SHLB Welcomes Introduction of Digital Equity Act

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by: Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition

Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition applauds Senator Patty Murray, (D-WA), and her colleagues for introducing the Digital Equity Act of 2019. The bill promotes diverse digital equity projects to address gaps in technology access and rural broadband adoption.

“The SHLB Coalition is pleased to support the Digital Equity Act. The bill recognizes the important role that libraries and anchor institutions play in ensuring that every person in every community benefits from the opportunities offered by high-quality Broadband. Community anchor institutions are uniquely suited to take the lead in closing the pervasive gap in broadband adoption.,” said John Windhausen Jr., executive director of the SHLB Coalition. “Digital inclusion is not a partisan issue, so we’re looking forward to working with Congress to enact this legislation.”

RETAILERS SUPPORT WHITE HOUSE FOCUS ON COUNTERFEIT GOODS, URGE SIMILAR EFFORT ON STOLEN MERCHANDISE AND ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME

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by: Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)

Arlington, VA - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the trade association for America's leading retailers, today sent a letter to the White House expressing support for the President's commitment to curbing the sale of counterfeit products online, and urged the White House to include combatting the sale of stolen goods as an Administration priority.

"Counterfeit goods undermine intellectual property, pose a serious safety risk for consumers and employees, and help perpetuate organized retail crime," said Jennifer Safavian, RILA executive vice president of government affairs. "Similarly, sophisticated criminal networks are increasingly using online platforms to quickly and discreetly fence stolen goods. For these reasons, we welcome the Administration's crack down on the sale of counterfeit goods online and urge a parallel effort to combat the theft and sale of stolen goods."

From the letter:

"Preserving American brands and protecting our customers are of paramount importance to the entire retail industry, and we wholeheartedly support your directive to coordinate the efforts of the federal government to crack down on the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods."

"Retailers collectively invest billions each year in preventative security measures, but the vacuum of law enforcement and relative ease of selling stolen goods online has led to increasingly brazen and organized attempts to steal, tragically putting some retail employees in danger when confronted thieves turn violent.

"We ask that any strategic effort to hold online sellers accountable for the sale of counterfeit goods also include a crackdown on criminal networks using online marketplaces to sell stolen property. Both are a threat to the retail community and the future growth of the economy."

The full letter can be read here.

RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

Girl Knees Boy In Groin Blocking Her Bathroom Door

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by: Public Advocate USA

Fairbanks, AK - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- "This is what happens when you have liberals running the school system and eliminating one entire sex, the entire female gender, off of the human race in favor of political correctness, " says Eugene Delgaudio, president of Public Advocate.

WCNC reports:

A girl was suspended by her high school after kneeing a boy in the groin after a group of boys went into the girls' bathroom and blocked the door, according to reports.

The Fairbanks Daily News Miner reported Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole, criticized North Pole High School for the act.

"I said, 'Good for her,'" Wilson said. "I would have taught my daughter to do the same."

The seven boys reportedly went into the girls' bathroom to protest their bathroom being used by another student who is transitioning from female to male, KUTV reported.

The female student felt threatened, so she kneed one of the boys in the groin. He was sent to the hospital for his injury, KUTV said.

The transgender student and the female student were not connected, the station said.

The school district defended its actions: "We don't advocate violence as a means for students to attain safety. If a student does use force, we have to evaluate that incident."

Counterintelligence Accountability Act Introduced

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by: Elise Stefanik (R-NY, 21st)

Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced a bill this week that would require the FBI to notify the House and Senate Intelligence Committee when the Bureau opens a counterintelligence investigation into a candidate for Federal office, campaign for a candidate for Federal office, or an individual knowingly associated with a campaign for a candidate for Federal office.

This comes after Congresswoman Stefanik’s questioning of then-FBI Director James Comey at a HPSCI hearing in 2017, where he revealed that he did not follow the proper protocol of notifying Congress about opening a counterintelligence investigation into the Trump campaign in 2016. That questioning can be found here.

“Despite informal protocols followed in the past, James Comey failed to notify Congress about his investigation into the Trump Presidential campaign,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This loophole in the law allows the FBI to circumvent Congress and unilaterally conduct investigations without any congressional oversight. My bill will ensure that the right congressional overseers are informed of sensitive counterintelligence investigations into campaigns for Federal office, and I’m proud to lead this effort for transparency.”

Each Republican on the House Intelligence Committee is a cosponsor of this bill. Click here for a write-up on the bill from the Federalist.

ROBOCOP Act to Require Free Robocall Blocking Technology Introduced

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by: Jackie Speier (D-CA, 14th)

Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) was joined by 14 of her colleagues in the House of Representatives last week to introduce H.R. 2298, the ROBOCOP (Repeated Objectionable Bothering of Consumers on Phones) Act. This bicameral legislation would finally require telephone companies to offer free robocall blocking services to all their customers. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) has introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

An estimated 22.1 million Americans lost $9.5 billion to Robocall scams in 2016, according to a 2017 study. This epidemic of telephonic harassment skyrocketed in 2018, with the number of robocalls made to Americans exceeding 16.3 billion in the first five months of that year. And thus far efforts like the Do Not Call Registry have had little to no impact, particularly when it comes to scams and call centers located outside of the United States.

“Seldom a day goes by that I am not barraged with calls at home and on my cell phone from automated call services and scam artists. I recently received a call from a con artist claiming to work for the Social Security Administration claiming that there was a problem with my status. These schemes rob Americans, often the most vulnerable among us, of billions of dollars every year,” Rep. Speier said. “It’s clear that the Do Not Call Registry has not solved this problem and Congress can no longer wait for the FCC or telephone companies to take the necessary action. I urge the House and Senate to swiftly take up and pass the ROBOCOP Act.”

“The increase in disruptive and harassing robocalls is out of control. Consumers are demanding that we take action, which is why I’m proud to join Congresswoman Speier in introducing the ROBOCOP Act to help cut down on this vicious onslaught of scam and spam messages by requiring phone companies provide robocall blocking tech and verify that caller IDs are accurate” Sen. Blumenthal said.

The ROBOCOP Act would:

Direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require telecom companies to verify that caller ID is accurate.

Provide an exception for consumers with a legitimate need for altered caller ID, such as medical offices and domestic violence shelters.

Direct the FCC to require telecom companies to offer consumers optional, free robocall-blocking technology.

The technology would not block public safety entities and calls that the consumer consents to receive (e.g., notifications from school districts about closings and messages from doctor’s offices and law enforcement alerts).

Give consumers a private right of legal action against telecom companies that violate this statute.

Require the FCC, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to provide a public report every four years to help determine whether the new rules have successfully reduced unwanted calls.

Authorize the FCC to create a nationwide unblocking system that will ensure consumers are in control of the calls and text messages they receive.

Rep. Speier’s bill has 14 cosponsors and has the support of Consumer Reports.

“The ROBOCOP Act would provide sorely-needed relief from unwanted robocalls, a top consumer complaint. This legislation would address ‘spoofed’ calls that scammers so often use to evade call-blocking services and enforcement efforts, as well as the growing problem of unwanted text messages,” said Maureen Mahoney, Policy Analyst, Consumer Reports. “Consumer Reports commends Congresswoman Speier and Senator Blumenthal for their leadership in addressing this issue and urges Congress to take this measure up quickly.”

The cosponsors of Rep. Speier’s bill are: Representatives Steven Cohen (D-TN), Jim Cooper (D-TN), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Raúl Grijalva (D-ZA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY), Peter Visclosky (D-IN), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

Click here for a copy of the bill text.

The Mueller Report: Read it for yourself

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by: Ross Spano (R-FL, 15th)

Lakeland, FL - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ross Spano (FL-15) released the following statement regarding the release of the ‘Mueller Report’ to Congress and the general public:

“I applaud Attorney General Barr releasing the Mueller report for the American people to read and make up their own mind. It’s time to put this collusion delusion aside and work together in the best interest of the American people.”

To read the released report, click HERE.

See Also:

Mueller Report: We Need the Truth and Nothing But

Mueller Report Shows U.S. Democracy Under Fire

Barrasso Statement on Release of Special Counsel’s Report

BILLS HOLDING FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ACCOUNTABLE FOR MISCONDUCT INTRODUCED

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by: Lloyd Smucker (R-PA, 16th)

Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- This week, U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) and Francis Rooney (R-Fla.) introduced legislation to hold federal agency employees accountable for misconduct.

The two introduced the Department of Labor Accountability Act and the Department of Education Whistleblower Protection Act, which give the two departments more authority to discipline or fire employees who have engaged in misconduct and would shorten the appeals process which often lasts several years. The bills also grant the department Secretary the authority to revoke bonuses for underperforming employees and in some cases would reduce the pensions of executive-level employees disciplined by the department.

“Employees deserve proper protections and the freedom to report misconduct – and employees at fault shouldn’t be receiving bonuses after behaving badly,” Smucker said. “This bill is a step to end the bureaucratic status quo resisting reforms and rewarding bad actors for their poor behaviors.”

“We must make sure that federal agencies have the tools to hold their employees accountable in order to safeguard taxpayer dollars against waste and fraud,” Rooney said. “This legislation provides these tools by allowing the Secretaries of Education and Labor to dismiss or discipline bad employees based on performance or misconduct. Our agencies must be able to address the bad actors that are not working in the best interest of the American people.”

Accountability is a priority of President Donald Trump, who has publicly voiced his support for promoting accountability within federal agencies.

Smucker and Rooney previously introduced these bills in the 115th Congress, when the House passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act by a bipartisan vote of 368-55. Another bill, the Department of Homeland Security FIRM Act, was included in the DHS reauthorization bill signed into law last year.

During Week after Tax Day, Smith and NJ Charitable Groups Stress Need for Legislative Solution

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by: Chris Smith (R-NJ, 4th)

Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- During the week after Tax Day 2019, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) was joined by NJ charitable and philanthropic organizations in advocating for his new bipartisan legislation to give taxpayers maximum flexibility to make tax-deductible charitable contributions.

“In the first tax year since the 2017 tax law was enacted, we’ve already seen reports of a decline in the number of donors to charitable causes,” Smith said. “We need to fix the tax code to help make charitable giving affordable for every taxpayer, and my legislation provides that remedy.”

Smith’s bill, the Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act (H.R. 651)—cosponsored by lead Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX)—would allow charitable deductions to be universal and “above-the-line,” giving everyone the authority to deduct charitable donations from their taxes whether or not they itemize.

“Charitable organizations perform so many vital services for those in need, and we must ensure they have the necessary support to continue their work,” Smith said. “Restoring opportunities for tax-deductible charitable giving would assist soup kitchens, homeless shelters, recovery programs, and so many other worthy causes.”

Initial reports indicate that the total dollar amount of charitable donations in 2018 did not increase with the rate of inflation. Large dollar donations are doing okay but there is concern that relying only on large donations is not sustainable, especially since there was a decline in both the overall number of donors and the number of donations less than $1,000.

NJ charitable and philanthropic organizations are supporting Smith’s bill:

“The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers supports the Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act introduced by Congressman Smith,” stated Theresa Jacks, Deputy Director of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. “By making the charitable deduction available to all taxpayers, H.R. 651 will help mitigate a situation created by the 2017 tax law that is expected to cause a significant reduction in charitable contributions. The nonprofit sector is critically important to our society and is a key driver of the economy. The universal charitable deduction bill that Congressman Smith is sponsoring would democratize giving for all taxpayers. This is common-sense public policy that will help nonprofits and the communities they serve, which in turn helps our state and nation to thrive.”

“As the 2019 Tax season comes to a close, many middle class individuals and families are seeing for the first time that their charitable donations may no longer provide the same benefit because of the provisions contained in the 2017 tax law,” stated James King of the Office for Social Concerns of the New Jersey Catholic Conference.

“New Jersey Catholic Charities agencies assist hundreds of thousands of individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. A substantial percentage of Catholic Charities operating budget comes from charitable donations. Now with the charitable deduction no longer a viable option for middle class individuals and families, non-profits like Catholic Charities could face unnecessary harm to their operating budget.”

“The New Jersey Catholic Conference thanks Congressman Smith for introducing H.R. 651, the ‘Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act.’ If signed into law, Congressman Smith’s bill would restore this tax benefit for the middle class and protect a vital source of revenue required for non-profits to sustain their operations serving those most in need.”

“Non profit organizations survive thanks to important donations from individuals,” said Adam Philipson, CEO and President of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. “If donations are not recognized as above-the-line, itemized deductions it will discourage philanthropy. Congressman Smith's Charitable Giving Tax bill restores the ability to receive those deductions and allows us to do the important work of not for profits.”

“The Center for Non-Profits is grateful to Congressman Chris Smith and Congressman Henry Cuellar for sponsoring H.R. 651, which would create a universal income tax deduction for charitable gifts,” stated Linda M. Czipo, President & CEO of the Center for Non-Profits. “The charitable community is vital to a vibrant economy and strong quality of life. Although more and more people are turning to charities for help, the funding needed by charities has failed to keep pace with this growing demand. With the increase in the standard deduction, the 2017 federal tax law has made this challenge even harder by drastically curtailing the number of taxpayers who can deduct their charitable gifts, resulting in a precipitous projected drop in giving. H.R. 651 would address this dire situation by allowing generous taxpayers of all income levels to deduct their charitable donations. This important bill will help to strengthen the ability of charities to provide essential programs and services in our communities.”

“The New Jersey Alliance of YMCAs thanks Rep. Smith for his commitment to encourage and empower Americans to support their communities through charitable giving. We support his efforts to preserve and expand charitable giving, and applaud introduction of The Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act, H.R. 651,” stated Dr. Darrin Anderson, Executive Director of the NJ YMCA State Alliance.

“Not only is a universal charitable deduction a more fair and inclusive approach than current law, research has consistently shown that people give more when the tax code supports giving. The YMCA offers our support and is willing to work with Rep. Smith and other members of Congress to enact a universal charitable deduction that maximizes charitable giving. America is stronger when everyone has the opportunity to give, to get involved, and to strengthen their communities.”

Congressman Brad Sherman Responds to White House with Deeply Personal Confession

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by: Brad Sherman (D-CA, 30th)

Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders’ comments Sunday morning that no member of the House of Representatives would be “smart enough” to understand President Trump’s tax returns really hit home for me. They compel me to reveal something about myself that I have long concealed for fear I would be judged, shamed and ostracized.

From a very young age, I’ve known I was different. Where other children admired singers and athletes, I found myself stirred by a well-balanced double-entry ledger. When I opened a lemonade stand, not only did I debate whether I should sell cookies, I struggled as to whether it should be operated on a cash or accrual basis. While watching the Oscars, I yawned through the speeches and awards waiting for that sweet, sweet moment when the representatives of Price, Waterhouse appeared. “Someday,” I whispered to myself, “that will be me.”

You see… I’m an accountant.

And not just a regular accountant. I am a Certified Public Accountant.

For too long, stigma has kept us in the shadows. We have denied ourselves what should be the right of every person — to live our truth publicly and proudly.

You probably know an accountant, even if they are not “out.” We are your family, members of your church, parents at your school and, yes, the people who do your taxes.

Who is responsible for Sarah Sanders not knowing that there are accountants in the House? I am. But that ends today.

America, I am Brad Sherman, CPA. The “P” stands for “public,” and that’s what I’m going to be from now on.

Congressman Brad Sherman chairs the bipartisan and bicameral CPA and accountants caucus. He is also the former head of the nation’s second largest tax agency in California.

Shalala and Pallone Introduce Comprehensive Legislation to Address Youth Tobacco Epidemic

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by: Donna E. Shalala (D-FL, 27th)

Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL) announced the introduction of the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 today. The new legislation aims to address the sharp rise in use of tobacco and e-cigarette products among young people.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an alarming 78 percent increase in current e-cigarette use by high school students and 48 percent increase among middle school students from 2017 to 2018. According to reports, the sharp increase in tobacco use in recent years could reverse years of progress in reducing youth tobacco use in America.

“The Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act makes clear that we will not tolerate the proliferation of slick new products purposefully designed to appeal to young people to get them addicted to nicotine and tobacco” Pallone said. “Congress must act to reduce youth nicotine addiction by making it clear that selling tobacco products to kids is illegal. My legislation also treats e-cigarettes and other tobacco products the same as traditional cigarettes under the law. We cannot afford to wait – we are on the cusp of losing an entirely new generation to a lifetime of nicotine addiction.”

“If a person does not start using tobacco products when they are young, it is less likely they will start as an adult. As HHS Secretary during the Clinton Administration, we made great strides in holding tobacco companies accountable for marketing their products to kids, and we reduced the number of people who smoked cigarettes,” Shalala said. “But now, the use of e-cigarettes, particularly by children, is beginning to undo years of progress we have made. Our bill, The Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act, takes concrete steps to limit access and the appeal of tobacco products to people under 21. At the end of the day, our main goal is to reduce the number of kids using tobacco products in the United States.”

The Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 includes a number of important provisions to curb the rise of youth tobacco use:

Requires FDA to finalize a rule requiring graphic health warnings for cigarette packages within 12 months;

Extends FDA regulations on the sale, distribution, and use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to all deemed tobacco products, including e-cigarettes;

Raises the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 years and makes it unlawful for any retailer to sell a tobacco product to any person younger than 21 years of age;

Directs FDA to prohibit non-face-to-face sales of all tobacco products including e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories;

Prohibits all characterizing flavors of tobacco products, including menthol;

Provides FDA with authority to collect user fees from all classes of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes;

Instructs FDA to issue a final rule on the regulation of products containing synthetic nicotine or nicotine that is not made or derived from tobacco;

Makes it unlawful to market, advertise, or promote any e-cigarette products to individuals under the age of 21; and,

Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue an annual report to Congress on the domestic sales, advertising, and promotional activity of cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarette manufacturers.

Pallone and Shalala’s bill has widespread support from public health advocates, including: the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Thoracic Society, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, March of Dimes, and National African American Tobacco Prevention Network.

Section-by-section available HERE.

Bill text available HERE.