Barrett Nomination, Oceans, Charities, Civil Rights, COVID Relief, Weather

Norton, Bass Send Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Opposing Vote on Supreme Court Nominee
Source: U.S. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)
October 20, 2020
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) commends Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) for introducing the “Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act” today. The bill would authorize federal funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to invest in ocean-based solutions to greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of coastal communities, as well as outline a national policy to protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.
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POLICY ALERT: OUTDOOR INDUSTRY APPLAUDS INTRODUCTION OF THE ‘OCEAN BASED CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ACT’
Source: Outdoor Industry Association
October 20, 2020
“As chair of the CBC’s Judicial Nominations Task Force, my investigation into Judge Barrett’s writings and record on the Court of Appeals compel me to raise strong objections again to her nomination to the Supreme Court,” Norton said. “Her disregard for precedent endangers hard-won precedents that African Americans disproportionately rely upon, such as the Affordable Care Act.”
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Ways and Means Oversight Panel Members Demand Answers on 28,000 Charities Losing Tax-Exempt Status
Source: U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)
October 20, 2020
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, led all panel members in demanding answers from U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) sudden revocation of the tax-exempt status of 30,000 nonprofit organizations. This decision imperils charitable organizations aiding Americans struggling through the pandemic.
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CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS ANNOUNCE PRINCIPLES TO PROTECT CIVIL RIGHTS AND TECHNOLOGY
Source: Open MIC (Open Media and Information Companies Initiative)
October 21, 2020
Advocates designed the principles both in response to the current risks to civil rights – including COVID-19, a surge in hate-based violence, private sector and government surveillance, and disinformation on social media platforms designed to manipulate or suppress voter participation – and with an eye toward how technology can meet its promise and affirmatively promote justice and equity.
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Reps. Pallone, Schiff, Bilirakis, Speier and Titus Announce Library of Congress Will Recognize the Armenian Genocide
Source: U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ, 6th)
October 21, 2020
The decision to change the subject heading by Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, was announced after bipartisan letters were sent to the Library and a formal request was initiated by the University of California-Los Angeles library. This change comes after both the House and Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation recognizing the facts of the Armenian Genocide in 2019. Dr. Hayden informed the Members in a phone call.
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Democrats Continue To Block Additional COVID Relief
Source: Senator David Perdue (R-GA)
October 21, 2020
“It’s absolutely shameful that Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi continue to hold up real relief that could help the American people today,” Senator Perdue. “Once again, the Senate voted on a critical COVID-19 package focused on getting people back to work, getting kids safely back to school, and beating this virus with more resources for PPE, testing, and vaccines. Instead, Democrats are still trying to push their radical, socialist policies to be included, which have nothing to do with COVID-19. We have already secured $2.9 trillion in federal funding directed at helping American workers, businesses, families, hospitals, and communities. In Georgia, we specifically directed over $47 billion to help our state combat this crisis. It is time for the Democrats to stop holding Georgians and the American people hostage and work with us to deliver this much needed relief. As I have done from the start of this pandemic, I will continue fighting every single day to beat this virus and to secure additional assistance to help all of our communities.”
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Peters Bipartisan Bill to Predict & Mitigate Space Weather Threats Signed Into Law
Source: Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
October 21, 2020
A severe space weather event, such as a solar flare or coronal mass ejection, has the potential to seriously disrupt the electric power grid, communications networks including cellular phones and GPS, satellites and aircraft operations. That’s why Peters worked to advance the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow (PROSWIFT) Act.
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Elections, Hunter Biden, Veterans, Suicide Hotline, Private Schools

Today's News from "Other" Sources

Two key Texas counties — Democratic stronghold Harris and traditionally red Denton — are setting early voting records
Source: The Texas Tribune
October 19, 2020
As of Friday, 27% of registered voters in Denton County had cast their ballots in the 2020 election — surpassing the county’s 2016 turnout of 18% on the fourth day.
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Leftists blast Trump over viral video showing him give money at church: 'Cheap bastard'
Source: The Blaze
October 19, 2020
President Donald Trump was excoriated on social media Sunday after a viral video showed him placing a wad of $20 dollar bills into the collection bucket at a Las Vegas church.
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Ratcliffe says Hunter Biden laptop, emails 'not part of some Russian disinformation campaign'
Source: FOX News
October 19, 2020
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe on Monday said that Hunter Biden’s laptop “is not part of some Russian disinformation campaign,” amid claims from House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff suggesting otherwise.
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Today's News from "OUR" Sources

President Trump Signs Sen. Moran’s Groundbreaking Veterans Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Bill into Law
Source:Senator Jerry Moran- (R - KS)
October 18, 2020
“Many of our veterans are suffering from daunting, sometimes overwhelming mental health challenges, that have only been made worse by this pandemic, and lack access to modern, effective and compassionate mental health care and suicide prevention services,” said Chairman Moran. “Today, President Trump signed into law the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act that will reform mental health care at the VA by hiring and training more professionals in this field, developing innovative methods to reach veterans with care, and establishing a grant program to better collaborate with community organizations across the country already serving veterans. This is a significant day for veterans, and I am grateful to Ranking Member Jon Tester, President Trump and many of my colleagues for working tirelessly this Congress to get this landmark bill signed into law and improve suicide prevention research, services and programs for our nation’s veterans.”
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MOULTON BILL TO MAKE 988 NATIONAL NUMBER FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE SIGNED INTO LAW
Source: U.S. Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA, 6th)
October 17, 2020
The bill will unite the nation’s suicide prevention and mental health hotlines under three digits: 9-8-8. Americans with questions or concerns about their mental health or the mental health of a loved one will be able to dial 9-8-8 and get help within the next two years.
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Private Schools Not to Receive Cares Act Funding
Source: National School Boards Association
October 8, 2020
“NSBA commends the South Carolina Supreme Court for ruling in accordance with the amicus brief the association filed in this case. The South Carolina Supreme Court found, as we highlighted in our argument, that funneling public CARES Act aid to private schools is unlawful. Furthermore, we are extremely pleased that during oral argument Justice Kaye Hearn identified NSBA as having drawn the Court’s attention to recent federal court rulings rejecting the U.S. Department of Education’s misinterpretation of the CARES Act’s intent.
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Childhood Trauma, Free Lunch, Congressional Pay Raises, Pelosi, F-35 Jets

Reps. Maloney and Pressley to Introduce Bold Legislation to Address Growing Childhood Trauma Crisis
Source: U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
October 8, 2020
“Childhood trauma and insecurity is a public health crisis in this country,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “Congress must pass the Children’s Protection Act and the STONG Support for Children Act to ensure that the federal government prioritizes the health and wellbeing of our children and is a partner in breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma fueled by race and class discrimination. Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe and supported with the tools they need to create their best future, and federal actions should never undermine this bedrock value. I’m proud to continue the work of the late Chairman Elijah E. Cummings, who held the first ever Congressional hearings on childhood trauma.”
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McAdams backs measure for greater accountability, restoring trust in Congress
Source: U.S. Representative Ben McAdams (D-UT, 4th)
October 8, 2020
“This bill creates a number of reforms to improve trust in and accountability of Congress. It includes items I have been fighting for, such as stopping automatic pay raises for members of Congress and requiring ‘no budget, no pay’, meaning that Congress must do its job passing a budget or they don't get paid,” said Congressman McAdams.
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USDA ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF FREE SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM
Source: U.S. Representative Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)
October 9, 2020
“The USDA has taken the lead on ensuring that our nation’s children have access to warm, nutritional meals, no matter their schooling situation or the family’s ability to pay,” said U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D. “As a father, grandfather and physician, I am committed to ensuring that our children, especially those unable to return to the classroom, are provided access to school lunches and provided an opportunity for access to at least one hot meal each day. Since the start of this pandemic, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue has ensured that the USDA and its meal programs were responding to the needs of the schools and communities that it serves, and I applaud this next step in maintaining nutritional support for our most vulnerable.”
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Pelosi's Stalling Will Hurt Americans – That's Wrong
Source: U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA, 23rd)
October 9, 2020
“Remember, we’ve done four separate COVID relief bills – I have been an integral part of all of them. Every time we’ve done this there’s been one common denominator that’s slowed the process down – Speaker Pelosi.
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Menendez, Reed on National Security Implications of Trump Administration’s Rushed Sale of F-35 Jets to UAE
Source: Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
October 9, 2020
“There are numerous questions as to how the national security interests of both the U.S. and Israel will be served, or undermined, by such a sale. We fear that the Trump Administration’s recklessly accelerated timeline will preclude sufficient and comprehensive consideration of these issues by the national security professionals in the Departments of State and Defense, as well as by the Congress.” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. “U.S. national security and the safety of American troops could be seriously compromised by this sale. The F-35 is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, giving the United States and its allies and partners a tremendous military advantage. This therefore creates an immense counterintelligence threat against this aircraft. ”
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Sen. Lee Responds to Netflix Defense of “Shameful” Movie Promotion

Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement Monday after reading Netflix’s response to an earlier letter Sen. Lee sent Netflix about the movie Cuties.

“Just over three weeks ago, I joined a chorus of concerned Americans in expressing our outrage and disgust at the film, Cuties, distributed by Netflix. I wrote to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings to share these concerns and request that Netflix explain whether or not the potential exploitation of young girls depicted in the film violated federal law. I later discussed my concerns in more detail with Netflix employees by phone. I have to say that I am unsatisfied by Netflix’s response.

“Asked whether the sexualization of young girls depicted in Cuties constituted criminal conduct, Netflix offered only conclusory statements in denial. I am not convinced.

“But setting aside the legal question, there is a more pressing moral question. Netflix itself acknowledges that the conduct of the young girls in Cuties “is inappropriate, shameful, and a hallmark of a cultural failing.” I couldn’t agree more. What I cannot understand, however, is how Netflix can condemn the conduct depicted in Cuties, while celebrating the film and filmmakers who asked several underage girls to stand in front of a camera and engage in that same “inappropriate, shameful” conduct for all the world to see.

“I reiterate my call for Netflix to cease distributing Cuties. Until it does so, Netflix lacks the moral standing to speak to any cultural issue.”

You can read Sen. Lee’s letter to Netflix here.

You can read Netflix’s response here.

Federal Judge Certifies Class, Orders Trump Administration to Stop Denying Pandemic Relief Funds to Incarcerated Persons

Oakland, CA - September 28, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- On September 24, 2020, Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an Order certifying a nationwide class of people incarcerated in state and federal prisons, and granting the plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction requiring the U.S. Department of Treasury, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and the United States of America ("Defendants") to stop withholding CARES Act stimulus funds from plaintiffs or any class member on the sole basis of their incarcerated status.

A Treasury Department Inspector General report confirms that, as of early May 2020, the IRS had determined that at least 80,000 incarcerated people were eligible for payments of over $100 million. The Judge's order will thus result in desperately needed economic assistance of over $100 million to be delivered to members of the Class.

Congress passed the CARES Act to provide sorely needed economic assistance during the economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Incarcerated persons, and their families on the outside, are among the most economically disadvantaged people in the country. Indeed, according to one study, people who are incarcerated had a median income of only $19,185 before their incarceration, compared to $41,250 for non-incarcerated people. Low-income families are disproportionately more likely to have a relative behind bars. The same is true for Black, Latino and Native families.

The Treasury, however, has refused to issue stimulus payments authorized by Congress to eligible incarcerated persons, thereby further exacerbating the economic disadvantages they and their families suffer.

The lawsuit alleges that over 1.4 million incarcerated people have been affected by Defendants' actions. Many rely on financial assistance from their friends or families on the outside, people who are already suffering in the current economic crisis.

The plaintiffs are Colin Scholl and Lisa Strawn. The Lieff Cabraser legal team representing them and the proposed class are Kelly M. Dermody, Yaman Salahi, and Jalle H. Dafa, joined by Eva Jefferson Paterson, Mona Tawatao, Lisa Holder, and Christina Alvernaz of the Equal Justice Society. Kelly Dermody and Eva Paterson have been appointed Co-Lead Class Counsel.

The defendants are the Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the United States Commissioner of Internal Revenue Charles Rettig, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and the United States of America.

CLEAN ECONOMY JOBS AND INNOVATION ACT PASSES HOUSE (HR 4447)

Washington, D.C. - September 27, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4447, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. This legislation increases research and development across all forms of energy generation, funds the science to support breakthrough technologies and modernizes the country’s energy infrastructure.

“This legislation is about winning the race to the jobs and technologies of the future. Western Pennsylvania has done it before,” said U.S. Representative Connor Lamb (D-PA, 17th). “Our people drilled the first oil wells, built the first nuclear plant, and changed the world with the shale revolution. We can and must do it again. Government research has always been a key ingredient in winning the race and creating jobs, and this bill will help make sure that Western Pennsylvanians will provide energy and technology to the nation long into the future.”

In addition to expanding research for Fossil, Wind, Solar, Nuclear energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, H.R. 4447 also increases research for industrial technologies that can increase efficiency and drop emissions; boosts funding for electric vehicle manufacturing in the U.S.; increases federal programs to make homes and buildings more energy efficient; facilitates commercializing the scientific breakthroughs developed at our national labs; and more than doubles the authorization for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (known as ARPA-E), which funds the most innovative and moonshot-style research projects.

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) located in Western Pennsylvania is the lead lab for Fossil research, and under the bill will research Carbon Capture Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS) technologies, methane leaks, and rare earth elements, among other relevant areas.

Click here for more information on the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act.

California Republican Congressman Opposes Democrats Partisan Energy Takeover Bill

The White House threatens to veto the Democrat's energy bill

Congressman Doug LaMalfa issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 4447, the Democrats’ Partisan Energy Takeover Bill. H.R. 4447 promotes far left energy policies that will cost American taxpayers more than $135 billion dollars.

LaMalfa said: “This legislation is another attempt by Democrats to force expensive, unreliable, and unrealistic ‘Green New Deal’ priorities on the American people. This bill also completely disregards the needs of rural America, prioritizing billions in funding to large cities. California is again facing expected power shut-offs because of the policies found in this legislation. Forcing the rest of the country to adopt the failure of California’s energy policy is wrong. Additionally, by effectively forcing a phase-out of hydropower, thousands of Northern Californians are put at risk to lose their clean, reliable energy source. This legislation is the House Majority’s absurd attempt at pandering to urban environmentalists, and does not contain real solutions for rural Americans, like encouraging the use of hydropower, investing in biomass power development that will help reduce wildfire risks, and increasing water storage.”

Specifically, H.R. 4447 includes the following provisions:

$36 billion for electric vehicle (EV) related programs, including federal-fleet mandates requiring at least half of all light-duty vehicles to be zero emission or hybrid by 2025

$650 million for areas to convert to electric school busses and EV infrastructure

$17.5 billion for city-oriented conservation block programs

$20 billion to establish a federal “green bank” to subsidize green energy projects

Effectively bans new pipeline projects

Discourages new investment in hydropower

Creating National Standards for Aquaculture

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- On September 24, 2020, Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act (S. 4723) in the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan AQUAA Act, which has companion legislation in the U.S. House, would support development of an offshore aquaculture industry in the U.S. to increase the production of sustainable seafood and establish new economic opportunities in federal waters.

"The expansion of domestic offshore aquaculture is a win-win for American communities nationwide," said Bill DiMento, president of Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) and vice president of Corporate Sustainability and Government Affairs at High Liner Foods. "Growth of the American aquaculture industry would create new jobs, provide new business opportunities and grow our economy as our country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the opportunities that aquaculture can provide American communities, there is growing bipartisan support and momentum for federal action on aquaculture."

The AQUAA Act would establish National Standards for offshore aquaculture and clarify a regulatory system for the development of aquaculture in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The legislation would also establish a research and technology grant program to fund innovative research and extension services focused on improving and advancing sustainable domestic aquaculture.

The expansion of aquaculture, one of the most resource efficient methods of producing animal protein, would complement the wild fish sector to meet growing demand for American seafood while protecting our fisheries and natural resources. In addition to boosting growth for the seafood industry, American aquaculture would provide a new market for U.S. farmers, specifically for crops such soybeans, corn and peas, which can be used to create fish feed and ease pressure on ocean resources.

"With our extended coastline, expansive ocean resources, skilled labor force, superior technology, and ample feed sources, the U.S. has the potential to be a global leader for aquaculture production. However, our potential will remain untapped unless and until federal action is taken to clarify the permitting process. SATS applauds Senators Wicker, Schatz and Rubio for working across party lines to bring awareness and encourage debate in Congress on the topic of expanding domestic aquaculture," DiMento concluded.

Tony Dal Ponte, vice president of SATS and general counsel at Pacific Seafood, said, "Expanding domestic aquaculture can help give a much needed boost to the American economy. A clear, predictable regulatory framework will benefit not just the seafood industry, but also the coastal communities who rely on it to support their local economies and provide stable, year-round employment opportunities."

"Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector, but the U.S. lacks a comprehensive, nationwide system for permitting in federal waters," said Senator Wicker. "This deficiency prevents the development of aquaculture farms, leading to more seafood imports. Our legislation would establish national standards for offshore aquaculture, enabling U.S. producers to create jobs and meet the growing demand for fresh, local seafood."

"Hawaii leads the nation in modern and traditional aquaculture practices," said Senator Schatz. "With this bipartisan bill, we can expand aquaculture opportunities, opening suitable federal waters for responsible growers. It will create new jobs, spur economic growth in our coastal communities, and ensure our oceans are managed sustainably now and in the future."

"Marine aquaculture presents an enormous opportunity for Florida's economy and for the food security of our nation," said Senator Rubio. "I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation, alongside Senators Wicker and Schatz, that would streamline the rules for this important industry and responsibly promote its success."

The companion bill for The AQUAA Act in the U.S. House, H.R. 6191, was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D, MN-7) and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R, MS-4) in March 2020. The AQUAA Act complements the May 2020 Presidential Executive Order on American Seafood Competitiveness, which outlines a process for developing Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in federal waters, a key to supporting a domestic offshore aquaculture industry.

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) advocates for policies and regulations that help secure a stronger America through increased U.S. production of healthful, sustainable, and affordable seafood.

Family Research Council Condemns Attacks on Amy Barrett's Faith

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2020 -- (The Ponder News) -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins called out the ongoing anti-Christian smear campaign against prospective Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett, currently under consideration for Justice Ginsburg's vacant seat. Among others, members of the Left and the media have attacked Judge Barrett in the last few days for her religious beliefs. Barrett has made clear in multiple statements that her Catholic faith does not dictate her duties as a judge, but this still has not stopped those on the Left from imposing what amounts to a religious test.

Family Research Council Tony Perkins responded to the attacks on Judge Barrett:

"While the confirmation processes for Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh were not tame by any means, what we will most likely see in the coming weeks, given the stakes of this nomination, will make those earlier confirmation battles look like a dispute in small claims court. The startling level of anti-Christian bias already on display against Barrett reveals how far outside of the mainstream the Left has become and how determined they are to oppose whoever President Trump nominates to fill this vacancy.

"Whoever the Supreme Court nominee is, she must be prepared to defend her religious beliefs under intense scrutiny. But she should also know that she will not stand alone. In fact, 'Remember the dogma' like 'Remember the Alamo' may become an enduring battle cry for religious liberty," Perkins concluded.

Travis Weber, Vice President for Policy & Government Affairs at Family Research Council, added:

"No person should be forced to undergo the smears that Amy Coney Barrett has undergone just because they want to remain faithful to their beliefs and serve the public in our nation's judiciary. What she went through during her confirmation for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and what she is already facing again, is a total disgrace. I thought we were past unconstitutional religious tests a long time ago. Based on what Judge Barrett has undergone, I was mistaken."

Read also:

ACB & Anti-Christian Bigotry

The Amy Coney Barrett Handmaid’s Tale smear that just won’t die

Trump Nominates Amy Barrett to Supreme Court