Re-Authorizing CHIP: CHAMPION Act Passes House

Washington, D.C. - November 7, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Championing Health Kids Act, H.R. 3922 by a vote of 242-174 on November 3, 2017.
It now goes to the Senate.
​
The Championing Healthy Kids Act, H.R. 3922, uses offsets to fund CHIP and programs like community health centers while eliminating $5 billion in scheduled cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH). The bill includes a two-year extension of funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which focus on delivering health care to underserved populations through community-based and patient-centered models.

The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act (H.R. 3922) includes:
​

Five year extension of Children’s Health Insurance Program;

Two year extension of Community Health Center funding at $3.6 billion;

Eliminates Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) reductions;

Two year extension of funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, the Youth Empowerment Program,

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, Funding for the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education, and the Personal Responsibility Education Program are included in this bill;

Two year Extension of the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians; and

Over $1 billion for the Medicaid programs in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The bill includes pay-for provisions such as limiting Medicaid benefits for lottery winners and requiring those making over $500,000 to pay for their Medicare premiums.

Not everyone is happy with the bill. Senator Sherrod Brown (D - OH) maintains of the CHAMPION Act that while similar to the Senate bill, it creates winners and losers by funding CHIP by raising costs for Ohio seniors and cutting critical public health funds. The bill would reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by cutting funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund. Immediately after the vote, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd) issued the following statement:

“Ensuring children can see their doctor should not be a partisan issue. Unfortunately, today’s bill to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program has fallen prey to partisan politics, and many children and families will suffer as a result. Instead of forcing draconian cuts on community health programs that help at-risk Americans and countless working families in exchange for CHIP funding, Congress needs to focus on providing all Americans access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.”

Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI, 1st) offered that, "with our national debt over $20 trillion, Congress must also be vigilant about how we prioritize spending on federal programs."

"Using the Prevention and Public Health Fund to pay for CHIP will harm the overall health of our communities. This bill would result in a cut of about $25 million for important Oregon public health initiatives over the next five years. That is unacceptable," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st).

The House Democrats are screaming against the cut in funding for the Prevention and Public Health fund in order to fund CHIP. Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 13th) voted to reauthorize CHIP for two years in 2015, and signed onto a congressional letter last month urging House leadership to bring a clean reauthorization bill up for a vote as soon as possible. He is not happy with the current Bill.

In 2015 more than 8.4 million children received their insurance through the CHIP program and 24 million patients were served by Federally Qualified Health Centers.

A Bill Against Vehicular Terrorism

By Shonda Ponder, editor
The Ponder News
https://www.thepondernews.com/abillagainstvehicularterrorism

With all the bills in Congress right now against guns arising from the number of mass shootings and murders in the United States, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to try to do something about the number of vehicular assaults.

I wonder how many times someone has used a vehicle to try to hurt someone. I know of several people who have been wounded due to someone else using their vehicle in an assaulting way -- but until now, no one seemed to want to strike out against vehicles as a weapon the way they have guns. After all, people depend on their vehicles in a more intimate way than they depend on their guns. Vehicles are a way of life. Without them, many would not be able to get to work in order to support their families. Guns are only their for a "just in case" scenario, or for hunting sports.

I love the taste of deer sausage; but, you are not going to get me to eat roadkill.

According to a press release from House Representative Robert E. (Bob) Latta (R OH, 5th), he has introduced legislation "to combat vehicular terrorism and direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide feedback to Congress on the issue. The Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act, which follows up on previous efforts by Latta to protect Americans against vehicular terrorism, directs the DHS to report to Congress on their efforts to assess and prevent terrorist acts involving vehicles. Specifically, the report would include the current threat level for vehicular attacks, what the department is currently doing to prevent vehicular terrorism, how the threat can be mitigated, and a clarification on the extent to which DHS is doing outreach to private sector partners. It would also include any recommendations on what Congress can do to aid DHS efforts to prevent vehicular terrorism."

Okay, so what happens when the DHS figures out that more people die from car assaults each day than guns? I'm curious. How many people have had wrecks they were found at fault in, then been charged with manslaughter because their passenger died? What do we do about them?

Sure, we can take their vehicle away. That's not going to stop the problem, because I know a lot of people who have refused to quit driving even though they don't have a license to drive. It hasn't stopped them any more than having a permit or having to get a background check has stopped criminals from somehow accessing guns in order to shoot up a crowd of people, or murder someone.

I'm sure they could find a way to make it harder to own a car, but the economy would suffer.

So, Bob Latta, what is your end game here? Why go through all the trouble? What is it going to accomplish?

I'm perplexed.

Pondering about the Sutherland Springs Mass Shooting...

Today at the Ponder, we've added some items to the web page. We hope you come and visit:
https://www.thepondernews.com/massshooting


November 07, 2017
Maybe there is a lesson in all this for us, as Christians...
Mike Lutz
There is a part of the Catholic mass called the General Intercession. It’s when prayers are requested for several special needs. After each subject, such as remember those who are sick, who have died, guidance for our church and political leader or peace in the Middle East, the congregation responds with “Lord hear our prayers” or something similar. Tragically I think most of us, me included, feel that once you pray everything is now in God’s hand. We walk out of church and go about blinded by the fact that we have prayed, and God alone will take care of everything. We fail to realize that God’s response to our prayers if for us to act. Maybe we pray for financial wealth. God may be telling us to get a better job, work a 2nd job or cut back on our expenditures. Money will not magically appear. We can’t sit home praying to win the lottery and expect God to buy the ticket for us. We must listen to what God has to say regarding our prayers. He does answer all of them and sometimes we may not like what he is telling us.
​
Yesterday, while attending mass at St. John the Baptist, during the General Intercession my response to a host of issues to include peace was “Lord hear our prayers” I had no idea that in a few hours a craze individual would enter a church in Sutherland, Texas and kill 26 people while they were also praying to God for peace on Earth. Christianity, thru out the world is under attack and all we’re doing is praying for peace. Why are Christians being murdered thru out the world? What are the perpetrators of these violent acts afraid of? Do they view us as easy targets, knowing we lack the will to fight back?
​
The Bible if full of passages telling us to love our enemy and to turn the other cheek when confronted with adversity. To be honest, I was trying to find a Bible passage to justify striking back at our enemies and I came upon Revelations 7-9, 7: Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8: but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9: And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
​
I’m not saying God has spoken to me and we should act like our enemies, but we need not to coward up in a ball of fear. If God himself, one day said he had enough and he waged war against Satan and threw him out of heaven maybe we need to start speaking out and tell those who want to harm us, we also had enough.

November 07, 2017
Fudge Statement on Shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas
Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH, 11th)
“My heart breaks for the victims and their families in Sutherland Springs, Texas. I pray for peace and healing for the congregation of First Baptist Church and the entire Sutherland Springs community. It has been two years since the massacre at Emanuel A.M.E. in Charleston and a month after the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, Congress must do more than offer our thoughts and prayers.”

November 07, 2017
Faso Statement on Tragedy at First Baptist Church in Texas
John Faso, (R-NY, 19th)
Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) released the following statement on the tragic shooting at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs in Texas.

Congressman Faso: "The senseless and horrific tragedy in Texas over the weekend is heartbreaking. I am hopeful that the ongoing investigation will lead to answers as to why this individual chose to destroy so many lives and families and we will learn what more can be done to help prevent such tragedies. My heart goes out to the victims and their families."

November 07, 2017
CONGRESSMAN EVANS RESPONSE TO HORRIFIC MASS SHOOTING IN SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, TEXAS
Dwight Evans (D PA, 2nd)
My heart is heavy and full of sadness for the families and friends of the victims in today's horrific massacre in Sutherland Springs, Texas. As a Congress, it's our job to keep our nation safe and secure. We grieve with the people of Texas, and during our mourning we must stand with them to fight for and pass common sense gun reform. We cannot let another tragedy happen on our watch.

November 07, 2017
Esty Statement on Mass Shooting in Sutherland Springs
Elizabeth Esty (D-CT, 5th)
Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) has released the following statement in response to the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, the second mass shooting in the past five weeks. The killing, which happened just 35 days after a mass shooter fired on a country music concert in Las Vegas, killing 58 and wounding hundreds more, is the fifth-deadliest in modern American history:

“Our hearts are broken once again with the news from Texas tonight. It’s become increasingly clear that we have two choices: accept this senseless carnage as the new normal in our society, or stand as Americans against the force of the corporate gun lobby to prevent future tragedies. I’m ready to work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who will help to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country. I hope that responsible gun owners throughout our country will join me to find a better way forward and keep families safe.”

Esty, who represents Newtown, Connecticut, is a vice chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

November 07, 2017
Texas Flags Lowered To Half-Staff In Honor Of the Lives Lost In Sutherland Springs
Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of those lost in the horrific shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas today. Flags should remain at half-mast through Thursday, November 9, 2017.
​
"There are no words to describe the pure evil that we witnessed in Sutherland Springs today," said Governor Abbott. "Our hearts are heavy at the anguish in this small town, but in time of tragedy, we see the very best of Texas. May God comfort those who've lost a loved one, and may God heal the hurt in our communities."

November 07, 2017
AG Paxton Statement on Shooting in Sutherland Springs
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Attorney General Ken Paxton gave this statement after receiving news of today's shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas:
​
“The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church. My office stands ready to assist local law enforcement as needed. Please join Angela and me as we pray for those impacted by this horrific shooting.”

What's New at The Ponder News 11.6.17

The Ponder News: The Unpopular Truth
http://thepondernews.com

====================
We are in the process of adding links along the sidebar of the blog to navigate the main web site with. Below is the newest pages and information found at The Ponder News.
====================

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
https://www.thepondernews.com/chip

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Championing Health Kids Act, H.R. 3922 by a vote of 242-174.
It now goes to the Senate.
​
The Championing Healthy Kids Act, H.R. 3922, uses offsets to fund CHIP and programs like community health centers while eliminating $5 billion in scheduled cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH). The bill includes a two-year extension of funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which focus on delivering health care to underserved populations through community-based and patient-centered models.

The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act (H.R. 3922) includes:
​

Five year extension of Children’s Health Insurance Program;
T

wo year extension of Community Health Center funding at $3.6 billion;

Eliminates Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) reductions;

Two year extension of funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, the Youth Empowerment Program,

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, Funding for the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education, and the Personal Responsibility Education Program are included in this bill;

Two year Extension of the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians; and

Over $1 billion for the Medicaid programs in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The latest headlines are as follows:

Culberson Statement on Passage of the Championing Healthy Kids Act

Chairman Crowley Statement on Republicans Playing Political Games with Children's Health

REP. COSTELLO APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP) REAUTHORIZATION

COLLINS VOTES TO EXTEND CHIP AND PROTECT DSH RESOURCES

Clark Statement on Republicans’ cynical CHIP bill

Carter Votes to Protect Children's Health Care

Carson Statement on Republican CHIP Reauthorization Vote

Byrne Votes to Keep Communities Healthy

Burgess Statement in Support of Vital Public Health Legislation

Dr. Bucshon Votes to Reauthorize Funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Other Important Public Health Programs

====================
Tax Reform
https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact

For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
​

Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to zero, 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6 percent for high-income Americans.

Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes – from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.

Eliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans’ taxes – so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.

Establishing a new Family Credit – which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.

Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.
​
For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
​

Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20 percent – down from 35 percent, which today is the highest in the industrialized world – the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nation’s history.

Reduces the tax rate on the hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25 percent – the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II.

Establishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and “pass-through” business income so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help mosli>Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad.

The Latest Headlines are as Follows:

Curbelo: Tax Reform Will Let South Floridians Keep More of Their Paychecks

Costa Statement on House Republican Tax Bill

Conaway Announces Support for Tax Reform

Collins Applauds Tax Reform Legislation

Congressman Cheney's Statement on The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Carter on House Tax Plan: This is a Big Day

Carson Statement on House Republicans' Tax Bill

Rep. Calvert Statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Byrne Statement on Release of Tax Reform Bill

Congresswoman Bustos Statement on Washington Republicans’ Billionaires-First Tax Plan

Release Of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Marks the Beginning Of Historic Tax Reform

Rep. Buchanan Statement on Tax Reform Legislation

GOP Tax Cut Bill Puts Billionaires Ahead of Middle-Class Families, Says Brownley

Brooks: Hardworking Hoosiers Will Be Able to Keep More of Their Paychecks

====================

Other News
https://www.thepondernews.com/othernews

News that doesn't have it's own page yet can be found at the "Other News" Page on The Ponder News.

Headlines are as follows:

Cohen Introduces Bill to Force the President to Comply With JFK Records Collection Act

Cicilline Joins Fellow Democratic Leaders in Crafting “A Better Deal” for American Workers

Castro Statement on Rosa Maria’s Release

Ken Buck and Colleagues Call on Senate to Act

Brown Demands Universities and Colleges Get Off the Sidelines on Campus Hate Incidents


====================

Opioid Epidemic
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic

Dr. Bucshon Commends President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis’ Final Report

====================

Mass Shootings
https://www.thepondernews.com/massshooting

Statement on heartbreaking news from Sutherland Springs, Texas

Statement from Trump about Shooting in Sutherland, Texas Church

====================

Seniors
https://www.thepondernews.com/seniors

COLLINS HELPS HOUSE PASS BILL TO PROTECT MEDICARE ACCESS

Budd Applauds House Repeal Of Independent Payment Advisory Board

Burgess Statement on House Passage of Bill to Repeal IPAB

====================

Natural Disasters
https://www.thepondernews.com/naturaldisasters

E&E NEWS: [Cramer] Bill passes to prevent electric fires on public land

House Initiates Action to Address Wildfires and Improve Forest Management

Cartwright, Lance Applaud Committee Passage of Bipartisan PREPARE Act

House Unanimously Passes Cárdenas Amendment to Study Drones in Wildfire Response

====================

Obituary
https://www.thepondernews.com/obituary

U.S. Rep. Castor on the Passing of Jan Platt, a Trailblazer and Tampa Icon

====================

Diversity Lottery
https://www.thepondernews.com/diversitylottery

Rep. Clarke Statement on Trump Attack on Diversity Visa Lottery

Statement from Trump about Shooting in Sutherland, Texas Church

Source: The White House

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of today’s murderous attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas. This horrible act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of sacred worship. We cannot put into words the pain and grief we all feel, and we cannot begin to imagine the suffering of those who lost the ones they loved. Our hearts are broken.

But in dark times such as these, Americans do what we do best: we pull together. We join hands. We lock arms. And through the tears and the sadness, we stand strong.

My Administration is providing its full support to the state and local authorities investigating this horrible crime. I have spoken with Governor Abbott, and we offer our thanks to the first responders who ultimately stopped the suspect and rendered immediate and lifesaving aid to the victims of this shooting. I will continue to follow developments closely.

All of America is praying to God to help the wounded and the families – we will never leave their side."

- President Donald J. Trump, November 5, 2017

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

What's New at The Ponder Web Site 11.5.17

Today we have lots of great news added at the Web Site:
http://thepondernews.com
========================

We have added several new pages at the Ponder to aid in your information gathering. Below they are listed, along with the newest headlines on each:
======

2nd Amendment Issues
https://www.thepondernews.com/2ndamendmentissues

Blumenthal Introduces Two Bicameral Bills to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence

====================

Abortion
https://www.thepondernews.com/abortion

Ohio House overwhelmingly approves Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act

====================

Bladensburg Memorial
https://www.thepondernews.com/bladensburgmemorial

BLADENSBURG WWI VETERAN’S MEMORIAL CROSS RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL

A three-judge panel ruled that the 90-year-old war memorial violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Attorneys for The American Legion Petition for En Banc Rehearing in Bladensburg Veterans Memorial Case

====================

Bowe Bergdahl
https://www.thepondernews.com/boweberghdal

Inhofe Statement on Bergdahl Sentence

Bowe Bergdahl Skates

Final City of Hailey Statement re: Bowe Bergdahl

====================

Children's Health Insurance Program
https://www.thepondernews.com/chip

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Championing Health Kids Act, H.R. 3922 by a vote of 242-174.
It now goes to the Senate.
​
The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act (H.R. 3922) includes:
​

Five year extension of Children’s Health Insurance Program;

Two year extension of Community Health Center funding at $3.6 billion;

Eliminates Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) reductions;

Two year extension of funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, the Youth Empowerment Program,

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, Funding for the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Center Graduate

Medical Education, and the Personal Responsibility Education Program are included in this bill;

Two year Extension of the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians; and

Over $1 billion for the Medicaid programs in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Headlines on this page include:

Rep. Brat Supports Passage of CHIP Reauthorization

Boyle Statement Opposing Cynical GOP Children’s Healthcare Reauthorization and Medicare Attack

Bonamici: CHIP Bill Reduces Important Funding for Public Health

BILIRAKIS CHAMPIONS HEALTH CARE FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

Congressman Bergman’s Statement on Voting in Favor of H.R. 3922

Beatty Opposes Partisan CHIP Reauthorization Bill

Adams Votes No on CHIP/CHC Bill

Abraham statement on CHIP, CHC reauthorization

Brown on House Chip Bill: Don’t Pit Ohio Kids Against Seniors

====================

Diversity Lottery
https://www.thepondernews.com/diversitylottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery

====================

DREAMERS
https://www.thepondernews.com/dreamers

LGBTQ Dreamers Need a Clean Dream Act Now

====================

Human Trafficking
https://www.thepondernews.com/humantrafficking

Portman, Blumenthal, Thune, Nelson Welcome Additional Tech Industry Support for the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act

BREAKING: After Months of Pressure, Tech Companies Drop Opposition & Throw Support Behind McCaskill Bipartisan Anti-Sex Trafficking Bill to ‘stop the next Backpage’

McCAIN WELCOMES TECH INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR THE STOP ENABLING SEX TRAFFICKERS ACT

CORTEZ MASTO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF BIPARTISAN BILL TO COMBAT SEX TRAFFICKING


====================

Masterpiece Cakeshop
https://www.thepondernews.com/masterpiececakeshop

Heinrich Backs Equal Rights For LGBTQ Community In U.S. Supreme Court Case

Colorado Lawmakers File Amicus Brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

OfficeMax refuses to print poster for event exposing homosexual agenda

HRC-Led Amicus Briefs in Masterpiece Cakeshop SCOTUS Case Features Top Chefs, Businesses

Amicus Briefs Demonstrate Broad Support for Equality in Masterpiece Case

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney Lead Congressional Amicus Brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

EVENT: Debate: ‘Masterpiece Cakeshop at US Supreme Court’ at Newseum on Nov. 13

THE MASTERPIECE CAKE SHOP SUPREME COURT CASE DOESN'T REALLY HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH CAKE

====================

Natural Disasters
https://www.thepondernews.com/naturaldisasters

Feinstein, California Leaders Urge Trump to Prioritize Disaster Assistance in Aftermath of Historic Wildfires

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Passes the PREPARE Act

====================

Opioid Epidemic
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic

Blackburn Endorses Bill to Create Opioid Task Force

Shaheen Statement on Final Report from White House Opioid Commission

Grassley, Blumenthal Ask HHS to Prioritize Funding for Program to Enhance Transparency in Opioid Prescribing

U.S. SENATOR TAMMY BALDWIN URGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO COMBAT OPIOID EPIDEMIC

ASAM commends the President’s commission for a thorough and thoughtful report that recommends an array of smart and actionable interventions

APA Pledges to Help Curb Opioid Epidemic

====================

Tax Reform
https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact

For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
​

Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to zero, 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6 percent for high-income Americans.

Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes – from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.

Eliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans’ taxes – so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.

Establishing a new Family Credit – which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.

Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.
​
For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
​

Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20 percent – down from 35 percent, which today is the highest in the industrialized world – the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nation’s history.

Reduces the tax rate on the hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25 percent – the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II.

Establishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and “pass-through” business income so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help mosli>Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad.

Headlines are as follows:

BOST STATEMENT ON TAX REFORM LEGISLATION

Republican tax bill slashes taxes for corporations, raises them on working families

Rep. Black Statement on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Bishop Comments on Introduction of ‘Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’

Congressman Biggs' Statement on Tax Reform Package Negotiations

REP. BACON STATEMENT ON TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT

AMODEI RESPONDS TO THE RELEASE OF HOUSE REPUBLICANS' TAX PLAN

WHITEHOUSE STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN TAX PLAN

Senator Toomey Statement on House Tax Reform Bill

Tillis Statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Sanders Statement on GOP Tax Plan

Reed: Irresponsible Republican Tax Plan Could Hurt Rhode Island and Working Families Nationwide

MERKLEY BLASTS GOP’S CORPORATE GIVEAWAY TAX PLAN

McConnell Statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Senator Markey Statement on GOP-Trump Tax Scam

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON TAX REFORM PROPOSAL

Sens. Lee and Rubio Respond to House Tax Plan

Durbin Statement On Republican Tax Plan

Duckworth Statement on House GOP Tax Plan

November 04, 2017

Cotton Calls for Repealing the Individual Mandate through Tax Reform

CORTEZ MASTO: TAX PLAN SHOWS GOP FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY PLEDGE WAS ALWAYS A FARCE

CAPITO: PRESIDENT TRUMP’S TAX VISION IS THE RIGHT ONE FOR WEST VIRGINIA

ICYMI: This is the tax-cut plan America needs

House Tax Bill Preserves Key Priorities for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

BILIRAKIS FIGHTS TO PRESERVE MEDICARE

Source: Gus Bilirakis (R-FL, 12th)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The House passed the Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act of 2017, which Congressman Bilirakis enthusiastically supported. While many scare tactics have been employed in a misinformation campaign, the House remains committed to preserving this important program, with no changes for current participants or those who are set to enroll in the near future. This bill specifically eliminates the Independent Payment and Advisory Board (IPAB) which is an un-elected Board that was created as part of Obamacare to cut Medicare payments to providers (hospitals & doctors). To date, the IPAB Board has never been called upon to make such cuts, therefore the bill is revenue neutral.

“Countless independent studies have shown that reform is needed in order to ensure Medicare’s long-term sustainability. I support a bi-partisan study commission which will make recommendations about how to best achieve that goal while protecting seniors and vulnerable populations. Despite political rhetoric, all members of Congress (Republican and Democrat) understand the importance of Medicare and will work to ensure that it remains solvent for years to come. However, any future changes that might be needed in the Medicare program should be carefully considered by Congress, not an IPAB Board, to ensure seniors are not adversely impacted, said Congressman Bilirakis.

Congressman Bilirakis has a long history of championing efforts to help preserve Medicare. He sponsored a bill to increase civil and criminal penalties for Medicare fraud. Many of these penalties have not been updated in over 20 years. Cracking down on fraud and abuse will help ensure solvency of the program for future generations. The Congressman also sponsored the Drug Management Program for At-Risk Beneficiaries which was signed into law earlier this year. This provision also cracked down on fraud and abuse within Medicare. Additionally, he has introduced legislation to tackle the issue of high drug prices. Congressman Bilirakis worked closely on a provision passed as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act mirroring his drug cost legislation, which would accelerate the generic drug approval process and encourage generic drug makers to enter markets where there is no competition. Too often, bad actors in the marketplace take advantage of monopolies, skyrocketing the price of lifesaving medication simply because there is little to no competition. While the high costs of drugs impact all Americans and the healthcare system as a whole, it also burdens Medicare. Congressman Bilirakis will continue to work on the sustainability of the Medicare program.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Hirono, Daines Bill Signed into Law to Make APEC Travel Card Permanent

Source: Senator Mazie K. Hirono - (D - HI)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Steve Daines’ (R-Mont.) bill to make permanent the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card program was signed into to law by the President.

The law, which grants Americans and citizens from APEC nations access to fast-track processing lanes at Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport and airports across the U.S. and Asia-Pacific, was passed by Congress last month.

“The APEC Business Travel Card program has benefited hundreds of Hawaii residents by making it easier to travel and conduct business across a region critical to our local economy and jobs,” said Senator Hirono. “This newly signed law reaffirms the importance of travel to our country’s engagement with the nations of the Asia-Pacific.”

“With 95 percent of the world’s consumers outside of the United States – we must make every effort to expand markets to create new good-paying jobs,” said Senator Daines. “I’m thrilled to see President Trump sign this bill into law to open new opportunities for businesses.”

Over 200 Hawaii residents are active holders of the APEC Business Travel Card, which saves 43 minutes on average in airport wait times. Without Congressional action, U.S. Customs and Border Protection cannot issue cards to U.S. citizens after September 30, 2018.

The enactment of S.504, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act, comes in advance the annual APEC Leaders’ Meeting next week.

S. 504 is supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce, U.S. Council for International Business, National Foreign Trade Council, U.S. Travel Association, Global Business Travel Association, American Hotel and Lodging Association, U.S.-China Business Council, U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China, and the National Center for APEC.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Heller-Backed Bill to Protect Children from Online Predators Signed Into Law

Source: Senator Dean Heller - (R - NV)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The President signed into law the PROTECT Our Children Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and introduced by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

This legislation will reauthorize the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program, a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies that combat online child exploitation across the country.

“I applaud the President for signing our bill to help protect children from predators,” said Sen. Heller. “This bipartisan legislation will empower local law enforcement – like police departments across Nevada – with the tools they need to more effectively pursue criminals who abuse and exploit children. I thank Senators Cornyn and Blumenthal for their leadership on this proposal, and I’m honored to have been part of the team to push it over the finish line.”

“Equipping law enforcement with the tools they need is vital to protecting our most vulnerable online,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and to the President for supporting victims and the law enforcement agencies that combat and prevent these crimes.”

“The PROTECT Act reauthorizes critical task force programs – empowering state and local law enforcement to combat child abuse, protect survivors, and prosecute perpetrators who prey on the vulnerable. This significant bipartisan bill is a solid step forward in the fight against predators and the horrific crime of child exploitation – and a warning against any criminal who would exploit our children online. I am proud to see this critical measure become law,” said Sen. Blumenthal.

“As a former prosecutor, I know the importance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program for our law enforcement officials,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “This law will help us continue this critical collaborative effort to protect children from predators on the internet.”

The PROTECT Our Children Act, originally passed in 2008, authorized the ICAC Task Force Program, a coordinated group of task forces representing 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in reactive and proactive investigations across the country. This legislation built upon work Senator Cornyn began as Texas Attorney General, when he created the Texas Internet Bureau to fight internet crimes like child pornography.

The ICAC Task Force Program helps local and state law enforcement respond to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children, and offers guidance on victim support, forensic investigative components, training and technical assistance, and prevention and community education.

Organizations who supported the PROTECT Our Children Act include the National Association to Protect Children (PROTECT), the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the National Children’s Alliance, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the National Sheriffs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Criminal Justice Association, and the Major City Chiefs Police Association.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Heitkamp & Bipartisan Group Urge Supreme Court to Revisit Case Preventing States from Collecting Sales & Use Tax from Out-of-State Businesses like Online Vendors

Source: Senator Heidi Heitkamp - (D - ND)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court urging the Court to reconsider and overturn a 25 year-old case determining whether states can require out-of-state businesses like online vendors to collect and remit state sales and use taxes.

In 1991, when Heitkamp was North Dakota’s Tax Commissioner, the state of North Dakota attempted to make catalog retailers collect the sales and use tax the state and municipalities were already owed on sales. Heitkamp brought the case all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1992 found in Quill Corp v. North Dakota that a business must have a physical presence in a state before it can be required to collect and remit state sales and use taxes. The Court also said that the U.S. Congress had the ultimate power to resolve the issue.

Since then, the sharp increase in internet sales has sparked renewed interest from state and local governments in leveling the playing field for brick-and-mortar businesses and closing a gaping loophole in our tax system. While the members have put forward a legislative solution in the Marketplace Fairness Act, Congress has not come to an agreement to fix the loophole.

Joining Heitkamp in filing the amicus brief are U.S. Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN), along with U.S. Representatives Kristi Noem (R-SD) and John Conyers (D-MI),

“Small businesses in our states – and the workers who rely on them for jobs – have long been disadvantaged by out-of-state retailers and online vendors who aren’t required to collect sales and use taxes,” the members said. “When these retailers can charge lower prices, our small businesses and jobs are at risk. The Supreme Court should re-visit and reverse its decision in Quill that tipped the scales in favor of online retailers and against brick and mortar businesses around the country, which lose close to $26 billion every year because of a misguided decision over two decades ago. It’s past time to level the playing field for local shops across our communities.”

Retailers without a physical presence have a price advantage over brick and mortar businesses of up to 8.5 percent in North Dakota, 9.75 percent in Tennessee, 11 percent in Illinois, and 6 percent in Wyoming simply because they cannot be required to collect those state taxes.

Click here to read the full text of the amicus brief.

The amicus brief – also called a “friend of the court” brief that is filed by outside parties and is used to share additional information and arguments for the Court to consider – urges the Supreme Court to grant South Dakota’s request for the Court to consider South Dakota v Wayfair, Inc. This case seeks to overturn Quill, which prevents South Dakota and 44 other states from enforcing their own state sales and use tax laws.

On April 27, Enzi, Durbin, Alexander, and Heitkamp introduced the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2017 – legislation that would give states the right to require out-of-state businesses or online retailers to collect and remit the sales and use taxes that are already owed under current law. In 2013, the Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act by a bipartisan vote of 69-27, but the legislation did not become law.

Noem and Conyers introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives on April 27 — the Remote Transactions Parity Act – which has 49 bipartisan cosponsors and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site