Impeachment, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Budget, Federal Trade Commission, Health Care, Space Force, Food, Roger Stone

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 12, 2020

Harris Statement on Senate Acquittal of President Trump
Source: U.S. Representative Andy Harris (R-MD, 1st)
February 5, 2020
“It’s about time that this sadly partisan frivolous impeachment effort ended - and Congress can once again turn their attention to important matters facing America, like drug prices, healthcare costs, border security, and keeping our economy going. Thank goodness the Senate brought this to an end - and too bad the House proceeded along partisan lines to attempt to undo the last election and to interfere with the ability of the American people to make their choice at the polls in 10 short months. The clear majority voting against removal in the Senate today shows just how frivolous this impeachment effort was.”
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Rep. Hayes Votes To Condemn Administration Attempts To Slash Medicaid Access For Low-Income Americans
Source: U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT, 5th)
February 7, 2020
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted in favor of House Resolution 826 to disapprove of the Trump Administration’s proposed Medicaid block grant plan. This resolution is in response to the announcement last week by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, that would allow states the option to cap Medicaid spending and reduce health benefits for millions using block grants. The Administration’s plan for states to cap and slash Medicaid would push Medicaid recipients off lifesaving medicines, impose unaffordable premiums to maintain coverage and leave more vulnerable families exposed to catastrophic medical bills – with ruinous consequences for rural hospitals, families seeking opioid addiction treatment for their loved ones and seniors with long-term care need.
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Guthrie Leads Charge to Protect Medicare Advantage
Source: U.S. Representative Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
February 10, 2020
The Medicare Advantage program allows select Medicare-eligible patients to choose individually tailored insurance plans operated by private companies to supplement traditional Medicare benefits. Congressman Guthrie, along with Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), and Mike Kelly (PA-16) and 335 other members of the House, wrote to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to urge continued support for the Medicare Advantage program.
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Hastings’ Statement on Trump’s FY2021 Budget
Source: U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL, 20th)
February 10, 2020
Once again, the President’s budget request for the coming year is nothing more than a broken promise to the American people. Instead of honoring the bipartisan budget agreement, the President has decided to pursue misguided policies that would aggravate the deficit, handout tax cuts to the wealthy, and leave working families with the bill.
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Senator Hawley Proposes to Overhaul the Federal Trade Commission
Source: Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO)
February 10, 2020
For years, Big Tech has gone unchecked due to inaction, weak enforcement, and a lack of accountability at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Congress’s leading voice on tech accountability, is proposing to overhaul the agency by restructuring it to meet the needs of today’s digital markets.
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Harder Slams Proposed $1.6 Trillion Cut to Health Care
Source: U.S. Representative Josh Harder (D-CA, 10th)
February 11, 2020
“This budget is so absurd that I’m almost waiting for someone to yell April Fools. Literally less than a week ago the President said that he wants to protect health care at the State of the Union – but actions speak louder than words and today he put out a proposal that would cut $1.6 trillion from health care programs. This is terrible for the Valley and our families, and I’ll fight these cuts tooth and nail.”
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N.M. Delegation, Governor Urge Senior Military Officials To Utilize, Develop State’s Space Assets For U.S. Space Force
Source: U.S. Representative Debra Haaland (D-NM, 1st)
February 11, 2020
U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), along with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, sent a letter to General John W. Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force and Commander of U.S. Space Command. The letter urged General Raymond to utilize New Mexico’s existing public and private sector space capabilities as the United States Space Force develops its infrastructure and mission. The letter was also sent to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, and Secretary of the United States Air Force Barbara Barrett.
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Hagedorn Champions Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Protect America’s Food Supply
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Hagedorn (R-MN, 1st)
February 11, 2020
Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of S. 2107, the “Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019.” The bill is designed to protect America’s farms and food supply by preventing the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and other Foreign Agricultural Diseases (FAD) into the United States.
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Harris to Graham: Hold Immediate Hearing on Roger Stone Case and Make AG Barr Testify
Source: Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA)
February 11, 2020
U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Tuesday sent a letter to Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) demanding that the committee hold a hearing—with Attorney General Bill Barr as a witness—on potential political interference in the sentencing of Roger Stone, President Trump’s former campaign advisor and longtime friend. Harris’ letter comes after reports that the Department of Justice was considering reducing the sentencing recommendation put forward by the career prosecutors overseeing Stone’s case, all four of whom have since requested to withdraw from the case, and after the Department filed an updated sentencing recommendation in the case that contradicted the career prosecutors.
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Impeachment, USPS, Privacy, Pelosi, Non-citizens, Disaster Relief, Emergency Rooms

Today's News for February 10, 2020

Graham: Cloud Over The Presidency Has Been Removed
Source: Senator Lindsey Graham (R - SC)
February 5, 2020
This partisan-driven impeachment has done injury to the office of the presidency and was an injustice to President Trump
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Griffith Statement on President Trump’s Acquittal
Source: U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
February 5, 2020
The Senate has finally ended an ordeal that never should have started. Democrats in the House brushed aside principles of fairness and impartiality in conducting this impeachment process, yet, in my belief, they failed to find impeachable offenses. The Senate agreed.
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The State Of Our Union Is STRONG
Source: U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-MO, 6th)
February 6, 2020
While the President worked throughout this sham impeachment, securing better trade deals, eliminating terrorists, and ditching bad government regulations like WOTUS, Congress was basically at a standstill. Now, with this political circus finally over, it is my hope that we can get back to work.
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Rep. Grijalva Supports Passage of USPS Fairness Act
Source: U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
February 6, 2020
The House of Representatives, with large bipartisan support, passed the USPS Fairness Act last week. The bill will repeal the retiree health pre-funding mandate that a Republican-led Congress imposed on the Postal Service in 2006. The mandate, which no other federal agency or private company must abide by, required the postal service to pre-fund decades of future retiree benefits while still paying for current retiree benefits—costing the USPS an annual average of $5.4 billion over the past dozen years.
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Grothman Statement on the Passage of the PRO Act
Source: U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th)
February 6, 2020
Under this bill, the employer is forced to hand over the telephone number, the email and the address of each employee to the union,” said Grothman. “I believe in the importance of protecting people’s privacy. To say that unions have the right to know every member’s home address, and turn it over to who knows how many functionaries, I find very offensive. I would find it very scary if an employee came home one night to find someone waiting there for them to talk about a union election.
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Granger Resolution to Hold Pelosi Accountable, Honor American Heroes
Source: U.S. Representative Kay Granger (R-TX, 12th)
February 7, 2020
“Speaker Ryan and Speaker Boehner - they may have disagreed with the President on a multitude of issues, but they treated him with respect. Can you imagine the outrage if they had acted this way towards President Obama? What Nancy Pelosi did was shameful, and it degraded the proceedings of the joint session. The other thing, Mark, when she tore [the President’s remarks] up, it was a slap in the face to those heroes and their families that the President had honored.”
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Grassley Seeks Information on Noncitizens Working Without Authorization
Source: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
February 7, 2020
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Andrew Saul and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad Wolf seeking information on why SSA is not providing the statutorily required information to DHS regarding noncitizens working on and reporting wage earnings to non-work social security numbers.
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Congressman Al Green’s Statement on the Passage of H.R 5687, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act
Source: U.S. Representative Al Green (D-TX, 9th)
February 7, 2020
In November of 2019, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019 (H.R. 3702) – that I and Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) authored – passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. H.R. 3702 helps to ensure the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program operates more efficiently, with few unnecessary delays. As the representative of a congressional district frequently impacted by severe flooding, I understand the need for legislation that works to improve the process of providing disaster-affected areas with appropriate relief funding.
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Rep. Green Cuts Red Tape with Rural ER Access Act
Source: U.S. Representative Mark Green (R-TN, 7th)
February 7, 2020
Green’s legislation repeals an onerous and burdensome federal regulation, the ‘35-mile rule’, which prohibits free-standing emergency departments (FSEDs) from operating more than 35 miles from a hospital. The bill would abolish this arbitrary and unfair mileage requirement, allowing free-standing ERs to serve the rural communities that are desperately in need of such care.
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Guns, Democrat Lawsuit, Vindman, Coronavirus

Some News from Other Media Sources for February 8, 2020

VICTORY! Federal Court Finds California Magazine Ban Violates the Second Amendment
Source: Break the Matrix
February 3, 2020
In one of the strongest judicial statements in favor of the Second Amendment to date, Judge Roger T. Benitez of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California determined on Friday that California’s ban on commonly possessed firearm magazines violates the Second Amendment.
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In another Trump win, court tosses Democrats' suit over his businesses
Source: Reuters
February 7, 2020
A federal appeals court on Friday threw out a lawsuit brought by Democratic lawmakers that accused Donald Trump of violating anti-corruption provisions in the U.S. Constitution with his business dealings, capping a week of political victories for the Republican president.
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Trump Fires Impeachment Witnesses Gordon Sondland and Alexander Vindman in Post-Acquittal Purge
Source: The New York Times
February 7, 2020
President Donald Trump on Friday fired a U.S. ambassador and a White House national security aide, both of whom testified in the House impeachment inquiry, as the newly emboldened president took retribution on officials he believed wronged him during the impeachment process. The Ponder: Vindman leaked the information to the whistleblower. He deserved to be fired. You do NOT repeat private phone calls between the President and a foreign leader. This is BAD for National Security. He deserved to lose his job.
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White House asks scientists to investigate origins of coronavirus
Source: ABC News
February 6, 2020
The White House on Thursday asked U.S. scientists and medical researchers to investigate the scientific origins of the novel coronavirus, as misinformation about the outbreak spreads online.
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Impeachment Acquittal, Medicaid, Labor Unions, VA Accountability, Veterans

Today's News for February 7, 2020

CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ ON THE CLOSURE OF IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP BY THE U.S. SENATE
Source: U.S. Representative Vincente Gonzalez (D-TX, 15th)
February 5, 2020
The Senate’s decision to disallow new witnesses and evidence signals a deterioration of our moral and ethical values. The consequences of today’s vote will have a lasting impact on the foundations of our democracy and Constitution.The Ponder: It was not the Senate's job to investigate and search for evidence. The House should have presented ALL the evidence from their investigation, not expected the Senate to finish THEIR job. It was the Senate's job to decide if the evidence was sufficient enough for an impeachment. Clearly, the answer was NO.
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Senator Gillibrand Statement on Vote to Convict President Trump
Source: Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand (D-NY)
February 5, 2020
“History will remember those who stood up for our country and the rule of law, as well as those who were complicit in the degradation of our democracy. ”The Ponder: Indeed, they will.
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Gianforte Statement on Senate Acquitting President Trump of Partisan Articles of Impeachment
Source: U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte (R-Montana at Large)
February 5, 2020
“The Senate’s acquittal of President Trump closes the door on Nancy Pelosi’s hyper-partisan impeachment sham. Working to overturn the results of the 2016 election, Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, and House Democrats pushed their partisan impeachment through the House and failed to make their flimsy case in the Senate. Now that this impeachment charade is behind us, let’s get back to work.”
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Gardner Statement on Conclusion of Impeachment Trial
Source: Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)
February 5, 2020
House managers repeatedly stated that they had established “overwhelming evidence” and an “air tight” case to remove the President. Yet they also repeatedly claimed they needed additional investigation and testimony. A case cannot be “overwhelming” and “air tight” and yet incomplete. That contradiction is not mere semantics. In their partisan race to impeach, the House failed to do the fundamental work required to prove its case.
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Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García Condemns Senate Acquittal
Source: U.S. Representative Jesus Garcia (D-IL, 4th)
February 5, 2020
Senate Republicans can hide from witnesses. They can protect the President at all costs. But they cannot hide from history. Donald Trump violated the rule of law and trampled the Constitution.
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Gallagher Statement on Senate Acquittal of President Trump
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI, 8th)
February 5, 2020
Throughout this trial, the House Impeachment Managers made two contradictory arguments that, taken together, proved fatal to their case. On the one hand, they claimed to have overwhelming evidence of an impeachable offense. Yet on the other hand, they simultaneously claimed they needed more witnesses in order to make their case. Both these claims cannot be true.
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Rep. Garamendi Takes Action to Protect Americans’ Health Care, Votes to Pass Disapproval Resolution Against President Trump’s Attack on Medicaid
Source: U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd)
February 6, 2020
Rep. Garamendi voted in favor of H. Res. 826, a resolution expressing disapproval of the Trump Administration's harmful actions toward Medicaid. Last week, the Trump Administration unveiled its illegal Medicaid block grant plan, inviting states to cap and slash Medicaid. The plan would essentially allow states to receive a waiver to block grant their Medicaid programs for certain low-income Medicaid recipients.
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REP. SYLVIA GARCIA VOTES TO PROTECT A WORKER'S RIGHT TO JOIN A LABOR UNION
Source: U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-TX, 29th)
February 6, 2020
“I am a proud to have voted in favor of the PRO Act because for far too long American corporations have found ways to get around labor laws at the expense of working people,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “When workers are able unionize and stand up for their rights, they secure fairer wages, benefits, and legal protections. Unions fight for the dignity and respect of working people and that is why the Senate must now act on this bill that would ensure that workers are free to organize unions without employer interference,” concluded Congresswoman Garcia.
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PRO Act Attacks Workers’ Rights
Source: Generation Opportunity
February 6, 2020
“Workers deserve the right to choose whether to join a union and make the best decision for themselves and their families. The PRO Act violates that right and undermines the will of citizens in the 27 states that have enacted Right-to-Work laws. But the PRO Act goes further by forcing employers to give employees’ private information to unions against their consent and restricting the ability of individuals to run their small businesses. This bill would erode the constitutional rights of workers.”
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Rep. Gallego Introduces Bipartisan VA Accountability Bill
Source: U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ, 7th)
February 6, 2020
The bill was introduced in response to a Government Accountability Office report which found that the VA was failing to disclose wait time, patient safety, and quality of care information in an accessible and usable manner.
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Congressman Matt Gaetz Introduces “Ainsworth Act” to Secure Full Pension Benefits for Centenarian Military Veterans
Source: U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL, 1st)
February 6, 2020
U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) today introduced legislation to allow centenarian military veterans to qualify for full pension benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs regardless of their net worth. The “Joseph Ainsworth Act” would change the Net Worth Limitation in Section 1522 of Title 38 by creating an age exemption for veterans older than 99 years old.The Ponder does not support this. We clearly have veterans that are over 100 years old. ALL veterans, especially our AGED veterans, deserve our respect!
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Some Responses to the State of the Union

Today's News for February 5, 2020

Fortenberry Statement on 2020 State of the Union Address
Source: U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE, 1st)
February 4, 2020
“Tonight, the President delivered a very American, meat-and-potatoes speech, with a very important emphasis on national security, keeping you safe, and getting healthcare right. He had a particular initiative that is dear my heart and those of many Nebraskans called The Trillion Trees. I think it's very important for Republicans to embrace this space of environmental security,” Fortenberry added.
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Foster Statement on State of the Union Address
Source: U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL, 11th)
February 4, 2020
As expected, President Trump continues to try and take credit for the Obama economic recovery. The fact is that both job growth and economic growth are slower under President Trump than under President Obama. Under Obama, the stock market tripled, and unemployment was cut in half – President Trump hasn’t come close to matching that record.
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The Great American Comeback
Source: U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-TX, 17th)
February 4, 2020
Even though America is improving markedly in every important aspect, I agree with President Trump that there is still work to be done. While House Democrats have wasted months pursuing their sham impeachment, the President has begun to lay the groundwork for solving the important challenges that still remain. This year, Congressional Democrats need to stop fighting the Administration and start working with the President to address the issues that affect everyday Americans — border security, immigration reform, health care reform, prescription drug prices, defense against pandemic risks, and infrastructure. Like the President, I am optimistic that we can solve these problems through bipartisanship not personal destruction. America’s best days are ahead, and Americans are increasingly optimistic— Congress would be wise to not mess it up.”
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Foxx Responds to State of the Union Address
Source: U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC, 5th)
February 4, 2020
Under the Trump Administration, America’s economy continues to experience unprecedented levels of growth, the free market continues to flourish, and hardworking Americans are no longer subject to burdensome regulations enacted by the previous administration. It’s clear that President Trump remains committed to putting the American people first.
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REP. FRANKEL REACTS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Source: U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
February 4, 2020
The American people deserve more than a speech filled with untruths. The President said he will defend people with pre-existing conditions, but he is in federal court trying to overturn the Affordable Care Act. He made promises to lower drug costs, but he opposes House legislation that allows for drug price negotiation.
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Impeachment, Superbowl, Children, Stalking, Firearms, Infrastructure, School Choice, Human Trafficking, Insurance, Child Hunger, Heritage, Immigrants

Today's News for February 4, 2020

Fischer Voices Opposition to Impeachment Articles
Source: Senator Deb Fischer (R - NE)
February 4, 2020
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced on the Senate floor that she will vote to acquit President Trump and against both articles of impeachment. She also called on the Senate to return to normal legislative business and work to advance policies that benefit Nebraskans and all Americans.
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Dr. James Dobson Asks Why Fox Sports Says “Yes” to Drag Queens and “No” to Abortion Survivors
Source: Family Talk
February 4, 2020
It amazes me that Fox would choose to transform the Super Bowl from a family-friendly event into an opportunity to promote a gender ideology that goes against the most basic biological realities, as well as the sincerely held religious beliefs of millions of Americans. To say I'm disappointed would be a huge understatement.
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House hearings tackle regulatory threats to children and families
Source: First Focus
February 3, 2020
A broad coalition of nonprofit and faith-based groups from across the nation that aid and represent children hailed oversight hearings to be held in the House of Representatives this week regarding Trump Administration regulatory efforts they say would harm children.
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Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan, bicameral resolution raises awareness of stalking
Source: U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)
February 1, 2020
“Congress must continue to raise awareness about the dangers of stalking,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “Too many Americans have become victims of stalking, and the crimes that come after.”
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FPC, FPF Secure Preliminary Injunction Against Pennsylvania State Police ‘Partially Manufactured Receivers’ Policy Following Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s December 2019 “Legal Opinion”, Mandate
Source: Firearms Policy Coalition
January 31, 2020
“Under the PSP’s policy, good, law-abiding people and businesses were threatened with numerous criminal and civil penalties for things that not even the State Police could define. Today, the Commonwealth Court found that the PSP’s policy violated the constitutional rights of our clients and others,” commented Prince about the ruling. “We are gratified by the Commonwealth Court’s appropriate and sound decision enjoining the Pennsylvania State Police from enforcing its new policy regarding what it refers to as ‘partially manufactured frames and receivers.’”
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Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Outlines Priorities for New Infrastructure Legislation
Source: U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX, 7th)
January 31, 2020
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, outlined her priorities to include in upcoming infrastructure legislation. This followed Wednesday’s announcement by members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, and Ways and Means Committee unveiled a “Moving Forward” framework for a five-year plan to address our country’s most urgent infrastructure needs. Congresswoman Fletcher emphasized the need to invest in the nation’s water systems, flood protection and mitigation projects, and transit systems – all critical needs for the Houston region and Texas’ Seventh Congressional District.
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U.S. Supreme Court School Choice Case Has Major Implications for Religious Liberty
Source: First Liberty Institute
January 31, 2020
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in Espinoza v. Montana, an important school-choice case that could have nationwide implications for religious liberty
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PRESIDENT TRUMP ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Source: Faith and Freedom Coalition
January 31, 2020
President Trump today announced that the White House would expand the Domestic Policy Council to include a post dedicated to combatting human trafficking. Faith & Freedom Coalition, a strong advocate in the fight against human trafficking, commends President Trump for this step and applauds his continued commitment to ending this crime in the United States.
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Feinstein on Vote to Subpoena Witnesses in Impeachment Trial
Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
January 31, 2020
Jurors in a trial should have access to all the relevant information before casting their vote. By the closest of margins, the Senate majority has removed our ability to hold a full and fair trial.
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FAH Comments on Insurer Transparency Proposed Rule
Source: Feeding America
January 30, 2020
The FAH comment letter reiterates our support for HHS’ goal of transparency for patients while opposing the disclosure of negotiated rates and highlighting the legal and operational concerns with the Administration’s proposal. The comment letter argues that the Proposed Rule exceeds the Administration’s statutory authority, and raises 1st amendment/trade secret concerns. It also risks significant market disruption and unforeseen anticompetitive effects that pose significant potential harms for consumers. The letter urges CMS to engage with industry to further develop price estimator tools that provide clear, accurate, and actionable cost-sharing information tools rather than implement an unnecessary proposal to publicly release negotiated rates.
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Feeding America Applauds Proposed USDA Rule that Will Help Tackle Summer Child Hunger
Source: Federation of American Hospitals (FAH)
January 30, 2020
“During the school year, 22 million children rely on the National School Lunch Program for healthy, nutritious meals at free or at reduced prices. When school lets out, many families struggle to make up for the loss of school meals, leaving far too many children — 5 out of every 6 kids — unsure of where they will find their next meal. Feeding America applauds a new proposed United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule that will help ensure fewer children are hungry during the summertime.
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Finkenauer Introduces Bill to Protect Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
Source: U.S. Representative Abby Finkenauer (D-IO, 1st)
January 30, 2020
Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced the Protecting the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Act. The legislation would make sure that this area is preserved for years to come by eliminating the federal funding cap and sunset provision for the national heritage area.
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Supreme Court Decision OKs Rule Requiring Immigrant Self-Sufficiency, Less Dependency - Win for American People
Source: Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR US)
January 27, 2020
In a well-deserved blow to an activist judge in the Southern District of New York, today the Supreme Court lifted a nationwide injunction on President Trump’s common sense, long overdue 'public charge' rule, allowing it to go in effect during the course of litigation. This is a massive victory for the Trump administration, the American people, and most importantly, preserves the public interest component of an immigration system constantly under attack by special interest judges. The rule will correct expensive and politically-driven loopholes, and uphold the clearly expressed intent of Congress that immigrants to the United States be self-reliant. That means putting back in place screening criteria that identifies and selects prospective immigrants who will be less likely to depend on government programs and become public charges. The interest of the American people is best served when immigrants selected for admission into the United States can demonstrate they are capable of providing for themselves and their dependents. While lower court litigation continues, the rule takes effect immediately. Given that the arguments against public charge are meritless, it is likely this rule change is permanent.
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Sexual Assault, Michigan, Immigration, PG&E, Freedom of Speech, Coronavirus

Today's News for February 1, 2020

As Reports of Sexual Assault Spike at Military Academies, Ernst Leads Calls for Answers
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
January 31, 2020
Following an alarming spike of reports of sexual assault at U.S. military academies, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, is leading a bipartisan group of senators in calling for answers from the Department of Defense (DOD). An annual report from the DOD detailed a 32 percent increase in sexual assault reports at the academies during the 2018-19 school year as compared to the year before.
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EPI Policy Center applauds Michigan Governor for moving to restore overtime pay for Michigan’s workers
Source: Economic Policy Institute
January 30, 2020
In 2016, the Obama administration published a federal rule that would have increased the overtime threshold to roughly $51,000 in 2020—a modest figure that was well within historic norms. However, the Trump administration abandoned this rule and published a much weaker version that sets the salary threshold at $35,568. In doing this, they cost more than eight million workers overtime protections—totaling $1.2 billion in lost wages. The United Way’s ALICE report on financially struggling households shows that Michigan families need about $61,000 a year to afford the basics. A strong rule would raise the salary threshold for workers who earn up to $61,000 and would also be indexed to inflation to keep pace with overall wage growth.
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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar Statement on Expansion of the Dangerous “Remain in Mexico” Policy to Brazilian Asylum Seekers
Source: Veronica Escobar (D-TX, 16th)
January 30, 2020
“Today, one year after the Trump administration announced the implementation of the dangerous and unlawful Remain in Mexico policy, DHS began depriving Brazilian asylum seekers due process and endangering their lives by sending them to Mexico, a country proved ill-equipped to safeguard the wellbeing of migrants.
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Eshoo Demands Accountability from PG&E at Congressional Hearing
Source: U.S. Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA, 18th)
January 29, 2020
“I don’t presuppose that everyone in Washington D.C. knows who PG&E is or what they’ve done. Now, Californians know it, I certainly know it, and my constituents have lived it,” Rep. Eshoo said to PG&E CEO Bill Johnson. “In your testimony on page three you indicate it will take 12 to 14 years—12 to 14 years—to harden and strengthen the grid. That time frame implies that you’ve deferred a lot of the maintenance over the last 10 years. So, my first question is: why did the deferred maintenance happen and why was this allowed to happen?”
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Victory! Lawsuit Challenging FOSTA Reinstated by Court
Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation
January 24, 2020
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that two plaintiffs in the lawsuit—brought by Woodhull Freedom Foundation, Human Rights Watch, Alex Andrews, the Internet Archive, and Eric Koszyk to block enforcement of the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA)—had “standing” to pursue their constitutional challenge to the statute. The lawsuit argues that the act expansively criminalizes online speech related to sex work and removes important protections for online intermediaries in violation of their First Amendment rights. The plaintiffs are represented by EFF, Davis, Wright Tremaine LLP, Walters Law Group, and Daphne Keller.
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Emergency Nurses Association Monitoring Novel Coronavirus Developments
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
January 24, 2020
The two confirmed U.S. cases follow an outbreak in China that has prompted several U.S. airports to implement public health entry screenings. As new information develops, ENA President Mike Hastings, MSN, RN, CEN, called on emergency nurses to follow their current policies and best practices when screening patients for infectious diseases, and to revisit the use of personal protective equipment to limit exposure should a patient show symptoms of novel coronavirus.
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Impeachment, War Powers, Medicaid, Infrastructure, USMCA, Fentanyl

Today's News for January 30, 2020

RESPONSE TO DUCKWORTH’S QUESTION IN IMPEACHMENT TRIAL: “WE HAVE NO EVIDENCE” TRUMP ENGAGED IN LEGITIMATE PROCESS FOR WITHHOLDING FOREIGN AID
Source: Senator Tammy Duckworth (D - IL)
January 30, 2020
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D - IL) asked House impeachment managers whether there is any documentary evidence of President Trump gathering information to justify withholding aid to Ukraine. Specifically, Duckworth asked if there was evidence of Trump being briefed by the NSC, DOD or State Department on Ukraine corruption and European cost-sharing or that he requested information on anti-corruption reform measures in Ukraine.
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Why Did President Trump Continue Holding Ukraine Military Aid Amid Warnings About Legality?
Source: Senator Richard J. Durbin (D - IL)
January 30, 2020
Mr. Patrick Philbin responded to Durbin’s question on behalf of the President’s counsel. He admitted that because of the President’s hold on the funds, $35 million of the military aid was not spent before the end of the fiscal year. Those funds would have expired had Congress not intervened to extend the availability of the fiscal year 2019 funds. Nearly half of the unspent funds were intended for lethal material to assist Ukrainian security forces battling Russian-back separatists.
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House Action Threatens National Security
Source: The Ponder News
January 30, 2020
“This weekend, the United States Embassy in Iraq was attacked by mortar fire from Iranian backed militias, and today House Democrats voted to remove President Trump’s ability to respond to such attacks. House Democrats are being complete hypocrites. While professing their concerns over national security, they want to strip our President’s and military’s ability to protect our nation and embassies against terrorists who are intent on killing Americans at every opportunity. There’s a reason the Constitution grants this authority to the President and not Congress. With today’s action, Democrats have proven the wisdom of that decision. Today’s vote marks a new low for House Democrats regarding the safety of our service members and diplomats overseas. All Americans are less safe.”
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'No blank check for war': House votes to curb Trump's ability to strike Iran, other targets
Source: U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)
January 30, 2020
In the first House vote, lawmakers approved a bill that would block Trump from using any federal funds for "unauthorized military force against Iran." The final tally was 228-to-175. The House then passed a bill repealing the 2002 Iraq war authorization sought by then-President George W. Bush.
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ENGEL STATEMENT ON ILLEGAL TRUMP ADMIN. PLAN TO BLOCK GRANT MEDICAID
Source: U.S. Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)
January 30, 2020
“In yet another attack on Americans’ health care, the Trump Administration has unveiled illegal rules to block grant Medicaid, which will take coverage away from millions of New Yorkers. These rules are part of the Trump Administration’s ongoing agenda to gut the safety-net programs that are critical to helping Americans access health care. Republicans have tried this horrendous policy before as part of their failed efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. As we did before, we must stop it again.
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Reinvesting in Infrastructure Upgrades Good for Workers, Climate, Manufacturing
Source: U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)
January 29, 2020
The Moving Forward Infrastructure framework is estimated to create 10 million jobs by investing $760 billion over five years for infrastructure updates and rebuilding. The proposal includes strong “Buy American” protections to support US manufacturing and workers. The framework has a strong focus on reducing carbon pollution, strengthening energy efficiency, advancing renewable energy systems, and addressing the PFAS contamination crisis.
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Duncan Statement on Historic USMCA Signing
Source: U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
January 29, 2020
“President Trump has worked tirelessly since day one in office to put America first, and that’s exactly what USMCA does. It’s a major victory for American workers, job-creation, and our economy as a whole. The USMCA is a historic move to modernize our trade relationships and bring them into the 21st century – something no other President has accomplished. Bravo, President Trump – promise made, promise kept!”
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U.S. House Expected to Vote This Week on Fentanyl Bill Advocates Say Will Expand Use of Mandatory Minimums
Source: Drug Policy Alliance
January 27, 2020
Nearly 70 organizations representing civil rights, criminal justice, faith and drug policy communities sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi outlining concerns with a fentanyl-related bill that is expected to receive a vote on the House floor this week. The bill temporarily extends the Drug Enforcement Administration’s “class-wide” emergency scheduling of fentanyl-related substances. The Senate passed a similar bill on January 16th.
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House Action Threatens National Security

Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Ihe House of Representatives passed legislation prohibiting funds from being used in response to Iranian aggression and removed our troops’ legal authority to engage our enemies in Iraq. U.S. Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL, 2nd) was strongly opposed and released the following statement in response:

“This weekend, the United States Embassy in Iraq was attacked by mortar fire from Iranian backed militias, and today House Democrats voted to remove President Trump’s ability to respond to such attacks. House Democrats are being complete hypocrites. While professing their concerns over national security, they want to strip our President’s and military’s ability to protect our nation and embassies against terrorists who are intent on killing Americans at every opportunity. There’s a reason the Constitution grants this authority to the President and not Congress. With today’s action, Democrats have proven the wisdom of that decision. Today’s vote marks a new low for House Democrats regarding the safety of our service members and diplomats overseas. All Americans are less safe.”

Old Post Office Hotel, Immigrant Detention, Coronavirus, Progressive Campaign Ads, SNAP, FISA Reform, Vaping, USMCA, Mid-East Peace

Today's News for January 29, 2020

CHAIR DEFAZIO STATEMENT FROM HEARING ON GSA OUTLEASES AND THE TRUMP OLD POST OFFICE HOTEL
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
January 29, 2020
The GSA’s own internal watchdog, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), concluded that GSA failed to consider the Emoluments Clauses when evaluating this lease.
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Immigrant rights advocates across the country demand Sheriff Horton reinstate the Etowah Visitation Project
Source: Detention Watch Network
January 29, 2020
The Etowah Visitation Project coordinators volunteer visits to people detained in the Etowah Detention Center in Alabama. Visitation can be a lifeline for people inside detention, particularly those detained at Etowah who are kept indoors 24/7 with no access to outdoor recreation.
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USMCA TRADE DEAL A BIG WIN FOR U.S. FARMERS, MANUFACTURERS AND ECONOMY, SAYS REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS
Source: U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN, 4th)
January 29, 2020
The USMCA solidifies the partnership among the United States’ closest trading partners, increasing our country’s negotiating position with others, explained the Congressman. “There’s no doubt this trade deal increased pressure on China to sign a Phase One deal with the United States,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the House Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. “It requires more auto parts be made in North America, a change that will continue the U.S. manufacturing resurgence.”
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Deutch Statement on Administration's Plan for Peace between Israel and Palestinians
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL, 21st)
January 28, 2020
“As a proud pro-Israel Member of Congress, I have consistently expressed my support for a two-state solution, to be negotiated directly between Israel and the Palestinians, that ensures Israel’s security and establishes a viable Palestinian state.”
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DeLauro Statement on U.S. Response to Wuhan Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
January 27, 2020
“The latest data on the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus in China and the United States is troubling. Given China’s disappointing record on food and medicine safety, our federal government must be proactive in combatting this virus and transparent in providing available information in real-time. The CDC has more than $100 million in a rapid response fund due to my Appropriations Subcommittee’s funding bill, and I am committed to working with our government’s public health officials to provide additional resources if necessary. I will also be reintroducing the Public Health Emergency Fund Act, which would provide $5 billion to our woefully underfunded public health emergency fund.”
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Democracy for America launches $50,000 social media campaign ahead of Iowa Caucus
Source: Democracy for America
January 24, 2020
Democracy for America launches an independent expenditure campaign expected to spend $50,000 in Iowa ahead of the caucuses. Our campaign will target Iowa Democratic voters who have expressed support for Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders campaigns to ensure that a progressive candidate wins the Iowa Caucus.
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DelBene, Schrier Call on Trump Administration to End Attack on 700,000 SNAP Recipients
Source: U.S. Representative Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
January 24, 2020
“I have long been a supporter of SNAP, which helps those in need across the U.S. gain access to nutritious food and supports a basic standard of living,” said DelBene. “The Trump Administration’s new rule would take vital nutrition assistance from those who need it most. Today’s event was important for those of us working to right these wrongs in D.C. to help us understand the true human impact that this rule and others like it will have on our communities. The 68,000 Washingtonians who would lose their benefits are not just a statistic, they are people struggling to get by. This rule will only make things worse for them.”
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Demand Progress Endorses FISA Reform Bill
Source: Demand Progress
January 23, 2020
Senators Daines (R-MT) and Wyden (D-OR) and Representatives Lofgren (D-CA), Jayapal (D-WA), and Davidson (R-OH) announced the Safeguarding Americans’ Private Records Act. The legislation significantly reforms a number of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authorities, in particular Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act. Section 215 was the legal authority unlawfully relied on by the government to justify the National Security Agency’s bulk telephone metadata dragnet, first revealed by Edward Snowden in 2013. That dragnet and its successor, the Call Detail Records program, have never been shown to offer intelligence value, and the successor was terminated after it acquired an unknown amount of information unlawfully.
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Lawmakers call on administration to ban flavored vaping products
Source: U.S. Representative Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
January 23, 2020
More than 50 members of Congress – led by U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) called on the Trump administration to issue new rules banning the sale of flavored nicotine products that experts say have led to the nation’s teen-vaping epidemic.
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