Budget, Tariffs, Heart, Disaster Aid

News from the Lawmakers

Rep. Nadler Statement on Vote Against Senate Budget Deal
Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
February 9, 2018
"Early this morning, I voted no on the short term spending bill and the budget deal because Speaker Ryan failed to make a sufficient commitment to bring up a bipartisan bill to protect Dreamers from deportation. The bill Congress passed a few hours ago included several Democratic priorities about which I care deeply, including parity in lifting the budget caps and an extension of the debt limit, funding for Community Health Centers and CHIP, and long overdue disaster aid for Puerto Rico and others.

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Neal, Pascrell Introduce Bipartisan Tariff Relief Legislation to Support American Workers and U.S. Economic Competitiveness
Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st)
February 8, 2018
Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) introduced H.R. 4979, bipartisan legislation that renews the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for three years. The United States’ oldest and largest trade preference program, GSP provides targeted tariff relief while supporting American workers and businesses.

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Newhouse Statement on No Vote for Budget Package
Dan Newhouse (R WA, 4th)
February 8, 2018
“The legislation that was agreed to in the House and the Senate essentially writes a blank check to enable the federal government to continue to accumulate debt. I have been a vocal proponent of addressing the federal government’s out-of-control spending, and as the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warned, our growing debt is the greatest threat to our national security. We must find ways to rein in our national debt,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The people of the 4th Congressional District demand better and expect their representatives to promote fiscal responsibility, not advance policies that borrow over $1 million a minute.

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Noem: Know Your Heart
Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota)
February 9, 2018
Never underestimate the power of your story. Earlier this year, Aletha Maki visited our Washington, D.C., office from Rapid City. Her granddaughter had been diagnosed with high cholesterol at age two, a condition brought on, the family learned, by a genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia (or FH). Once diagnosed, the disease is manageable. But 90 percent of those with FH are unaware, and therefore, go untreated.

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Norcross Condemns Shutdown, Funding Fiasco, Trumpocracy
Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st)
February 9, 2018
“Americans want and deserve higher wages, great schools, safe neighborhoods and a secure nation. Instead, they’re getting Trumpocracy.

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Senate passes $90 billion disaster aid package
Senator Bill Nelson (D - FL)
February 9, 2018
The U.S. Senate today approved a massive two-year government spending bill that includes, among other things, $89.3 billion in disaster assistance to help areas, such as Florida and Puerto Rico, recover from the devastating 2017 hurricanes.

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John Kelly, Banking, South Korea and Budget

News from the Lawmakers

MCCOLLUM CALLS FOR TRUMP TO FIRE WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF JOHN KELLY

Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)
“President Donald Trump’s comments today defending White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter demonstrate that the Trump-Pence White House is an environment that lacks any shred of decency and is completely at odds with the values of the American people, especially the women of this country. With his outspoken endorsement and support of accused child molester Roy Moore and now his sympathetic defense of a violent domestic abuser, it is clear that President Trump is willing to excuse the vilest forms of abuse.

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Rep. Meeks and 32 House Democrats Urge Federal Banking Agencies to Strengthen Community Reinvestment Act Rules

Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY, 5th)
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) led 32 other House Democrats, including members of the House Financial Services Committee, on a letter (below) to Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin and Comptroller of the Currency Joseph M. Otting. The letter urges the administration to prioritize the interests of underserved communities as they update federal regulations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).

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Meng Cosponsors Resolution to Recognize Growth and Contributions of South Korea

Grace Meng (D-NY, 6th)
With the Winter Olympics kicking off in Pyeongchang this week, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she has cosponsored a bipartisan resolution (H.Res.707) that seeks to recognize the growth and transformation of South Korea, and its significant contributions to the international community.

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Statements from Newsmakers for Today

Kevin McCarthy (R-CA, 23rd)

“This has been a difficult year in our state as wildfires took more lives, burned more homes, and destroyed more communities than any of us would have imagined. Not only must we rebuild, we must also do everything in our power to make our communities even more resilient after these disasters. For months, the House has fought for disaster relief for California, and I was honored to work with my bipartisan California colleagues and pass legislation to help those affected by wildfires last December. Today, that relief has finally passed the House and Senate and will soon be signed into law by the President.

“Whether it’s for those who faced wildfires in Southern or Northern California this past year, this legislation makes sure that victims of California’s wildfires are treated exactly the same as people who faced natural disasters in states like Texas and Florida. We’ve also enacted tax relief for wildfire victims and expanded Stafford Act disaster assistance programs to include religious entities like churches, which are usually among the first on the ground helping people and saving lives.

“I am glad both sides of the political aisle came together to deliver this relief for the people of California. From Representatives Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman to Ken Calvert, Jeff Denham and Mimi Walters, we put our partisan differences aside to help our state. Though it is deeply disappointing that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi voted against this disaster funding, we will keep working together to help the people of California get back on their feet and build stronger for the future.”

Michael T. McCaul (R-TX, 10th)

“I was proud to cast my vote today to keep our government open and fund our military. Holding this critical funding for our troops hostage is reckless and unacceptable. In fact, our Secretary of Defense James Mattis has said, “no enemy in the field has done more to harm the readiness of the U.S. military than the [military cuts we experienced under President Obama].” Thankfully, today, Congress passed a budget agreement to end the harmful sequester so we can provide assurances to our brave men and women in uniform and rebuild our military capabilities and readiness.

“This package also provides $89.3 billion in long-delayed and much needed disaster relief funding for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The House passed legislation last December to provide those still struggling to rebuild their lives with the resources they need, but it is has been stalled in the Senate. With this bill, Texas and other impacted areas will finally receive significant federal help to rebuild, including $17.39 billion in Army Corp funding to help build our flood mitigation projects and prevent future flood disasters.

“Since day one, I have been working tirelessly to provide federal assistance to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. I am glad to see our budget agreement pass today to provide serious relief to Texans in need. We must continue to put the safety and security of the American people above all else.”

Tom McClintock (R-CA, 4th)

NO. This measure abandons any pretense of fiscal responsibility and increases federal spending caps by nearly $300 billion ($2,400 per household) over the next two years. It sets up a structure that will allow Congress to bypass its own budget rules and extends a laundry list of subsidies and special-interest tax breaks. It also suspends the debt limit for a year, for obvious reasons. It has a few silver linings: it repeals IPAB (Obamacare’s rationing board), gives the Pentagon predictable funding for the next two years and provides disaster relief.

Congress approved a massive tax reduction with my support in December. It is essential for economic growth and is already having a dramatic positive effect on wages and business expansion. However, having cut taxes, Congress has a keen responsibility to restrain spending growth – a responsibility it repudiates with this measure.

Taxes and debt are both driven by spending. Indeed, they are the same thing. Once we have spent a dollar, we’ve already decided to tax it: the only question is whether we tax it now, or borrow it now and tax it in the future. But borrowing also has serious implications for the present: government borrows from the same capital pool that would otherwise be available to loan for consumer and home purchases and business expansion. A lack of fiscal restraint now undermines the economic growth we have achieved with the tax cuts.

Interest rates are already rising, and economists warn that a sharp increase in deficits could cause markets to charge even higher rates for federal borrowing. A one percent increase in interest rates would add $200 billion to our ANNUAL borrowing costs, dwarfing the few cost-savings reforms we’ve managed to enact and threatening a debt spiral that would end in a sovereign debt crisis.

A. Donald McEachin (D VA, 4th)

“Early this morning, as I voted I was genuinely conflicted. I felt I was left no satisfactory option with the budget deal put before the House of Representatives.

“I was pleased to see that this bill created overdue investments in important services and programs that will help my constituents – and millions of other hardworking Americans. I am pleased to see rural health programs and other very needed domestic plans pass. However, I had made a commitment to DREAMers who are still left without a resolution. These young people were brought to this country as children and have contributed to the economy and betterment of our communities.

“The DACA program has wide bipartisan support, and we were only in this impossible situation because the Speaker refuses to bring a clean DACA bill to the Floor. I call on the Speaker to bring the DACA program up for a clean vote, not as part of an immigration bill that must have the President's stamp of approval before we can even discuss or debate. I believe in the important programs in last night's bill, but I also believe we owe these young people to stand by our word.”

Patrick T. McHenry (R-NC, 10th)

"In the last decade we’ve seen the growth of radical Islamic terrorism and the continued rise of anti-American regimes in Russia and North Korea. Yet—as the world has become an increasingly dangerous place—we’ve failed to properly provide for our military. With passage of this budget agreement, we’ve begun to change that.

“General Mattis made clear the increased defense funding in this package is necessary to repair our military and ensure our troops have the resources they need. By passing this budget agreement we are standing with President Trump and fulfilling our shared commitment to strengthening our military and keeping Americans safe.”

Martha McSally (R-AZ, 2nd)

“Today I voted with President Trump and Secretary Mattis to halt sequestration and increase defense spending. My vote is for our men and women in uniform who are relying on this boost in defense resources to carry out their mission and to keep us safe. Eight years’ worth of anemic defense budgets and neglect under President Obama’s defense sequester have thrown our military into a full-blown readiness crisis—and Secretary Mattis has made it very clear that, unless we pass a budget and fund the troops they will not have the resources to maintain their operations and deter war. That’s why, from the outset, I demanded that this bill include $700 billion this year and $716 billion next year for our troops to fulfill our military’s request—and it does.

This bill also dismantles another pillar of Obamacare: The ‘Independent Payment Advisory Board’—also known as the Death Panels and tasked with rationing Medicare.

We cannot hold our military hostage while we tackle other long-term spending and move towards fiscal responsibility. This landmark increase in defense spending will finally start to give our troops what they need to keep us safe.”

Mark Meadows (R-NC, 11th)

“Congress failed to get its fiscal house in order by passing a Budget Agreement that raises the Budget Control Caps by $300 billion, suspends the debt ceiling, and extends several other expensive spending provisions. For months, several of my colleagues and I urged Congressional leadership to work toward a long-term, responsible budget that gives our armed forces the funding and stability they deserve. I voted several times in the past year to honor that promise to our service members. And unfortunately, while this Budget Agreement provides a needed investment in our nation’s military, that investment comes with a heavy burden that our children and grandchildren will be strapped with.

I want to fund our military, but at what cost? Should we bankrupt our country in the process? Estimates suggest this bill will likely increase government spending by $1.5 trillion. This is not budgeting. I’m profoundly disappointed.

When I ran for Congress, I promised the people of Western North Carolina that I would fight to rein in Washington’s addiction to spending. This budget fails to do that. This doesn’t represent the promise I gave to my voters, and I suspect it isn’t what many of my colleagues promised their constituents, either.

At some point, Washington has to get serious about stopping this before it’s too late. I’m very disappointed in today’s result, but I maintain my commitment to fighting for the kind of fiscal responsibility that can sustain our country for decades to come. And I’m committed to fighting for the day when we will do better.”

Gwen Moore (D-WI, 4th)

“After scrambling in utter chaos to end their second shutdown in a month, the Republican majority passed a budget agreement in the early hours of this morning. This bill paves the way for an omnibus spending bill, funds community health centers, disaster relief, the opioid epidemic, veterans, and rural broadband. Although Democrats have long fought for the inclusion of these provisions in this bill, at the end of the day, it simply wasn’t enough to overlook what was excluded.

“As I contemplated how to cast my vote today, I thought of the strength and courage of Wisconsin DREAMers like Valeria Ruiz Lira and Alejandra Gonzalez. Like many DREAMers, Valeria and Alejandra have called the United States home for most of their lives. Yet, they – as well as hundreds of thousands across the country – have been forced to live in a constant state of uncertainty as congressional Republicans embrace President Trump’s bigoted policies and deny our DREAMers of their basic humanity. Despite such hateful opposition, these young men and women remain resolute. They are undocumented and unafraid. And as long as I’m in Congress, I’ll make sure they’re not alone in this fight.

“Speaker Ryan’s continued failure to step up and schedule a vote to protect DREAMers is nothing short of shameful. As the March 5 deadline to pass permanent protections for DREAMers approaches, I will continue to fight for a DACA deal with great force and conviction. Democrats have worked hard to put American families first at every turn. Now, it is time for Republicans to follow suit and remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who taught us, ‘The time is always right to do what’s right.’”

Seth Moulton (D-MA, 6th)

“Budgeting month to month and governing crisis to crisis is no way to run anything, let alone the United States of America. Republican leadership, if you can even call it that right now, is an embarrassment. America is better than this.

“I voted against this deal because it shortchanged all the things we should be coming together, as both Democrats and Republicans, to accomplish for the people we represent. Rather than play politics with funding our government, pitting one group against another, we should make strong investments in our future.

“A good deal supports our economy. Just look at the reaction of the stock market over the past week as Republicans careened towards another shutdown. Of course most Americans don’t have stocks, but rely on all the other investments we make: in education, health care, and in our local communities, especially after natural disasters. These things must be adequately funded.

“A good deal supports our troops. As general after general has told us, short-term deals hobble our Pentagon planners and endanger our military. Only with a predictable budget, that is adequately funded, can we make the investments in our troops and technology to meet the latest threats.

“A good deal invests in our future. At times like this, most talk focuses on government spending. But equally important is the other half of the equation because we ultimately can’t pay our troops, pay our Medicare bills, and invest in our future without the funds to do so. This is why the Republican tax cut for the rich is so dangerous for us all: it triples the deficit. And we can’t afford that. This deal makes it even worse.

“And don’t sell America short–don’t think for a second that we can’t do these things and also take care of DREAMers, whom overwhelming majorities of Americans want to support. These innocent kids grew up in America, only know this country, and deserve some certainty for their futures. They serve in our military and are our kids’ friends in school. They, too, deserve a chance at the American Dream.

“Yesterday, even Secretary Mattis, President Trump’s own Secretary of Defense, came out in support of DREAMers in our military, promising they won’t get deported. If someone inside the Trump Administration can stand strong, so should we. What Democrats are asking from Speaker Ryan is so simple: Just do your job and allow the House of Representatives to vote on an immigration plan. Vote how you want, but give us that chance. Give these innocent kids that chance. It’s the very least we should do.

“For all these reasons, I voted against this inadequate deal. And for all these reasons, I’m working hard to bring new leadership to Washington. We can do better, and I feel confident that if this deal had failed, we would have moved closer to addressing the many challenges our nation faces. That is our job.”

Markwayne Mullin (R-OK, 2nd)

“Early this morning, the House passed a budget agreement to continue government operations and most importantly, end the ill effects of an underfunded military due to years of sequestration,” Mullin said. “I voted in favor of the measure—not because I liked everything that was in the bill—but because I could not turn my back on our men and women in uniform. Our President and Commander in Chief and General Mattis asked me and my colleagues to vote for the bill. Due to the uncertainty around the world and our national security risks, it is our duty to fully support our troops who are protecting all of our rights. The vote that I cast this morning reflects my unwavering commitment to support the men and women of our armed forces who put their lives on the line to protect ours.”

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Background on the Bipartisan Budget Act courtesy of House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI-01) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY):

This agreement will unwind the sequestration cuts that have hamstrung America’s armed forces and jeopardized our national security by funding the military at this year’s National Defense Authorization Act levels.

It breaks the spending “parity” demanded for years by Democrats by giving defense a larger funding increase than non-defense discretionary spending. Compared to current law spending caps, the agreement increases defense discretionary funding by $80 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 and $85 billion in FY 2019 vs. an increase in non-defense domestic discretionary of $63 billion in FY 2018 and $68 billion in FY 2019.

This agreement provides for America’s veterans by helping reduce the maintenance backlog at the Veterans Administration.
It also provides almost $90 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations for disaster relief efforts for communities crippled by hurricanes in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida and Texas.

This agreement includes $6 billion over two years to bolster the ongoing fight against opioid addiction and substance abuse by funding grants, prevention programs, and law enforcement efforts in vulnerable communities across the country.

The agreement includes a $20 billion new investment in America’s infrastructure—a bipartisan priority shared by the President and lawmakers in both parties.

The agreement lifts the debt limit through March 1, 2019.

It includes structural reforms to Medicare and cuts to Obamacare, and repeals the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) from Obamacare.

It includes an extension of funding for Community Health Centers.
This agreement includes an extension of tax relief provisions that are supported by Republicans and Democrats.

It includes $2 billion in funding over two years for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

It establishes two committees to address pension and budget/appropriations reform.

Continuing Resolution & Disaster Supplemental:

The agreement includes a Continuing Resolution (CR) that funds the government at current levels through March 23, 2018 in order for the Appropriations Committees to negotiate detailed appropriations and deliver full funding for the remainder of FY 2018, and begin the process for FY 2019.

The legislation also contains almost $90 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations to help states, communities, businesses, and individuals respond and recover from recent hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters. Within in this funding, $4.9 billion is provided to increase Medicaid caps for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands for two years, along with program requirements.

Tax & Health Care Policies:

The agreement includes a one-year extension of critical tax provisions that help families, individuals and small businesses across the country. These provisions expired at the end of 2016.

It includes an additional four years of authorization for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The measure also includes a package of bipartisan Medicare provisions, known as Medicare extenders, and funding for community health centers.

Sexual Harassment, Budget,

Here are some news items from the press release pile at The Ponder News:



Concerned with Pervasive Sexual Harassment in Industries Outside the Spotlight, Senator Murray Requests Information from Trade Associations in Industries with Millions of Workers
Senator Patty Murray (D - WA)
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking Democrat on the Senate health committee, sent letters to 12 trade associations requesting information on harassment statistics. These associations represent the industries with some of the highest rates of sexual harassment reporting to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). As many people are coming forward and sharing their stories of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, Senator Murray is working to ensure every woman and man, no matter where they work, or how much money they make, has a workplace free from harassment.
Read more...

MARCHANT VOTES TO STRENGTHEN OUR MILITARY, PROVIDE DISASTER RELIEF FOR TEXAS FAMILIES, IMPROVE MEDICARE FOR TEXAS SENIORS
Kenny Marchant (R-TX, 24th)
This important budget agreement delivers on the promise to rebuild our military, provides disaster relief to Texas communities devastated by Hurricane Harvey, improves Medicare for Texas seniors, cuts government red tape for health care providers and repeals harmful Obamacare IPAB provisions
Read more...

The Reason Donald Trump Rejected the Memo from the Democrats

On Twitter, Trump tweeted:

The Democrats sent a very political and long response memo which they knew, because of sources and methods (and more), would have to be heavily redacted, whereupon they would blame the White House for lack of transparency. Told them to re-do and send back in proper form!

Following news reports that President Trump has blocked the release of the Democratic Memo refuting claims made in the so-called Nunes Memo, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th) released the following statement:

"After viewing both House Intelligence Committee memos, I can say, without a doubt, that not releasing the Democrats' memo is a great disservice to the American people. While I cannot comment on the details contained in the Democrats' memo because the President has refused to release it, I can say that it eviscerates Mr. Nunes' claims. This politicization of intelligence and quest to discredit the brave men and women of our intelligence and law enforcement communities must stop. Mr. Nunes' and President Trump's behavior are abhorrent and dangerous."

MURPHY STATEMENT ON DEPORTATION CASE OF FARMINGTON FAMILY

Source: Senator Christopher Murphy (D - CT)



Washington, D.C. - February 10, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Chris Murphy released a statement on Friday on the deportation case of Farmington, Connecticut residents, Mr. Zhe Long “Tony” Huang and Mrs. Xiang Jin “Kris” Li. Tony and Kris, who left China to come to the United States nearly two decades ago, have been issued an order to leave the United States by February 16th. Tony and Kris are married, have no criminal records, and have two American-born children, ages 15 and 5. The couple owns a nail salon in Simsbury.

“Kris and Tony own a small business, pay their taxes, and have two children in the Farmington school system. The Trump administration’s backwards immigration policies that target families instead of dangerous criminals make us less safe. I’ve been in touch with ICE, and I will keep fighting to make sure Kris and Tony can stay at home in Connecticut with their kids.”

Related News:


Simsbury, Farmington Rally For Local Couple Facing Deportation; Application Filed for Stay
Hartford Courant
One week before they must board a plane to return to China, Zhe Long Huang and Xiang Jin Li stood in front of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Hartford field office Friday afternoon to make their case to stay in America.
Read about it by clicking HERE

Senator Markey Calls for Greater Scrutiny of LNG Shipments from Russia to the United States

Source: Senator Edward J.Markey (D - MA)



Washington, D.C. - February 10, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, this week sent a letter to the Departments of State and Treasury querying the agencies about potential evasion of U.S. sanctions by Russian companies. Specifically, Boston Harbor recently received a shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) that contained gas from Novatek, a U.S.-sanctioned Russian natural gas producer. The United States imposed broad-based sanctions in 2014 on Russia in response to its ongoing occupation of Crimea and destabilization of eastern Ukraine. Despite these sanctions, Novatek shipped gas partially sourced from Yamal LNG, Novatek’s LNG export facility, to Everett, Massachusetts, potentially evading sanctions by generating revenue from U.S. sales. Another shipment from Novatek to the United States is expected in the coming weeks.

“Although a gas purchase from Yamal LNG many not constitute financing as defined as under the sanctions, the purchase provides revenue to Novatek,” writes Senator Markey in his letter to Secretaries Rex Tillerson and Steven Mnuchin. “This shipment may therefore circumvent the U.S. sanctions and calls into question to what degree those sanctions are serving our broader foreign policy goals regarding Russia or require adjustment to better achieve those goals.”

A copy of Senator Markey’s letter can be found HERE.

In his letter, Senator Markey specifically asks if the most recent shipment of LNG to Everett by Novatek violates either the letter or spirit of the 2014 sanctions. He also asks if the administration is aware of other sanctioned Russian companies engaging in similar transactions where financing is prohibited, as well as if the 2014 sanctions have been effective more broadly.

Senator Markey authored the Fuels Transportation Safety Amendments Act, a law that requires the Secretary of Energy to establish minimum standards for the location, construction, and operation of any new LNG facility. The law also required the Secretary of Energy to establish minimum safety standards for existing LNG facilities, and established civil and criminal penalties for the violation of safety or financial responsibility standards.

Budget Deal

The House and Senate agreed to a deal to lift budget caps on defense and domestic spending and fund the government until March 23, 2018. This legislation also includes emergency funding for disasters caused by hurricanes and wildfires.

Highlights of the budget deal:

Continuing Resolution until March 23, 2018 to keep the government funded and provide the necessary time for the FY18 Appropriations bills to conform with new discretionary totals.

Reverses the defense sequester and increases total defense funding to match with FY18 NDAA levels and the Administration’s request for FY19.

Increases non-defense levels and targets funding for priorities like the National Institute of Health, combating the opioid epidemic, and infrastructure improvements.

Advances emergency disaster relief funding that was previously approved by the House but stuck in the Senate – including funding for California wildfire recovery efforts.

Provides an extension of the debt limit through 2018.

Extends the Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Centers programs for 2 years.

Repeals Obamacare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).

Rebuilds and fully funds our military.

Helps America’s veterans by reducing the maintenance backlog at the Veterans Administration.

Includes a $20 billion investment in America’s infrastructure.

Includes Citrus, Dairy, and Cotton fixes that clear a pathway for the Farm Bill.

Eliminates the caps on crop insurance policies for livestock producers

Establishes a bipartisan budget process reform committee to evaluate and fix our broken budget process.

Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)

“I’m very concerned by the government’s reckless spending, but I’m not willing to allow a prolonged shutdown to occur. There are many provisions in this bill that are very worthy of our investment. At our recent retreat, Secretary Mattis conveyed the gravity of the funding crisis our military faces after eight years of neglect. I’m happy that our armed forces and national defense will now be properly funded for the first time in recent memory. We’re also extending important health care programs, like Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Centers, which are critical to rural California. It’s past time to get wildfire victims some assistance, and this legislation finally advances disaster relief funding that’s been stuck in the Senate for months. Finally, this agreement paves the way for Congress to work on strengthening our southern border and addressing other pressing immigration concerns. I don’t like the Senate’s process and I don’t like the price tag, but this bipartisan compromise is the best option available under these circumstances.”

Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)

“Our uniformed men and women should not have to worry about whether they will get paid or not as they continue to selflessly put their lives on the line for our country. That’s not to mention the critical role the defense industry Colorado’s Fifth District plays in our national security, including direct support to many critical local missions.”

Leonard Lance (R-NJ, 7th)

“The responsible vote is to keep the government open. I have always opposed governmental shutdowns. The Bipartisan Budget Act is the product of compromise – neither side got everything it wanted. But many critical priorities I have championed were included in the final product, including disaster relief funds, funding for community health centers and meeting Secretary Mattis’ request for Defense Department funding. The package also repeals Obamacare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board, a panel widely opposed by senior citizen advocacy groups. The legislation also finally secures funding for Medicaid in Puerto Rico, a project I have long advocated for alongside Resident Commissioner González-Colón. Low-cost federal health care will now continue for our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico,” said Lance after passage.

Medicaid continues to provide critical health care delivery needs for the citizens of Puerto Rico and the program is under significant financial strain as the Commonwealth recovers from Hurricane Maria. Lance and González-Colón’s teamed up to give Puerto Rico financial certainty to continue providing critical services through the Medicaid program.

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden also acknowledged Lance’s leadership after the vote. “Rep. Lance has been a critical voice as we worked to provide vital Medicaid resources for the people of Puerto Rico. His steadfast commitment to addressing this Medicaid cliff never wavered and relief will soon be on its way.”

Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)

“After months of refusing to negotiate with Democrats, Republicans finally reached across the aisle to develop a bipartisan budget agreement that addresses many important priorities. It lifts stifling budget caps and provides the framework to develop a long-term funding bill that invests in infrastructure projects and supports our military service members, teachers, and law enforcement officers. Communities that were ravaged by hurricanes, floods and wildfires will see much needed relief to rebuild their lives. Community health centers will receive funding so patients have access to quality healthcare. Finally, this bill ensures our nation will not default on its obligations.

“Like all compromises, this bill is not perfect. Because Republicans spent five months kicking the can down the road, we will need to pass additional legislation to fully implement this framework. This agreement also does nothing to reverse the President’s $1.5 trillion tax boondoggle, which means our national debt will continue to grow. The most glaring omission, however, is the lack of protection for the hundreds of thousands of dreamers who will be forced out of the only country they’ve ever known. I’m extremely disappointed that there has been no agreement to let the majority of House members be heard by holding a vote on the Dream Act, and I will continue to call on Speaker Paul Ryan to do so.

“As I’ve said time and again, I look forward to continue working with my Republican colleagues to find real bipartisan solutions to our country’s greatest challenges.”

Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)

“I am voting yes on the budget deal. It tackles important issues facing Washington’s working families such as infrastructure, the opioid crisis and ensuring the next generation has job skills they need to enter the workforce.

“Over the last year at community coffee and town hall events, opioid addiction has emerged as the number one issue people care about. It is easy to see why. More than 3,400 Washingtonians have died from an opioid overdose since 2012. While Snohomish County represents less than ten percent of the state’s population, the county accounted for almost 15 percent of all heroin-related deaths from 2012-2016. This last July, 37 overdoses occurred in the county during one week, ten of which occurred on a single day. There is no excuse for not addressing this issue. The $6 billion provides greater access for folks seeking substance abuse treatment and mental health rehabilitation.

“Since taking office, I have held 63 roundtables with veterans, where I’ve heard about the needs of the 56,000 veterans who live in Washington’s Second District. The budget will improve conditions at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics, and provide better access to health care for those living far away from VA facilities, as many geographically-challenged veterans in my district know.

“80,000 homeless patients will still have access to critical health resources through Community Health Centers. Additionally, 5,700 children from Washington state’s Second District will continue to receive comprehensive, high-quality health care through the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Helping these vulnerable communities makes this a budget worth voting for.

“You can’t have a big league economy with little league infrastructure – and last year the United States got a D+ when it comes to infrastructure. If my son in college came home with a D+ in his calculus class, he’d be in big trouble. The $20 billion in the budget will pull this grade up, provide repairs to crumbling roads, bridges and highways, and support transit projects, all while putting folks in Washington state to work.

“If the budget deal passes, over the next several weeks Congress will need to work on the appropriations process. Through this process I will focus on further addressing the opioid epidemic, passing a robust funding bill for aviation-relation construction projects, fixing our broken immigration system and building the next generation workforce so young people have a leg up in an ever-changing global economy.”

Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)

“The White House, the Senate and the House are Republican-led, and we have now completed the second government shutdown in just one month. This is no way to run a government.

“Our nation is facing great needs on many sides and it is the responsibility of Congress to fund the government so the people receive the much needed support that they are due. While this deal is far from perfect, I’m pleased that bipartisanship was reached on a number of critical programs that Michiganders depend on, including funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Community Health Centers, essential Medicare programs, and foster care services. However, with all the efforts made in the bill, there are still questions left unanswered and our Dreamers simply cannot continue to be left in the cold, unsure of their future and future of their families.

“It is disappointing that the Speaker of the House refused to address the needs of the Dreamers, valued members of the American family, for a vote on the floor. With the March 5th deadline swiftly approaching, Democrats have fought hard to protect Dreamers and fix our broken immigration system. I will continue to fight for the Dreamers and to hold the Republican leadership accountable for their pledge to prioritize our Dreamers so that they can have the answers they deserve.”

Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)

“Last night, despite controlling the White House, the House and the Senate, Republicans forced the government to shut down for the second time in three weeks. The GOP’s inability to conduct the basic function of government is appalling. Playing politics with the lives of the American people is reckless and irresponsible.

“Budgets and budget agreements are statements of our morals and values as nation. Last night, Congress could have taken a stand for community health centers, disaster relief, and DREAMers to show that America is still the land of opportunity and aide for all. Instead, this deal prioritized excessive defense spending and gave no assurances that the 800,000 undocumented youth currently living in fear would be protected. I could not in good conscience vote for this agreement. We promised these young people that we would fight for them. The time for talk is over, we simply must pass the Dream Act now.”

Jason Lewis (R-MN, 2nd)

“I ran for Congress to get the economy going again by reducing taxes, regulations, deficits and debt. A $300 billion increase in discretionary spending along with hiking the debt ceiling fails on all accounts. There is not a department or agency in the federal government that can’t tighten its belt- no serious observer believes otherwise.

“As I’ve said so many times, the way to get our fiscal house in order is real ‘shared sacrifice’, where everyone has skin in the game when it comes to budget restraint. Instead, we get more of the same DC spending profligacy- ‘I’ll increase your budget if you increase mine’. We should all remember the words of former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen who famously said, ‘the most significant threat to our national security is our debt.’

“Congress needs to listen.”

Michelle Grisham Lujan (D-NM, 1st)

“We certainly have a need for many important investments outlined in the bill. However, for every problem this bill solves, it creates two more and others still remain completely unaddressed. This will be the fifth continuing resolution in a row, Speaker Ryan still refuses to initiate a fair, bi-partisan process for fixing DACA, and because of the Republican tax scam, this budget blows a massive trillion dollar hole into the national debt.

“It is clear the American people on every side of the political spectrum have lost their trust and faith in Congress. If Congress continues to fail to fulfill its most basic responsibilities and work in a bi-partisan manner, how can it possibly address complex, long-term problems like the opioid crisis, climate change, immigration, poverty, the national debt, or fix our aging infrastructure? Nobody seems to be steering the wheel of the United States of America and that is leading to chaos, instability, and suffering.

“I have worked with Democrats, Republicans, senators and even the White House. We have reached important compromises to fix the DACA program, but have gotten no commitment from Speaker Ryan that our bipartisan legislation will get a debate and the vote it deserves.

“This is yet another example of how Speaker Ryan feels accountable to the most extreme anti-immigration members of his caucus.

“I cannot vote for temporary agreements that depend on empty promises of compromise down the road.

“Again, I call on Speaker Ryan and the Republican leadership to work in a productive bipartisan fashion to pass a long-term spending bill that addresses America’s most pressing issues. We can’t afford to continue letting the far-right extremists lead our government from crisis to crisis.”

Senator James Lankford (R-OK)

“This budget deal shows the American people exactly how broken our budget and appropriations process is. It does not address our runaway deficits and actually takes major steps backwards in the fight to rein in Washington’s overspending appetite. Our budget process has only worked correctly four times since 1974. We desperately need budget reform. I’m ashamed that we have passed five continuing resolutions since the end of last Fiscal Year in September. This is no way to govern.

“Today’s passage of the budget deal will do some things that should astonish all Americans. Here are just a few. First, it extends the debt ceiling until March 2019, with no reforms and no change in financial direction. Second, it removes critical spending controls that were put in place back in 2011 that were designed to keep our yearly spending in check and not allow deficit spending to grow by more than $150 billion in a year. And third, it extends several special interest tax breaks to everything from Puerto Rican rum, to Hollywood studios, to racehorses.

“While I strongly support the budgetary certainty and increased military funding that this bill provides, the long-term negative consequences of the bill are too many. The prevailing theme of debt ceiling negotiations is usually avoiding default, but lost in the conversation is how we got here in the first place, and how we can get out of the cycle of deficit spending. We must address our debt and deficit through cuts to wasteful spending, government reform, and a growing economy. Unfortunately, this bill fails to do any of those things.”

Senator John McCain (R - AZ)

“This budget deal finally makes good on our promise to provide for the men and women who so faithfully serve our nation in uniform. It lays the groundwork for appropriating the funding level authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 and provides real growth in fiscal year 2019. Now the Defense Department will have the budget certainty it needs to begin the process of rebuilding the military, restoring readiness, and modernizing our forces—all of which are required to maintain America’s military edge over our adversaries in the era of renewed great power competition outlined in the new National Defense Strategy.”

Kenny Marchant (R-TX, 24th)

“This important budget agreement delivers on the promise to rebuild our military, provides disaster relief to Texas communities devastated by Hurricane Harvey, improves Medicare for Texas seniors, cuts government red tape for health care providers and repeals harmful Obamacare IPAB provisions.

“After the disastrous reductions in national security funding under the Obama Administration, we are finally equipping our armed forces with the tools needed to protect and defend our country. Along with providing for our troops, this legislation also has critical disaster relief funding for Texans whose homes and livelihoods have been crippled by Hurricane Harvey.

“This agreement included provisions to repeal Obamacare’s ‘death panels,’ known as IPAB, and incorporated legislation I introduced to improve Medicare and untangle health care providers from overregulated paperwork. By cutting government red tape and strengthening the relationship between patients and doctors, these commonsense reforms allow doctors to get back to doing what they do best – serving, treating, and healing our constituents.”

Tom Marino (R-PA, 10th)

“Today I voted to keep the federal government open and provide certainty to our military servicemembers and their families. This bill will bring the branches of our armed forces into the 21st Century and give our troops the best equipment available in their efforts to protect our freedoms. While many of my colleagues chose to vote ‘no’ on this bill, I believe that our servicemembers deserve all of the support we can provide.

“My vote was spurred by Defense Secretary James Mattis’ assessment that the U.S. military faces ‘security vulnerabilities’ because of Congress’s inability to provide long-term funding to our troops and that ‘Today’s congressional action will ensure our military can defend our way of life, preserve the promise of prosperity, and pass on the freedoms you and I enjoy to the next generation.’”. Without a solution, the military would ‘not recruit the 15,000 Army soldiers and 4,000 Air Force airmen required to fill critical manning shortages.’

“As President Reagan said, the United States must provide peace through strength. This bill will help accomplish that pursuit.”

Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)

“Today we delivered on our promise to our men and women in uniform, I am proud that this bill finally fully funds our military. This bipartisan budget also addressed disaster relief and recognized the severe natural disasters that Kansas faced this year. Specifically including two bills introduced by Senator Moran and myself that retroactively fix payment limits for livestock producers impacted by wildfires and blizzards. This budget agreement is far from the perfect bill but after reviewing it, I truly believe this deal has wins for Kansans.

While I continue to have concerns about our national debt and the broken federal budget process, I am pleased that we have reached a two-year budget agreement that puts an end to the vicious cycle of continuing resolutions. In the last decade the federal government has operated under a continuing resolution for a third of the time and has added more than $10 trillion to our national debt. Neither of those is sustainable or responsible. To stop this type of status quo spending, the agreement also establishes a bipartisan committee dedicated to evaluating and fixing our broken budget process.”

Cambodia Accountability And Return On Investment Act Introduced in the Senate

Source: Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D - VT)



Washington, D.C. - February 10, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) introduced the Cambodia Accountability and Return on Investment (CARI) Act of 2018.

The CARI Act restricts assistance to the Cambodian government due to actions taken as it relates to regional security, enforcement of sanctions against North Korea, and efforts to protect the rights and responsibilities enshrined in the Cambodian constitution including the immediate release of opposition leader Kem Sokha and jailed journalists and other activists. The legislation requires continued implementation of the visa denial policy imposed in December 2017 until free and fair parliamentary elections have taken place, and provides for the freezing of assets of any individual captured by that policy.

“Democracy is dead in Cambodia today because the Cambodian government is under the influence and control of China,” said Senator Lindsey Graham. “The Cambodia Accountability and Return on Investment (CARI) Act I introduced with my colleagues builds on the State Department’s forceful response to China’s attempts to colonize that country. To the people of Cambodia: The U.S. continues to stand with you and your aspirations for a country that is firmly rooted in democracy and the rule of law, as envisioned in the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement.”

“The United States has invested heavily in helping Cambodia build a more peaceful, democratic, and stable nation,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “The current government has squandered every opportunity to improve the lives of its people—focusing instead on maintaining their own grip on power. Dissolving the main opposition party marked the end of democracy in Cambodia and robbed the people of their right to choose their leaders. America must send a message that the cowardly repression of political opposition and civil society is unacceptable and must stop.”

“This legislation is an appropriate response to Hun Sen's protracted tyranny and unrelenting destruction of democracy in Cambodia,” Senator Ted Cruz said. “Kem Sokha remains imprisoned with the opposition party dismantled. How the United States responds to this authoritarian ploy will carry implications throughout the region. Hun Sen and his patrons in Beijing should not underestimate America's resolve to preserve democracy in Cambodia and Asia.”

“This legislation sends the right signal that the United States will stand up for democratic principles like free and fair elections and free press and civil society in Cambodia,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “The United States has no interest in seeing our support in Cambodia end with an entrenched and abusive autocratic ruler in power.”

“The United States, having invested so much in Cambodia’s reconstruction and development, cannot stand idly by as its nascent democratic institutions are systematically dismantled, fundamental freedoms are denied, and the opposition is locked away and silenced,” said Senator Patrick Leahy. “Our legislation sends a message to the Cambodian government that there is a cost to suppressing the rights of the people.”

The CARI Act also requires U.S. executive directors of each international financial institution to oppose assistance to Cambodia until free and fair elections have taken place. Further, it authorizes counter influence programs to highlight China’s uniquely destructive role in that country during the 1970s, serving as a stark reminder to the Cambodian people that history should not repeat itself.

H.R. 4771, The Small Bank Holding Company Relief Act

Source: Mia Love (R-UT, 4th)



Washington, D.C. - February 10, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Mia Love’s bill to make it easier for families, small businesses, start-ups, and family farms to obtain loans from small financial institutions has passed the House of Representatives.

H.R. 4771, The Small Bank Holding Company Relief Act eases overregulation on these banks and savings and loans, helping these institutions raise capital so they can make loans in their community.

Congresswoman Love said: “Smaller banks are the lifeblood of many communities in Utah. They support the credit needs of low and middle income families as well as the small businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs that create jobs.”

“Sometimes these small banks are the only lending source for many hard working and ambitious people,” Rep. Love added.

Doug DeFries C.E.O., Bank of Utah said: “Rep. Love's bill will make a big difference to the Bank of Utah, to our customers and the community at large. We are impressed at her ability to show bipartisan leadership to obtain success on a very important issue like this.”

Len E. Williams, CEO, Bank of American Fork and the People’s Intermountain Bank family: “We are thrilled that Congresswoman Love’s leadership has resulted in bipartisan action bringing real relief to our community. Small banks play such an important role in supporting local businesses, families and individuals in our communities, and this law makes it easier for that to happen.”

In technical terms, Rep. Love’s bill would raise the consolidated asset threshold under the Federal Reserve’s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement from $1 billion to $3 billion. The Policy Statement exempts small institutions under the threshold from the Fed’s Tier 1 capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio requirements. The effect of the increased threshold will be to allow more of the smaller bank holding companies to downstream the proceeds of any debt or equity they issue to their banking subsidiaries, helping these institutions make loans and provide services in their communities.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives from across the aisle, Representative Josh Gottheimer D-NJ, and Representative Gregory Meeks D-NY who say the bill is an important step toward supporting community-focused institutions.

REP LIEU QUESTIONS WHITE HOUSE DECISION TO DECLINE TO RELEASE DEMOCRATIC MEMO ON RUSSIA

Source: Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)



Washington, D.C. - February 10, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd) issued the following statement after the White House declined to release the Democratic House Intelligence Committee memo. This memo was created in response to Chairman Nunes’ memo, which was released last week and failed to include material facts about the FBI’s Russia investigation. Rep. Lieu sits on the House Judiciary committee, which has oversight over the FBI, the Department of Justice and the authorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

“It’s clear that something about the Democratic memo scares the White House. Perhaps it’s because, instead of cherry picking information like the Nunes memo, this one lays bare what we’ve been saying all along: the FBI probe is credible and should continue without interference.

This whole memo debacle was manufactured by the GOP to discredit and undermine the Russia investigation. The American public deserves the whole truth and Trump’s actions obscure the truth. I read the memo and an innocent person would have released it.”