U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged the State Department to immediately deport a Nazi-era guard, Jakiw Palij, currently living in Queens. Mr. Palij was allowed to enter the United States because he concealed his prior service to the Nazi regime. After determining that he had lied in order to enter the country, Mr. Palij’s American citizenship was stripped and it was ordered that he be deported. However, since then, his deportation case has stalled because Germany, Poland and Ukraine refuse to accept him. Schumer and Gillibrand sent a letter, along with the entire New York bipartisan delegation, to Secretary Tillerson asking that he pay personal attention to this issue, prioritize it and take decisive action to complete this already-ordered deportation.
“Removing Mr. Palij from American soil will send a message not only to the citizens of New York, but to the entire world. It will make clear that the United States does not condone hatred and will not shelter those who have committed atrocities against innocents. For Holocaust survivors, Mr. Palij’s deportation will confirm that the heinous crimes committed against them during the Nazi era will never be forgotten,” the lawmakers said.
A copy of the lawmakers’ letter is below:
The Honorable Rex Wayne Tillerson
Secretary of State
2201 C St, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Last month, many of us reached out to you regarding the stalled deportation of Jakiw Palij, a Nazi-era guard who was stripped of U.S. citizenship but is still currently residing in Queens, New York. A response from the Bureau of Legislative Affairs described the State Department’s efforts to urge the governments of Germany, Poland, and Ukraine to accept Mr. Palij and enable his deportation. As this has been going on for more than a decade, we write as bipartisan, bicameral representatives of the people of New York to ask that you personally step in to settle this long-standing injustice and ensure Mr. Palij is removed from the United States.
In 2004, after finding that Mr. Palij was allowed to enter the United States by concealing his prior service to the Nazi regime, he was stripped of his citizenship and it was ordered that he be deported. However, because no country has agreed to accept him, Mr. Palij has not yet been made to leave the U.S. despite these rulings. Mr. Palij must be deported immediately. It has been 13 years since Mr. Palij lost his right to remain here, and it has taken far too long for these court orders to be carried out.
Removing Mr. Palij from American soil will send a message not only to the citizens of New York, but to the entire world. It will make clear that the United States does not condone hatred and will not shelter those who have committed atrocities against innocents. For Holocaust survivors, Mr. Palij’s deportation will confirm that the heinous crimes committed against them during the Nazi era will never be forgotten. We ask that you act now, and show decisively that the United States stands firmly against anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred in all forms.
We appreciate your personal attention to this matter and we look forward to your swift action. This man, and the hatred he represents, should no longer be allowed to enjoy the freedoms that America provides – freedoms that Mr. Palij has been enjoying for decades under false pretenses.
Sincerely,
Senator Charles E. Schumer
The Unpopular Truth
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Sens. Schatz, Paul and Rep. Cohen Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Expand Responsible Use of Police Body Cameras
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) introduced the Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available (Police CAMERA) Act of 2017. This legislation would create a pilot grant program to assist state and local law enforcement agencies develop safe and effective body-worn camera programs that also protect civilians’ privacy rights.
“We can’t restore trust between our communities and law enforcement without transparency and accountability. Body cameras alone won’t repair that relationship, but they have proven to be effective and can do a great deal to keep both police officers and community members safe and accountable,” said Senator Schatz
“Body cameras will benefit the brave men and women who serve in our police force and the people they protect,” said Senator Paul. “The use of body cameras helps officers collect and preserve evidence to solve crimes, while also decreasing the number of complaints against police. The Police CAMERA Act will help state and local police departments access this new tool, while ensuring that the privacy rights of every civilian are respected.”
“Justice is supposed to be blind, but it is not supposed to be blind to the facts. Police body cameras can help provide evidence and restore some much-needed trust between police and the communities they serve,” said Congressman Cohen. “The cameras could show the officer’s actions for what they were, proving both lawful and unlawful activity. The vast majority of police are well meaning, dedicated public servants, and we depend upon them to keep us safe from criminals. But the fact remains some officers go beyond the law in a callous disregard for due process. Their actions damage the public trust that is essential for good police to be able to serve and protect our communities. Police body cameras, alone, will not solve this problem, but they are an important step in the right direction. I would like to thank Senators Schatz and Paul for their leadership on this issue and for partnering with me on this legislation.”
The Police CAMERA Act of 2017 would establish a pilot grant program using existing funding to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with the purchasing or leasing of body-worn cameras. It would also authorize an impact-study after two years. The study would assess the impact body-worn cameras have on reducing the use of excessive force by police, its effects on officer safety and public safety, and procedures to protect the privacy of individuals who are recorded.
“The resulting benefits of the body-worn cameras after almost two years of usage have greatly exceeded my expectations,” said Darryl D. Perry, Chief of Police of the Kauai Police Department. “Not only have our officers embraced this technology wholeheartedly, but our community has commended KPD for being open and transparent.”
Original cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
“We can’t restore trust between our communities and law enforcement without transparency and accountability. Body cameras alone won’t repair that relationship, but they have proven to be effective and can do a great deal to keep both police officers and community members safe and accountable,” said Senator Schatz
“Body cameras will benefit the brave men and women who serve in our police force and the people they protect,” said Senator Paul. “The use of body cameras helps officers collect and preserve evidence to solve crimes, while also decreasing the number of complaints against police. The Police CAMERA Act will help state and local police departments access this new tool, while ensuring that the privacy rights of every civilian are respected.”
“Justice is supposed to be blind, but it is not supposed to be blind to the facts. Police body cameras can help provide evidence and restore some much-needed trust between police and the communities they serve,” said Congressman Cohen. “The cameras could show the officer’s actions for what they were, proving both lawful and unlawful activity. The vast majority of police are well meaning, dedicated public servants, and we depend upon them to keep us safe from criminals. But the fact remains some officers go beyond the law in a callous disregard for due process. Their actions damage the public trust that is essential for good police to be able to serve and protect our communities. Police body cameras, alone, will not solve this problem, but they are an important step in the right direction. I would like to thank Senators Schatz and Paul for their leadership on this issue and for partnering with me on this legislation.”
The Police CAMERA Act of 2017 would establish a pilot grant program using existing funding to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with the purchasing or leasing of body-worn cameras. It would also authorize an impact-study after two years. The study would assess the impact body-worn cameras have on reducing the use of excessive force by police, its effects on officer safety and public safety, and procedures to protect the privacy of individuals who are recorded.
“The resulting benefits of the body-worn cameras after almost two years of usage have greatly exceeded my expectations,” said Darryl D. Perry, Chief of Police of the Kauai Police Department. “Not only have our officers embraced this technology wholeheartedly, but our community has commended KPD for being open and transparent.”
Original cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
Russia Stole NSA Classified Information
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding reports that Russia stole highly classified information from the National Security Agency regarding American offensive and defensive cybersecurity measures.
“It’s a lot harder to beat your opponent when they’re reading your playbook, and it’s even worse when someone on your team gives it to them. If these reports are true, Russia has pulled that off. The men and women of the U.S. Intelligence Community are patriots; but, the NSA needs to get its head out of the sand and solve its contractor problem. Russia is a clear adversary in cyberspace and we can’t afford these self-inflicted injuries.”
“It’s a lot harder to beat your opponent when they’re reading your playbook, and it’s even worse when someone on your team gives it to them. If these reports are true, Russia has pulled that off. The men and women of the U.S. Intelligence Community are patriots; but, the NSA needs to get its head out of the sand and solve its contractor problem. Russia is a clear adversary in cyberspace and we can’t afford these self-inflicted injuries.”
Rubio, Nelson Introduce Legislation to Extend Caribbean Trade Program
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) have introduced the Caribbean Basin Economy Recovery Act, legislation that would strengthen U.S. interests and economic ties with Caribbean nations such as Haiti, Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and St. Lucia.
“Extending these targeted trade preferences helps boost key American exports and solidifies fragile economies, like Haiti’s, in a crucial region for U.S. security,” said Rubio. “This bill will help reaffirm the U.S. commitment to developing deeper economic relationships with our regional allies, and supporting stable and democratic political institutions in the Caribbean.”
“These trade programs are a lifeline for some of our closest allies, which also happen to be some of the poorest countries in the Caribbean.” said Nelson. “Extending this trade program not only helps provide stability in the region, it also helps the Florida businesses that rely on international trade.”
The bill extends the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), which was established in 2000 to allow certain Caribbean countries to export goods made with U.S. yarns, fabrics and threads into the U.S. duty-free.
Under current law, CBPTA’s preferential trade treatment for these Caribbean countries is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2020. This legislation would extend the program through Sept. 30, 2030.
To be eligible for preferential trade treatment under CBTPA, participant countries are required to uphold strict labor standards and help further other various U.S. interests in the region, including countering narcotics trafficking and ending government corruption.
U.S. Representatives Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the companion bill in the House.
“Extending these targeted trade preferences helps boost key American exports and solidifies fragile economies, like Haiti’s, in a crucial region for U.S. security,” said Rubio. “This bill will help reaffirm the U.S. commitment to developing deeper economic relationships with our regional allies, and supporting stable and democratic political institutions in the Caribbean.”
“These trade programs are a lifeline for some of our closest allies, which also happen to be some of the poorest countries in the Caribbean.” said Nelson. “Extending this trade program not only helps provide stability in the region, it also helps the Florida businesses that rely on international trade.”
The bill extends the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), which was established in 2000 to allow certain Caribbean countries to export goods made with U.S. yarns, fabrics and threads into the U.S. duty-free.
Under current law, CBPTA’s preferential trade treatment for these Caribbean countries is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2020. This legislation would extend the program through Sept. 30, 2030.
To be eligible for preferential trade treatment under CBTPA, participant countries are required to uphold strict labor standards and help further other various U.S. interests in the region, including countering narcotics trafficking and ending government corruption.
U.S. Representatives Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the companion bill in the House.
Rounds Introduces FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced legislation to enhance the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) farm loan programs. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act would assist lenders in supporting producers during times of economic downturn within the ag sector.
“The FSA Loan Guarantee program provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who want to expand and improve their operations,” said Rounds. “Increasing both the individual cap for these loans and the total amount of money available for lending will allow a greater number of producers to utilize the program. Farming and ranching has become increasingly costly. The FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act would more accurately reflect inflation and the increasing costs of agriculture production today, and make sure lenders have the flexibility to allow farmers and ranchers to weather times of economic downturn.”
Specifically, Rounds’ legislation would:
raise USDA guaranteed ownership and operating loan guarantee from $1.4 million to $3 million,
increase authorized private-sector loan offerings for guaranteed operating and ownership loans from $3 billion to $8 billion and raises the authorization for direct loans up to $3 billion, to match current funding levels.
provide spending assurance, rather than have these programs depend on annual appropriations.
Since it was established in 1979, the authorization amounts and funding for FSA loans have never been increased. The FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act would increase and update the authorization of resources available for these loans for the first time in nearly 40 years. It is supported by the Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA), SD ICBA, the American Bankers Association and the Farm Credit Council.
“The FSA Loan Guarantee program provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who want to expand and improve their operations,” said Rounds. “Increasing both the individual cap for these loans and the total amount of money available for lending will allow a greater number of producers to utilize the program. Farming and ranching has become increasingly costly. The FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act would more accurately reflect inflation and the increasing costs of agriculture production today, and make sure lenders have the flexibility to allow farmers and ranchers to weather times of economic downturn.”
Specifically, Rounds’ legislation would:
Since it was established in 1979, the authorization amounts and funding for FSA loans have never been increased. The FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act would increase and update the authorization of resources available for these loans for the first time in nearly 40 years. It is supported by the Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA), SD ICBA, the American Bankers Association and the Farm Credit Council.
Reed Introduces Legislation to Hold Corporate Executives Accountable for Fraudulent Actions
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In an effort to prevent fraudulent and negligent behavior at large financial institutions and hold senior executives accountable, U.S. Senator Jack Reed has introduced the Corporate Management Accountability Act, which asks publicly traded companies to disclose policies on whether senior executives or shareholders bear the costs of paying the company’s fines and penalties.
Reed is introducing the legislation in the wake of several notable instances of negligent behavior by financial institutions - including Wells Fargo’s exploitation of its customers by opening unauthorized accounts and Equifax’s endangering millions of consumers by compromising critical personal information - that continue to undermine public confidence in the financial marketplace.
“Senior executives, many of whom are eager to take credit for a company’s good news, must also take more responsibility for the bad news, especially if it is true that the buck stops with them,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee. “For example, the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission concluded ‘the financial crisis reached cataclysmic proportions with the collapse of Lehman Brothers,’ and yet, according to the Congressional Research Service, not a single senior executive officer at Lehman Brothers at the federal level was charged, went to jail, or personally paid a federal fine or penalty for the damage caused at Lehman Brothers that rippled through our economy in 2008. Companies must do a better job of aligning executive incentives so that they are motivated to put their shareholders, and not themselves, first.”
According to Professor Peter J. Henning, who writes for the White Collar Watch column for the New York Times: “A problem in holding individuals accountable for misconduct in an organization is the disconnect between the actual decisions and those charged with overseeing the company, so that executives and corporate boards usually plead ignorance about an issue until it is too late.”
The Corporate Management Accountability Act is one attempt at helping to solve this problem by asking publicly traded companies to disclose whether they expect senior executives or shareholders to pay the cost of corporate fines or penalties.
In the wake of the Wells Fargo scandal, Senator Reed questioned former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf during a Banking Committee hearing and pushed for answers as to why the bank opened up millions of fake bank accounts for customers. In August, after it was revealed that as many as 570,000 Wells Fargo customers may have been charged premiums for unwanted auto insurance they did not need, he joined his fellow committee members (Ranking Member) Sherrod Brown, Elizabeth Warren, and others in leading the call for a public hearing to review consumer rights violations by Wells Fargo.
In September, after Equifax revealed that unauthorized parties had obtained sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and driver’s license numbers for as many as 143 million people, Senator Reed led a bipartisan group of 37 senators asking the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the sale of nearly $2 million in Equifax securities held by high-level Equifax executives shortly after the company learned of the massive cybersecurity breach. According to the New York Times, Equifax “increased its estimate on the number of Americans whose personal information was potentially exposed to 145.5 million, some 2.5 million more than it had previously disclosed.”
Reed is introducing the legislation in the wake of several notable instances of negligent behavior by financial institutions - including Wells Fargo’s exploitation of its customers by opening unauthorized accounts and Equifax’s endangering millions of consumers by compromising critical personal information - that continue to undermine public confidence in the financial marketplace.
“Senior executives, many of whom are eager to take credit for a company’s good news, must also take more responsibility for the bad news, especially if it is true that the buck stops with them,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee. “For example, the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission concluded ‘the financial crisis reached cataclysmic proportions with the collapse of Lehman Brothers,’ and yet, according to the Congressional Research Service, not a single senior executive officer at Lehman Brothers at the federal level was charged, went to jail, or personally paid a federal fine or penalty for the damage caused at Lehman Brothers that rippled through our economy in 2008. Companies must do a better job of aligning executive incentives so that they are motivated to put their shareholders, and not themselves, first.”
According to Professor Peter J. Henning, who writes for the White Collar Watch column for the New York Times: “A problem in holding individuals accountable for misconduct in an organization is the disconnect between the actual decisions and those charged with overseeing the company, so that executives and corporate boards usually plead ignorance about an issue until it is too late.”
The Corporate Management Accountability Act is one attempt at helping to solve this problem by asking publicly traded companies to disclose whether they expect senior executives or shareholders to pay the cost of corporate fines or penalties.
In the wake of the Wells Fargo scandal, Senator Reed questioned former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf during a Banking Committee hearing and pushed for answers as to why the bank opened up millions of fake bank accounts for customers. In August, after it was revealed that as many as 570,000 Wells Fargo customers may have been charged premiums for unwanted auto insurance they did not need, he joined his fellow committee members (Ranking Member) Sherrod Brown, Elizabeth Warren, and others in leading the call for a public hearing to review consumer rights violations by Wells Fargo.
In September, after Equifax revealed that unauthorized parties had obtained sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and driver’s license numbers for as many as 143 million people, Senator Reed led a bipartisan group of 37 senators asking the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the sale of nearly $2 million in Equifax securities held by high-level Equifax executives shortly after the company learned of the massive cybersecurity breach. According to the New York Times, Equifax “increased its estimate on the number of Americans whose personal information was potentially exposed to 145.5 million, some 2.5 million more than it had previously disclosed.”
Nelson sponsors bill to ban sale of ‘bump stocks’
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) has sponsored legislation to ban the sale of so-called “bump stocks” that can be used to increase the firing rate of a semi-automatic weapon, essentially converting it into a fully-automatic assault weapon.
While current law bans the sale, manufacture and transfer of most automatic weapons, the legislation Nelson filed today with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and others would close a current loophole in the law that allows semi-automatic weapons to be easily modified to fire at the same rate as automatic weapons.
“I’m a hunter and have owned guns my whole life,” Nelson said, “But these automatic weapons are not for hunting, they are for killing. And this commonsense bill would, at the very least, make it harder for someone to convert a semi-automatic rifle into what is essentially a fully-automatic machine gun.”
The legislation would ban the sale, transfer, importation, manufacture or possession of bump stocks, trigger cranks and similar accessories that accelerate a semi-automatic rifle’s rate of fire. While a typical semi-automatic rifle can fire at a rate of between 45 and 60 rounds per minute, a fully-automatic weapon can fire at a rate of 400 to 800 rounds per minute.
The bill makes clear that its intent is to target only those accessories that increase a semi-automatic rifle’s rate of fire. Legitimate accessories used by hunters would be exempt. The bill also contains exceptions for lawful possession of these devices by law enforcement and the government.
While current law bans the sale, manufacture and transfer of most automatic weapons, the legislation Nelson filed today with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and others would close a current loophole in the law that allows semi-automatic weapons to be easily modified to fire at the same rate as automatic weapons.
“I’m a hunter and have owned guns my whole life,” Nelson said, “But these automatic weapons are not for hunting, they are for killing. And this commonsense bill would, at the very least, make it harder for someone to convert a semi-automatic rifle into what is essentially a fully-automatic machine gun.”
The legislation would ban the sale, transfer, importation, manufacture or possession of bump stocks, trigger cranks and similar accessories that accelerate a semi-automatic rifle’s rate of fire. While a typical semi-automatic rifle can fire at a rate of between 45 and 60 rounds per minute, a fully-automatic weapon can fire at a rate of 400 to 800 rounds per minute.
The bill makes clear that its intent is to target only those accessories that increase a semi-automatic rifle’s rate of fire. Legitimate accessories used by hunters would be exempt. The bill also contains exceptions for lawful possession of these devices by law enforcement and the government.
MURPHY, CASSIDY “NATIONAL DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH” RESOLUTION PASSES SENATE
U.S. Senators Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.) and Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) commended the Senate for passing S.Res.284, which designates October 2017 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. The goal of this resolution is to further educate Congress, schools, and state and local education agencies on the unique challenges students with dyslexia face.
“I hear all the time from parents in Connecticut who are struggling to get their kids with dyslexia the attention and special instruction they need,” said Murphy. “These parents often have to fight hard and long before they finally get hold of the proper resources. We need to do better for these families. I’m confident our resolution will help raise awareness about what needs to be done.”
“One in five Americans has dyslexia. By increasing awareness we can help ensure those students receive the evidence-based instruction and resources they need to succeed,” said Cassidy.
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Angus King (I-Maine) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) are also original cosponsors of this resolution.
Read the resolution below:
Calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed and designating
October 2017 as “National Dyslexia Awareness Month”.
Whereas dyslexia is—
(1) defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader; and
(2) most commonly caused by a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell, and often, learn a second language;
Whereas dyslexia is the most common learning disability and affects 80 percent to 90 percent of all individuals with a learning disability;
Whereas dyslexia is persistent and highly prevalent, affecting as many as 1 out of 5 individuals;
Whereas dyslexia is a paradox in that an individual with dyslexia may have both —
(1) weaknesses in decoding that result in difficulties in accurate or fluent word recognition; and
(2) strengths in higher-level cognitive functions, such as reasoning, critical thinking, concept formation, or problem-solving;
Whereas great progress has been made in understanding dyslexia on a scientific level, including the epidemiology and cognitive and neurobiological bases of dyslexia; and
Whereas early screening for and early diagnosis of dyslexia are critical for ensuring that individuals with dyslexia receive focused, evidence-based intervention that leads to fluent reading, promotion of self-awareness and self-empowerment and the provision of necessary accommodations that ensure in school and in life: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) calls on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed; and
(2) designates October 2017 as “National Dyslexia Awareness Month”.
“I hear all the time from parents in Connecticut who are struggling to get their kids with dyslexia the attention and special instruction they need,” said Murphy. “These parents often have to fight hard and long before they finally get hold of the proper resources. We need to do better for these families. I’m confident our resolution will help raise awareness about what needs to be done.”
“One in five Americans has dyslexia. By increasing awareness we can help ensure those students receive the evidence-based instruction and resources they need to succeed,” said Cassidy.
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Angus King (I-Maine) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) are also original cosponsors of this resolution.
Read the resolution below:
Calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed and designating
October 2017 as “National Dyslexia Awareness Month”.
Whereas dyslexia is—
(1) defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader; and
(2) most commonly caused by a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell, and often, learn a second language;
Whereas dyslexia is the most common learning disability and affects 80 percent to 90 percent of all individuals with a learning disability;
Whereas dyslexia is persistent and highly prevalent, affecting as many as 1 out of 5 individuals;
Whereas dyslexia is a paradox in that an individual with dyslexia may have both —
(1) weaknesses in decoding that result in difficulties in accurate or fluent word recognition; and
(2) strengths in higher-level cognitive functions, such as reasoning, critical thinking, concept formation, or problem-solving;
Whereas great progress has been made in understanding dyslexia on a scientific level, including the epidemiology and cognitive and neurobiological bases of dyslexia; and
Whereas early screening for and early diagnosis of dyslexia are critical for ensuring that individuals with dyslexia receive focused, evidence-based intervention that leads to fluent reading, promotion of self-awareness and self-empowerment and the provision of necessary accommodations that ensure in school and in life: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) calls on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed; and
(2) designates October 2017 as “National Dyslexia Awareness Month”.
Murkowski: Latest Sturgeon Decision an Affront to All Alaskans
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, released the following statement slamming the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for again ruling against John Sturgeon, an Alaskan who sued the National Park Service after being forced off of the Nation River in 2007 for using a hovercraft to hunt moose, as he had been doing for decades.
Just last year, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled unanimously (8-0) in favor of Mr. Sturgeon, who has fought his way through federal courts for 10 years to secure justice and his right to have reasonable access to lands and waters in Alaska. His fight has become symbolic of the burdensome and unwarranted use restrictions the federal government has sought to apply in Alaska in recent years.
“This is a hard punch in the gut. Eighteen months ago, the nation’s highest court rejected what it called the Ninth Circuit’s ‘topsy-turvy approach’ to Mr. Sturgeon’s case, sending it back for further proceedings,” Murkowski said. “Unfazed, the same judge on the Ninth Circuit has announced a follow-on decision that again denies Mr. Sturgeon his rights. This is an affront to all Alaskans, and yet another example of a court that is deeply out of touch with both the law and the people. This decision cannot be allowed to stand.”
Murkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Along with Sen. Dan Sullivan, also R-Alaska, she is cosponsoring S. 296, a bill to reform the present division of the federal Courts of Appeals. Murkowski believes the Ninth Circuit should be split into two courts so that Alaskans have at least a chance of laws, such as the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act, being fairly interpreted and applied in their legal proceedings.
Just last year, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled unanimously (8-0) in favor of Mr. Sturgeon, who has fought his way through federal courts for 10 years to secure justice and his right to have reasonable access to lands and waters in Alaska. His fight has become symbolic of the burdensome and unwarranted use restrictions the federal government has sought to apply in Alaska in recent years.
“This is a hard punch in the gut. Eighteen months ago, the nation’s highest court rejected what it called the Ninth Circuit’s ‘topsy-turvy approach’ to Mr. Sturgeon’s case, sending it back for further proceedings,” Murkowski said. “Unfazed, the same judge on the Ninth Circuit has announced a follow-on decision that again denies Mr. Sturgeon his rights. This is an affront to all Alaskans, and yet another example of a court that is deeply out of touch with both the law and the people. This decision cannot be allowed to stand.”
Murkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Along with Sen. Dan Sullivan, also R-Alaska, she is cosponsoring S. 296, a bill to reform the present division of the federal Courts of Appeals. Murkowski believes the Ninth Circuit should be split into two courts so that Alaskans have at least a chance of laws, such as the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act, being fairly interpreted and applied in their legal proceedings.
MERKLEY STATEMENT ON TRUMP’S ATTEMPT TO UNDO CLEAN POWER PLAN
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement in response to news reports that the Trump administration will attempt to undo the Clean Power Plan, the most significant federal curb on carbon pollution:
“This is a dangerous and irresponsible step backward in our fight to combat climate disruption and protect our families’ health. It formalizes exactly what I feared: that the Trump administration is recklessly unwilling to act on one of the greatest challenges of our time.
“Already we are seeing the cost of climate disruption in longer and more dangerous wildfire seasons and record-breaking hurricanes that threaten our health, economy and way of life. Yet the Trump administration continues to ignore the facts on the ground and refuses to act. America must display bold global leadership in taking on this challenge, not shameful obstruction.
“Today at an Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee confirmation hearing, I asked Bill Wehrum, the EPA nominee who would be tapped with scrapping the Clean Power Plan, a very basic question: is human activity causing climate change? Shockingly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, he used the same line every nominee of this administration seems to use: it's an 'open question.’ Wehrum refused to give a straight answer. I will do everything in my power to block his nomination and protect the Clean Power Plan.”
“This is a dangerous and irresponsible step backward in our fight to combat climate disruption and protect our families’ health. It formalizes exactly what I feared: that the Trump administration is recklessly unwilling to act on one of the greatest challenges of our time.
“Already we are seeing the cost of climate disruption in longer and more dangerous wildfire seasons and record-breaking hurricanes that threaten our health, economy and way of life. Yet the Trump administration continues to ignore the facts on the ground and refuses to act. America must display bold global leadership in taking on this challenge, not shameful obstruction.
“Today at an Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee confirmation hearing, I asked Bill Wehrum, the EPA nominee who would be tapped with scrapping the Clean Power Plan, a very basic question: is human activity causing climate change? Shockingly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, he used the same line every nominee of this administration seems to use: it's an 'open question.’ Wehrum refused to give a straight answer. I will do everything in my power to block his nomination and protect the Clean Power Plan.”
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