Washington, D.C. - November 30, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- House Representative Luke Messer (R-IA, 6th) has promised that he will introduce legislation to help protect victims of sexual assault and harassment in Congress.
Messer’s bill would ensure victims aren’t silenced by non-disclosure agreements, and prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims with members of Congress.
“It’s not OK that taxpayer money is used to silence victims of sexual harassment,” Messer said. “If these victims want to tell their story, they should be empowered to do so.”
This effort by Messer follows recent reports that John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI, 13th) settled a sexual harassment complaint with a former staff member using taxpayer dollars. The Washington Post reports that the government has paid more than $17 million in taxpayer money over the last 20 years to settle sexual harassment claims and other workplace violations filed by employees of Congress.
Messer’s bill would release Congressional staff from current non-disclosure agreements signed as part of a sexual assault settlement with a Member of Congress, and prohibit non-disclosure agreements like this in the future. It would also prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims by a member of Congress or employee of the House or Senate.
Messer also supports the bipartisan Member and Employee Training and Oversight On Congress Act, which would make sexual harassment training mandatory for all members and staff.
Upon the allegations against John Conyers, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal called for Conyers to resign, saying, “The actions and subsequent deflections from the growing tide of sexual harassment cases in Congress not only hurt individual women, but they undermine our institution of democracy. For justice to be done in cases with substantial evidence, a simple denial is not sufficient; the relinquishment of power becomes essential. It is not easy for me to reach this conclusion because, as a civil rights activist, I have looked up to Rep. Conyers for decades. I believe these women, I see the pattern and there is only one conclusion – Mr. Conyers must resign.”
Representative Kathleen Rice (D-NY, 4th) has called on Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI, 1st) to intervene in the case of a former employee who accused Rep. John Conyers, Jr. of unwanted sexual advances, and release her from the confidentiality agreement that she was forced to sign as part of a settlement. In a letter sent to Ryan Rice wrote:
“Under the settlement, the complainant was forced into a non-disclosure agreement and has been unable to openly discuss the workplace harassment and abuse she was subjected to, while Rep. Conyers and his attorney, Arnold Reed, have been free to make their case to the public. Three additional women (Maria Reddick, Melanie Sloan, and Deanna Maher) have been able to speak publicly about harassment by Rep. Conyers because they chose not to pursue a complaint through a system that is now universally acknowledged to be stacked against the victim.
“The accuser who attempted to seek help through a deeply flawed system should not continue to be silenced by the institution that failed to protect her in the first place.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
The Unpopular Truth
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Legislation Introduced Prohibiting Public Funds to be Used in Sexual Harassment Settlements by Members of Congress
Washington, D.C. - November 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On Tuesday, Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10), introduced H.R. 4458, legislation to ensure that taxpayer funds cannot be used to pay settlements resulting from sexual harassment by a Member of Congress. The bill also requires that the Ethics Committee consider the expulsion of a Congressman or Senator if they commit an act of sexual harassment.
Congressman Marino said the following regarding the introduction of this bill:
“Any form of sexual harassment in the workplace in completely unacceptable and Members of Congress should not be held to a different standard. As more information comes out regarding the secretive process for harassment complaints, it is clear that major changes need to be made.
It is unconscionable that Congressman and Senators have taxpayers foot the bill for their disgusting actions. My bill also requires the Ethics Committee to consider expulsion for any Member of Congress who commits an act of sexual harassment. There must be a serious review to determine whether someone is fit to serve in Congress based on the allegations.
My legislation takes a small, but important step, by ensuring that no taxpayer money can be used to settle harassment claims. This is a serious problem, and Congress must act.”
In the wake of media reporting on millions of dollars paid for more than 250 settlements to federal employees, Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has called for an investigation into the matter.
Fitzpatrick’s call for an investigation followed the Washington Post’s reporting that Congress has made 264 settlements with Capitol Hill employees for various infractions, including sexual harassment. The newspaper said the settlements totaled $17 million over 20 years.
In a statement the congressman said:
“It’s unbelievable – and unacceptable – that elected officials have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment suits for years. As if the American people needed another example of politicians playing by a different set of rules, this is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers forced to foot the bill for these heinous actions. I’m calling on the House Ethics Committee to fully investigate this misuse of taxpayer funds and will work with any member of Congress to prevent this type of abuse. Moreover, this Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title.”
The investigation the congressman is calling for would be handled by the House Committee on Ethics, which enforces standards of ethics and behaviors. The bipartisan committee can forward suggestions on actions that can be taken against members of congress if they are found to have violated standards.
Since the Washington Post’s reporting on the settlements, BuzzFeed News broke the story that Democratic Congressman John Conyers of Michigan settled a complaint using funds from his office budget in 2015. The former employee said she lost her job after not falling for his sexual advances.
Despite calls for a list of settlements to be released, officials have not provided that information.
Fitzpatrick’s office noted that the first-term legislator is a co-sponsor of the Me Too Congress Act that would “set definitive criteria to address sexual harassment in all national legislative branch offices.”
On Wednesday, Congressman Todd Rokita released the following statement after working with Congressman Ron DeSantis (FL-6) to write bipartisan legislation to help ensure justice for victims of sexual harassment and put an end to taxpayers footing the bill to cover up allegations against members of Congress:
“Americans are sick and tired of the special treatment given to members of Congress," said Congressman Rokita. “This legislation will help get justice for victims, and prevent taxpayer dollars from being used as hush money to protect the careers of politicians faced with allegations of sexual harassment. When it comes to draining the swamp, this is a great place to start.”
The Rokita-DeSantis Legislation does the following:
· Prohibits the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims
· Discloses all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed)
· Requires perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest
· Prohibits non disclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims
· Permits victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed non disclosure agreement
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Congressman Marino said the following regarding the introduction of this bill:
“Any form of sexual harassment in the workplace in completely unacceptable and Members of Congress should not be held to a different standard. As more information comes out regarding the secretive process for harassment complaints, it is clear that major changes need to be made.
It is unconscionable that Congressman and Senators have taxpayers foot the bill for their disgusting actions. My bill also requires the Ethics Committee to consider expulsion for any Member of Congress who commits an act of sexual harassment. There must be a serious review to determine whether someone is fit to serve in Congress based on the allegations.
My legislation takes a small, but important step, by ensuring that no taxpayer money can be used to settle harassment claims. This is a serious problem, and Congress must act.”
In the wake of media reporting on millions of dollars paid for more than 250 settlements to federal employees, Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has called for an investigation into the matter.
Fitzpatrick’s call for an investigation followed the Washington Post’s reporting that Congress has made 264 settlements with Capitol Hill employees for various infractions, including sexual harassment. The newspaper said the settlements totaled $17 million over 20 years.
In a statement the congressman said:
“It’s unbelievable – and unacceptable – that elected officials have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment suits for years. As if the American people needed another example of politicians playing by a different set of rules, this is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers forced to foot the bill for these heinous actions. I’m calling on the House Ethics Committee to fully investigate this misuse of taxpayer funds and will work with any member of Congress to prevent this type of abuse. Moreover, this Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title.”
The investigation the congressman is calling for would be handled by the House Committee on Ethics, which enforces standards of ethics and behaviors. The bipartisan committee can forward suggestions on actions that can be taken against members of congress if they are found to have violated standards.
Since the Washington Post’s reporting on the settlements, BuzzFeed News broke the story that Democratic Congressman John Conyers of Michigan settled a complaint using funds from his office budget in 2015. The former employee said she lost her job after not falling for his sexual advances.
Despite calls for a list of settlements to be released, officials have not provided that information.
Fitzpatrick’s office noted that the first-term legislator is a co-sponsor of the Me Too Congress Act that would “set definitive criteria to address sexual harassment in all national legislative branch offices.”
On Wednesday, Congressman Todd Rokita released the following statement after working with Congressman Ron DeSantis (FL-6) to write bipartisan legislation to help ensure justice for victims of sexual harassment and put an end to taxpayers footing the bill to cover up allegations against members of Congress:
“Americans are sick and tired of the special treatment given to members of Congress," said Congressman Rokita. “This legislation will help get justice for victims, and prevent taxpayer dollars from being used as hush money to protect the careers of politicians faced with allegations of sexual harassment. When it comes to draining the swamp, this is a great place to start.”
The Rokita-DeSantis Legislation does the following:
· Prohibits the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims
· Discloses all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed)
· Requires perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest
· Prohibits non disclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims
· Permits victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed non disclosure agreement
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
FBI Failure to Notify of Cyber Attacks Warrants Investigation
Washington, D.C. - November 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray requesting that he brief Congress on the FBI’s notification policy regarding cyberattacks against current and former U.S. government officials. The letter follows reports that the FBI, despite knowing about the threat, did not notify potential U.S. targets that their personal Gmail accounts could be vulnerable to Russian hacking.
In the letter, Mr. Lieu writes:
“As a computer science major and Member on the House Judiciary Committee, I have been deeply concerned about the breadth and complexity of the cybersecurity threats facing our nation. These threats often outpace our ability to track them, let alone combat them. However, given the FBI’s mission of protecting the United States from the malign efforts of “foreign intelligence and espionage” and “cyber-based attacks," the FBI’s response to this advanced persistent threat appears to have been deficient and demands further attention.
Failing to notify current or former U.S. officials of known cyber attacks hampers their ability to assess and mitigate damage. Threat actors can often glean useful data from private email accounts that is then used to conduct further attacks."
READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER HERE
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
In the letter, Mr. Lieu writes:
“As a computer science major and Member on the House Judiciary Committee, I have been deeply concerned about the breadth and complexity of the cybersecurity threats facing our nation. These threats often outpace our ability to track them, let alone combat them. However, given the FBI’s mission of protecting the United States from the malign efforts of “foreign intelligence and espionage” and “cyber-based attacks," the FBI’s response to this advanced persistent threat appears to have been deficient and demands further attention.
Failing to notify current or former U.S. officials of known cyber attacks hampers their ability to assess and mitigate damage. Threat actors can often glean useful data from private email accounts that is then used to conduct further attacks."
READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER HERE
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Uber Suffers Data Breach
Recent reports have indicated that Uber Technologies Inc. suffered a data breach involving the personal information of 57 million customers, including names, email addresses, and mobile phone numbers. Uber failed to disclose the breach promptly.
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Thune (R-SD), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) are seeking answers. They recently wrote the company. “The company maintains that its outside forensic experts have not seen any indication that customer trip location history, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or dates of birth were downloaded. Nevertheless, the nature of the information currently acknowledged to have been compromised, together with the allegation that the company concealed the breach without notifying affected drivers and consumers, and prior privacy concerns at Uber, makes this a serious incident that merits further scrutiny,” stated the senators in the letter.
Senator Bill Cassidy is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, which has jurisdiction over the protection of social security numbers and programs that are often targeted by identity thieves.
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Thune (R-SD), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) are seeking answers. They recently wrote the company. “The company maintains that its outside forensic experts have not seen any indication that customer trip location history, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or dates of birth were downloaded. Nevertheless, the nature of the information currently acknowledged to have been compromised, together with the allegation that the company concealed the breach without notifying affected drivers and consumers, and prior privacy concerns at Uber, makes this a serious incident that merits further scrutiny,” stated the senators in the letter.
Senator Bill Cassidy is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, which has jurisdiction over the protection of social security numbers and programs that are often targeted by identity thieves.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Indonesian Reprieve from Deportation Merits Responses
Washington, D.C. - November 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Chief Judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts ruled that the court has jurisdiction to delay deportations for members of the Indonesian community residing in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire, who face certain persecution as Christians in Indonesia, so that individuals can refile their cases. This ruling included some individuals who had been ordered to leave as early as this week. This will take a while, so the Indonesians facing deportation are temporarily relieved.
“I am very encouraged by this ruling,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D - NH). “The court made the right call--those who are threatened by deportation should have every opportunity to make their case to remain in their communities. New Hampshire should continue to be a sanctuary to the Indonesian community that fled religious persecution. Deporting these individuals will needlessly split families and communities, and put lives in danger. I’ll continue to make every effort to prevent these deportations so that the Indonesian community can continue to live peacefully in New Hampshire.”
In 2012, Senator Shaheen’s office helped negotiate an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to allow Indonesian immigrants to remain in New Hampshire and obtain work permits in exchange for a commitment to regularly check-in with ICE. This agreement was recently reversed by ICE under the Trump administration, and these individuals were ordered to begin making preparations for deportation. Senator Shaheen has called senior officials in the Trump administration on behalf of the Indonesian community, including the Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke, Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan and Deputy National Security Advisor Dina Powell. In October, Senator Shaheen welcomed New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s (R-NH) letter on behalf of the Indonesian community to the President and forwarded it to senior officials in the Trump administration.
“While I appreciate that the court has issued an order temporarily protecting members of the Indonesian community, I remain deeply concerned that the Trump Administration is prioritizing the deportation of these members of New Hampshire’s Indonesian community," Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) stated. "Many of these people came to our country fleeing religious persecution. They have become members of the community, they have worked jobs and paid taxes, and they have raised their families in the Seacoast. I will continue to work closely with the Congressional delegation and do everything I can to protect these Granite Staters.”
“I'm pleased that the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts has delayed removal of members of New Hampshire’s Indonesian Community and will give them more time to defend their right to stay in the state and country they call home,” said Congresswoman Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd). “These Indonesians came to the United States fearing religious persecution. They have built lives in the Granite State, contributed to our regional economy, and raised children that know no other home. For years they have voluntarily participated in and complied with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervision program. The decision to rescind this program and begin the deportation process for many of these individuals threatens to uproot families and risks renewed persecution for those who would be forced to return to Indonesia. I’m hopeful that a resolution will be reached that will allow these individuals to remain in the United States legally.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
“I am very encouraged by this ruling,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D - NH). “The court made the right call--those who are threatened by deportation should have every opportunity to make their case to remain in their communities. New Hampshire should continue to be a sanctuary to the Indonesian community that fled religious persecution. Deporting these individuals will needlessly split families and communities, and put lives in danger. I’ll continue to make every effort to prevent these deportations so that the Indonesian community can continue to live peacefully in New Hampshire.”
In 2012, Senator Shaheen’s office helped negotiate an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to allow Indonesian immigrants to remain in New Hampshire and obtain work permits in exchange for a commitment to regularly check-in with ICE. This agreement was recently reversed by ICE under the Trump administration, and these individuals were ordered to begin making preparations for deportation. Senator Shaheen has called senior officials in the Trump administration on behalf of the Indonesian community, including the Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke, Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan and Deputy National Security Advisor Dina Powell. In October, Senator Shaheen welcomed New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s (R-NH) letter on behalf of the Indonesian community to the President and forwarded it to senior officials in the Trump administration.
“While I appreciate that the court has issued an order temporarily protecting members of the Indonesian community, I remain deeply concerned that the Trump Administration is prioritizing the deportation of these members of New Hampshire’s Indonesian community," Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) stated. "Many of these people came to our country fleeing religious persecution. They have become members of the community, they have worked jobs and paid taxes, and they have raised their families in the Seacoast. I will continue to work closely with the Congressional delegation and do everything I can to protect these Granite Staters.”
“I'm pleased that the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts has delayed removal of members of New Hampshire’s Indonesian Community and will give them more time to defend their right to stay in the state and country they call home,” said Congresswoman Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd). “These Indonesians came to the United States fearing religious persecution. They have built lives in the Granite State, contributed to our regional economy, and raised children that know no other home. For years they have voluntarily participated in and complied with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervision program. The decision to rescind this program and begin the deportation process for many of these individuals threatens to uproot families and risks renewed persecution for those who would be forced to return to Indonesia. I’m hopeful that a resolution will be reached that will allow these individuals to remain in the United States legally.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Enhancing Questions to Understand Intentions for Pregnancy (EQUIP) Act Introduced in the House
Washington, D.C. - November 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced legislation aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes and reducing rates of unintended pregnancy. She thinks that by asking young women questions, like "Are you trying to have a baby?" "Are you sexually active?" "Are you wearing protection?" This will reduce the stresses of unintended pregnancy.
While this does not help lower-income young women who may not be regularly seeing a doctor, it does seem like a step in the right direction for providing information that will, in the long run, prevent a need for an abortion.
The Enhancing Questions to Understand Intentions for Pregnancy (EQUIP) Act supports evidence-based pregnancy intention screening initiatives that facilitate important, patient-centered conversations between women and their health providers. These initiatives prepare health care providers to routinely ask female patients of child-bearing age about their goals regarding pregnancy, and subsequently provide appropriate pre-conception or contraceptive care and counsel.
“Families and communities are healthier when women are able to have healthy, planned pregnancies,” said Bonamici. “Studies show that empowering women and their health care providers to have a discussion about pregnancy intentions reduces unintended pregnancies, promotes maternal health, and improves birth outcomes. I’m proud to support bringing a successful pregnancy intention screening initiative from Oregon to a national scale."
“We applaud Congresswoman Bonamici for her leadership on women’s health issues, and are very hopeful that the EQUIP Act will bring widespread national attention to pregnancy intention screening,” stated Grayson Dempsey, Executive Director of the Oregon Foundation for Reproductive Health. “Oregon has always been on the forefront of progressive healthcare policy and we are proud that the One Key Question™ initiative has been able to help so many women get the services they need for planning and preventing pregnancy.”
"The EQUIP Act takes an important step towards ensuring that every woman—no matter who she is or where she lives—has the power to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant, and most importantly, to have the power to act upon those intentions," said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. "It will contribute to strengthening and spreading pregnancy intention screening protocols that support women and their health care providers in having important conversations that allow women to get the health care they need and want in order to avoid an unintended, or prepare for, a healthy pregnancy."
Bonamici modeled this legislation on One Key Question™, a pregnancy intention screening initiative developed by the Oregon Foundation for Reproductive Health. The initiative supported the implementation of structured pregnancy intention screening pilot studies in Oregon, including at Washington County Family Planning clinics in 2013. This model is now being implemented at sites in at least 30 states.
Bonamici strongly supports access to contraception and opposes efforts by the Trump Administration to terminate the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
While this does not help lower-income young women who may not be regularly seeing a doctor, it does seem like a step in the right direction for providing information that will, in the long run, prevent a need for an abortion.
The Enhancing Questions to Understand Intentions for Pregnancy (EQUIP) Act supports evidence-based pregnancy intention screening initiatives that facilitate important, patient-centered conversations between women and their health providers. These initiatives prepare health care providers to routinely ask female patients of child-bearing age about their goals regarding pregnancy, and subsequently provide appropriate pre-conception or contraceptive care and counsel.
“Families and communities are healthier when women are able to have healthy, planned pregnancies,” said Bonamici. “Studies show that empowering women and their health care providers to have a discussion about pregnancy intentions reduces unintended pregnancies, promotes maternal health, and improves birth outcomes. I’m proud to support bringing a successful pregnancy intention screening initiative from Oregon to a national scale."
“We applaud Congresswoman Bonamici for her leadership on women’s health issues, and are very hopeful that the EQUIP Act will bring widespread national attention to pregnancy intention screening,” stated Grayson Dempsey, Executive Director of the Oregon Foundation for Reproductive Health. “Oregon has always been on the forefront of progressive healthcare policy and we are proud that the One Key Question™ initiative has been able to help so many women get the services they need for planning and preventing pregnancy.”
"The EQUIP Act takes an important step towards ensuring that every woman—no matter who she is or where she lives—has the power to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant, and most importantly, to have the power to act upon those intentions," said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. "It will contribute to strengthening and spreading pregnancy intention screening protocols that support women and their health care providers in having important conversations that allow women to get the health care they need and want in order to avoid an unintended, or prepare for, a healthy pregnancy."
Bonamici modeled this legislation on One Key Question™, a pregnancy intention screening initiative developed by the Oregon Foundation for Reproductive Health. The initiative supported the implementation of structured pregnancy intention screening pilot studies in Oregon, including at Washington County Family Planning clinics in 2013. This model is now being implemented at sites in at least 30 states.
Bonamici strongly supports access to contraception and opposes efforts by the Trump Administration to terminate the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
APPROVAL OF THE KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE IS A PROMISING EXAMPLE FOR OUR NATION
Washington, D.C. - November 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Nebraska Public Service Commission approved the permit allowing for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline last week.
“The Nebraska Public Service Commission set an example for how to carefully evaluate critical energy infrastructure projects, even in the face of strongly held views and opinions,” said American Petroleum Institute's President and CEO Jack Gerard . “It’s been a long path to (today’s) approval and the Commission should be commended. Their action allows the Keystone XL pipeline to be built by highly-trained, skilled tradesmen using state-of-the-art technologies aimed at protecting the environment and promoting the safety of our communities. Pipelines such as this enhance our ability to safely deliver North American energy to our world class refineries, which in turn provide the fuels and products we all rely on every day.”
Among the many benefits that will come from this project like increased energy security for our nation, the Keystone XL pipeline is estimated to support 42,000 jobs during its construction and generate $55 million in property tax revenue in its first year of operation.
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
“The Nebraska Public Service Commission set an example for how to carefully evaluate critical energy infrastructure projects, even in the face of strongly held views and opinions,” said American Petroleum Institute's President and CEO Jack Gerard . “It’s been a long path to (today’s) approval and the Commission should be commended. Their action allows the Keystone XL pipeline to be built by highly-trained, skilled tradesmen using state-of-the-art technologies aimed at protecting the environment and promoting the safety of our communities. Pipelines such as this enhance our ability to safely deliver North American energy to our world class refineries, which in turn provide the fuels and products we all rely on every day.”
Among the many benefits that will come from this project like increased energy security for our nation, the Keystone XL pipeline is estimated to support 42,000 jobs during its construction and generate $55 million in property tax revenue in its first year of operation.
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
HUDSON'S CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY BILL MARK UP WEDNESDAY
Washington, D.C. - November 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The House Judiciary Committee announced it will mark up House Representative Richard Hudson's (R-NC, 8th) bill, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 (H.R. 38), on Wednesday, November 29.
Concealed carry reciprocity is one of the most important pro-Second Amendment measures in Congress. Currently, the patchwork of reciprocity laws and agreements between states is confusing and has caused law-abiding citizens like Shaneen Allen to unwittingly break the law and suffer arrest and detention. Even the most careful and knowledgeable concealed carry permit holders find it difficult to navigate the current maze of state and local concealed carry laws. H.R. 38 is a common sense solution. The bill, which is supported by major pro-Second Amendment groups and has 213 cosponsors, would allow law-abiding citizens with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit to conceal a handgun in any other state that allows concealed carry. It would also allow law-abiding residents of Constitutional carry states the ability to carry in other states that recognize their own residents’ right to concealed carry.
H.R. 38 would allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed only if they are not federally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm, are carrying a valid government-issued photo ID, and are lawfully licensed or otherwise entitled to carry a concealed handgun. Each person would have to follow the laws of the state, county and municipality in which they are carrying concealed.
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) stated, “For me and the vast majority of Americans who support concealed carry reciprocity, this is welcome progress. I want to thank Chairman Bob Goodlatte for his strong leadership to protect our Second Amendment rights. I will continue to work with my colleagues and President Trump to pass this common sense legislation to protect law-abiding citizens."
In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court ruled that “the inherent right of self-defense has been central to the Second Amendment right,” which is “the individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation.” This fundamental right does not stop at a state’s borders and law-abiding citizens should be able to exercise this right when crossing state lines. In addition, Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution states, “Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.” This is the clause that allows a driver’s license to be recognized across state lines.
Contrary to the misinformation critics spread, under H.R. 38, states would retain their authority to enact time and place restrictions on where people can lawfully carry in the state. In addition, the bill would not make it any easier to buy a gun. It has nothing to do with the purchase of guns, it would not alter access to guns, and it would not change the federal law requiring background checks.
The American people understand these facts. That’s why an overwhelming majority of Americans support concealed carry reciprocity – 73% according to a recent New York Times survey.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Concealed carry reciprocity is one of the most important pro-Second Amendment measures in Congress. Currently, the patchwork of reciprocity laws and agreements between states is confusing and has caused law-abiding citizens like Shaneen Allen to unwittingly break the law and suffer arrest and detention. Even the most careful and knowledgeable concealed carry permit holders find it difficult to navigate the current maze of state and local concealed carry laws. H.R. 38 is a common sense solution. The bill, which is supported by major pro-Second Amendment groups and has 213 cosponsors, would allow law-abiding citizens with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit to conceal a handgun in any other state that allows concealed carry. It would also allow law-abiding residents of Constitutional carry states the ability to carry in other states that recognize their own residents’ right to concealed carry.
H.R. 38 would allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed only if they are not federally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm, are carrying a valid government-issued photo ID, and are lawfully licensed or otherwise entitled to carry a concealed handgun. Each person would have to follow the laws of the state, county and municipality in which they are carrying concealed.
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) stated, “For me and the vast majority of Americans who support concealed carry reciprocity, this is welcome progress. I want to thank Chairman Bob Goodlatte for his strong leadership to protect our Second Amendment rights. I will continue to work with my colleagues and President Trump to pass this common sense legislation to protect law-abiding citizens."
In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court ruled that “the inherent right of self-defense has been central to the Second Amendment right,” which is “the individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation.” This fundamental right does not stop at a state’s borders and law-abiding citizens should be able to exercise this right when crossing state lines. In addition, Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution states, “Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.” This is the clause that allows a driver’s license to be recognized across state lines.
Contrary to the misinformation critics spread, under H.R. 38, states would retain their authority to enact time and place restrictions on where people can lawfully carry in the state. In addition, the bill would not make it any easier to buy a gun. It has nothing to do with the purchase of guns, it would not alter access to guns, and it would not change the federal law requiring background checks.
The American people understand these facts. That’s why an overwhelming majority of Americans support concealed carry reciprocity – 73% according to a recent New York Times survey.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Congress to Consider Harassment, Anti-Discrimination Training Requirements
Washington, D.C. - November 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The House of Representatives will consider Congresswoman Barbara Comstock's (R-VA, 10th) bipartisan Resolution this upcoming week requiring all Members and staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress. The Resolution is also sponsored by Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper (R-MS), and Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-PA). The Resolution is expected to be voted on by the full House this week.
“Recent cases of sexual harassment both within Congress, and outside in other industries, make clear that we need increased efforts to provide zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment in Congress. This bipartisan Resolution is a first step and more will still be done. This Resolution reforms House rules so that staff, interns, and fellows have the necessary protections if they face sexual harassment or discrimination in the Congressional workplace. This resolution will also put in the proper protocols and training so that both staff and Members are fully trained on anti-sexual harassment and anti-discrimination procedures.
“I want to thank House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper in working in a bipartisan manner on this resolution. Fostering a safe and healthy work environment in the House of Representatives is a priority for the Committee. Going forward we also will be working on additional legislation that will bring more accountability and transparency in cases of sexual harassment. The House Administration Committee will also be holding a hearing on December 7th to examine the Congressional Accountability Act and best practices going forward to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.”
Background:
· The Resolution requires that all House Members, Officers, employees, including interns, detailees, and fellows, of the House of Representatives shall complete an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training program during each session of Congress.
· Each individual must complete the training within 90 days of the session. For new hires, staff must complete the training within 90 days of their hire date during the session. For the current 115th Congress, each individual shall complete the training no later than 180 days after the second session of Congress begins.
· Each individual will provide their certificate of completion to the Committee on House Administration and the training must be repeated every session of Congress.
· The Resolution tasks the Committee on House Administration with issuing regulations to ensure compliance and transparency. As part of the Committee’s extensive review, these regulations will be drafted and adopted by the Committee within 30 days of enactment of the Resolution.
· Additionally, the Resolution requires the posting of a statement of the rights and protections provided to employees of the House of Representatives under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.
Ahead of a vote this week to formally establish mandatory sexual harassment training in the House, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN, 5th) encouraged House leaders to go much further by unmasking the secret settlements that lawmakers have reached with people accusing them of sexual harassment.
“Training is not enough,” Rep. Cooper said. “Whenever Congress spends taxpayer money, we should disclose it all. Maybe then, our ‘zero tolerance’ policies will actually mean something. No one is above the law.”
Rep. Cooper, whose staff is already required to take an anti-harassment training course offered by the House, said heightened public awareness of sexual harassment issues should be more than enough reason for Congress to take additional steps beyond training.
These steps include naming the House and Senate lawmakers who have used a secret taxpayer-funded account to settle sexual harassment claims in Congress – retroactively and, if necessary, moving forward. But Rep. Cooper believes the current practice of secret settlements should be abolished altogether.
Cheri Bustos (D-IL, 17th) stated, “I find it unacceptable that members of Congress can use taxpayer funds to settle workplace disputes with virtually no transparency, particularly accusations of sexual harassment or discrimination. If a member of Congress is going to settle a sexual harassment claim, taxpayers should have the right to know about it since they’re the ones footing the bill. I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to demand a higher standard of leadership, a safer workplace environment and a culture of accountability on factory floors, in office buildings and in the halls of Congress.”
All of this comes in the wake of allegations made against John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI, 13th). In response to Conyer's decision to step down from his committee (although he has not opted to resign) David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st) stated, “Given the seriousness of the allegations against him, it was appropriate for Congressman Conyers to step down as Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. I have tremendous respect for the work he has done to serve our country, but the accusations that have been presented against him in recent days are very serious. The Ethics Committee needs to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into these accusations as quickly as possible.”
Some members of Congress say training isn't enough.
Rep. Ron DeSantis has announced his intent to introduce legislation to bring transparency to the congressional claims process and to prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to pay harassment claims.
In an effort to restore accountability, DeSantis' legislation will make public all payments funded by taxpayers, including the nature of the initial allegation and the member of Congress implicated, bar the use of any tax dollars to be used to settle sexual harassment claims where the plaintiff is a member of Congress or an employee of the House or Senate, and require that any member of Congress named in a settlement paid for by taxpayers reimburse the American people.
"Settlements paid with tax dollars should not be kept secret. Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent," DeSantis said. "Furthermore, members of Congress cannot be allowed to use the American people's money as a personal slushfund to cover wrongdoing. I’m working on legislation to unseal the settlement records, bar the use of tax dollars to pay harassment claims against members and staff, prohibit members from using their office budgets to camouflage settlement payments (a Conyers rule), and require reimbursement of the taxpayer by members and staff who have had settlements paid due to their misconduct.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
“Recent cases of sexual harassment both within Congress, and outside in other industries, make clear that we need increased efforts to provide zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment in Congress. This bipartisan Resolution is a first step and more will still be done. This Resolution reforms House rules so that staff, interns, and fellows have the necessary protections if they face sexual harassment or discrimination in the Congressional workplace. This resolution will also put in the proper protocols and training so that both staff and Members are fully trained on anti-sexual harassment and anti-discrimination procedures.
“I want to thank House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper in working in a bipartisan manner on this resolution. Fostering a safe and healthy work environment in the House of Representatives is a priority for the Committee. Going forward we also will be working on additional legislation that will bring more accountability and transparency in cases of sexual harassment. The House Administration Committee will also be holding a hearing on December 7th to examine the Congressional Accountability Act and best practices going forward to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.”
Background:
· The Resolution requires that all House Members, Officers, employees, including interns, detailees, and fellows, of the House of Representatives shall complete an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training program during each session of Congress.
· Each individual must complete the training within 90 days of the session. For new hires, staff must complete the training within 90 days of their hire date during the session. For the current 115th Congress, each individual shall complete the training no later than 180 days after the second session of Congress begins.
· Each individual will provide their certificate of completion to the Committee on House Administration and the training must be repeated every session of Congress.
· The Resolution tasks the Committee on House Administration with issuing regulations to ensure compliance and transparency. As part of the Committee’s extensive review, these regulations will be drafted and adopted by the Committee within 30 days of enactment of the Resolution.
· Additionally, the Resolution requires the posting of a statement of the rights and protections provided to employees of the House of Representatives under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.
Ahead of a vote this week to formally establish mandatory sexual harassment training in the House, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN, 5th) encouraged House leaders to go much further by unmasking the secret settlements that lawmakers have reached with people accusing them of sexual harassment.
“Training is not enough,” Rep. Cooper said. “Whenever Congress spends taxpayer money, we should disclose it all. Maybe then, our ‘zero tolerance’ policies will actually mean something. No one is above the law.”
Rep. Cooper, whose staff is already required to take an anti-harassment training course offered by the House, said heightened public awareness of sexual harassment issues should be more than enough reason for Congress to take additional steps beyond training.
These steps include naming the House and Senate lawmakers who have used a secret taxpayer-funded account to settle sexual harassment claims in Congress – retroactively and, if necessary, moving forward. But Rep. Cooper believes the current practice of secret settlements should be abolished altogether.
Cheri Bustos (D-IL, 17th) stated, “I find it unacceptable that members of Congress can use taxpayer funds to settle workplace disputes with virtually no transparency, particularly accusations of sexual harassment or discrimination. If a member of Congress is going to settle a sexual harassment claim, taxpayers should have the right to know about it since they’re the ones footing the bill. I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to demand a higher standard of leadership, a safer workplace environment and a culture of accountability on factory floors, in office buildings and in the halls of Congress.”
All of this comes in the wake of allegations made against John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI, 13th). In response to Conyer's decision to step down from his committee (although he has not opted to resign) David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st) stated, “Given the seriousness of the allegations against him, it was appropriate for Congressman Conyers to step down as Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. I have tremendous respect for the work he has done to serve our country, but the accusations that have been presented against him in recent days are very serious. The Ethics Committee needs to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into these accusations as quickly as possible.”
Some members of Congress say training isn't enough.
Rep. Ron DeSantis has announced his intent to introduce legislation to bring transparency to the congressional claims process and to prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to pay harassment claims.
In an effort to restore accountability, DeSantis' legislation will make public all payments funded by taxpayers, including the nature of the initial allegation and the member of Congress implicated, bar the use of any tax dollars to be used to settle sexual harassment claims where the plaintiff is a member of Congress or an employee of the House or Senate, and require that any member of Congress named in a settlement paid for by taxpayers reimburse the American people.
"Settlements paid with tax dollars should not be kept secret. Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent," DeSantis said. "Furthermore, members of Congress cannot be allowed to use the American people's money as a personal slushfund to cover wrongdoing. I’m working on legislation to unseal the settlement records, bar the use of tax dollars to pay harassment claims against members and staff, prohibit members from using their office budgets to camouflage settlement payments (a Conyers rule), and require reimbursement of the taxpayer by members and staff who have had settlements paid due to their misconduct.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Franken Must Take His Own Medicine
by Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
Sen. Al Franken broke his silence and did a media tour explaining away his sexual offenses. "I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow," he said. He should instead take some of his own medicine and resign.
Five years ago, Franken co-sponsored a bill, the End Trafficking in Government Contracting Act, to strengthen federal legislation on human trafficking, which includes sexual exploitation. The bill, which was approved by the Senate in December 2012, was necessitated because of the failure of the existing "zero tolerance" policy.
In July 2013, Franken co-sponsored another bill, the Military Justice Improvement Act, to deal with the "epidemic of sexual assault in the military." It was necessitated because of the failure of the existing "zero tolerance" policy.
It was noble of Franken to support going beyond "zero tolerance" to combat sexual abuse by government contractors and subcontractors who operate overseas. Similarly, it was noble of him to support going beyond "zero tolerance" to combat sexual molestation in the armed forces.
It was ignoble of him to go back to work today. Does he think that his support for legislation combating sexual abuse should not extend to him? He has admitted to one act of sexual abuse, and is accused by three other women of violating them.
Ironically, it was the Catholic Church that first instituted a "zero tolerance" policy for abusers. And what did Franken do? He mocked it.
Now that Franken has proven that he has no integrity left, it is up to the Senate to show him the door. He is utterly shameless.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Sen. Al Franken broke his silence and did a media tour explaining away his sexual offenses. "I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow," he said. He should instead take some of his own medicine and resign.
Five years ago, Franken co-sponsored a bill, the End Trafficking in Government Contracting Act, to strengthen federal legislation on human trafficking, which includes sexual exploitation. The bill, which was approved by the Senate in December 2012, was necessitated because of the failure of the existing "zero tolerance" policy.
In July 2013, Franken co-sponsored another bill, the Military Justice Improvement Act, to deal with the "epidemic of sexual assault in the military." It was necessitated because of the failure of the existing "zero tolerance" policy.
It was noble of Franken to support going beyond "zero tolerance" to combat sexual abuse by government contractors and subcontractors who operate overseas. Similarly, it was noble of him to support going beyond "zero tolerance" to combat sexual molestation in the armed forces.
It was ignoble of him to go back to work today. Does he think that his support for legislation combating sexual abuse should not extend to him? He has admitted to one act of sexual abuse, and is accused by three other women of violating them.
Ironically, it was the Catholic Church that first instituted a "zero tolerance" policy for abusers. And what did Franken do? He mocked it.
Now that Franken has proven that he has no integrity left, it is up to the Senate to show him the door. He is utterly shameless.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
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