Reps. Harley Rouda (CA-48) and Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL) Lead Bipartisan Letter on Fraudulent Sober Living Homes

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by: Harley Rouda (D-CA, 48th)


Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Harley Rouda (CA-48) and Rep. Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL) sent a bipartisan letter to Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Mental Health and Substance Use. In the letter, the Members of Congress urge that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) consult local governments in the development of national recovery housing best practices.

“The opioid crisis has devastated communities in Orange County and across the country. Those affected deserve solutions, not exploitation,” said Rouda. “Unethical sober homes prey upon a vulnerable population and corrupt a practice meant to provide support, treatment, and guidance. Local governments have been at the frontlines of fighting these operators, and the Federal government would miss a huge part of the equation without local input. Congressman Armstrong and I are working to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Said Armstrong, “The opioid epidemic does not discriminate. It is striking people of all backgrounds and in every community in America. Recovery residences are essential to combat the disease of addiction, but we need to ensure they are being operated efficiently and ethically. Local communities are working to integrate these facilities into communities to protect patients and the public. I was glad to join Congressman Rouda in urging the Department of Health and Human Services to work with local communities as they develop best practices for this important addiction treatment. Anyone in recovery deserves to know that recovery housing is a safe and reliable option.”

“As the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) develops national recovery housing best practices, it is absolutely crucial that SAMHSA consult with local governments regarding their experiences with these facilities. Incorporating local governments’ lessons learned and data collected into the best practices will result in better and stronger guidelines. The City of Costa Mesa strongly supports an open dialogue between experienced local governments and SAMHSA in the pursuit of healthier and safer communities,” said Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley.

The letter was also signed by Representatives David Trone (MD-6), Gil Cisneros (CA-39), Katie Porter (CA-45), Katie Hill (CA-25), Jason Crow (CO-6), Mike Levin (CA-49), and TJ Cox (CA-21).

Sec. 7031 in the SUPPORT Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to identify or facilitate the development of best practices for operating recovery housing and common indicators for fraudulent recovery housing operators. The letter urges that local governments be included as one of those stakeholders.

Although sober living homes are intended to provide alcohol and drug-free living environments for those impacted by the ongoing opioid/addiction crisis, some unethical operators have “cast suspicion on recovery residences generally and have complicated the efforts of families, treatment centers, and court systems to identify safe, supportive, well run, and affordable recovery housing,” according to The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis.

Bill to Permanently Extend Work Opportunity Tax Credit Introduced

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by: Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Representatives Tom Rice (R-SC), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Tom Reed (R-NY), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) announced the introduction of H.R. 2213, a bill that permanently extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

“With more jobs available than those seeking employment across the country, we need to bring people from the sidelines of the economy into the workforce,” said Rep. Rice. “Making the Work Opportunity Tax Credit permanent will incentivize employers to hire and retain people who have been struggling to find long-term, meaningful employment opportunities.”

“For more than two decades, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit has proven to be highly effective in ensuring individuals on public assistance can make the transition to private sector jobs. In fact, since the program’s enactment, thirteen million people have benefitted, in turn reducing federal and state government spending,” said Rep. Thompson. “The tax credit is set to expire at the end of this year and I’m proud to introduce my bill to permanently extend this bipartisan, cost-effective program.”

“We care about rewarding work and ensuring everyone has a fair shot to provide for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Reed. “Providing incentives for employers to hire people stuck on the sidelines who have trouble finding a job is essential for many folks in their pursuit of the American dream.”

“I have long advocated for the WOTC program to continue, as it is a proven tool to move eligible individuals off of unemployment and into the workforce,” said Rep. Pascrell. “Most recent data shows the program is remarkably effective, with more than 140,000 veteran hires under WOTC in 2016. Paired with my previous legislation that passed into law in 2015, this bill will allow long-term unemployed individuals, veterans, and those on public assistance programs to find gainful employment and grow our economy.

“The Work Opportunity Tax Credit has long provided veterans and individuals from disadvantaged groups support in their search for sustainable employment,” said Rep. Suozzi. “I’m proud to co-sponsor the permanent renewal of this bipartisan program to both ensure diversity in the workplace and facilitate access to good jobs for hardworking Americans.”

REP. RASKIN RESPONDS TO GOP OVERSIGHT MEMBERS’ QUESTIONING OF VOTER SUPPRESSION PROBE

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by: Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, issued the following statement in response to “federalism concerns” raised by Oversight Committee Members Jim Jordan (R-OH), Jody Hice (R-GA), Michael Cloud (R-TX), and Chip Roy (R-TX) regarding the Committee’s voter suppression probe:

“The U.S. Congress has the power and obligation to enforce the voting rights of the people as spelled out in the 14th, 15th, 17th, 19th, and 24th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, a power we have exercised repeatedly in statutes like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Americans with Disabilities Act to shut down state action hostile to democratic participation.

“It is our solemn duty today to investigate state-based assaults on popular democracy like the reported purges of hundreds of thousands of voters and the relocation of municipal polling places outside of municipal boundaries. It is obviously within our power under the Supremacy Clause and the Bill of Rights to conduct constitutional oversight in order to protect voters’ rights in the states, resistance by partisan state officials notwithstanding.

“My indignant colleagues should review prior letters the Oversight Committee sent in parallel correspondence to Democratic state officials in Rhode Island, Maryland, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Minnesota, Colorado, Connecticut, and Nevada in 2014 when the GOP-led Committee was conducting an oversight investigation into the Affordable Care Act (a federal law which they still seek to destroy). In these letters, then-Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and then-Subcommittee Chairman Jim Jordan articulated the decisive refutation to today’s frivolous argument: ‘The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is the principal oversight committee of the House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate ‘any matter at ‘any time’ under House Rule X.’”

“It would be best if our GOP colleagues joined us in protecting voting rights, but at the very least they should stop trying to prevent us from doing our constitutionally-mandated work. Far from raising the ‘federalism concerns’ of Reps. Jordan, Hice, Cloud, and Roy, this is serious federalism in action. Our colleagues should get used to it.”

Rubio Applauds Additional Oil Sector Sanctions Against Maduro Enablers

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by: Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed additional oil sector sanctions against individuals and entities providing a lifeline to the illegitimate narcoterrorist tyranny of Nicolás Maduro:

“I strongly support the Trump Administration’s efforts to increase pressure against the communist regime in Havana, which is not only repressing the Cuban people, but also using its military and intelligence services to prop up dictator Nicolás Maduro’s illegitimate regime in Venezuela. With today’s new sanctions against foreign companies that are enabling the Cuban regime and Maduro’s narcoterrorist crime family, the U.S. is standing with legitimate Interim President Juan Guaidó and the Venezuelan people in their efforts to restore democracy and constitutional order.”

Rubio is the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues.

Legislation to Improve Family Leave for DOD Employees Introduced

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by: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve family and medical leave for Department of Defense (DoD) employees by simplifying and expanding the agency’s leave bank.

Currently, DoD allows individual civilian employees to donate earned annual leave to specific individual colleagues experiencing a serious family or medical situation requiring additional leave. But the current informal process of identifying and matching up leave donors with recipients can be inefficient, and if civilian employees do not proactively identify and donate this leave, they often forfeit earned annual leave when they either take a new job outside the Department or when they have excess “use it or lose it” leave that will not roll over to the next calendar year.

This legislation would automatically move any “use it or lose it” annual leave that was forfeited from civilian DoD employees into a common pool of family and medical leave to benefit employees after the birth or adoption of a child, serious illness of an immediate family member, or a worker’s own medical condition.

“Under our legislation, annual leave days that are forfeited by Department of Defense employees will be pooled, so employees who need extra time off for family or medical reasons can use additional leave hours to supplement their own,” said Rounds. “A ‘leave bank’ can help employees who have recently given birth or adopted a child, who are taking care of a sick family member or who are facing illness themselves and don’t have enough leave time to cover the hours they need to take off. This is common sense policy, and I look forward to working with Sen. Merkley and our colleagues in the Senate to move it forward.”

“Our Department of Defense employees work hard to keep our nation safe,” said Merkley. “As a former Pentagon employee myself, I know that these jobs are tough and high-stakes. It’s good for these employees and good for our nation if workers have the paid leave they need to take care of themselves and take care of their families during important moments in their lives. Streamlining and expanding the leave bank shows how common sense and the common good can go hand-in-hand.”

Each year, civilian Department of Defense employees accrue between 104 and 208 hours of paid annual leave. If they have not used all their annual leave in a given year, they may carry over up to 240 hours to the following year. Anything above 240 hours is considered “use it or lose it” and is forfeited if the employee does not use it by the end of that year.

Merkley and Rounds’ legislation would make certain that instead of going to waste, this additional leave time instead goes into the agency’s leave bank so that it is available as paid family or medical leave for the Department of Defense employees who need it most.

Currently, federal workers as a group are not guaranteed any paid family or medical leave. The Merkley-Rounds legislation would make certain that DoD workers have more paid leave available during these critical moments, while the entire federal government works towards a long-term solution that would guarantee full family and medical leave coverage for its employees.

The Merkley-Rounds legislation is supported by the National Partnership for Women & Families, the American Federal of Government Employees (AFGE), and the National Treasury Employees Union.

Rosen Tours UNLV School of Medicine, Requests GAO Report on Solutions to Address Physician Shortages and Increase Access to Care

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by: Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, joined the UNLV School of Medicine Founding Dean, Barbara Atkinson, M.D, for a tour of the University of Las Vegas School of Medicine. Rosen recently sent a letter to Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro requesting a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the effectiveness of the current structure of federally-funded Graduate Medical Education slots in meeting the needs of patients. Rosen requested that GAO also outline solutions for addressing the physician shortage to increase access to health care services. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, nationwide 14,900 primary care providers are currently needed to fill this gap. Nevada ranks 48th in the nation in terms of primary care physicians per capita.

“Due to the low doctor to patient ratio, all 17 counties in Nevada are designated health shortage areas,” said Senator Rosen. “The mass shortage of physicians is causing longer wait times and less access to both primary and specialty care for Nevadans. I applaud the UNLV School of Medicine’s efforts in helping to address this urgent and important issue. I will continue to work in Congress on forward-thinking solutions to ensure Nevadans are able to get access to the care that they need.”

“Senator Rosen has shown a deep commitment to protecting the health of Nevadans,” said Barbara Atkinson, Founding Dean of the UNLV School of Medicine. “We’re thankful for her support in our mission to educate Nevada’s future doctors and medical professionals.”

BACKGROUND: Last Congress, then-Congresswoman Rosen supported the Resident Physician Shortage Act of 2017 (H.R. 2267), which would work to reduce the shortage of physicians in the United States by increasing the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education (GME) residency slots at U.S. hospitals, as well as Medicare-supported hospital residency positions. Earlier this year she helped introduce the bipartisan Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize the “Conrad 30” program that allows special visas for immigrant doctors to work in medically underserved areas.

This year, Senator Rosen introduced the Building Blocks of STEM Act (S.737) to provide better access to STEM education to provide students greater opportunities to pursue careers in science and health.

Sens. Roberts, King Introduce Bill to Allow Purchase of Over-the-Counter Drugs Using Health Savings Accounts

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by: Senator Pat Roberts (R - KS)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced bipartisan legislation that allows Americans to use their health savings account funds to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Sens. Johnny Isakson (R- Ga.) and Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) are also cosponsoring the bill.

“Americans should be able to use their medical savings accounts as they see fit,” said Senator Roberts. “This burdensome provision of Obamacare restricts Americans’ choice and flexibility in how they manage their health care expenses and adds yet another burden on physicians – causing patients to seek more expensive, less convenient, and more time-consuming alternatives.”

“It’s just common sense – over the counter medications should not require a prescription from a primary care provider,” Senator King said. “But under current law, many Americans cannot access the funding they have set aside for health care expenses without signoff from their provider. By giving people more freedom to responsibly manage their health care accounts, we can cut red tape, support hardworking men and women, and strengthen the health care system.”

The legislation, S. 1089, repeals section 9003 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), restoring the ability of those participating in a medical savings account, such as a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), to use the funds to purchase OTC medications.

Nearly 50 million Americans participate in FSAs and other health savings accounts. The accounts allow individuals to set aside their own money each year on a pre-tax basis to pay for health care expenses, such as co-payments, and other health care expenses not covered by insurance.

A broad coalition of groups support this legislation, including the AARP, America’s Health Insurance Plans, the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the American Association of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, the American Dental Association, the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Society of Association Executives, Anthem, Inc., the Arthritis Foundation, the Associated Builders and Contractors Association, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the BlueCross BlueShield Association, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, ECFC, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Federation of Independent Business, the National Grocers Association, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, WageWorks, and Wex Health.

AI, Trump, Ebola, NAFTA, Seniors, Preschool, Disaster Aid, Energy, Infrastructure, Israel, Veterans, Climate, Medicine, Internet, Sexual Harassment

Today's News from the News-Makers For April 15, 2019

Press Call: Public Citizen, U.S. Rep. Pascrell and Others to Demand Congressional Action After IRS Fails to Deliver Trump Tax Returns
by: Public Citizen
April 15, 2019
On Tax Day 2019, Public Citizen will join U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), Stand Up America and Tax March for a press call to urge U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) to continue pushing for President Donald Trump’s tax returns and demand that the IRS immediately comply with Neal’s request after failing to meet the deadline for their release.

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In response to yesterday's decision that the Ebola outbreak is not yet a global emergency
by: OxFam America
April 14, 2019
“In the last three weeks, 204 new cases of Ebola have been recorded - an alarming increase and the worst period of the outbreak. These worrying figures show that the current response is not working.

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Pascrell Leads Call for NAFTA Labor Reforms
by: Gary Palmer (R-AL, 6th)
April 12, 2019
“This bill would empower seniors by giving them more control over their healthcare decisions. People should not be forced to give up their private insurance because their Social Security is being held hostage,” Palmer said.

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Palmer Stands for Healthcare Choice for Seniors
by: Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)
April 12, 2019
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), New Jersey’s only member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), led 84 of their colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer making clear that Mexico must pass meaningful labor reforms before consideration of any renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

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Early Childhood Advocates Call On The Audacious Project to Reconsider Major Award for Online Preschool
by: Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood
April 12, 2019
In their call for The Audacious Project to postpone funding, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) and Defending the Early Years (DEY) point to their October 2018 Position Statement on Online Preschool, which has been endorsed by more than 100 experts in child development and early education. The experts and advocates say that online preschool programs like UPSTART are poor substitutes for high-quality early education, and that funding online programs instead of high-quality early education will make inequality worse, not better.

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Senators Decry Lack Of Action On Disaster Aid For Suffering States
by: Senator David Perdue (R-GA)
April 11, 2019
The senators have worked to negotiate in good faith since 2018 on a bipartisan disaster relief package to provide funding across the continental United States as well as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands for regions that have experienced droughts, flooding, hurricanes, storms, volcanoes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Many of these states, including Georgia, have not received the federal disaster assistance they were promised months ago. Other states would see a down payment on disasters that have occurred more recently, such as in the Midwest where flooding is ongoing, and in Alabama and Georgia where tornadoes devastated lives and communities earlier this year.

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Peters Calls on Colleagues to Support His Bipartisan Legislation to Expand R&D for Fuel Efficient Technologies
by: Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
April 11, 2019
“Transportation is responsible for roughly two thirds of our national consumption of petroleum and one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. But imagine a future where we could produce low cost – secure – clean energy technologies to move people and goods easily across our nation. Imagine if we could then sell our advanced American technology and products to the rest of the world,” said Senator Peters. “That is a future – that working together – we can achieve… Rapidly emerging technologies have the potential not only help reduce air emissions – their development would help create jobs in Michigan and across the nation—jobs that cannot be outsourced.”

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Portman, Hassan Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Transparency of Federal Advisory Committees
by: Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
April 11, 2019
“American taxpayers deserve greater transparency and accountability from their government, and improving the transparency of federal advisory committees is essential to accomplishing that goal,” said Senator Portman. “I’m particularly pleased that this bipartisan measure will strengthen the independence of federal advisory committees and close loopholes that permit agencies to skirt existing transparency requirements. At the end of the day American taxpayers deserve evidence-based, rather than interest-based, decisions by their government, and this bill will help to ensure that.”

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Palazzo, Leaders Across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas Reintroduce I-14 Legislation
by: Steven Palazzo (R-MS, 4th)
April 11, 2019
“This legislation paves the way for endless economic opportunities in our region,” said Palazzo. “By approving this designation, we can spur development and connect our military installments to our ports and large commerce centers located throughout the route. I look forward to seeing the designation give Mississippi’s transportation routes a competitive edge.”

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Pocan and Jayapal Denounce Netanyahu Annexation Threats, Urge Adherence to Human Rights and International Law
by: Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)
April 11, 2019
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s campaign threat to annex the West Bank signals an alarming and unprecedented violation of human rights and international law. This move to entrench Israeli control over disenfranchised Palestinians would be a moral catastrophe, push a two-state solution further out of reach, and undermine Israel’s international standing.

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Pappas, Fitzpatrick, Kuster and Delgado Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Assist Veterans & Service Members Exposed to PFAS Contaminants
by: Chris Pappas (D-NH, 1st)
April 10, 2019
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the PFAS Registry Act with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers including Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), and Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19), legislation that would create a national database for service members and veterans experiencing health problems possibly due to contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS chemicals, like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have emerged as a widespread contaminant to the drinking water sources of military bases across the country due to their use in firefighting foam employed by the Armed Services. This bipartisan bill would allow military personnel and veterans to receive updates on recent scientific developments on the effects of PFAS exposure, availability of possible treatment options, and information on what resources may be available to address their health concerns. Congressman Pappas has led efforts in Congress that seek to uncover the health impacts of emerging contaminants in water supplies. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is introducing companion legislation in the Senate, which is cosponsored by Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD).

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Rep. Peters Unveils The Climate Playbook: Recommendations for Immediate Congressional Action
by: Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)
April 10, 2019
Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) unveiled The Climate Playbook, a comprehensive plan he compiled of already existing legislation authored by both Republicans and Democrats, many of which have already earned bipartisan support. These legislative proposals together would take immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gasses and slow—even reverse—the effects of climate change. They are organized into categories that include ways to reduce emissions from a variety of economic sectors, promote energy efficiency, reduce pollution, increase investment in research and development, spur more investment in adaptation and resiliency, develop a workforce to make all this possible, and support workers and communities displaced or impacted by this transition to clean energy.

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Rep. Phillips Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Repeal the Medical Device Tax
by: Dean Phillips (D-MN, 3rd)
April 10, 2019
“The medical device tax has overstayed its welcome, and I am pleased to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to push for its permanent repeal,” said Phillips. “Too many jobs have been lost and too much innovation has been stifled due to this tax which disproportionately impacts our community. Our government should be supporting progress and new technology, especially in health care. The medical device tax is counterproductive to that mission, and that’s why it has to go.”

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Bill to Protect Free and Open Internet Passes House with Rep. Porter Amendment
by: Katie Porter (D-CA, 45th)
April 10, 2019
“As we vote to restore a free and open internet, we should also vote to provide oversight of agency tasked to protect consumers,” Porter said. “It is important that the FCC acts as the cop on the beat when internet service providers misbehave. When the FCC fines against a bad actor, that fine should be collected. If the FCC is not following through on protecting consumers, Congress should know – so it can take oversight action, if necessary.”

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Pressley, Clark, Murray, Democrats—Joined by Workers, Survivors, and Advocates—Introduce Sweeping Legislation to Address Harassment in the Workplace
by: Ayanna Pressley (D-MA, 7th)
April 9, 2019
“Our bill will put us one step closer to making toxic workplace harassment and discrimination a dark memory of the past,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “This is for the brave women of the Boston Fire Department, for the hotel workers I worked alongside when I was scrapping money together to help my family, for the transgender men and women who face discrimination for living their truth. This is for those workers who shared their stories and instead of justice, faced retaliation. Now is the time to push the conversations and the policies so that those who have been suffering in silence feel seen and represented in our democracy.”

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AI ethics guidance a first step but needs to be transformed into tangible rights for people
by: Access Now
April 8, 2019
On Monday, April 8th, the European Commission’s High Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (HLEG) will publish its “Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI”. Access Now, ANEC, and BEUC, all members of the expert group, support these guidelines but stress that they can only be a first step. The European Union has the responsibility to ensure that fundamental and consumer rights are respected and bring benefits to people.

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Assange, Homeless, Hungry, Women, Migrants, Tax Equity, Veterans, Abortion, Internet, Opioids, Energy, Hate Crimes

News from the Newsmakers for April 14, 2019

How The Ponder gets news to you:
Because The Ponder can't possibly post all the information we have access to on a daily basis, we look at each press release, and if it is news that has been posted in the last seven days, we post it as we get to it. We go through all our sources in alphabetical order, as we have time to do so, so no news-maker is missed. News that is more than seven days old from people, groups and organizations is not posted at The Ponder. Sometimes this means that you will get information about an issue for seven days straight from different people groups and organizations. The Ponder feels that this serves to help you become more informed with quality information.

Also, The Ponder does not post every press release we receive. Some press releases are too localized, or to general in nature to be of any use. We try to post news that is relevant to our future as a nation as a whole. We do sometimes post localized news if we feel such news should be seen by the nation as a whole.

MITCHELL, CARBAJAL, BACON INTRODUCE BILL TO HELP EDUCATE HOMELESS AND FOSTER YOUTH
by: Paul Mitchell (R MI, 10th)
April 14, 2019
Congressmen Paul Mitchell (R-Mich.), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), and Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the Removing Barriers to Foster Youth Success in College Act, which revises certain federal TRIO policies and practices to remove barriers to participation for homeless youth, and students in foster care. Federal TRIO programs are outreach and student service programs designed to identify and aid individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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NH Food Bank Kicks-Off 7th Annual Nothing Campaign April 12, generously supported by Citizens Bank
by: New Hampshire Food Bank
April 14, 2019
In partnership with Citizens Bank and with the support of NH Food Bank’s grocery partners, Granite Staters can help make a difference, starting April 6 and through May 31 purchase Nothing cans for $5 at participating Hannaford®, Harvest Market®, Market Basket®, Shaw’s®, Sully’s Superette® in Allenstown and Goffstown and Vista Foods® in Laconia. Each Nothing can purchased will provide approximately 10 meals, and cans filled with generous donations can help provide approximately 60 meals to your neighbor that faces hunger every day.

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Meeks Issues Statement Regarding Julian Assange
by: Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY, 5th)
April 12, 2019
"There is no question that the actions of Julian Assange and Wikileaks has directly compromised U.S. intelligence and our national security. Not only were Assange’s actions dangerous, they worked to advanced Russian interests by selectively releasing classified information obtained by the FSB to compromise our most sacred of institutions, our free and fair elections.

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Meng Fights to Protect Women and Children
by: Grace Meng (D-NY, 6th)
April 12, 2019
“Protecting women and children from harmful chemicals is a top priority of mine,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Americans are bombarded daily with advertisements to purchase consumer goods from infant formula to menstrual hygiene products. Yet, important safeguards are lacking which undermine consumer confidence that the products they purchase are safe for their loved ones. My bills are commonsense fixes that would greatly help American families. It’s time for Congress to step up and make these issues a priority.”

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Mucarsel-Powell Cosponsors Families, Not Facilities Act to Promote Migrant Child Reunifications
by: Mucarsel-Powell, Debbie (D-FL, 26th)
April 11, 2019
“I am proud to cosponsor a bill that places the welfare of children first. The Administration’s information sharing policy is cruel and results in vulnerable children residing in prisonlike detention facilities, like the Homestead facility in my district, for indefinite periods of time,” said Mucarsel-Powell. “Sponsors who are able and willing to provide safe homes must be free to care for these children without fear of retribution. These children deserve a home, not a prison. In many of these facilities, we have no idea what is going on behind those walls. The Advisory Committee on Shelters for Unaccompanied Alien Children created by this bill is an avenue to address this glaring lack of information. I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that provides increased transparency at shelters like the one in Homestead that are going completely unchecked. These children came here looking for a country to welcome them, and we must make sure they are living in safe environments free from abuse and harm.”

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Top House and Senate Democrats Write to AG Barr About Expectation that Congress Receive Full Mueller Report
by: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
April 11, 2019
Top House and Senate Democrats sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr following his testimony before the House and Senate appropriations committees reasserting their expectation for the full, unredacted Mueller report, along with the underlying evidence, to be provided to Congress. The letter, signed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Senate Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), also urges the Department of Justice (DOJ) to work with them to find an accommodation on providing the full report from the Special Counsel, with the underlying materials, to the relevant committees.

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As Tax Day Approaches, Reps. Nadler, Lowey, and Suozzi Call for Tax Equity
by: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
April 11, 2019
"The Tax Equity Act is a practical approach to making tax brackets more fair and ensuring they reflect the actual cost of living in New York, San Francisco, Houston, or any high-cost city,” Reps. Nadler, Lowey, and Suozzi said in a joint statement. "One-size-fits-all tax brackets don’t work in the country’s most expensive communities, where residents pay more for housing, food, transportation, and daily costs of life. This bill ensures that taxpayers in our districts – many of whom are struggling to make ends meet as a result of the GOP Tax Scam's reckless cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions - are not hit with additional tax burdens that don't reflect their day-to-day reality..."

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Neguse, Ruiz Introduce the Veterans Conservation Corps Act
by: Joe Neguse (D-CO, 2nd)
April 11, 2019
This bill provides transitional assistance for veterans, through employment opportunities for those that would like to work in conservation, resource management, firefighting, law enforcement, or historic preservation. The initiative has been widely praised by veteran and environmental advocates, as well as nonprofit and state-run conservation corps.

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Governor Mike DeWine Signs Ohio's Heartbeat Bill
by: Ohio Right to Life
April 11, 2019
“Pro-life Ohio thanks Governor DeWine for taking a courageous stand on behalf of unborn children with beating hearts,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “Governor DeWine continually stated throughout his campaign that he would sign the Heartbeat Bill, and he made good on that promise today. Ohio Right to Life thanks our legislative and statewide pro-life leaders for prioritizing this important legislation."

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CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE VOTES TO RESTORE NET NEUTRALITY PROTECTIONS AND MAINTAIN FREE, OPEN INTERNET FOR ALL
by: Joseph Morelle (D-NY, 25th)
April 10, 2019
“In today’s high-tech world, the internet is a right, not a privilege – one we must ensure is available to every American,” said Rep. Morelle. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this common-sense, bipartisan legislation to help ensure the internet remains a level playing field that is free, accessible, and reliable for all.”

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Norcross Votes for a Free & Open Internet
by: Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st)
April 10, 2019
“We need to preserve consumer freedom online, protect small businesses and promote competition – and the Save the Internet Act does all of these things. It balances our need to provide fairness for users and, at the same time, encourage innovation in the tech industry.

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O’HALLERAN VOTES FOR FREE AND OPEN INTERNET
by: Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ, 1st)
April 10, 2019
“Across rural Arizona, communities of every size have little to no access to quality broadband internet, and this is hurting their competitiveness and making it impossible to grow and thrive. Today, Congress took an important step to ensure our internet remains free and open for consumers and businesses, but we cannot stop here,” O’Halleran said. “We need to start seriously investing in broadband infrastructure that prioritizes rural America. These communities have been left behind for too long.”

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OTI Applauds Historic House Vote to Restore Net Neutrality
by: New America's Open Technology Institute
April 10, 2019
“Today's vote shows that support for net neutrality just keeps growing. Congress can no longer ignore the fact that the American people overwhelmingly support these rules and want them back. For years, Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon have tried to outmaneuver public opinion with backroom lobbying and campaign donations. Today's vote is yet another sign that the cable industry's grip on Washington is weakening, and that the American people won't give up until net neutrality is restored as the law of the land.

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Moulton, Buchanan Introduce Bill to Combat Chinese Opioids
by: Seth Moulton (D-MA, 6th)
April 10, 2019
“Fentanyl has become the leading illegal drug in the opioid crisis in our country, and it’s time we attack the source,” Moulton said. “While China’s ban on producing fentanyl is a promising start, Congress should hold China to its word. This bill will target the fentanyl producers worldwide who profit from the overdose deaths happening in communities across our country, including Massachusetts where fentanyl is the leading cause of opioid-overdose deaths. Congress must act quickly.”

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Neal Statement on IRS Failure to Meet April 10 Deadline
by: Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st)
April 10, 2019
“I received a letter this evening from Secretary Mnuchin related to my request to the IRS commissioner. The department has decided not to allow the IRS to comply with my request by the April 10 deadline. I will consult with counsel and determine the appropriate response to the commissioner in the coming days.”

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Olson Joins Trump In Support Of American Energy
by: Pete Olson (R-TX, 22nd)
April 10, 2019
“As America’s global energy dominance continues to grow, we must ensure we have the infrastructure and laws in place to support the expansion of American Liquid Freedom,” Rep. Pete Olson said. “I was proud to stand with President Trump in Houston, the epicenter for energy production, as he signed these executive orders today. Streamlining the permitting and transportation of American energy will ensure we continue to grow as an energy super power by supporting current and future energy projects.”

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What’s Wrong at NYC Margaret Sanger Planned Parenthood? 5 Women Hospitalized in 7 Weeks
by: Operation Rescue
April 10, 2019
Four more medical emergencies at New York’s Margaret Sanger Center Planned Parenthood abortion facility have surfaced, with one pro-life activist telling Operation Rescue that she has observed a dramatic increase in women leaving the clinic with difficulty walking, and sometimes even vomiting, as well as a troubling increase in ambulance transports of abortion patients.

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House Chairs Seek Documents from Trump Administration on Sudden Decision to Stop Defending Health Care Law
by: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
April 9, 2019
Five House Committee Chairs sent letters to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the White House requesting documents and information regarding the involvement of White House officials in the Administration’s troubling decision to not defend the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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Chairman Nadler Opening Statement for the Hearing on Hate Crimes and the Rise of White Nationalism
by: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th)
April 9, 2019
“Hate incidents target victims based on their actual or perceived race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other immutable characteristics. Some of these incidents may be crimes, and some are not, but all of them harm not only individuals but also our communities and, ultimately, our entire nation. Unfortunately, various statistics confirm what most of us have observed—that hate incidents are increasing in the United States..."

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NASA, Nursing, Infrastructure, Telephone, Broadband, Small Business, Muslim, Medicare, Right to Work, Obamacare, Guns

Today's News From People, Groups and Organizations for April 13, 2019

The Ponder is in the process of adding about 50 new sources to the press release list. This will serve to bring more and better information as to what is going on in Washington and around the country. We hope you enjoy our news! (And, don't forget to show your support by visiting our advertisers!)

Also, The Ponder is owned and operated by a Christian Conservative woman. However, the Ponder believes that you have to know what's on the other side in order to form a more educated opinion. So, here you are going to find Conservative AND Liberal viewpoints. If the subject you are interested in doesn't seem to have the support of your group, perhaps you should encourage them to post a press release. We can't post it if it is not available.

The posts here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the owner: Shonda Ponder. If The Ponder comments on any post and forms an opinion or thought on the subject, which isn't very often (as we want our readers to form their own opinions and thoughts) you will find it in red.

Finally, remember that this is a one-person operation. With over 1500 press contacts currently at our disposal, there is only so many one person can post in a day. We cannot afford to hire help right now.

Our job is to get the information out. It's up to YOU who you support. We only ask that you support our effort to inform you by visiting our advertisers for your shopping needs!

Below is the latest news from a lot of our sources!

NASA Invites You to “Picture Earth” for Earth Day
by: NASA
April 12, 2019
Our magnificent planet is always ready for its close-up. On Earth Day, April 22, NASA wants to see your take.

NASA invites you to celebrate the planet we call home with our #PictureEarth social media event. Post a close-up photo on social media of your favorite natural features, such as crashing waves, ancient trees, blooming flowers, or stunning sunsets. Use the hashtag #PictureEarth and upload the photo on April 22. Be sure to include the location where the photo was taken in the text of your social media post.

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National League for Nursing to Offer Extra Support to English Learners Sitting for NLN Pre-Admission Exam (PAX)
by: National League for Nursing
April 12, 2019
The National League for Nursing has taken a key step in making its Pre-Admission Exam (PAX) more accessible to students for whom English is not their native language. Students living in the United States and learning English while preparing to apply to nursing education programs may now qualify for special support through the testing services offering the NLN-PAX.

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Washington Leaders Must Heed the Signs—Infrastructure Investment is Overdue
by: National Governor’s Association
April 11, 2019
In recent weeks, Americans have watched in horror and sympathy as communities across the upper Midwest were inundated by flooding, which destroyed homes, businesses and neighborhoods. A snowy winter, saturated soil and intense rains from a “bomb cyclone” combined to create true natural disaster. But the failures of dikes, dams and sluices point to a slow-motion political disaster as well.

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NCLC Attorney Margot Saunders to Testify at U.S. Senate Hearing on Stopping Illegal Robocalls on April 11
by: National Consumer Law Center
April 11, 2019
On Thursday, April 11 at 10:00 am ET, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will convene a hearing on Illegal Robocalls: Calling All to Stop the Scourge. “Robocalls have increased 370% percent in less than four years, with over five billion robocalls made just in March 2019,” said National Consumer Law Center Senior Counsel Margot Saunders, who will testify at the hearing. “The surge in consumer complaints reinforces the need for the Federal Communications Commission to strengthen the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s application to autodialed calls and the right of consumers to withhold their consent to receive these and other robocalls.”

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I don't know about you, but I am getting tired of calls about extended warranties, knee braces and health insurance. Especially Obamacare. You would think that after being told 10 times, pushing the button 10 times and hung up on more times than I count, they would quit calling. It's annoying. I don't buy anything from anyone who annoys me. And, I don't give my information over the phone unless I know beyond a shadow of a doubt who I am talking to and what the information is being used for.

Senator Murray introduces Digital Equity Act of 2019
by: National Digital Inclusion Alliance
April 11, 2019
In a major development for community digital inclusion advocates, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today introduced the “Digital Equity Act”, which would authorize more than $1 billion in Federal grant funding over the next five years to support digital inclusion programs throughout U.S. states and territories.

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NFIB Statement on Introduction of Senate Bill to Make Small Business Tax Relief Permanent
by: National Federation of Independent Business
April 11, 2019
“Small and independent businesses were clear about what they would do if given tax relief and they have put their words into action by creating jobs, increasing compensation, and expanding. Yet, unlike those for large corporations, the tax relief provisions for small businesses, primarily the Small Business Deduction, are set to expire. We applaud Senator Daines’ introduction of the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, legislation that would help provide certainty for America’s small businesses. This legislation is crucial for small businesses, and we urge the Senate to bring it to the floor for a vote.”

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NAIC Prioritizes Long-Term Care Insurance
by: National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
April 10, 2019
The membership of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) voted unanimously to create a task force focused on long-term care insurance market stability. The group will report to the NAIC Executive (EX) Committee. The vote took place during a joint meeting of the Executive Committee and Plenary on Tuesday during the Spring 2019 National Meeting in Orlando.

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No Ban Act Introduced in Congress to Repeal the Discriminatory Muslim Ban
by: National Immigration Law Center
April 10, 2019
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) announced today the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act, or the “No Ban Act,” challenging the Trump administration’s Muslim ban. The ban, which has been in effect in one form or another since January 2017, has separated too many families and continues to have a devastating impact on American Muslim communities.

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Congress Should Protect Muslims and Others, Support Anti-Ban Legislation
by: National Council of Jewish Women, Inc.
April 10, 2019
“One of President Trump’s first acts when he became president was to fulfill a discriminatory campaign pledge and ban entry into the US by foreign nationals from several Muslim majority countries. After Trump’s ban was rewritten twice, the US Supreme Court upheld the final language as within the prerogative of the president to set policy regarding entry into the US. This egregious decision can be reversed by Congress. The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act (NO BAN Act) introduced by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) would end the harmful Muslim Ban and put in place vital protections against future discrimination.

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Largest U.S. Nurses’ Union Praises Sen. Sanders’ for His Medicare for All Bill
by: National Nurses United
April 10, 2019
“Senator Sanders realizes what’s at stake with America’s health care system and we are proud to support his Medicare for All legislation. In particular, we are pleased by the inclusion of long term care options in this version of the bill,” said NNU President Deborah Burger, RN. “As the largest union of registered nurses in the country, we stand with Senator Sanders and his co-sponsors as they promote legislation that will change and save our patients’ lives. Medicare for All is a real, concrete solution to the problems of our current broken system, not just a Band-Aid.”

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Rhode Island Bus Driver Asks NLRB to Overturn Policy Blocking Vote to Remove Teamsters Union
by: National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation
April 10, 2019
With free legal aid from National Right to Work Foundation staff attorneys, a Rhode Island bus driver has petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to allow a vote to decertify his local union. The filing argues the Labor Board’s “merger doctrine” being applied to block the vote is contrary to the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

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NASW will continue to monitor efforts to sabotage Affordable Care Act
by: National Association of Social Workers
April 8, 2019
The Trump administration recently announced that it had ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file with the Fifth Circuit Court Federal Appeals Court that it affirms a December 2018 ruling by a federal judge in Texas in Texas v. United States that invalidated the remaining portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Because 16 states have challenged the decision, the judge’s ruling will not have any immediate effect. However, this latest action is an ominous sign the administration is determined to dismantle ACA, thereby eliminating essential health services to millions of low-income and indigent people.

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Presidential Candidates Who "Can't Keep Their Hands Off" Your Guns
by: National Association for Gun Rights
April 8, 2019
As the 2020 Presidential election draws near, the pool of aspiring anti-gun Democratic Candidates continues to grow.

While the election of any of the current crop of Democrat hopefuls would pose a clear and present danger to the Second Amendment, two potential candidates have an exceptionally troubling history of attacking our right to keep and bear arms.

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