Election Security, Ginsburg, Health Insurance, Seniors, Farmers, Department of Homeland Security, Guns, Child Care,

GONZALEZ BIPARTISAN ELECTION SECURITY BILL PASSES U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Source: U.S. Representative Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
September 16, 2020
H.R. 4990, the Election Technology Research Act of 2019, authorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct research on ways to improve and secure voting systems across the country.
Read more...

GOA/GOF Fund Challenge to NFA in U.S. Supreme Court
Source: Gun Owners of America
September 16, 2020
The Obama Justice Department brought criminal felony charges against Kettler for illegally possessing an unregistered firearm suppressor, despite the fact that Kansas’ “Second Amendment Protection Act” protected his actions.
Read more...

Guthrie Child Care Bill Passes House
Source: U.S. Representative Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
September 16, 2020
“Without child care options parents can’t return to work, which is a key component of our nation’s economic recovery,” said Guthrie on the House floor. “Additionally, child care benefits a child’s health and development which are critical to building a strong foundation for future success. In my home state, Kentucky, thanks to the CARES Act, many of our child care centers have been fortunate to reopen; however, one-third of the state’s 2,200 licensed or certified child care centers still have not. The Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers are Safe Act will ensure that child care providers receive guidance and assistance to safely operate, so that parents can return to work, and our economy can continue to recover.”
Read more...

Under this bill, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would provide states with educational material and technical assistance related to:

COVID-19 prevention in childcare facilities.

Professional development for childcare providers on health and safety.

How to acquire and use personal protective equipment.

How to modify operations to prevent COVID-19 transmission, including optimal staff-to-child ratios.

Rep. Grijalva Statement on the Death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Source: U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
September 18, 2020
“Today we suffer a momentous loss to our nation as we say thank you and goodbye to Justice Ginsburg - a torch-bearer of equity. Throughout her groundbreaking career in advocacy, law, and ultimately the Supreme Court, she never backed down from a fight for social justice. She paved a path of righteousness in this country, stood up to a system tilted toward men, and took a stand for women and vulnerable populations across this nation. I know that the lives of my daughters and granddaughters are better thanks to her work and shining example. To honor her legacy we must continue the work she began. We must never back down, and we must let her strength guide us.
Read more...

Griffith Statement on Justice Ginsburg
Source: U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
September 18, 2020
“I am sorry to learn of the death of Justice Ginsburg. Her service as only the second woman on the Supreme Court was the capstone of a long and notable legal career.”
Read more...

Republicans Introduce Legislation to Keep America Secure
Source: U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-MS, 3rd)
September 18, 2020
“After 20 months of Democrat dysfunction and caving to the left-wing of their party, it was clear the Democrats would not be able to build consensus to put forth their own reauthorization package,” Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee Rep. Rogers said. “I’m proud of the collective effort of my Republican colleagues to put together a bill that positions the Department to best combat new and emerging threats to our country. We owe it to the folks who work day-in and day-out to protect our homeland to pass a comprehensive reauthorization that provides them with the authorities and resources they need to effectively do their jobs.”
Read more...

Congressman Al Green’s Statement on the Passing of Justice Ginsburg and the Crossroads Our Nation Approaches in Selecting a Successor
Source: U.S. Representative Al Green (D-TX, 9th)
September 19, 2020
“Last night, we learned of the loss of a trailblazing activist attorney whose legacy as a voice for liberty and justice for all will endure the test of time, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For decades, she was unwavering in the fight for gender equity and lent her voice to much-needed judicial change for the social justice movement. She had the courage to be a catalyst for women’s rights in a male-dominated justice system that seeks to maintain an unjust status quo. Her ability to challenge and change the status quo for the good of all will be missed,” Congressman Al Green stated.
Read more...

House Passes Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act
Source: U.S. Representative Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ, 4th)
September 21, 2020
"I am pleased to see this much-needed legislation again pass the House. I hope the Senate takes up this effort soon and I am confident that President Trump is eager to sign the bill. As a healthcare provider for more than two decades, I understand the importance of a competitive health insurance market. Patients, doctors, and hospitals all benefit when health insurers compete to provide a variety of quality coverage options. The healthcare market should be patient-centric and should provide a variety of affordable and quality options, all fostered by competition. There is no reason in law, policy, or logic for the insurance industry to have special exemptions that are different from all other businesses in the U.S. The government should not be picking winners or losers, and the insurance industry should also have to comply with federal antitrust laws. I am proud of this legislation, which would restore the application of federal antitrust and competition laws to the health insurance industry. Imagine the possibilities when we put the patient first and demand that health insurance companies compete for their business. I will continue to work with the Senators Steve Daines, Mike Lee, and Mitch McConnel to ensure that this legislation is presented to President Trump for his signature.”said Congressman Paul Gosar.
Read more...

GOTTHEIMER FIGHTS TO PROTECT NORTH JERSEY SENIORS, VETERANS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES FROM COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ, 5th)
September 21, 2020
“With flu season around the corner, I’m here today at this state-run veterans home to ensure we are taking the steps now to prevent another massive COVID tragedy here and at other nursing homes in the coming months,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Today, I am announcing new bipartisan support for my Nursing Home Pandemic Protection Act, which will help us protect our seniors and long-term care facilities through COVID and other health crises. I’m also calling on the state to take rapid action on testing protocols at our nursing homes. Unfortunately, according to new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation, data shows that cases and deaths in facilities may be on the rise again. For the sake of our seniors and veterans, we simply can’t allow history to repeat itself.”
Read more...

Grassley Joins Iowa Colleagues in Urging Congressional Leaders to Replenish Funds for Farmers
Source: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
September 21, 2020
“In Iowa, our farmers have not only suffered lost markets and disrupted supply chains from the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have also been dealing with drought conditions and the destruction caused by the recent derecho which destroyed thousands of acres of crops and farmland. On top of all of this, farmers are planning to receive farm payments this fall and these resources cannot be taken away when they need it the most. Not providing additional funds to the CCC will delay their payments,” the members wrote.
Read more...

Censorship, Sexual Harassment, NERD Act, Privacy, Military, Police

New Legislation Is the Latest Attempt by Trump and His Congressional Allies to Bend Online Platforms to Their Political Will
Source: Free Press
September 9, 2020
The legislation, proposed by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R–Tennessee), Lindsey Graham (R–South Carolina) and Roger Wicker (R–Mississippi), would take away the free hand both platforms and user communities have to moderate and take down objectionable content. The bill would restrict those takedowns only to materials platforms have an “objectively reasonable belief” violates a specific law or is “obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing” or is “promoting self-harm, promoting terrorism, or unlawful”.
Read more...

CONGRESSWOMAN GARCIA JOINED CONGRESSWOMAN SPEIER AND CONGRESSMAN MULLIN IN INTRODUCING BIPARTISAN I AM VANESSA GUILLÉN ACT TO TRANSFORM THE MILITARY’S RESPONSE TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND MISSING SERVICEMEMBERS
Source: U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-TX, 29th)
September 16, 2020
This bill is in honor of the late SPC Vanessa Guillén and the many survivors of military sexual violence who have bravely come forward in the wake of her disappearance and brutal murder. The legislation responds to these resounding calls for change by offering provisions that would revolutionize the military’s response to missing servicemembers and reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault by making sexual harassment a crime within the Uniform Code of Military Justice and moving prosecution decisions of sexual assault and sexual harassment cases out of the chain of command. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate today. This morning, following a meeting with the Guillén family, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a commitment to hold a House floor vote on the I am Vanessa Guillén Act. President Trump previously announced his support for the bill during a White House meeting with the Guillén family.
Read more...

Gianforte Signs Police Pledge
Source: U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte (R-Montana at Large)
September 16, 2020
“Law enforcement officers in Montana leave their homes every day knowing they may not return. They put their life on the line to protect our communities. To protect them, we must stand firmly against efforts to defund the police,” Gianforte said. “I thank the men and women in blue who serve and make a difference in our communities. I support you.”
Read more...

CASTEN, FRANKEL AND LAWRENCE INTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT K-12 STUDENTS FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT
Source: U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
September 17, 2020
"As our nation has reckoned with the pervasiveness of sexual assault and harassment on college campuses, our K-12 schools have largely been left behind," said Rep. Casten. "Countless K-12 students have experienced sexual violence, but our schools simply don't have the resources and guidance to solve this immense problem. It's my hope that the Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act serves as the first, critical step to upholding K-12 students' Title IX rights."
Read more...

Gallagher Introduces the NERD Act
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI, 8th)
September 17, 2020
"A clean energy future will require nuclear energy to be reliable, affordable, and accessible to the private and public sectors. The first step in getting there is setting the right goals and bringing together the necessary stakeholders to expand our nuclear capacity," said Rep. Gallagher. "I'm proud to introduce the NERD Act, and will continue working to ensure the United States stays competitive across all energy sectors."
Read more...

Specifically, NERD Act would:

Direct the DOE Secretary to advance the research and development of domestic, advanced, affordable, and clean energy through completing at least 2 advanced reactor demonstration projects by December 31, 2025,

Establish a program to create at least 2 and no more than 5 operational advanced nuclear reactor designs by December 31, 2035,

Call on DOE to work with private sector partners to identify demonstration sites, and

Work towards developing technologies that manage, reduce, or reuse nuclear waste.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Joins Bill to Protect Americans’ Civil Liberties and Privacy During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI, 2nd)
September 18, 2020
“Widespread testing and robust contact tracing are the cornerstone of our public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are crucial to keep infection numbers down and defeat the virus,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “However, using technology to help us defeat the virus should not violate our civil liberties. This legislation sets clear rules for technology used in our public health response and requires regular scrutiny to ensure it remains safe and that civil liberties are upheld. Urgent passage of this legislation is necessary to ensure our public health response upholds our commitment to privacy and civil liberties.”
Read more...

FEMA, Forced Hysterectomies, Ginsburg, Supreme Court Appointments, Children's Health Insurance, COVID-19 Death Toll, Protect and Serve Act

Fleischmann, Alexander, Blackburn Lead Letter Urging FEMA to Cease Implementation of Problematic COVID-19 Policy
Source: U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN, 3rd)
September 17, 2020
On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we are writing to express our opposition to FEMA Interim Policy FP 104-009-19. This significant policy change will hurt the state’s ability to respond to COVID-19, prevent states from re-opening schools, and undermine recovery efforts in the middle of a global pandemic. We urge FEMA to stop implementation of this policy immediately.
Read more...

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Statement on ICE Whistleblower Complaint
Source: U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX, 7th)
September 17, 2020
“The allegations of abuses, including forced, medically unnecessary hysterectomies at the Irwin Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Center, are shocking and horrifying. There must be an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations and, if they are true, we must take all actions to bring justice for those who suffered these horrific acts. I join in the sentiments expressed by many of my colleagues in their letter to the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security and in their request for a response and briefing to Congress by Friday, September 25.”
Read more...

Finkenauer Statement on Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Source: U.S. Representative Abby Finkenauer (D-IO, 1st)
September 18, 2020
"Our country has lost a hero, an icon and inspiration for millions of women and girls. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a champion for equal rights and a pioneer in law and politics who dedicated her life to ensuring our laws lived up to our values. I am heartbroken at the news of her passing and offer my sincerest condolences to her family. Her place in history is assured — it’s now up to us to carry on her legacy."
Read more...

Children lose health insurance for 3rd year in a row
Source: First Focus
September 18, 2020
The U.S. Census Bureau has released data that show the number of U.S. children without health insurance rose for the third year in a row, hitting 5.7% in 2019. Hispanic children registered the greatest loss of insurance by far: the uninsured rate among Hispanic children rose a full percentage point, hitting 9.2%, the highest among any race or ethnic group.
Read more...

Senator Fischer’s Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Source: Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE)
September 18, 2020
“I mourn the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and join all Americans in recognizing her dedicated 27 years of service on the Supreme Court.”.
Read more...

FPC: U.S. Senate Must Confirm a Strong Constitutionalist Justice NOW
Source: Firearms Policy Coalition
September 19, 2020
Firearms Policy Coalition calls on President Trump to quickly nominate a strong, courageous, and principled jurist who will vote without hesitation to vigorously protect fundamental rights, including the right to bear arms and freedom of speech, and restore the Constitution’s limits on government. FPC further calls on Senate Leader McConnell and members of the Senate to quickly confirm such a nominee without delay.
Read more...

Foster Statement on COVID-19 Death Toll Passing 200,000
Source: U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL, 11th)
September 19, 2020
"We mourn 200,000 Americans who have been killed by COVID-19 in just six months’ time. That's approaching four times the deaths our country suffered during the Vietnam War, and the death toll continues to rise every day. While the United States has about four percent of the world's population, we've accounted for over 20 percent of the deaths from COVID-19 - a striking indictment of the Trump administration's failure to effectively manage this public health crisis.
Read more...

PROTECT AND SERVE ACT INTRODUCED IN SENATE
Source: Fraternal Order of Police
September 19, 2020
The “Protect and Serve Act” would make it a Federal crime to violently target local, State, or Federal law enforcement officers. The House companion bill was introduced by Representatives John H. Rutherford (RFL), Val Demings (D-FL), Peter A. Stauber (R-MN) and Thomas C. O’Halleran (D-AZ), all of whom are former law enforcement officers.
Read more...

Abraham Accords, Ginsburg. Sex Education, COVID-19 Fraud, Temporary Protected Status, Forced Hysterectomies

Ninth Circuit Affirms That Temporary Protected Status is Temporary and Subject to the Unreviewable Discretion of DHS, Says FAIR
Source: Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR US)
September 14, 2020
“Today’s ruling by the activist Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the Trump administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for individuals from four nations represents a victory for the American people and an unmistakable rebuke to activist judges who seek to make immigration policy from the bench....
Read more...

PRESIDENT TRUMP’S LATEST FOREIGN ACHIEVEMENTS – BRINGING PEACE TO THE MIDDLE EAST
Source: Faith and Freedom Coalition
September 16, 2020
“This week’s peace agreement was an historic event,” said Timothy Head, executive director of the Faith & Freedom Coalition. “No other president has made such advances in the Middle East as President Trump has. This administration understands the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace in the Middle East through fostering respect for human dignity and freedom, including religious freedom, in the region. We expect more peace agreements to be made in the coming months as President Trump advances foreign relations and works to bring religious freedom and peace around the world.”
Read more...

Dr. James Dobson Praises Texas State Board of Education for Protecting Children
Source: Family Talk
September 17, 2020
"For two decades, the Texas State Board of Education has done it the right way. While schools are not required to provide sex education, any sex education that is offered must focus on abstinence until marriage. This commonsense approach has served the needs of Texas children well, and it has respected the God-given role of parents.
Read more...

Family Research Council Statement on the Passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Source: Family Research Council
September 18, 2020
"I join the American people in offering my condolences and prayers to Justice Ginsburg's family who are mourning the loss of their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I pray that God will comfort them during this time of grief. Throughout her 27 years on the U.S. Supreme Court, we were frequently at odds with her opinions. However, her perseverance in facing cancer while continuing to serve as a justice was admirable."
Read more...

Warwick Man Admits to Conspire to Fraudulently Obtain COVID-19 Stimulus Loans
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
September 18, 2020
David Andrew Butziger, 52, admitted that he conspired with David Adler Staveley, a/k/a Kurt David Sanborn, a/k/a David Sanborn, 53, of Andover, MA, to seek forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA, claiming to have dozens of employees earning wages at four different business, three restaurants and an electronics business, when, in fact, there were no employees working for any of the businesses.
Read more...

Senators to DHS IG: Investigate Alleged Forced Hysterectomies at ICE Facility
Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
September 18, 2020
“Forced sterilizations infringe on reproductive rights and autonomy,” the senators wrote. “To understand whether such violations may have been committed against immigrants in our federal government’s custody, the Inspector General’s Office should immediately investigate the reproductive health policies and practices at the ICDC and at other facilities, including but not limited to, all instances of forced, coerced, or medically unnecessary hysterectomies.”
Read more...

Family Research Council Action to hold Virtual Values Voter Summit to Rally Freedom Loving Americans to Pray, Vote, and Stand

Washington, D.C. - September 19, 2020 - The Ponder News -- On Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. ET, the 15th annual Values Voter Summit will kick off. Instead of attending in person, this year values voters will join the all-virtual event from their own homes and churches.

Confirmed speakers include President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Dr. Ben Carson, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Pastor Jack Hibbs, Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.), Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), Michele Bachmann, Gary Bauer, Abby Johnson, Bishop Vincent Mathews, Eric Metaxas, Dr. Albert Mohler, Tim Wildmon, Benjamin Watson, Andrew Wommack, Melissa Ohden, Virginia Prodan, Scott Rasmussen, Abigail Shrier, Dr. Carol Swain, Larry Taunton, and Scott Turner, the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, among others.

This year’s summit will also feature a brand-new episode format. These episodes will feature roundtable discussion and interviews and will stream live September 22-25 from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. Eastern. Additionally, due to the online format, registration is offered at no charge, providing free access to the nightly episodes, as well as the activist training session, which will stream on September 26 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern.

Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins issued the following statement:

“This year’s virtual Values Voter Summit will serve as the convention of social conservatives. For each of the last 14 years, thousands have traveled to our nation’s capital to give voice to faith, family, and freedom and hear from our nation’s leaders as they make commitments based on those issues. While values voters won’t be attending in person, they can join the summit virtually and receive the tools they need to engage in what I believe is the most consequential election in our Republic’s history.

“The November election will be a critical test for America. The party platforms offer a stark contrast; the Democratic platform has grown increasingly radical as the far Left expands its influence, while the Republican platform preserves a robust defense of religious liberty, biblical marriage, and pro-life principles. Nothing less than the future of faith, family, and freedom in America is on the ballot this year.

“All freedom loving Americans must register and then get out and vote. It’s time to pray, vote, and stand,” concluded Perkins.

To attend the virtual event, register here: www.valuesvotersummit.org.

Values Voter Summit 2020 sponsors also include AFA Action, American Values, Truth & Liberty Coalition, and Family Research Council. Bott Radio Network is the radio sponsor, and The Christian Post is the first-time media sponsor.

Wildfires, WOTUS, Hydroxychloroquine

At Wildfire Briefing, Trump Scoffs at Climate Crisis: “I Don’t Think Science Knows”
Source: Environmental Working Group
September 14, 2020
Trump has dismissed the climate crisis as “a hoax” and has said the fires are the result of states failing to clean brush from forest floors. When he met today with California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom, the state’s natural resources secretary challenged him to accept the overwhelming scientific consensus on global warming, which is causing record high temperatures and drying out the forests, triggering unprecedented firestorms.
Read more...

Ernst, Iowa Farmer Highlight Importance of New, Commonsense WOTUS Rule
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
September 16, 2020
In 2015, the Obama Administration finalized a rule that expanded the definition of WOTUS—giving the federal government authority to regulate water on 97 percent of the land in Iowa—and creating confusion and burdensome red tape for Iowa’s agriculture industry and many others. Immediately, Senator Ernst took action and introduced legislation that would have nullified the Obama Administration’s rule. After passing both the House and Senate—with bipartisan support—the bill was vetoed by President Obama.
Read more...

Eshoo and Pallone Blast Administration for Withholding Info on Hydroxychloroquine
Source: U.S. Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA, 18th)
September 16, 2020
“The Trump Administration continues to refuse to release the decision memorandum and denial letter issued by FDA in response to a request for an Emergency Use Authorization for hydroxychloroquine," said Eshoo and Pallone. “The drug has had serious health consequences when used to treat COVID-19, and the public has a right to know the critical scientific information in the agency’s denial of the EUA, especially as the Administration is stockpiling the drug and advancing it during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Read more...

DREAM Act, Teachers

Ninety Days Since Landmark Supreme Court DACA Decisions And Following Critical TPS Decision, Durbin Calls On Senate To Pass Dream And Promise Act
Source: Senator Richard J. Durbin (D - IL)
September 16, 2020
“It’s been exactly 90 days since the Supreme Court rejected President Trump’s effort to end deportation protections for Dreamers,” Durbin said. “Let’s be clear. The Supreme Court of the United States rejected President Trump’s repeal of DACA. That means DACA returns to its original status and the Trump Administration, under the court order, must reopen the program. And they must do it now. Instead Mr. Wolf is saying that DHS will turn away 300,000 applicants who are Dreamers and eligible for DACA but have not had a chance to apply… This Administration, which is telling America they are dedicated to ‘law and order’ – is in open defiance of the Supreme Court. The stakes are too high—both for the rule of law and just as important, the lives of Dreamers. To ignore this is to ignore a legitimate order of the highest court in the land. Republicans and Democrats in Congress must come together to compel the President to follow the law and immediately comply with the Supreme Court's mandate.”
Read more...

Teachers are paid almost 20% less than similar workers
Source: Economic Policy Institute
September 17, 2020
Although teachers on average enjoy better benefits packages than similar workers, Mishel and Allegretto find that benefits only mitigate part of the wage gap. Including benefits, teachers are still left with a 10.2% compensation gap compared to similar workers. While the data in this paper are through 2019 and thus predate the pandemic, our analysis may provide useful insights as schools struggle to reopen.
Read more...

Law Enforcement, Boeing, Desegregation, Cyber Crimes, JBS

Daines: I'll Always Back the Blue. We Must Defend the Police, Not Defund Them
Source: Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
September 16, 2020
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today gave a speech on the Senate floor in support of Montana's law enforcement, thanking the men and women who wear the badge for their service and dedication to keeping Montanans safe. Daines' speech follows his co-sponsorship of a Senate resolution expressing support for the brave men and women of law enforcement and condemns the perpetrators, instigators, and celebrators of targeted violence against law enforcement..
Read more...

Rep. Sharice Davids’ statement on Boeing 737 MAX final report
Source: U.S Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS, 3rd)
September 16, 2020
“Our investigation uncovered serious problems in the FAA’s safety certification process and revealed that Boeing repeatedly put profit over safety in the development of the 737 MAX. The 346 victims of both tragic crashes and their families now expect and deserve Congress to act. We must strengthen aviation safety and transparency and hold corporations much more accountable so that the tragedy of the Boeing 737 MAX is not repeated.”
Read more...

Davis Votes in Support of Diversity and Desegregation Grants for Schools
Source: U.S Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL, 13th)
September 16, 2020
“66 years after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, many schools in our country are still facing problems of segregation,” said Rep. Davis. “Even schools like District 186 in Springfield are still operating under decades-old federal desegregation consent decrees. The Strength in Diversity Act works to change that by providing federal grant funding to support voluntary local efforts that encourage diversity and desegregate schools. I’m proud to support this legislation because it will provide new opportunities for minority schoolkids and improve educational outcomes and social cohesion.”
Read more...

Seven International Cyber Defendants, Including “Apt41” Actors, Charged In Connection With Computer Intrusion Campaigns Against More Than 100 Victims Globally
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
September 16, 2020
In August 2019 and August 2020, a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., returned two separate indictments charging five computer hackers, all of whom were residents and nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), with computer intrusions affecting over 100 victim companies in the United States and abroad, including software development companies, computer hardware manufacturers, telecommunications providers, social media companies, video game companies, non-profit organizations, universities, think tanks, and foreign governments, as well as pro-democracy politicians and activists in Hong Kong
Read more...

DeLauro Statement in Support of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 7’s Protest Against OSHA’s ‘Fine’ on JBS
Source: U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
September 16, 2020
“OSHA’s meager $15,615 fine on JBS is a slap in the face to all who believe in the difference of right and wrong,” said DeLauro. “My deepest sympathies are with the UFCW 7 victims and their families who have been failed by their employer and the federal agencies tasked with regulating them. No worker should ever have to sacrifice their life for a paycheck.”
Read more...

Pebble Mine in Alaska should receive a fair review without extra regulatory obstacles

Fairfax, VA - July 22, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning sent the following letter and comments to U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oreg.), U.S Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.) and U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.) urging reconsideration of objections to the Pebble Mine project in Alaska:

“The tundra wasteland that is the site for the proposed Pebble Mine was originally federal government property. However, the federal government decided to swap this less valuable land with the state of Alaska for the acreage that subsequently became Lake Clark National Park and Preserve via the Cook Inlet Land Exchange. The land was fine to give away when it had zero value for land that was suitable to be declared a national park, and it takes an incredible amount of hubris for the federal government to put additional restrictions on the use of the barren wasteland after more than hundreds of millions of dollars has been spent by private companies to create a plan to responsibly extract the strategic minerals that the federal government chose to trade to the State of Alaska.

“No one is urging that the NEPA process not be followed to ensure that the mine meets federal requirements, and once it does, then turn the decision over to the authorities in the state of Alaska. However, your complaints amount to little more than grandstanding as you want the goal posts to be moved in an obvious effort to renege on the original agreement when the land for Lake Clark National Park was obtained.

“After almost a decade, it is time to allow the owners of Pebble deposit to have their opportunity to present their engineering studies and mining plans for fair and honest federal scrutiny. When, and if, the NEPA process is successfully completed, the decision will lie where it rightfully should – with the state of Alaska which traded for this land and zoned it for mining in the first place.”

See Also:

Letter and Comments to U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, U.S Rep. Jared Huffman, U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal and U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, July 21, 2020

U.S. Army Corps poised to recommend approval of Alaska's Pebble Mine
Source: Reuters
July 20, 2020
The Pebble Mine would, if brought online, produce 70 million tons of gold, molybdenum and copper ore a year and create a pit 1,970 feet (600 meters) deep. A new road, pipeline and power plant would be built, according to the mine plan.
Read more...

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Issues Proposed True Lender Rule

Washington, D.C. - July 22, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has proposed a rule that would determine when a national bank or federal savings association (bank) makes a loan and is the “true lender” in the context of a partnership between a bank and a third party.

Banks’ lending relationships with third parties can facilitate access to affordable credit. However, the relationships have been subject to increasing uncertainty about the legal framework that applies to loans made as part of these relationships. This uncertainty may discourage banks and third parties from entering into relationships, limit competition, and chill the innovation that results from these partnerships—all of which may restrict access to affordable credit.

The proposed rule would resolve this uncertainty by specifying that a bank makes a loan and is the “true lender” if, as of the date of origination, it (1) is named as the lender in the loan agreement or (2) funds the loan.

The deadline for comments on the rule is September 3, 2020.

Related Links

Federal Register Notice (PDF)

OCC Plan Would Destroy State Protections on Predatory Lending
Source: Americans for Financial Reform
July 20, 2020
“The OCC proposal is nothing more than a plan for unleashing predatory lenders to peddle dangerous financial products nationwide by eviscerating the power of state usury laws. Many states have interest rate caps that are very effective guardrails against predatory lending. They are highly popular among voters in diverse states, many of whom put the limits in place through ballot initiatives. This destructive rule would only serve the interest of high-cost lenders, who have been very active in lobbying this administration to enable them to expand abusive practices. The OCC has chosen to eliminate safeguards at a time when many communities are particularly vulnerable as they navigate the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With other financial regulators, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, joining together to enable predatory lending in their own ways, we need Congress to step in and impose a national rate cap to protect all Americans from the harm of the debt trap.”
Read more...