News about Russia, Energy and the Ukraine

Washington, D.C. - March 18, 2022 - (The Ponder News) -- Eighty-nine members from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have called upon the Department of Health and Human Services to take additional steps to reduce energy costs in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s egregious invasion of Ukraine.

In their letter to HHS, they stated, "Americans have already begun to feel the financial impact of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as oil prices surge to their highest level since 2008 and natural gas prices have risen approximately 60 percent higher than this time last year. Prices for deliverable fuels like propane and heating oil have also remained high, and were 40 percent higher in the first week of March than they were at the same point last year. These are troubling signs for the majority of American households that use either natural gas or deliverable fuels to heat their homes. Moreover, should Russia take additional action to further destabilize global energy markets, we fear the subsequent costs on American energy bills will be severe. "

U.S. Representative Darin Lahood (R-IL, 18th) has said, "On day one in office, President Biden moved to reduce American energy production and prioritize left-wing Green New Deal initiatives, increasing our reliance on foreign adversaries for energy. These policies alone have pushed gas prices to record highs. Instead of working to prioritize American energy production, the Administration is currently negotiating with dictators in Iran and Venezuela. Now is the time to take decisive action to unleash America's energy sector, including oil, gas, renewables, and Illinois biofuels, to protect our national security and protect Americans at the pump," in a statement concerning a House vote to ban Russian energy on March 10, 2022.

On March 15th, President Biden signed a one-time $13.6 billion spending bill providing Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid in their fight against the Russian invasion. $6.5 billion was allocated to the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy troops to the NATO region and send defense equipment, over $4 billion will be used for humanitarian support for refugees fleeing Ukraine and people displaced within the country, and nearly $1.8 billion to help respond to the economic needs in Ukraine and neighboring countries, such as energy and cybersecurity.

According to U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th), "It is because of immense pressure from Congress that sanctions have been imposed on Russia and vital assistance has been given to Ukraine."

Yesterday, Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Mitt Romney (R-UT) introduced a Senate resolution urging the Biden Administration to facilitate the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG-29s, and air defense systems to Ukraine.

The resolution:

Encourages the President of the United States to support the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG-29s, and air defense systems to Ukraine.

Supports continued efforts by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other countries around the globe to identify additional aviation and air defense capabilities to transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Expresses that the Senate stands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russian aggression.

Also, the Senate passed the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act which passed by a 424-8 margin.

This bill will:

Provide the President with the authority to increase tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products.

Require the U.S. Trade Representative to seek suspension of Russia's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to halt Belarus's WTO accession.

Provide the President with the authority to restore normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus if they cease their acts of aggression, subject to Congressional overrule.

Sources:
U.S. Representative Darin Lahood (R-IL, 18th)
U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
U.S. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
U.S. Representative John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
Insider

Ukraine

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 28, 2022

Kuster Statement on Invasion of Ukraine
Source: U.S. Representative Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
February 24, 2022
“We stand united with our international allies and the people of Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion and efforts to change the borders of a sovereign nation by force. President Biden announced sanctions against Russia earlier this week in an effort to prevent this aggression and reinforce NATO. Instead of choosing peace and diplomacy in the best interest of his own nation, Vladimir Putin decided to launch a military operation against Ukraine — the consequences imposed by the United States and our allies and partners will be severe. Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine will ultimately leave Russia weakened strategically, economically, and diplomatically.”
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Congressman Krishnamoorthi Warns Russia Against Targeted Killings And War Crimes In Ukraine, Urges Biden Administration To Help Ensure Safety Of President Zelenskyy, Other Officials, And Ukrainian Civilians
Source: U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL, 8th)
February 24, 2022
“As the Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, I urge the Biden Administration to continue to help ensure the safety of President Zelenskyy, the members of his democratically-elected government, anti-Putin dissidents across the region, and the Ukrainian people. Even with Vladimir Putin’s demonstrated record of complete disregard for international law and basic humanity, the targeted killing of elected leaders and the mass assassination of political dissidents would be especially insidious and criminal. We must and will hold all those engaged in these acts accountable for their atrocities.”
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ICYMI - On NPR’s Morning Edition, Klobuchar Emphasizes Importance of International Coordination and Sanctions to Hold Russia Accountable for Unprovoked Invasion of Ukraine
Source: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
February 24, 2022
“The fact that the world has come out so strongly, I don't think Putin anticipated that…What you're seeing now is a coordinated response which is going to hit him economically,” said Klobuchar. “This is a stronger world that has said enough is enough. And we simply cannot allow Putin to invade democracies around the world like this.”
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Rep. Kinzinger Statement on the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL, 16th)
February 23, 2022
"To those equating criticism for President Biden as un-American, you are equally wrong and misguided. The facts remain that the Obama/Biden administration allowed Putin to occupy Crimea and the Donbas. Now, we’re watching the Biden/Harris administration allow the further occupation of Ukraine."
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Ukraine, Gasoline

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 27, 2022

AS PUTIN’S ILLEGAL INVASION OF UKRAINE CAUSES GAS PRICES TO RISE, REED, KHANNA, COLLEAGUES URGE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO TAP STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE
Source: U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
February 25, 2022
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to cause volatility in the global oil market, we are writing to urge you to consider using all of the tools at your disposal to insulate Americans from rising gasoline prices. This includes an additional release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the use of diplomatic pressure to encourage global oil producers to ramp up their output, and restrictions on petroleum exports unless they will advance our national security goals and lower prices for consumers,” the 10 members of Congress wrote.
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Rep. Ron Kind’s Statement on Russia’s Unprovoked Attack on Ukraine
Source: U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI, 3rd)
February 24, 2022
“My prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they face an unprovoked attack from Russian military forces. This week I'm in London for meetings with officials from the UK government and members of the British Parliament about this aggression, focusing on coordination of sanctions. Now is the time for the United States and our allies to stand united in condemning Putin's unjustified actions towards Ukraine and hold Russia accountable. I couldn’t be more pleased with the level of cooperation and coordination that we are receiving from our British and European allies.”
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Kelly condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA, 3rd)
February 24, 2022
Russia's unprovoked and unnecessary attack of Ukraine poses a threat to freedom in Europe and to America's NATO allies in the region. I call on the Biden administration and NATO partners to lead a swift response to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. We cannot allow Putin to bully and intimidate the world into getting what he wants. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine.
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Kennedy statement on Russia’s waging war on Ukraine
Source: Senator John Kennedy (R-LA)
February 24, 2022
“Putin is invading and waging war on a sovereign nation and its people. There’s no room for weakness in response. President Biden should impose swift, comprehensive, crippling sanctions on Russia. The only path to peace is through unwavering strength.”
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Rep. Kelly Releases Statement on President Biden’s Announcement of Sanctions Against Russia
Source: U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL, 7th)
February 23, 2022
“President Putin is leading Russia down a dangerous and painful path. We will recognize and support the sovereignty of Ukraine. It is my hope that the sanctions announced today by President Biden will deter further aggression by Russia and demonstrate that Ukraine is not alone in its fight for democracy. Congress stands ready to introduce further sanctions should conditions deteriorate.
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Ukraine, Sussmann, Hospital Staffing

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 24, 2022

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Congressman Joyce Statement on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Source: U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA, 13th)
February 22, 2022
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a brazen attack on the sovereignty and safety of the Ukrainian people. Now more than ever we must stand with our European partners, like Ukraine, and our NATO allies to ensure their continued safety. President Biden should act immediately to sanction President Putin, members of the Russian government, and Russia itself for this dangerous and unjustified provocation of a peaceful, democratic Ukraine.”
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Kaine Statement on Sanctions against Russia
Source: Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)
February 22, 2022
“I commend President Biden for taking action to punish Putin’s blatant violation of international law and affront to Ukraine’s sovereignty. This is a crisis of Putin’s own making, and he must reverse course immediately by withdrawing troops back to Russian territory and refraining from further aggression. But if Russia continues to take steps to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty, the U.S. must work in lock-step with our international partners to impose additional crippling sanctions. We will not stand for Russian aggression.”
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Judicial Watch Sues CIA for Records of Contacts with Indicted Clinton Campaign Lawyer Michael Sussmann
Source: Judicial Watch
February 18, 2022
On February 11, Durham, who is investigating the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation, filed a motion, which focused on potential conflicts of interest related to the representation of Sussmann, who has been charged with making a false statement to a federal agent. Sussmann has pleaded not guilty.
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In Response to Sustained Staffing Shortages at Local Hospitals, Rep. Katko Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Incentivize Retired Healthcare Professionals & First Responders to Aid in Pandemic Response Efforts
Source: U.S. Representative John Katko (R-NY, 24th)
February 18, 2022
“Central New York hospitals and medical facilities have struggled with staffing issues throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This has forced hospitals to reduce their operating capabilities amid an influx in patients,” said Rep. Katko. “To alleviate the staffing shortage, I have reintroduced the Health Care Worker and First Responder Social Security Beneficiary Choice Act. Under current law, retirees under the full retirement age risk losing Social Security benefits if they choose to assist in pandemic response efforts. This bipartisan measure would provide a fix by incentivizing retired healthcare workers and first responders to participate in response efforts during this pandemic and any future public health emergency.”
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Assault Weapons, Timber, Republican Agenda, Continuing Resolution, Poultry, Nurse Shortage

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 21, 2022

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Sen. Johnson Issues Statement on Continuing Resolution
Source: Senator Ron Johnson (R - WI)
February 18, 2022
“Continuing to operate under the threat of a government shutdown is the height of dysfunction we see every day in Washington. In Wisconsin, if the governor and state legislature can’t pass the budget, we don’t shut down the state government, we spend at last year's level. This is why we need to pass my ‘Prevent Government Shutdowns Act.’ It would enforce the same discipline at the federal level. It is a common-sense bipartisan piece of legislation that would address this particular flaw and it should have been enacted a long time ago. I did not support this legislation because it continues Biden’s pointless and harmful vaccine mandates. There is no rationale for these mandates and every day we see the costs of them growing, leading to severe worker shortages and supply chain crises across the country.”
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REP. MONDAIRE JONES AND SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN LEAD COLLEAGUES IN SLAMMING PROPOSED SANDERSON-WAYNE POULTRY MERGER AND CALL ON DOJ TO TAKE ACTION AS AMERICANS FACE SOARING POULTRY PRICES
Source: U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones (D-NY, 17th)
February 17, 2022
Poultry is one of the most heavily concentrated industries with the dominant “Big Four” companies — JBS Foods, Tyson, Perdue, and Sanderson — holding a combined 54% of the market. Sen. Warren, Rep. Jones and their colleagues are extremely concerned that further consolidation will raise poultry prices even higher for Americans — chicken prices have increased by 15% compared to pre-pandemic prices — cut pay for farmers, and limit protections for workers.
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GOP eyes ambitious agenda if House flips
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA, 4th)
February 16, 2022
Republicans are eyeing an ambitious legislative agenda if they flip the House in November’s elections, setting the stage for countless clashes with President Biden on a host of thorny issues, from COVID-19 protocols and Big Tech to border security and the national debt.
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SOUTH DAKOTA, WYOMING DELEGATIONS CONTINUE TO URGE USDA TO PRIORITIZE THE HEALTH OF THE BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST AND ITS TIMBER SALE PROGRAM
Source: U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota at Large)
February 16, 2022
"For more than 100 years, the timber sale program on the BHNF has been the primary tool for successfully managing the forest and minimizing insect epidemics and catastrophic wildfires that continue to plague other western national forests. In recent years, the BHNF successfully defeated the mountain pine beetle epidemic because of its collaborative work with partners to target and coordinate forest treatments, thereby increasing the overall amount of management. While the forest products companies’ limited annual capacity to treat acres was a primary bottleneck in those efforts, retaining and utilizing the forest products companies’ sawmill infrastructure was central in the strategy to eradicate the pine beetle and protect the BHNF. This was further confirmed in lessons learned documents prepared by the BHNF and others through the collaborative process."
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Joyce, Ross Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Shortage of SANE-certified Nurses, Improve Care for Survivors of Sexual Violence
Source: U.S. Representative David Joyce (R-OH, 14th)
February 15, 2022
Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced the Supporting Access to Nurse Exams (SANE) Act to address the nation-wide shortage of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and improve care for survivors of sexual violence. The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the American Nurses Association (ANA), the International Association of Forensic Nurses, and the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
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Locke Joins Friend-of-the-Court Brief In Case Challenging Maryland’s Ban on So-Called “Assault Weapons”
Source: John Locke Foundation
February 14, 2022
In Bianchi v. Frosh, Dominic Bianchi is challenging Maryland’s law against widely owned semi-automatic rifles such as AR-15s, guns the state law deems military-style “assault weapons.” Maryland residents are banned from owning and possessing these firearms. A Supreme Court decision in the case would help to clarify the types of firearms that are constitutionally protected.
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ICE, Unruly Passengers, Biden's Mental Health, Illegal Immigration, Veterans

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 12, 2022

ICE’s Ability To Detain Immigrants Through Mass Raids And Traffic Stops Will Be Significantly Limited
Source: Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights
February 8, 2022
The use of illegal traffic stops and arrest practices by federal immigration enforcement officials will be curtailed under a settlement resolving a lawsuit brought by Chicago area residents detained in ICE sweeps in 2018. Today, the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois approved a class action settlement which will require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to end its practice of making unlawful “collateral arrests” through vehicle stops and other community enforcement actions in Illinois and five other Midwestern states.
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REP. JACKSON RENEWS CALL FOR PRESIDENT BIDEN TO IMMEDIATELY UNDERGO A COGNITIVE TEST
Source: U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX, 13th)
February 9, 2022
“This is not a partisan issue. When I discussed taking a cognitive test with President Trump, he was eager to assure the American people and to put the fake news media’s stories to bed. Why won’t President Biden do the same? We can only assume the worst if he doesn’t submit to the same standard that his own party demanded of the last Administration. The precedent has been set.”
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IAM and Other Transportation Unions Raise Concerns About Customer Assaults
Source: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
February 10, 2022
Over the past few months, passenger service members across the country have experienced serious physical and verbal assault and harassment incidents, with few repercussions for the offending passenger imposed by law enforcement.
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Issa to Craft Legislation to Stop Biden Administration Plan to End Illegal Immigrant Detention, Provide Them Private Housing
Source: U.S. Representative Darrel Issa (R-CA, 50th)
February 10, 2022
“Ending the detention of illegal migrants in custody and placing them in private housing at taxpayer expense is an insult to the American people and will make this Biden crisis even worse."
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JACOBS, MACE INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE HOUSING CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR VETERANS
Source: U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA, 53rd)
February 10, 2022
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) have introduced the HUD-VASH Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill to support housing case management services for veterans. The bill encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to look for contractors that have experience providing case management services to veterans in administering the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.
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Transgender Swimmers, Border Security, Afghanistan

Today's News

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned USA Swimming for its abrupt about-face on inclusion of transgender swimmers. Read it

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) said Congress must take strong action to overcome inaction by the Biden administration to secure the southern border, calling the record-breaking crisis of illegal crossings by migrants, criminals, and illicit drugs into the United States “beyond a cause for alarm.” Read it

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has responded after a closed briefing about Afghanistan with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin: “I don’t think this briefing should have been in an entirely classified format. Many Americans — especially our service members and veterans — were disturbed by what they saw last summer, and they want this information as much as I did. So today, I secured commitments from both Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin to return for a public hearing on Afghanistan.” Read more

Freedom Convoy, SOTU 2022

Today's News

Freedom Convoy
Source: Freedom Fighter Nation
February 1, 2022
Recently, Freedom Fighter Nation was informed that approximately 38,000 Canadian truckers were walking off the job due to mandates going into effect on January 15 and 22, 2022, that would prevent Canadian and US truckers from crossing the border if they are unvaccinated. We immediately reached out to our Canadian brothers and sisters to better understand the issue, at which point we discovered that it was NOT just the Truckers. Apparently, large segments of an otherwise peaceful and relaxed citizenry north of our border have had it: Canada is taking their country back, by way of a nationwide Convoy-Freedom-Protest, and we are uniting efforts and taking ours back too!
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Whoopi Goldberg is in some deep doo doo for remarks made about the holocost on a recent episode of "The View". She has apologized sincerely, but it doesn't seem to make much difference on some fronts. She has been suspended for two weeks. Is that long enough?

Juanita Broaddrick tweeted that she thought it was hilarious that Whoopi's real name was Caryn. "She is a real-life 'Karen!'", said Broaddrick.

President Joe Biden's State of the Union Address, 2022
Source: Ballotpedia
February 1, 2022
President Joe Biden accepted an invitation from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to deliver his first State of the Union address on March 1, 2022. This will be the first time in United States history that a president has delivered a State of the Union address during the month of March.
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Rumor has it that Pelosi is only going to allow 25 people to attend the SOTU. Really????

Oil and Gas, ERA, Automated Vehicles, Mineral Leases, Crypto Mining

Today's News

The District Court of the District of Columbia had decided to revoke oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico.

House Representatives have pushed a resolution that acknowledges the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will be holding a hearing on automated vehicles on February 2, 2022.

The Biden administration has revoked existing mineral leases for the Twin Metals mine in Minnesota.

House Representatives are sending letters to six cryptomining companies raising concerns over their extraordinarily high energy usage. Bitcoin mining alone has consumed as much energy in the past year as whole countries.

Ponder the News January 30, 2022

Today's News

The Treasury Department is planning on scaling back on Emergency Rental Assistance, in spite of the fact that less than two-thirds of the $46 billion of rental aid has been disbursed or allocated over a year after the program launched. (Source)

Apparently, there is currently a lawsuit, West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that is challenging the EPA’s ability to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA). (Source)

North Dakota's Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has passed away. (Source)

Apparently, the Biden Administration has been flying illegal immigrants into the U.S. in the dead of night, on the taxpayers' dime, according to leaked video footage showing federal contractors flying illegal immigrants into New York. This has prompted U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA, 1st) to introduce the "Stop the Betrayal Act", legislation that would prohibit taxpayer dollars from funding secret charter flights transporting illegal immigrants into the interior of the U.S..