Behavioral Health, Financial Literacy, Inflation, Defense Budget, Wildfires

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to April 6, 2022

Rep. McClintock and Rep. LaMalfa Introduce Legislation Requiring the U.S. Forest Service to Immediately Suppress Wildfires
Source: U.S. Representative Tom McClintock (R-CA, 4th)
April 2, 2022
“This ‘let burn’ policy of federal land managers began in 1972, during the height of the radical environmental movement,” McClintock said. “Essentially, it holds that ‘fire is our friend.’ It stems from the premise that fire is nature’s way of cleaning up forests, and that active suppression of fires leads to a build-up of excess fuels. As we have tragically witnessed firsthand, it is dangerous nonsense to ‘monitor’ incipient fires in today’s forest tinderbox. The U.S. Forest Service was formed to remove excess growth before it can burn and to preserve our forests in a healthy condition from generation to generation. It’s time they did.”
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Two McBath Bills Approved by House Committee
Source: U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA, 6th)
April 5, 2022
Two pieces of legislation led by U.S. Representative Lucy McBath were amended and approved by the House Committee on Education and Labor. The Protecting America’s Retirement Security Act (PARSA), H.R.7310, and the Training Retention and Investment Now for a Better America (TRAIN for a Better America) Act, H.R.7385, were marked up and advanced out of the Committee. PARSA will help Americans plan and save for retirement by improving protections for retirement plans, increasing awareness of potential fees, and supporting financial literacy with measures that will benefit workers, families, and employers. TRAIN for a Better America will help build a competitive American workforce, provides educational opportunities and creates better careers, and prepares hard-working Americans for new, good-paying jobs.
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Democrats’ Inflation Disproportionately Hurts the Vulnerable
Source: Senator Mitch McConnell (R- KY)
April 5, 2022
“It was clear from the start that the Biden Administration’s war on affordable energy would punish American consumers. And even liberal economists warned that flooding our economy with partisan spending could trigger broad inflation. “Sure enough, American families have now endured nine straight months of inflation above a 5% annual pace. “And the worst effects are being felt in the most vulnerable pockets of our society.
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Rep. McClain Addresses Inadequate Funding in FY23 Defense Budget
Source: U.S. Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI, 10th)
April 5, 2022
During the hearing, Rep. McClain referenced a drop in procurement of the Abrams tank, pushing General Milley for the rationale behind the drop of this critical combat vehicle from the budget. General Milley suggested that a war with China would predominantly be fought with air and Maritime forces. Their exchange led Rep. McClain to highlight that the Air Force is the oldest, smallest and least ready in its’s entire history. Rep. McClain then questioned the rationale for not procuring the 72 fighter aircraft the Air Force needs to maintain their current average age.
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MATSUI & MULLIN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO HEALTH IT FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS
Source: U.S. Representative Doris O. Matsui (D-CA, 6th)
April 6, 2022
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have become an essential part of our modern healthcare system. However, mental health and substance use disorder providers have been historically left out of previous federal funding efforts to promote the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records and supporting technology. The BHIT Now Act seeks to deliver long overdue targeted funding that will ensure psychologists, clinical and social workers, as well as Community Mental Health Centers, psychiatric hospitals, and residential treatment centers can invest in the technology needed to support integrated, whole-person care.
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Affordable Care Act, Vaccine Mandate, Students Studying Abroad, SCOTUS Nominee, Clean Energy

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 25, 2022

Rep. Maloney Celebrates the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
Source: U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
March 23, 2022
Today, twelve years since President Obama and the Democratic Congress enacted the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) highlighted how this life-saving legislation has expanded access to quality, affordable health insurance in New York and across the country.
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SENATORS MARKEY AND WARREN LEAD COLLEAGUES IN URGING PRESIDENT BIDEN TO DEPLOY CLEAN ENERGY AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES IN RESPONSE TO PUTIN’S ENERGY MARKET DISRUPTION
Source: Senator Edward J.Markey (D-MA)
March 23, 2022
“In tandem with banning Russian fossil fuel imports, your administration could deploy existing authorities, including the DPA and military sales, to accelerate the production and deployment of electric appliances to help reduce U.S. and European demand for Russian energy,” wrote the Senators in their letter to Biden. “With guaranteed federal contracts and other financial incentives, U.S. manufacturers will have the support they need to ramp up their production of electric heat pumps and key components—creating thousands of jobs, boosting local economies, saving money for consumers, reducing unhealthy emissions, and destroying President Putin’s oil and gas-based business model.”
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Malliotakis: Adams' Mandate Double Standard is a Snub to Working Class
Source: U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY, 11th)
March 24, 2022
"From the very beginning of this pandemic, what has bothered New Yorkers the most is how arbitrary mandates and restrictions have been implemented with double standards in the name of "following science." I agree with Mayor Adams' decision to lift the vaccine mandate for our athletes and performers, however, the same standard should be applied to our cops, firefighters, teachers, sanitation workers, and other private-sector employees. Mayor Adams should immediately rehire the city workers who were fired and lift the vaccine mandate on all public and private-sector employers that has led to people losing their livelihoods at a time when we have a labor shortage."
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Maloney Re-Introduces Legislation to Protect Students Studying Abroad
Source: U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
March 24, 2022
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) re-introduced legislation to give students and parents more information about the safety of study abroad programs. Rep. Maloney drafted and introduced these bills in 2016 and 2017 with the support of Ros Thackurdeen, a resident of Newburgh whose son died while studying abroad. The Ravi Thackurdeen Safe Students Study Abroad Act and American Students Abroad Act would update reporting requirements for colleges and universities to help families make better-informed decisions about where their students study abroad.
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Manning Celebrates Twelve Years of the Affordable Care Act, Fights to Lower Health Care Costs
Source: U.S. Representative Kathy E. Manning (D-NC, 6th)
March 24, 2022
“Today, I’m celebrating the twelfth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more than 670,000 North Carolinians have access to health care, dependents can stay on their parent’s insurance until age 26, and people with pre-existing conditions are protected from coverage discrimination,” said Congresswoman Manning. “I’ve worked to build on this progress by introducing and co-sponsoring legislation to close the Medicaid coverage gap, decrease racial and economic disparities in health care, and lower the cost of prescription drugs."
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Sen. Marshall to Vote Against Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for SCOTUS
Source: Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)
March 25, 2022
“After sitting in on some of Judge Jackson’s hearing and conducting a thorough and thoughtful review of her qualifications and judicial record, I cannot support her confirmation. As the son of a police chief, I am very troubled by Judge Jackson’s record of being soft on crime, one that has followed her through each stage of her legal career. As a practicing attorney, she worked to release dangerous prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. As a District Judge, she worked to wipe out President Trump’s expedited removal of illegal immigrants at our southern border and issued multiple lenient sentences for people convicted of possessing child pornography. That alone would be enough to oppose her confirmation but she has also demonstrated a tendency for legislating from behind the bench and an affinity to growing government. Not to mention, she lacks the serious experience needed to serve a lifelong term at our nation’s highest court. All that being said, I believe she will rubberstamp Biden’s far-left agenda instead of protecting the Constitution and our Kansas values. There is no way I can in good faith support her to be an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Senator Marshall.
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2nd Amendment, Supreme Court, New York Healthcare Workers, Climate Policy

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 22, 2022

SENATOR LUMMIS DEMANDS ANSWERS ABOUT ATF ATTACK ON SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
Source: Senator Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY)
March 22, 2022
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) is demanding answers about the Biden administration’s infringements on the Second Amendment rights of people in Wyoming. Senator Lummis and a group of 25 senators wrote a letter to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director Regina Richardson requesting an explanation for changes to the ATF’s handling of applications to create and own a firearm silencer. The ATF has been rejecting law-abiding Americans’ attempts to create and own a silencer, even though federal law has not changed, and the ATF’s own website acknowledges that federal law allows individuals to make a silencer.
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Climate Policy Beyond the Scope of Financial Regulators
Source: U.S. Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK, 3rd)
March 21, 2022
“The financial system shouldn’t be used as a weapon in combatting climate change. This harms public markets and the companies, investors, and retirees that depend on them. Rather than pursuing social goals unrelated to banking, regulators and Congress should be focusing on the need to increase investments in innovation and competition, spur innovation, and improve regulatory efficiency to allow for American ingenuity to thrive. As President Biden and his Administration continues to analyze the potential implications of climate change, I urge regulators to remember their role as a regulator isn’t to advance environmental policy. We should be promoting investment in companies who are at the forefront of clean energies- not wrestling with companies who are already shifting with the market.”
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Court Grants Anonymity for NY Health Care Workers
Source: First Liberty
March 21, 2022
Liberty Counsel represents these health care workers who sued on September 10, 2021, because state and private employers refused to accept religious exemptions from the COVID shot mandate enacted by Governor Hochul and implemented by Commissioner Zucker. On August 16, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the state will now require health care workers to accept or receive one of the three currently available COVID-19 injections to remain employed in the healthcare profession.
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Democratic Women’s Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus Send Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in Support of Judge Jackson’s Nomination to SCOTUS
Source: U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)
March 21, 2022
“Judge Jackson, an exceptionally qualified judge with an unimpeachable character, will shatter yet another glass ceiling to become the first Black woman to serve on our nation's highest court,” the Members wrote. “Since the announcement of Judge Jackson’s nomination, we have seen bad faith campaigns working to undermine her legitimacy and credentials. Like many women in public service—especially women of color—Judge Jackson has been the subject of unfair attacks despite her resume that arguably matches or surpasses those of previous nominees. The attacks painting her as a ‘radical left’ and ‘activist’ judge fail to acknowledge her decades of service as an impartial upholder of the law.”
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While Ukraine is trying to jolt us into another World War, they are worried about our hair!

By Shonda Ponder

On Friday, the House of Representatives passed a bill that says that anyone can wear their hair any way they want to and not get discriminated against for it.

This bill is passed disguised as a deterrent to race-based discrimination caused by hair.

“Natural Black hair is often deemed ‘unprofessional’ simply because it does not conform to white beauty standards,” said U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ, 12th). “Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. I’m proud to have played a part to ensure that we end discrimination against people for how their hair grows out of their head.”

“No one should be discriminated against because of their race, gender, or even their hair,” said U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE, 2nd). “Unfortunately, there has been an increase of race-based hair prejudice in the workplace, schools, and within federal assistance programs. I’m glad to work with Rep. Watson Coleman to eliminate this bias and start enforcing more equity within our community."

How about that folks! You don't have to brush your hair to go to work anymore. After all, we wouldn't want to discriminate between being black and being white, would we?

Of course, that all depends on what the Senate does with the companion bill that was introduced.

I only bring this to your attention because it actually happened, and our tax dollars are paying for our leaders to create laws that tell us what we can and can't do with our hair.

While Ukraine is trying to jolt us into another World War, they are worried about our hair!

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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