Veterans Day and MORE NEWS

Happy Veterans Day

Senator Burr Statement on 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day

CORTEZ MASTO STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY

Cotton Statement on Veterans Day

Sen. Cruz: ‘We Pause to Honor the Selfless Service and Unyielding Courage of the Men and Women of Our Armed Forces’

DUCKWORTH HONORS OUR NATION’S VETERANS AT CITY OF CHICAGO VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

Fischer Statement on Veterans Day 2018

Election

CORKER CONGRATULATES LEE, BLACKBURN ON ELECTION VICTORIES

Enzi statement on midterm election

More News from the Lawmakers

Congress Passes America’s Water Infrastructure Act

Bennet, Gardner Receive Update on Polio-Like Disease at Children’s Hospital Colorado

Cardin Calls on President Trump to Follow the Law and Withdraw His Latest Anti-Immigration Policy

Cassidy: Polish Natural Gas Deal Will Weaken Putin

Feinstein, Harris, Pelosi to Justice Department: Don’t Close Environmental Protections Office

Feinstein: Tools to Reduce Mass Shootings Available, Just Lacking Republican Leadership

CRAPO HONORS 16 IDAHO VETERANS & VOLUNTEERS WITH SPIRIT OF FREEDOM AWARD

Daines Announces $100,000 for Bridger Photonics in Bozeman

Durbin Calls For Investigation Into Trump Administration's Delay Of Notifying Lake County Residents About Cancer-Causing Pollution

Statements on Firing of AG Sessions

Booker Statement on Trump Firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
November 7, 2018
“Jeff Sessions’ firing at the hands of the President is an alarming development that brings us one step closer to a constitutional crisis. I’m concerned that President Trump made this decision based on his fear of being implicated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and frustration with Sessions’ recusal from that investigation."

Read more...

Boozman Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Resignation
Senator John Boozman (R-AR)
November 7, 2018
“Jeff Sessions has served our country with integrity and distinction throughout his career as a U.S. Attorney, U.S. Senator for Alabama and as Attorney General in the Trump administration. I have always respected and admired his unwavering commitment to the rule of law. I thank Jeff for his decades of service to the nation, and particularly for his strong advocacy and leadership of the men and women of America’s law enforcement.”

Read more...

Casey Statement on Attorney General Sessions’ Forced Resignation
Senator Robert P.Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
November 7, 2018
“Pressuring and forcing Attorney General Sessions to resign is an unacceptable effort to interfere with the chain of command in the Russia investigation. This is part of President Trump’s pattern of obstructing Special Counsel Mueller’s independent investigation. He has attempted to fire, demand loyalty of and interfere with any official investigating Russia’s attack on our nation during the 2016 election. Now, President Trump is removing his own Attorney General in order to install a lapdog who will do what he has called for repeatedly- end or hamstring an independent investigation that is vital to our national security. Congress must immediately act to protect Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation from interference by this Administration.”

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Sen. Coons’ statement on AG Sessions’ forced resignation, appointment of Matthew Whitaker as Acting AG
Senator Christopher A .Coons (D - DE)
November 7, 2018
President Trump has repeatedly attacked both the Attorney General and the Department of Justice over the Mueller investigation,” said Senator Coons. “I am deeply concerned that President Trump, both in forcing Attorney General Sessions’ resignation and effectively stripping Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein of his authority to supervise the Mueller investigation, is now in position to easily interfere with or even end the Mueller investigation. That is a red line which President Trump has been warned not to cross by Republicans and Democrats alike for months.

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Cornyn Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
November 7, 2018
“Attorney General Sessions has selflessly dedicated more than 40 years to serving the people of Alabama and the nation. As our country’s top law enforcement official, he has been integral in fighting the opioid epidemic, keeping violent criminals off our streets, and supporting victims. Those who know him understand his commitment to the rule of law, and his deep and abiding concern for our country.”

Read more...

Ernst Statement on New DoJ Leadership
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
November 7, 2018
“Jeff Sessions has always been a strong leader who has served our nation and the state of Alabama well, both in the United States Senate and as the U.S. Attorney General. He should be commended for prosecuting the largest number of violent offenders and firearm defendants in our nation’s history; taking on violent gangs like MS-13 and restoring immigration enforcement to the United States. He also has been on the forefront of the charge against our nation’s opioid epidemic, by increasing prosecutions and stopping illegal drugs at the border. Our nation owes him a debt of gratitude for his service and commitment to the rule of law.

Read more...

Feinstein, Nadler, Schiff, Cummings Send Letters to Top Officials Demanding Preservation of Records Following Firing of Attorney General Sessions
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
November 8, 2018
“Committees of the United States Congress are conducting investigations parallel to those of the Special Counsel’s office, and preservation of records is critical to ensure that we are able to do our work without interference or delay." the members wrote in their letters. "Committees will also be investigating Attorney General Sessions’ departure. We therefore ask that you immediately provide us with all orders, notices, and guidance regarding preservation of information related to these matters and investigations.”

Read more...

Iran Sanctions, Shooting at Sutherland Springs and LOTS MORE!

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Sen. Cruz: ‘The Strength of the Sutherland Springs Community Resounds Across the World’

TRUMP BORDER RHETORIC STOKES HATE AND VIOLENCE, STRANGLES BORDER ECONOMY

Bennet, Gardner, Polis, Buck Urge FEMA to Reimburse Counties for Flood Disaster Recovery Projects

CORKER STATEMENT ON RE-IMPOSITION OF IRAN SANCTIONS

Cotton Statement on Iran Sanctions

DURBIN, DUCKWORTH CALL ON ILLINOIS PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR NIRAV SHAH TO RESIGN OVER BOTCHED RESPONSE TO LEGIONNAIRES' OUTBREAKS AT IVH QUINCY
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Cornyn Statement on First Anniversary of Sutherland Springs Shooting

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CRAPO, LITTLE TO HIGHLIGHT NEW JOB, EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES WITH IDAHO VETERANS COALITION

Senators to FBI: Provide Documents on President Trump’s Possible Involvement in FBI Headquarters Project

WILLIAMS SENDS LETTER TO POTUS IN SUPPORT OF GOV. ABBOTT’S DISASTER DECLARATION REQUEST

Menendez, Watson Coleman and New Jersey Democrats Release New Report on the Impact of President Trump’s Tax Law on New Jersey Homeowners

Thompson Statement on October Jobs Report

Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Ensure Effective Responses to Massive Wildfires


Webster Praises Reimposing Iran Sanctions

Congressman Joe Wilson Supports Decision to Reimpose Sanctions on Iran

Donnelly on March of Dimes Report Showing Large Swaths of Indiana Lack Maternity Care

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Brown Statement on the Federal Reserve's Proposal to Weaken Rules for Large U.S. Banks

Rep. Walters Calls for Continued Protections for Sex Trafficking Survivors in Trade Agreements

CAPITO ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO EXPAND TELEMEDICINE IN WEST VIRGINIA

New Data Show Cost of Administration’s Efforts to Sabotage Healthcare Markets

Shooting, Suicide, Pre-Existing Conditions, Noise, Veterans

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Congressman Serrano on Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

Sinema Calls on AZ Attorney General to Protect Pre-Existing Conditions

Highline Thanks Rep. Adam Smith for Rescuing Noise Mitigation Funding

'Veteran's symbols of service replaced after medals lost in Superstorm Sandy'

REPS. STEWART AND DELANEY INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO MODERNIZE SUICIDE PREVENTION ANALYTICS

Graham Backs Trump Birthright Citizenship Effort

Source: Senator Lindsey Graham (R - SC)

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on reports that President Trump plans to issue an executive order eliminating birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants on American soil.

“Finally, a president willing to take on this absurd policy of birthright citizenship.

“I’ve always supported comprehensive immigration reform – and at the same time – the elimination of birthright citizenship.

“The United States is one of two developed countries in the world who grant citizenship based on location of birth. This policy is a magnet for illegal immigration, out of the mainstream of the developed world, and needs to come to an end.

“In addition, I plan to introduce legislation along the same lines as the proposed executive order from President Trump.”

Shooting, Mail Bombs, Immigration, Homeowners, Heroin, Embassy

Today's News from the Lawmakers

ROSEN STATEMENT ON SHOOTING AT TREE OF LIFE CONGREGATION IN PITTSBURGH

Rohrabacher Calls For Civility, End To Violence And Harassment In Politics

Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on the Mail Bomber Arrest

Pelosi Statement on President Trump’s Failed Immigration Policies & Fearmongering Rhetoric

‘Turning Tragedy into Triumph’ celebration is a heart-warming success (photos included)

QUIGLEY, ILLINOIS DEMOCRATS REVEAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTING GOP TAX SCAM IMPACT ON HOMEOWNERS

MARYLAND CONGRESSIONAL TEAM ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION GRANT TO FIGHT HEROIN AND OTHER ILLEGAL OPIOIDS STATEWIDE

ROTHFUS’ STATEMENT ON THE MIGRANT CARAVAN IN CENTRAL AMERICA

Rep. Steve Russell Statement on GAO Embassy Construction Report


Chicagoland Dems Unveil Report on Impact of GOP Tax Law on Homeowners

Economy, Bomb Suspect, Banking and MORE

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Economy

Latta Statement On 3rd Quarter Economic Growth

Suspicious Explosive Devices

All House Oversight Committee Members Unite To Issue Joint Statement on Terrorist Attacks

Rep. Loudermilk Praises Law Enforcement, Emphasizes Civility

Rep. Lujan Grisham Reaction to Acts of Political Violence

LOWEY STATEMENT AFTER EXPLOSIVES SENT TO CLINTON, OBAMA, SOROS


MacArthur Statement on Arrest Made in Connection to Suspicious Packages

Banking

The Banking Transparency for Sanctioned Persons Act of 2018, H.R. 6751

Luetkemeyer Doubles Down on Calls to Investigate Operation Choke Point

What is Operation Choke Point?

Rep. Meeks Sends Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Urging Banking Regulator to Continue Work on Economic Inclusion.

In Other News...

Congressman McCarthy on Congress' Action to Counter Foreign Aggression

MacArthur, SBA Announce Disaster Assistance for Brick Flood Victims

MITCHELL APPLAUDS DOJ ANTI-HEROIN TASK FORCE PROGRAM GRANT FOR MICHIGAN

In Case You Missed It...

Mast’s EAA Southern Storage Reservoir Legislation Signed Into Law By President

ICYMI: NYC Members Introduce Legislation for Commemorative Stamp Honoring 150th Anniversary of Metropolitan Museum of Art

Lynch Sends Letter to President Trump in Opposition to Privatization of War in Afghanistan


The Ponder happens to agree with Lynch. Do we really want mercenaries who will work for who pays them the most to do our dirty work? American wars should be fought by Americans who are willing to sacrifice everything for their country, regardless of the pay scale. Freedom is priceless. The pay is a bonus. This is why I salute our brothers and sisters in arms. They don't do it for the pay, although they deserve the highest pay for what they do. They don't do it to glorify themselves or to become the best, because they are ALREADY the best! Real heroes don't do it for the pay. They do it because it is the right thing to do.

Mail Bombs, Opiods, Healthcare and More News...

There are too many headlines for me to individually post, but here are the latest:

Suspicious Explosive Devices

Faso Statement on Discovery of Explosive Devices

Congressman Al Green's Statement on Bomb Threats

Griffith Statement on Political Violence

CONGRESSWOMAN HANABUSA’S STATEMENT ON MAIL BOMBS

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Condemns Attempts to send Potential Explosive Devices to the Homes of Former Presidents Clinton and Obama, and to CNN

Rep. Jeffries Statement on Acts of Domestic Terror Targeted At Perceived Adversaries of the Current Administration

Statement from Congressman John Katko on Threats Made Today

Congressman Krishnamoorthi On Mail Bombs To CNN And Public Figures: “Our Opposition To Political Violence Is A Fundamental Tenet Of Our Democracy”

Isn't it funny how this happened JUST before the election?

Opioids

Kelly-Backed Opioid Package Signed into Law

Fitzpatrick Opioid Legislation Signed into Law

GUTHRIE OPIOID BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

Hill: ‘Today Marks Successful Progress in Our Fight Against Opioid Epidemic’

TRUMP SIGNS HUDSON'S BIPARTISAN OPIOID BILLS

KENNEDY STATEMENT ON TRUMP’S OPIOID CRISIS CELEBRATION

Kuster Statement on Signing of Comprehensive Opioid Legislation

Isn't it funny how everyone wants to take credit?

Healthcare

Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act Signed into Law

Harris Commends President Trump for Signing the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Into Law

Other News

Congressman Frelinghuysen statement on viral outbreak in Haskell, NJ

Congressman Matt Gaetz Issues Statement in Response to Deputy AG Rosenstein Suggesting to Secretly Record President Trump, Invoke 25th Amendment

USACE RECEIVES SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT LASALLE PARK SHORELINE PROTECTION PROJECT

Hollingsworth Highlights National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

National Capital Region Democrats To Zinke: Extend Comment Period For Rule Limiting Free Speech On The National Mal

Congresswoman Johnson Receives Top Voter Score From The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

STATEMENT: REP. KHANNA APPLAUDS TIM COOK’S PROPOSAL FOR U.S. PRIVACY LAWS

Rep. Ron Kind Announces Nearly $79,000 Grant to Stevens Point Fire Department

Russian Indicted for Election Interference

Related News: Read the criminal complaint against Russian charged with election interference

Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Friday, made the following statement regarding the indictment of a Russian woman, Elena A. Khusyaynova, for attempting to interfere in the upcoming election:

“Today’s (Friday's) announcement is an important reminder that Russia is continuing its efforts to undermine the sanctity of our democracy and must face consequences for these actions.

“We must also shore up the security of our electoral system. The only people who should get a say in our elections are Americans. At the start of the next Congress, I intend to reintroduce the SECURE Our Democracy Act which would punish any foreign interference in our elections.”

The Ponder wants to know: Does this "security" include photo IDs of voters? Not saying you are wrong for wanting better election security, and I agree that only U.S. Citizens should be involved in the U.S. election process, but it is hypocritical to address one problem without also addressing the other.

REP. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT VOWS TO FIGHT EFFORT TO END SUPPORT TO HONDURAS

New York, NY - October 18, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Adrianno Espaillat (D-NY, 13th) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s tweet, this morning, threatening to end USAID support for Honduras.

“President Trump is the epitome of ‘man's inhumanity to man’ as he threatens, yet again, another policy that would devastate individuals fleeing poverty and violence in Honduras, their home country, in search of a better life here in the United States,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

“First, the President separated children from their families, in some cases only months old, orphaned, and now this. The Trump Administration has continuously put forth policies aimed against immigrant communities and against vulnerable women, men, and children seeking asylum in the United States. Our nation is the land of hope, freedom and opportunity.

“I vow to continue to fight the hate-based rhetoric and anti-immigrant policies from this administration and will champion our efforts to protect the rights of people seeking protection from persecution and asylum here in the United States,” he concluded.