against democracy. The rule of law is one of our basic precepts. We fought a revolution to place the law above men. By pardoning the former sheriff, the President has once again abused his authority and divided our nation. I will be reviewing the President’s action with my Judiciary Committee colleagues to determine how best to address it.”

House Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY, 14th):

“President Trump has once again chosen to appease the most anti-immigrant voices in his party. Pardoning one of the country’s most notorious anti-immigrant crusaders sends a chilling message to hardworking immigrants and their families throughout the country. And waving away the crimes of someone who is currently facing jail time for refusing to stop racially profiling immigrants sadly only confirms President Trump’s inability to stand up to those who spread hate.”

House Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD, 7th):

“The President claims that he wants to unite the country and fight against racism, yet his own words and actions show the opposite. He followed up his abhorrent statements about Charlottesville—that some white supremacists are 'very fine people'—by pardoning a racist cop for his crimes against minorities. Over and over again, President Trump has promoted what Speaker Ryan once called ‘textbook racism’ while exhibiting contempt for the rule of law. President Trump is sending a message with these words and his actions, and it is one of hate and divisiveness rather than hope and unity.”

House Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN, 5th):

“Trump's pardon of Joe Arpaio proves what the world already knows: that the President thinks criminal law-breaking is okay, as long as it only harms certain people.

“Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was one of our country’s most notorious racists who racially profiled Latinos and tortured and humiliated inmates. He was lawfully convicted for refusing to comply with a court order to stop violating people’s constitutional rights.

“Pardons are used when those convicted of crimes show a willingness to reform and become better citizens. Joe Arpaio has not done either. He has not apologized, shown remorse for his crimes or a willingness to repair the damage he’s done to his community.

“Yet, Donald Trump believes that a man who used race as a way to abuse and oppress people is an ‘American patriot’.

“This pardon comes just hours after it was reported that the Trump Administration may end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and signed a directive to ban transgender military recruits - all while a Category 4 Hurricane was making landfall in Texas and putting millions of lives at risk.

“And let’s not forget, just two weeks ago, Trump said that some white supremacists and neo-Nazis were 'fine people'.

“It's clear. President Trump is giving cover to white supremacy.”

House Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th):

“It isn’t easy to find a convicted, notorious racist, but Trump found him and pardoned him. Sheriff Arpaio chose to ignore the law and judgements by federal courts. He chose to use race and ethnicity as a pretext to deprive people of their rights. He shredded the Constitution and became a celebrity for Fox News, white supremacists and the President.

“Nobody believed the President when he said he would be the ‘Law and Order’ President and he has proven us all right. Joe Arpaio should serve a very, very long time for his crimes, but in him, Trump finds a kindred spirit. Both men are not ashamed to use overt appeals to racism to glorify themselves and both are not ashamed of abusing public office if it enhances their personal brand. This is a sad chapter even by the standards of the tragic saga of Trump.”

News about: Nazi Deportation, Charlottesville, Censure, Monuments, Prisons, Racial Profiling, Right to Work, Pardon, Praying

Camping World CEO has told Trump supporters that they can take their business elsewhere, he doesn't want it. Doesn't he realize that Trump supporters are people who hunt and fish the most? Click HERE to read more about it...

Members of the New York Congressional Delegation wrote a letter urging Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to personally seek the deportation of a Nazi prison guard living in Queens. Led by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY), and Congressman Dan Donovan (R-NY), the lawmakers asked Secretary Tillerson to use his influence to ensure that Jakiw Palij—a convicted Nazi guard—is deported, so New Yorkers and Americans are not forced to live besides “a painful reminder for Americans who fought against the Nazis or lost loved ones in the Holocaust.” Read more about it by clicking here...

The following Members have signed on as cosponsors of H.Res.496 censuring President Trump for his Charlottesville comments:

Alma Adams (D-NC)
Nannette Barragan (D-CA)
Ami Bera (D-CA)
Karen Bass (D-CA)
Don Beyer (D-VA)
Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
Anthony Brown (D-MD)
Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Michael Capuano (D-MA)
Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
Tony Cardenas (D-CA)
David Cicilline (D-RI)
Katherine Clark (D-MA)
Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
William Lacy Clay (D-MO)
Steve Cohen (D-TN)
Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA)
John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)
Joe Courtney (D-CT)
Joe Crowley (D-NY)
Elijah Cummings (D-MD)
Diana DeGette (D-CO)
Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)
Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
Eliot Engel (D-NY)
Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
Elizabeth Esty (D-CT)
Dwight Evans (D-PA)
Bill Foster (D-IL)
Lois Frankel (D-FL)
Marcia Fudge (D-OH)
John Garamendi (D-CA)
Jimmy Gomez (D-CA)
Al Green (D-TX)
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ)
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL)
Denny Heck (D-WA)
Brian Higgins (D-NY)
Jim Himes (D-CT)
Jared Huffman (D-CA)
Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX)
Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
Hank Johnson (D-GA)
Robin Kelly (D-IL)
Joe Kennedy (D-MA)
Rohit Khanna (D-CA)
Ruben Kihuen (D-NV)
Dan Kildee (D-MI)
Derek Kilmer (D-WA)
Ann Kuster (D-NH)
James Langevin (D-RI)
Rick Larsen (D-WA)
John Larson (D-CT)
Brenda Lawrence (D-MI)
Al Lawson (D-FL)
Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Sander Levin (D-MI)
Ted Lieu (D-CA)
Dan Lipinski (D-IL)
David Loebsack (D-IA)
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)
Nita Lowey (D-NY)
Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM)
Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM)
Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
Doris Matsui (D-CA)
Betty McCollum (D-MN)
Donald McEachin (D-VA)
Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Greg Meeks (D-NY)
Grace Meng (D-NY)
Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
Richard Neal (D-MA)
Donald Norcross (D-NJ)
Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ)
Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ)
Scott Peters (D-CA)
Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
Mark Pocan (D-WI)
Jared Polis (D-CO)
David Price (D-NC)
Mike Quigley (D-IL)
Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
Cedric Richmond (D-LA)
Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Linda Sanchez (D-CA)
Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
Brad Schneider (D-IL)
David A. Scott (D-GA)
Jose Serrano (D-NY)
Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Albio Sires (D-NJ)
Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
Adam Smith (D-WA)
Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
Mark Takano (D-CA)
Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
Paul Tonko (D-NY)
Norma Torres (D-CA)
Nydia Velazquez (D-NY)
Tim Walz (D-MN)
Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Peter Welch (D-VT)

Is it any surprise that all of them are Democrats?

Rep. Grace F. Napolitano slammed the U.S. Department of Interior for lack of transparency after releasing only a summary of the report on the Trump Administration’s review of certain National Monuments, including the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, issuing the following statement:

“This administration and Secretary Zinke have shut out the voices of the public, turning a review of some of our precious monuments into one of the least transparent and most complicated federal processes. The review was announced on April 26 of this year through an Executive Order by President Trump, yet we in the San Gabriel Valley have still not heard from the Secretary. I placed several requests to Secretary Zinke’s office, inviting him to come to California, visit our monument, and to speak with local residents, businesses, and city officials. I never received a response. I additionally sent a detailed letter describing the history and importance of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to our community. If the Secretary is not taking the time to meet with nearby locals nor sharing details of proposed changes to these monuments, then who really controls this process? How can the Secretary make a decision behind closed doors in Washington, DC without stepping foot in Southern California? It looks as though no monuments will be fully eliminated as a result of this review, but we sincerely hope Secretary Zinke publicly releases his recommendations and changes to existing monuments he sent to the White House today. The public, including 2.4 million Americans who submitted comments on the process, has every right to know. As we await details relating to the future of our national monuments, I will continue to fight to protect our limited green space in Los Angeles County and across the country."

Typical Democrat: pretending to care about monuments while destroying them.

However, the Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association were encouraged by the Department of the Interior’s report on National Monuments released today. The final report comes after an extensive review of Antiquities Act designations, ordered by President Trump, which included listening sessions in the field and a public comment period.

Ethan Lane, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council, stated:

“It is clear Presidents have repeatedly abused their authority under the Antiquities Act locking up over 250 million acres of land and water without local input or economic analysis. We are grateful to Secretary Zinke and his team for soliciting feedback from those most affected by executive land-grabs, and look forward to swift action from the White House in response to the recommendations that aligns with the original intent of the Antiquities Act.”

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) filed an amendment to the fiscal year 2018 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill to prohibit the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) from carrying out the law that requires individuals in halfway houses and on home confinement to pay a subsistence fee to offset the cost of being housed or supervised. Currently, BOP charges residents at BOP halfway houses a subsistence fee of 25 percent of their gross income, but in August 2016 stopped charging any fee for home confinement. Norton has taken special interest in eliminating BOP-imposed subsistence fees because District of Columbia Code felons are the only local felons housed by BOP and are subject to the fee when in halfway houses. Norton introduced a stand-alone bill to eliminate the subsistence fees and wrote BOP Acting Director Thomas R. Kane calling on BOP to eliminate or significantly reduce subsistence fees. She states:

“Imposing costly subsistence fees on those living at federal halfway houses puts a heavy financial burden on returning citizens who are trying to save money and prepare to make the already difficult transition back to society. Eliminating these counterproductive subsistence fees would help returning citizens meet their financial obligations and secure employment and housing.”

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) also filed an amendment to the fiscal year 2018 Transportation, Housing And Urban Development Appropriations bill to prohibit states that receive federal transportation funding from engaging in unconstitutional profiling based on physical characteristics. Norton said the Supreme Court has stated that racial profiling violates both equal protection and title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and therefore her amendment states that none of the funds in the transportation title could be used in contravention of the Fifth or Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Norton’s amendment previously unanimously passed by voice vote on the House floor and was included in the fiscal year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill, which was signed into law in December 2014. She states:

“Despite heightened awareness of racial profiling throughout the country, we continue to see disproportionate stops of African Americans and other people of color by law enforcement officials. My amendment is a straightforward attempt to reduce racial profiling by local law enforcement by holding them accountable and putting their federal funding on the line if they engage in unconstitutional profiling.”

A Chicago worker, assisted by National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys, has appealed the dismissal of federal unfair labor practice charges against the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and UWUA Local 18007. Gerald Howard is employed by Peoples Gas in Chicago, Illinois. UWUA Local 18007 union officials have a monopoly bargaining contract in place with Peoples Gas that includes a requirement that workers can be fired for refusing to pay dues or fees to the union.

Under federal law, no worker can be forced to formally join a union. However, because Illinois is not a Right to Work state, workers can be forced to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. Under the National Right to Work Foundation-won Supreme Court case Communication Workers v. Beck, nonmember workers cannot be legally compelled to pay union dues used for union politics and member-only activities. Workers can also demand a breakdown of the dues and fees paid to see which fees are used for which purpose.

In a letter sent to UWUA Local 18007 on February 18, Howard formally resigned his membership in the UWUA and objected to paying full dues, as is his right under the Beck precedent, but UWUA Local 18007 union officials failed to acknowledge his resignation. A month later on March 15, Howard sent another letter, this time to officials at the UWUA International headquarters in Washington, DC.

In a letter dated April 3, Washington-based UWUA officials finally acknowledged Howard’s resignation and objection to paying full dues as of his February 18 letter. The UWUA official’s letter also claimed that Howard would be required to pay 90% of full union dues, but did not provide any explanation for how it arrived at that figure.

Although the UWUA later provided Howard a breakdown attempting to justify that non-chargeable activities like union political and lobbying activities only make up ten percent of full dues, further evidence suggests the figure is not accurate. In required disclosure reports filed with the U.S. Department of Labor under threat of perjury, UWUA officials do not categorize political spending but their report shows multiple examples of political spending that contradict the figures in the breakdown provided to Howard after he filed his unfair labor practice charges.

“UWUA union bosses are ignoring clear Supreme Court precedent, compelling payment for union political and lobbying activities and violating the rights of a worker they claim to ‘represent’ in their grab for more forced union dues,” said Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Foundation. “This type of disregard for the rights of rank-and-file workers highlights why Illinois desperately needs a Right to Work law making union affiliation and dues payments strictly voluntary.”

The National Urban League has condemned the pardoning of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Click HERE to read about it.

A Washington state high school football coach who was punished for taking a knee at the 50-yard line for a post-game prayer violated the U.S. Constitution, according to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Read about it...

And, Finally, according to Truthfeed,

"A federal judge has denied Democratic Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) from casting any senate votes until his case is closed. Menendez has been indicted on corruption charges and will heading to court next month."

Read more about it by clicking here

Maxine Waters:

"I'm afraid if North Korea nukes us, that man is gonna get us into a war!"

and

"If you come after me...I'm coming after you!"

And she says the President doesn't make any sense...??????????

After Charlottesville Attack, 22 Democrat Senators Press DHS on Trump Administration’s De-emphasis of Domestic Terrorism Efforts

Newark, NJ - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In the wake of the deadly attack stemming from a far-right demonstration in Charlottesville, Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and a group of 22 other lawmakers are pressing the Department of Homeland Security on questions arising from the Trump Administration’s alleged de-emphasis on protecting Americans from domestic terrorism, especially the Administration’s alleged decision to de-emphasize combating far-right extremism.

The Senators, led by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), questioned DHS Acting Secretary Elaine Duke about the department’s apparent shift in focus.

“The alleged attack that killed one innocent person and injured at least nineteen others in Charlottesville, Virginia, last weekend was seemingly not just an ugly display of racist violence, it was likely also an incident of domestic terrorism,” the senators wrote. “Yet as our nation confronts the problem of growing racial, religious and even political hatred, we are concerned that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may not be adequately addressing one of the most significant threats of domestic terrorism.”
The senators noted that the Trump Administration revoked DHS funding to Life After Hate, an organization devoted to the rehabilitation of former neo-Nazis and other extremists.

“Several new grantees were added, but it now appears the focus on far-right extremism has been significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated,” the senators continued. They asked DHS to explain its decision, and to clarify reports that Trump transition team aide Katharine Gorka “may have played a role in the decisions about which groups would and would not receive [Countering Violent Extremism] grants.”

The senators expressed concern that “troubling indications of this Administration’s priorities are not limited to these developments. President Trump kept silent after the August 5, 2017, bombing of the Dar Al-Farooq mosque in Bloomington, Minnesota. And the President faced two days of mounting pressure before finally denouncing far-right groups after the Charlottesville attack, while declaring the next day that ‘I think there’s blame on both sides.’ Far-right extremist groups, including neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, white supremacists, and other groups motivated by racial and ethnic hatred, present a significant risk of violence and domestic terrorism. It is critical that the Administration’s policies and priorities reflect this risk, and protect all Americans from violence and domestic terrorism.”

Senators joining Menendez, Booker and Leahy in signing the letter are: Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis), Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN URGING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE LETHAL DEFENSIVE ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE

Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement ahead of Secretary Mattis’s trip to Kiev tomorrow, urging the Trump administration to provide lethal defensive assistance to Ukraine:

“Secretary Mattis's visit to Kiev provides yet another opportunity for the United States to correct its policy toward Ukraine and provide the lethal defensive assistance the country needs to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Earlier this week, President Trump took a step forward when he changed course and departed from his predecessor's failed policy in Afghanistan. The President now has the same opportunity with regard to Ukraine.

“It is long past time for the United States to provide Ukraine the defensive lethal assistance it needs to deter and defend against further Russian aggression. Raising the cost of aggression may help to change Vladimir Putin's calculus, pressure Russia to fully comply with the Minsk agreements, and, ultimately, create more stable security conditions on the ground that are essential for peace. In other words, providing defensive lethal assistance to Ukraine is not opposed to a peaceful resolution of this conflict – it is essential to achieving it. As long as the status quo remains, Russia has no reason to change its behavior, and we should only expect more violence and more death.

“Several weeks ago, the President took the first significant step toward imposing costs on Russian aggression when he signed into law new sanctions passed by Congress. Changing U.S. policy to provide lethal defensive assistance to Ukraine would be another step in the right direction – sending a strong signal that the United States will stand by the sovereign right of its allies and partners to choose their own future.”

Senator Markey Leads Call for Ban on Menthol Cigarettes

Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today led a group of U.S. Senators in calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban menthol cigarettes. In 2011, the FDA conducted a scientific review that concluded “that menthol cigarettes pose a public health risk above that seen with non-menthol cigarettes.” Despite this finding and other supporting data, the FDA has yet to take action to address the risk of menthol in cigarettes. Recently, the agency indicated it would open another public comment period on menthol, an activity that will serve to further delay any action to protect public health from the dangers of menthol cigarettes. In their letter to FDA, the Senators point to one model that found that because of the availability of menthol cigarettes, nine million individuals would initiate smoking between 2010 and 2050. Another model showed that hundreds of thousands of deaths would be averted by removing menthol. The FDA’s own scientific assessment also found that menthol cigarettes frequently serve as a starter product for youth, are associated with increased nicotine dependence in young smokers, and make it more difficult to quit smoking.

“As Senators committed to the FDA’s mission to protect public health, we believe it is time for the FDA to act on the substantial scientific data and use the authority provided by the Tobacco Control Act to remove menthol cigarettes from the marketplace,” write the Senators in the letter to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. “Continued delay on this issue will only further worsen this public health crisis, as a new generation of smokers are initiated and become addicted to menthol cigarettes.”

A copy of the letter to the FDA can be found HERE.

Also signing the letter are Senator Patty Murray (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

President Signs Manchin, Ernst Bipartisan Effort to Authorize Global War on Terrorism War Memorial

Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Last week, bipartisan legislation championed by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), known as the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act, was signed into law by the President. The legislation authorizes the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, a private foundation, to begin the process of pursuing the construction of a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The memorial will honor our men and women in uniform, the fallen servicemembers, their families, and all those who are impacted by our nation’s longest war.

“The President’s recent announcement of increased troop levels in Afghanistan is a somber reminder that there are Americans serving in harm’s way. For the thousands of Americans who perished protecting our freedom, and the million more who were wounded or fought in the global war on terror, this memorial will forever honor their sacrifice to our great country,” Senator Manchin said. “I’m proud of the work done by my colleagues in approving the first step towards building a memorial that commemorates our sons and daughters who answered the call to fight. I thank the President for seeing to it that this memorial was quickly approved. In the coming weeks, there will be much debate on the President’s plans for Afghanistan; however, there is no debate that we have the greatest military in the world and we are indebted to their service.”

“I am thrilled the President has signed into law this important legislation authorizing the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation to begin creating a place of remembrance for those who served, their loved ones, and all impacted by this war,” said Senator Ernst, a combat veteran. “I am thankful this years-long process can now begin so the veterans of this war may have the opportunity to visit the tribute to their selfless service.”

This authorization is the first step in a process that will culminate with the design and construction of a Global War on Terror Memorial on the National Mall without using any federal funds.

The bill, sponsored by Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Seth Moulton (D-MA), is a companion measure to S. 926 which Manchin and Ernst introduced in April. Additionally, this legislation has received support from The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US (VFW), Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America (IAVA), Wounded Warrior Project, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Veterans (AMVETS), American Goldstar Mothers, Student Veterans of America, The Green Beret Foundation, Team Rubicon, The Mission Continues, Team Red White and Blue, Travis Manion Foundation, Got Your Six, Warrior Expeditions, Union Veteran Council of the AFL-CIO, and Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS).

I wonder how long it will be before the "peaceful" Islamists start tearing this one down...