Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL, 25th) released the following statement after President Trump signed two executive orders.
“President Trump is fulfilling his promise to the American people to secure the borders of the United States. I stand ready to work with my congressional colleagues and the administration on legislation that will allow millions of hardworking people who have not committed crimes to come out of the shadows and get right with the law.”
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U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 35th) responded to President Donald Trump’s new executive actions:
“President Trump’s anti-immigrant orders mask his broken campaign promise—he is not building a wall that Mexico will pay for. Now he demands that American taxpayers pay for his folly with the false hope that someday he can eventually extort the money from Mexico. Nor does he have legal authority to interfere with local law enforcement by denying federal funds to those wrongly categorized as “sanctuary cities.” To achieve both true security and economic growth, we need to reject his narrow-minded approach in favor of comprehensive immigration reform.”
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U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.), Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have introduced legislation to expand retraining opportunities for dislocated coal miners.
The bipartisan Assisting America’s Dislocated Miners Act, H.R. 663, would establish a Dislocated Miners Assistance Program at the U.S. Labor Department to identify dislocated miners, assess their skills and training, identify job training programs, and provide grants to job training providers. The bill would also authorize $20 million a year for five years to fund the Dislocated Miners Assistance Program.
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U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI) today re-introduced the Women’s Public Health & Safety Act. The legislation would empower states to exclude abortion providers from receiving Medicaid funds.
The bill makes abortion providers not fall under the “free choice of qualified provider” provision. So excluding abortion providers from Medicaid funding would not count as “limiting healthcare options”, which is not allowed under Medicaid. In 2015, the Women’s Public Health & Safety Act passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 236 to 193.
The Women’s Public Health & Safety Act is also supported by:
National Right To Life Committee
Family Research Council
Susan B. Anthony List
#####
Governor Nikki Haley was successfully confirmed as the US Ambassador to the United Nations, and Henry McMaster as the 117th Governor of South Carolina.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed without opposition Wednesday a bill introduced by Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) to bring transparency to presidential libraries.
The measure—H.R. 73, the Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2017—would require any donation to a President’s library greater than $200 be disclosed to the public and posted online.
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Dr. Neal Dunn (FL-02) cosponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 and the Hearing Protection Act of 2017, two important bills protecting the rights of all Americans to bear arms.
The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 will ensure that valid concealed carry permits are recognized in others states that allow concealed carry. It will also allow those who reside in Constitutional carry states the ability to carry in other states that recognize the right to concealed carry.
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Donald Trump signed an executive order paving the way for construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline and the Dakota Access Pipeline.
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The Unpopular Truth
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Lots of Newsbytes to Ponder: What has the New Administration been up to and How has the House Responded?
On January 24, the House of Representatives passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act (H.R. 7). The bill will codify into permanent law prohibitions such as the Hyde Amendment barring federal dollars to pay for abortions. Currently, these prohibitions must be passed on an annual basis through the appropriations process.
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U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after President Trump signed executive orders to advance the Keystone pipeline and Dakota Access pipeline:
“For the last eight years, politics have been put before people when it comes to these projects and the jobs they will create,” said Davis. “We have an opportunity to bring back energy and manufacturing jobs that have historically provided a better life for middle class Americans and their families. I look forward to working with the administration to advance an all-of-the-above energy strategy.”
“I’m pleased to see our new president so quickly reversing the previous administration’s rejection of Keystone XL, which received broad bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. America needs jobs, economic and energy security, and this project promises to deliver in these areas. As we move forward, I will monitor progress to ensure it’s implemented in a safe and environmentally-sound way that Americans deserve.” said Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th)
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Reps. Susan Davis (CA-53) and Jim Renacci (OH-16) j introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing January as National Mentoring Month, celebrating the quality mentoring programs throughout the nation and the mentors to our young people that provide crucial support and guidance as they develop into our next generation of citizens and leaders.
#####
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced legislation to help fund an earthquake early warning system that could save lives, reduce injuries, and mitigate infrastructure damage from the devastating effects of a major quake off the Oregon Coast. DeFazio’s bill, the “Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2017,” was introduced in advance of the 317th anniversary of the last major Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake which will occur on January 26, 2017.
#####
The House of Representatives unanimously passed the EPS Improvement Act (H.R. 518). The bill clarifies the statutory definition of “external power supplies” set forth in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amends the conditions under which the Energy Department could undertake a rulemaking in the future. The EPCA caused the drivers for Light Emitting Diodes and Organic Light Emitting Diodes to be categorized as external power supplies. With subsequent development of LED and OLED technology and its rising popularity for previously unforeseen uses, the standards need to change.
#####
Senate Democrats announced a comprehensive infrastructure plan funded by direct federal spending. For the last four years, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has been the leading advocate in Congress for using revenues from international tax reform to pay for rebuilding America’s infrastructure.
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President Trump has decided to reinstate the “Mexico City Policy,” also known as the “Global Gag Rule,” which restricts federal funding for organizations that provide basic health care and family planning services around the world.
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Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15) and Congressman Mark Walker (Chairman of the Republican Study Committee) reintroduced a resolution that urges the Trump Administration to commence negotiations with the United Kingdom to establish a new bilateral trade agreement, the North Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (NATIP).
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Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06) has introduced the No Exemption for Washington from ObamaCare Act. The No Exemption for Washington from ObamaCare Act will require members of Congress and congressional staff to abide by the terms of ObamaCare and discontinues taxpayer subsidies that were engineered by an Obama administration rule but which are not authorized by the law.
#####
Days after the seven year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Citizens United case, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) joined Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) in re-introducing the Democracy for All Amendment. This constitutional amendment would help to reverse the concentration of political influence held by large corporations and the wealthiest Americans capable of spending millions of dollars in American elections. To help get big money out of politics and restore democratic power to the American people, this amendment would affirm the right of the people to pass state and federal laws regulating spending in elections.
#####
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after President Trump signed executive orders to advance the Keystone pipeline and Dakota Access pipeline:
“For the last eight years, politics have been put before people when it comes to these projects and the jobs they will create,” said Davis. “We have an opportunity to bring back energy and manufacturing jobs that have historically provided a better life for middle class Americans and their families. I look forward to working with the administration to advance an all-of-the-above energy strategy.”
“I’m pleased to see our new president so quickly reversing the previous administration’s rejection of Keystone XL, which received broad bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. America needs jobs, economic and energy security, and this project promises to deliver in these areas. As we move forward, I will monitor progress to ensure it’s implemented in a safe and environmentally-sound way that Americans deserve.” said Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th)
#####
Reps. Susan Davis (CA-53) and Jim Renacci (OH-16) j introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing January as National Mentoring Month, celebrating the quality mentoring programs throughout the nation and the mentors to our young people that provide crucial support and guidance as they develop into our next generation of citizens and leaders.
#####
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced legislation to help fund an earthquake early warning system that could save lives, reduce injuries, and mitigate infrastructure damage from the devastating effects of a major quake off the Oregon Coast. DeFazio’s bill, the “Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2017,” was introduced in advance of the 317th anniversary of the last major Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake which will occur on January 26, 2017.
#####
The House of Representatives unanimously passed the EPS Improvement Act (H.R. 518). The bill clarifies the statutory definition of “external power supplies” set forth in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amends the conditions under which the Energy Department could undertake a rulemaking in the future. The EPCA caused the drivers for Light Emitting Diodes and Organic Light Emitting Diodes to be categorized as external power supplies. With subsequent development of LED and OLED technology and its rising popularity for previously unforeseen uses, the standards need to change.
#####
Senate Democrats announced a comprehensive infrastructure plan funded by direct federal spending. For the last four years, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has been the leading advocate in Congress for using revenues from international tax reform to pay for rebuilding America’s infrastructure.
#####
President Trump has decided to reinstate the “Mexico City Policy,” also known as the “Global Gag Rule,” which restricts federal funding for organizations that provide basic health care and family planning services around the world.
#####
Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15) and Congressman Mark Walker (Chairman of the Republican Study Committee) reintroduced a resolution that urges the Trump Administration to commence negotiations with the United Kingdom to establish a new bilateral trade agreement, the North Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (NATIP).
#####
Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06) has introduced the No Exemption for Washington from ObamaCare Act. The No Exemption for Washington from ObamaCare Act will require members of Congress and congressional staff to abide by the terms of ObamaCare and discontinues taxpayer subsidies that were engineered by an Obama administration rule but which are not authorized by the law.
#####
Days after the seven year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Citizens United case, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) joined Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) in re-introducing the Democracy for All Amendment. This constitutional amendment would help to reverse the concentration of political influence held by large corporations and the wealthiest Americans capable of spending millions of dollars in American elections. To help get big money out of politics and restore democratic power to the American people, this amendment would affirm the right of the people to pass state and federal laws regulating spending in elections.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Inauguration, commutations, student loans, Environment Protection Agency, refugees,
“In his inaugural address, President Trump delivered a unifying message, pledging to fight for a nation and a federal government that works for all Americans. He offered a vision of an America where everyone has an opportunity to share in its successes and no one is left behind. I look forward to working with him and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve these bold, optimistic goals.” Steve Chabot (R-OH, 1st)
“While I do not question the legitimacy of Mr. Trump's election, I do object to his treatment of other Americans, particularly those who disagree with him. In a diverse democracy like ours, patriotic dissent is vital. That is why the values of pluralism, grievance, and criticism are enshrined in the 1st Amendment's protections of religion, speech, and press - all three of which have been targets of the President-elect.
"The personal attacks on John Lewis were just the latest example of behavior unbefitting a president. So after much thought, I, like millions of other Americans, will choose not to attend the inauguration of President Trump. Instead, I will continue to focus on my efforts to ensure a more just and equal country for ourselves and future generations of all Americans - regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or orientation.”
Judy Chu (D-CA, 27th)
“An Inaugural Address by the President is an opportunity to set forth a clear vision for the country with some specifics of the plan to make that vision a reality. I’m disappointed that President Trump did not do this today. The remarks he offered sounded more like a campaign speech addressed to the base of his political party, rather than a speech to the entire country.”
“Sadly, I think President Trump squandered an opportunity to reach out to the majority of Americans who didn’t vote for him last November with a strong message that would have helped to unite our country. Instead, he doubled down on divisive rhetoric, false bravado, and gaudy promises that have no basis in reality. The President painted an unnecessarily dark and negative picture of America. The entire world was watching this speech, and while we certainly have great challenges, America is by far the best and strongest country in the world.”
“Today, Donald Trump became the least popular person to ever take the oath of office as President. There is no mandate for his agenda, nor a clearer understanding of what that agenda really is, even after his address.”
“As I have always done, I will continue working with members of both parties to deliver results for Rhode Island. I hope President Trump will do the same.”
"If President Trump, however, intends to continue down the path he started today, dividing Americans and offering empty promises instead of real solutions, then I will continue to fight him every step of the way.”
David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
“Initially, I was inclined to attend the inauguration of the 45th president of our great nation. Like most Americans, I have viewed presidential inaugurations as a ceremonial rite of passage, and representing the people of the Ninth Congressional District of New York at the transition in the governance of our nation was understood as a tradition.
“Unfortunately, I cannot honor this inclination when the normal democratic process has so clearly been undermined. To state the matter simply, the 2016 presidential election lacks integrity. There remains an overriding factor: the deliberate attack by the Russian government on the most sacred exercise of our political process, the election of the President of the United States. With my colleague Congressman John Lewis, I have very real concerns about the legitimacy of the next President of the United States. I believe that we all have an obligation to the American people to have the United States intelligence community and an independent, bipartisan commission thoroughly investigate the hostile intrusion by the Russian government into American politics. As a member of Congress, I have received briefings from intelligence officials about the highly-sophisticated and unprecedented Russian propaganda campaign and massive cyber-attack – done at the behest of the leadership of the Russian government and executed by governmentally sanctioned intelligence agencies and their affiliates – intended to disrupt the presidential election. The success of the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta and the possibility that additional information could compromise and undermine the incoming administration presents a very serious threat to our democracy. We must engage in a thorough investigation to know the truth about the 2016 presidential election, wherever this may lead us.
“In addition, I am deeply concerned about the threat Donald Trump presents to the community I am honored to represent. In his victory speech, Donald Trump promised to unite us as a president for all Americans. But his actions since then reveal that the promise he made was merely words empty of any truth. In the wake of the election, our nation experienced a spike in hate crimes, yet there was no denouncing of this activity by Donald Trump, not even a tweet. The appointments of individuals who have devoted their careers to denying the civil rights of and creating a false, demeaning narrative about African Americans, Latinos, women, Muslims, and immigrants, as with Senator Sessions as Attorney General and Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist, demonstrate that Donald Trump plans to try to restore some of the worst chapters from our nation's history. But we will not turn back. Standing alongside me are millions of Americans who are extremely concerned that Donald Trump and members of his administration are hostile to our communities and, indeed, to our very humanity. Donald Trump's recent insults directed at Congressman Lewis, who risked his life and was brutally attacked and nearly killed marching in Selma, Alabama, for the right to vote, are part of a pattern of divisiveness that should not have any audience in our civil society. Anyone who hoped that the magnitude of the Office of President of the United States would change the man who cruelly insulted Senator McCain’s wartime record or Gold Star parents Khizr and Ghazala Khan has assuredly been disappointed in Donald Trump’s performance thus far. Today, as we honor the life and work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it is in his spirit that I formally announce that I cannot in good faith attend the inauguration of a President who threatens the people I represent and the values that we hold dear. Instead, I’ll be in Brooklyn with my constituents.”
Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY, 9th)
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after reports that President-elect Donald Trump is planning dramatic cuts to several important federal programs.
“On the eve of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, I fear that America will soon be thrust into cultural and societal deterioration, a new Dark Ages,” said Congressman Steve Cohen. “According to a report by The Hill, President-elect Trump and his team are planning to eliminate the Minority Business Development Agency and the Legal Services Corporation, both of which help minority groups participate in the American dream. Trump plans to eliminate the COPS program and the Office of Violence Against Women Grants, both of which help fight crime in our communities. Trump plans to eliminate the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities, both of which support the cultural participation in America. Trump plans to eliminate the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, both of which would be detrimental to our environment. And Trump plans to privatize the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, limiting the freedom of press guaranteed by our Constitution. Many of these programs are essential to my constituents and for the health, safety and well-being of people all across the country. If they are eliminated, there will be far-reaching negative consequences for the country, setting us back decades. I implore President-elect Trump to preserve these programs.”
According to The Hill, the following federal programs (among others) are being considered by the Trump Administration to be reformed or eliminated:
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Humanities
Minority Business Development Agency
Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women Grants
Department of Justice Office of Legal Services Corporation
Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Department of State Paris Climate Change Agreement
United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
“This presidential inauguration represents more than a celebration of an individual person or party, era or idea. While the peaceful transfer of power testifies to the success of the experiment known as American democracy, this inauguration also underscores the character uniting the citizens of our Republic.
“Our nation was built on principles of universal human dignity and inalienable rights, and our nation stands or falls based on their endurance. I’ve witnessed individuals from both sides of the aisle taking the oath of the presidency, and I’ve seen during these transitions that Americans have an unmatched capacity for humility and mutual respect, regardless of differences in political philosophy. We continue to believe that our fellow men and women have inherent, unquestionable worth, and we draw on this confidence to chart a brighter path forward.
“Americans have chosen President Donald J. Trump to lead us into this new chapter, which I believe will be marked by relief from policies that stifle American creativity, growth, and freedom and by investment in the people who have trusted one another—through the democratic process—to make America greater than she has ever been before.
“I look forward to working with President Trump and Vice President Pence to that end.”
Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th)
“A troubling inaugural address. President Trump offered a dark, dystopian, and defiant inaugural speech that begins a new presidency without aspiration or reconciliation. It failed to unify or reach out to the entire nation, and insists on Trump's view of patriotism and triumphalism. Its insistent nationalism can only encourage Moscow and disconcert our allies.”
Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th)
The White House announced the commutation of the sentences of hundreds of individuals this week, which brings President Obama’s record to 1,715 commutations in total.
“I plan to attend President-Elect Trump’s inauguration. This is a decision each Member must make for himself or herself. Like many of my colleagues, I have been fighting my entire life to create a more equal society for all Americans, so I certainly understand why some of them have come to the conclusion that they cannot attend.
“There are so many people who came before me who struggled so that African Americans could be full participants in our democracy. I believe that I honor their sacrifice by asserting my democratic right to attend an inauguration.
“The inauguration is bigger than President-Elect Trump. It is a chance for the world to witness our nation’s greatest ritual: the peaceful transfer of power. As millions of Americans witness the event, I want them to know that there will be Members of Congress present who will be vigilant to ensure that the Trump Administration is held to the highest ethical standards. Our democracy is the strongest in the world because our powerful executive is checked by an equally powerful legislative branch.
“All Members of Congress—Republicans and Democrats serving in the House and Senate—swore to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people. It is our responsibility to do everything in our power to make sure that our federal agencies operate the way they were intended, and in an efficient and effective manner.
“In two days, President-Elect Trump will control the world’s most powerful military and largest nuclear arsenal, and he will be the steward of the world’s largest economy. I fear that during his Administration, our political institutions will suffer a crisis of legitimacy. Many of our federal agencies, including the CIA and the FBI, will be tested.
“Unfortunately, House Republicans have made clear that they have no intention of checking the Trump Administration. Instead, they have become contortionists in their efforts to avoid doing their jobs and have coordinated with the Trump campaign in their attacks on our nation’s top ethics officials.
“Congress cannot sit by as a President fails to rectify his many conflicts of interest and refuses to acknowledge his impending violations of the Emoluments Clause. We must act as the last line of defense for our democracy, press Republicans to do their jobs, and hold President-Elect Trump accountable to the American people and the rule of law. We must also guard the progress that was made under President Obama by turning our protest into policy, and advancing legislation that will uplift the lives of the American people.”
Elijah Cummings (D-MD, 7th)
Bonamici and Costello introduced bipartisan legislation to help struggling student loan borrowers enroll in affordable repayment plans. The SIMPLE (Streamlining Income-driven, Manageable Payments on Loans for Education) Act allows at-risk borrowers to make more informed decisions about which repayment plans are right for them, and it automatically connects these borrowers with income-driven repayment plans before they default. Additionally, the SIMPLE Act automates the annual process of updating borrowers’ income information while enrolled in income-driven repayment plans, which will prevent unexpected increases in loan payments and help keep payments affordable.
Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the troubling deaths of over 20 pelicans and egrets in the Tampa Bay area last week, as well as the massive beaching of false killer whales this weekend that resulted in more than 80 deaths of these mammals. He is requesting the EPA test the toxicity of the surrounding waterways to see if these deaths are linked to poor water quality caused by harmful algal blooms.
Representative John Culberson (TX-07) has introduced the No Resettlement Without Consent Act, which allows governors, not the federal government, to decide if refugees can be resettled in their State
This legislation requires the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement to get a governor’s permission before refugees can be placed in a state.
“While I do not question the legitimacy of Mr. Trump's election, I do object to his treatment of other Americans, particularly those who disagree with him. In a diverse democracy like ours, patriotic dissent is vital. That is why the values of pluralism, grievance, and criticism are enshrined in the 1st Amendment's protections of religion, speech, and press - all three of which have been targets of the President-elect.
"The personal attacks on John Lewis were just the latest example of behavior unbefitting a president. So after much thought, I, like millions of other Americans, will choose not to attend the inauguration of President Trump. Instead, I will continue to focus on my efforts to ensure a more just and equal country for ourselves and future generations of all Americans - regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or orientation.”
Judy Chu (D-CA, 27th)
“An Inaugural Address by the President is an opportunity to set forth a clear vision for the country with some specifics of the plan to make that vision a reality. I’m disappointed that President Trump did not do this today. The remarks he offered sounded more like a campaign speech addressed to the base of his political party, rather than a speech to the entire country.”
“Sadly, I think President Trump squandered an opportunity to reach out to the majority of Americans who didn’t vote for him last November with a strong message that would have helped to unite our country. Instead, he doubled down on divisive rhetoric, false bravado, and gaudy promises that have no basis in reality. The President painted an unnecessarily dark and negative picture of America. The entire world was watching this speech, and while we certainly have great challenges, America is by far the best and strongest country in the world.”
“Today, Donald Trump became the least popular person to ever take the oath of office as President. There is no mandate for his agenda, nor a clearer understanding of what that agenda really is, even after his address.”
“As I have always done, I will continue working with members of both parties to deliver results for Rhode Island. I hope President Trump will do the same.”
"If President Trump, however, intends to continue down the path he started today, dividing Americans and offering empty promises instead of real solutions, then I will continue to fight him every step of the way.”
David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
“Initially, I was inclined to attend the inauguration of the 45th president of our great nation. Like most Americans, I have viewed presidential inaugurations as a ceremonial rite of passage, and representing the people of the Ninth Congressional District of New York at the transition in the governance of our nation was understood as a tradition.
“Unfortunately, I cannot honor this inclination when the normal democratic process has so clearly been undermined. To state the matter simply, the 2016 presidential election lacks integrity. There remains an overriding factor: the deliberate attack by the Russian government on the most sacred exercise of our political process, the election of the President of the United States. With my colleague Congressman John Lewis, I have very real concerns about the legitimacy of the next President of the United States. I believe that we all have an obligation to the American people to have the United States intelligence community and an independent, bipartisan commission thoroughly investigate the hostile intrusion by the Russian government into American politics. As a member of Congress, I have received briefings from intelligence officials about the highly-sophisticated and unprecedented Russian propaganda campaign and massive cyber-attack – done at the behest of the leadership of the Russian government and executed by governmentally sanctioned intelligence agencies and their affiliates – intended to disrupt the presidential election. The success of the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta and the possibility that additional information could compromise and undermine the incoming administration presents a very serious threat to our democracy. We must engage in a thorough investigation to know the truth about the 2016 presidential election, wherever this may lead us.
“In addition, I am deeply concerned about the threat Donald Trump presents to the community I am honored to represent. In his victory speech, Donald Trump promised to unite us as a president for all Americans. But his actions since then reveal that the promise he made was merely words empty of any truth. In the wake of the election, our nation experienced a spike in hate crimes, yet there was no denouncing of this activity by Donald Trump, not even a tweet. The appointments of individuals who have devoted their careers to denying the civil rights of and creating a false, demeaning narrative about African Americans, Latinos, women, Muslims, and immigrants, as with Senator Sessions as Attorney General and Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist, demonstrate that Donald Trump plans to try to restore some of the worst chapters from our nation's history. But we will not turn back. Standing alongside me are millions of Americans who are extremely concerned that Donald Trump and members of his administration are hostile to our communities and, indeed, to our very humanity. Donald Trump's recent insults directed at Congressman Lewis, who risked his life and was brutally attacked and nearly killed marching in Selma, Alabama, for the right to vote, are part of a pattern of divisiveness that should not have any audience in our civil society. Anyone who hoped that the magnitude of the Office of President of the United States would change the man who cruelly insulted Senator McCain’s wartime record or Gold Star parents Khizr and Ghazala Khan has assuredly been disappointed in Donald Trump’s performance thus far. Today, as we honor the life and work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it is in his spirit that I formally announce that I cannot in good faith attend the inauguration of a President who threatens the people I represent and the values that we hold dear. Instead, I’ll be in Brooklyn with my constituents.”
Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY, 9th)
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after reports that President-elect Donald Trump is planning dramatic cuts to several important federal programs.
“On the eve of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, I fear that America will soon be thrust into cultural and societal deterioration, a new Dark Ages,” said Congressman Steve Cohen. “According to a report by The Hill, President-elect Trump and his team are planning to eliminate the Minority Business Development Agency and the Legal Services Corporation, both of which help minority groups participate in the American dream. Trump plans to eliminate the COPS program and the Office of Violence Against Women Grants, both of which help fight crime in our communities. Trump plans to eliminate the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities, both of which support the cultural participation in America. Trump plans to eliminate the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, both of which would be detrimental to our environment. And Trump plans to privatize the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, limiting the freedom of press guaranteed by our Constitution. Many of these programs are essential to my constituents and for the health, safety and well-being of people all across the country. If they are eliminated, there will be far-reaching negative consequences for the country, setting us back decades. I implore President-elect Trump to preserve these programs.”
According to The Hill, the following federal programs (among others) are being considered by the Trump Administration to be reformed or eliminated:
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Humanities
Minority Business Development Agency
Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women Grants
Department of Justice Office of Legal Services Corporation
Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Department of State Paris Climate Change Agreement
United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
“This presidential inauguration represents more than a celebration of an individual person or party, era or idea. While the peaceful transfer of power testifies to the success of the experiment known as American democracy, this inauguration also underscores the character uniting the citizens of our Republic.
“Our nation was built on principles of universal human dignity and inalienable rights, and our nation stands or falls based on their endurance. I’ve witnessed individuals from both sides of the aisle taking the oath of the presidency, and I’ve seen during these transitions that Americans have an unmatched capacity for humility and mutual respect, regardless of differences in political philosophy. We continue to believe that our fellow men and women have inherent, unquestionable worth, and we draw on this confidence to chart a brighter path forward.
“Americans have chosen President Donald J. Trump to lead us into this new chapter, which I believe will be marked by relief from policies that stifle American creativity, growth, and freedom and by investment in the people who have trusted one another—through the democratic process—to make America greater than she has ever been before.
“I look forward to working with President Trump and Vice President Pence to that end.”
Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th)
“A troubling inaugural address. President Trump offered a dark, dystopian, and defiant inaugural speech that begins a new presidency without aspiration or reconciliation. It failed to unify or reach out to the entire nation, and insists on Trump's view of patriotism and triumphalism. Its insistent nationalism can only encourage Moscow and disconcert our allies.”
Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th)
The White House announced the commutation of the sentences of hundreds of individuals this week, which brings President Obama’s record to 1,715 commutations in total.
“I plan to attend President-Elect Trump’s inauguration. This is a decision each Member must make for himself or herself. Like many of my colleagues, I have been fighting my entire life to create a more equal society for all Americans, so I certainly understand why some of them have come to the conclusion that they cannot attend.
“There are so many people who came before me who struggled so that African Americans could be full participants in our democracy. I believe that I honor their sacrifice by asserting my democratic right to attend an inauguration.
“The inauguration is bigger than President-Elect Trump. It is a chance for the world to witness our nation’s greatest ritual: the peaceful transfer of power. As millions of Americans witness the event, I want them to know that there will be Members of Congress present who will be vigilant to ensure that the Trump Administration is held to the highest ethical standards. Our democracy is the strongest in the world because our powerful executive is checked by an equally powerful legislative branch.
“All Members of Congress—Republicans and Democrats serving in the House and Senate—swore to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people. It is our responsibility to do everything in our power to make sure that our federal agencies operate the way they were intended, and in an efficient and effective manner.
“In two days, President-Elect Trump will control the world’s most powerful military and largest nuclear arsenal, and he will be the steward of the world’s largest economy. I fear that during his Administration, our political institutions will suffer a crisis of legitimacy. Many of our federal agencies, including the CIA and the FBI, will be tested.
“Unfortunately, House Republicans have made clear that they have no intention of checking the Trump Administration. Instead, they have become contortionists in their efforts to avoid doing their jobs and have coordinated with the Trump campaign in their attacks on our nation’s top ethics officials.
“Congress cannot sit by as a President fails to rectify his many conflicts of interest and refuses to acknowledge his impending violations of the Emoluments Clause. We must act as the last line of defense for our democracy, press Republicans to do their jobs, and hold President-Elect Trump accountable to the American people and the rule of law. We must also guard the progress that was made under President Obama by turning our protest into policy, and advancing legislation that will uplift the lives of the American people.”
Elijah Cummings (D-MD, 7th)
Bonamici and Costello introduced bipartisan legislation to help struggling student loan borrowers enroll in affordable repayment plans. The SIMPLE (Streamlining Income-driven, Manageable Payments on Loans for Education) Act allows at-risk borrowers to make more informed decisions about which repayment plans are right for them, and it automatically connects these borrowers with income-driven repayment plans before they default. Additionally, the SIMPLE Act automates the annual process of updating borrowers’ income information while enrolled in income-driven repayment plans, which will prevent unexpected increases in loan payments and help keep payments affordable.
Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the troubling deaths of over 20 pelicans and egrets in the Tampa Bay area last week, as well as the massive beaching of false killer whales this weekend that resulted in more than 80 deaths of these mammals. He is requesting the EPA test the toxicity of the surrounding waterways to see if these deaths are linked to poor water quality caused by harmful algal blooms.
Representative John Culberson (TX-07) has introduced the No Resettlement Without Consent Act, which allows governors, not the federal government, to decide if refugees can be resettled in their State
This legislation requires the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement to get a governor’s permission before refugees can be placed in a state.
News Bytes to Ponder...(horses, water, firearms, guns, maternity, outsourcing, Medicaid, illegal immigrants, )
A coalition of leading animal welfare groups has endorsed bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Vern Buchanan to permanently ban the killing of horses for human consumption in America and end the export of live horses to Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses.
The SAFE Act (Safeguard American Food Exports) is co-sponsored by Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., Ed Royce, R-Calif., and Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M.
Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) introduced H.R. 519, the Water and Agriculture Tax Reform Act of 2017 (WATER Act), a key legislative priority that Buck shepherded through committee last year and hopes to see on the House Floor in the 115th Congress. The legislation permits mutual water and storage delivery companies to retain their non-profit status even if they receive more than 15% of their revenue from non-member sources. The additional non-member revenue raised under the act must be used for maintenance, operations, and infrastructure improvements. By allowing these companies to raise additional revenue from non-members, they can invest in infrastructure improvements that allow them to offer more affordable water resources to their members.
Freshman Representative Ted Budd co-sponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. This bill provides law-abiding citizens with concealed carry permits the legal protection to carry in other states that recognize their own residents’ right to concealed carry.
The House of Representatives passed the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act (H.R. 315), introduced by Congressman Michael C. Burgess M.D. (R-TX), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA). The Improving Access to Maternity Care Act would increase data collection by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help place maternity care health professionals working in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) throughout geographic regions experiencing a health professional shortage.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced her first piece of legislation in the 115th Congress, continuing her focus on growing our economy and boosting our region’s manufacturing industry. She also held a press conference with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and colleagues from the industrial heartland to discuss the legislation.
The Overseas Outsourcing Accountability Act would require President-elect Donald Trump to develop a national strategy to stop outsourcing and allow Congress to measure its success through a review every two years. This legislation does not require Trump to follow a prescribed path; however, it would rein in his inconsistent behavior by requiring him to put a real strategy down on paper for working families to evaluate.
U.S. Representatives G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), David E. Price (NC-04), and Alma Adams (NC-12), the Democratic members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, sent a letter to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in strong support of a State Plan Amendment to expand Medicaid in the State of North Carolina.
Medicaid expansion is a core provision of the Affordable Care Act. Under North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s proposal, North Carolina will receive $4 billion in federal funding while saving over $330 million in uncompensated care. Studies have shown that expanding Medicaid in North Carolina will provide access to care for over half a million state residents, streamline care delivery, and create tens of thousands of new jobs.
Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) reintroduced legislation aimed at preventing criminal illegal immigrants from being released from custody. The Help Ensure Legal Detainers (HELD) Act, H.R. 514, would require localities to adhere to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers.
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and U.S. Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, R-Ga.-01, introduced legislation in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to expand and protect Fort Frederica National Monument located on St. Simons Island, Ga.
Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03) along with Rep. John Carter (TX-31) introduced a bill to cut through the red tape on owning firearm suppressors. The Duncan-Carter Hearing Protection Act will remove suppressors from the scope of the National Firearms Act (NFA), replacing the outdated federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check )NICS). The bill also includes a provision to refund the $200 transfer tax to applicants who purchase a suppressor after October 22, 2015, which was the original date of introduction. In stark contrast, many countries in Europe place no regulations on their purchase, possession, or use.
The SAFE Act (Safeguard American Food Exports) is co-sponsored by Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., Ed Royce, R-Calif., and Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M.
Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) introduced H.R. 519, the Water and Agriculture Tax Reform Act of 2017 (WATER Act), a key legislative priority that Buck shepherded through committee last year and hopes to see on the House Floor in the 115th Congress. The legislation permits mutual water and storage delivery companies to retain their non-profit status even if they receive more than 15% of their revenue from non-member sources. The additional non-member revenue raised under the act must be used for maintenance, operations, and infrastructure improvements. By allowing these companies to raise additional revenue from non-members, they can invest in infrastructure improvements that allow them to offer more affordable water resources to their members.
Freshman Representative Ted Budd co-sponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. This bill provides law-abiding citizens with concealed carry permits the legal protection to carry in other states that recognize their own residents’ right to concealed carry.
The House of Representatives passed the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act (H.R. 315), introduced by Congressman Michael C. Burgess M.D. (R-TX), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA). The Improving Access to Maternity Care Act would increase data collection by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help place maternity care health professionals working in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) throughout geographic regions experiencing a health professional shortage.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced her first piece of legislation in the 115th Congress, continuing her focus on growing our economy and boosting our region’s manufacturing industry. She also held a press conference with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and colleagues from the industrial heartland to discuss the legislation.
The Overseas Outsourcing Accountability Act would require President-elect Donald Trump to develop a national strategy to stop outsourcing and allow Congress to measure its success through a review every two years. This legislation does not require Trump to follow a prescribed path; however, it would rein in his inconsistent behavior by requiring him to put a real strategy down on paper for working families to evaluate.
U.S. Representatives G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), David E. Price (NC-04), and Alma Adams (NC-12), the Democratic members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, sent a letter to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in strong support of a State Plan Amendment to expand Medicaid in the State of North Carolina.
Medicaid expansion is a core provision of the Affordable Care Act. Under North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s proposal, North Carolina will receive $4 billion in federal funding while saving over $330 million in uncompensated care. Studies have shown that expanding Medicaid in North Carolina will provide access to care for over half a million state residents, streamline care delivery, and create tens of thousands of new jobs.
Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) reintroduced legislation aimed at preventing criminal illegal immigrants from being released from custody. The Help Ensure Legal Detainers (HELD) Act, H.R. 514, would require localities to adhere to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers.
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and U.S. Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, R-Ga.-01, introduced legislation in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to expand and protect Fort Frederica National Monument located on St. Simons Island, Ga.
Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03) along with Rep. John Carter (TX-31) introduced a bill to cut through the red tape on owning firearm suppressors. The Duncan-Carter Hearing Protection Act will remove suppressors from the scope of the National Firearms Act (NFA), replacing the outdated federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check )NICS). The bill also includes a provision to refund the $200 transfer tax to applicants who purchase a suppressor after October 22, 2015, which was the original date of introduction. In stark contrast, many countries in Europe place no regulations on their purchase, possession, or use.
Friday, January 13, 2017
First Responders, Transparancy, Sanctuary Cities, Whistleblowers, Tsunamis, Russia and Weather
U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) took to the House floor to speak on his legislation, the Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act (H.R. 437). The bill would help boost medical countermeasures for first responders in the event of an emergency, like a terrorist attack or hurricane.
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H.R. 5 was passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. The six bills included in H.R. 5 include:
Regulatory Accountability Act: Requires agencies to use less costly regulations to achieve a given objective. (Title I—Regulatory Accountability Act )
Separation of Powers Restoration Act: Repeals the Chevron and Auer doctrines and enables judges to “end judicial deference to bureaucrats’ statutory and regulatory interpretations.” (Title II – Separation of Powers Restoration Act)
Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act: Requires agencies to explain how their actions affect small business owners, employees, and customers. (Title III—Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act)
REVIEW Act: Prevents new rules with billion-dollar annual costs from taking effect until litigation against them has been resolved. It would not affect current regulations. (Title IV—REVIEW Act)
ALERT Act: Requires agencies to publish already-mandatory transparency reports that they regularly dodge. (Title V—ALERT Act)
Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act: Requires agencies to publish summaries of their new rules in plain English. (Title VI—Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act)
Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-01) introduced H. J. Res. 100, a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that would provide states with the authority to repeal any federal rule or regulation if two-thirds of the states are in agreement.
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Congressman Diane Black (R-TN-06) and Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. The legislation, introduced with the support of 59 House cosponsors and the backing of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), would withhold key federal funding streams from jurisdictions that forbid their law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials.
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The House of Representatives unanimously approved Congressman Rod Blum’s legislation to protect whistleblowers in the federal government by reauthorizing the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) through 2021.
The Office of Special Counsel is responsible for protecting federal employees from retaliation for whistleblowing on violations of law, mismanagement of funds, abuse of authority, or other prohibited practices within the federal government.
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Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) has introduced bipartisan legislation to help prepare coastal communities for tsunami. Several other Congressional members have sponsored the bill with Bonamici, including Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Don Young (R-AK), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Denny Heck (D-WA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Charlie Crist (D-FL), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA). This legislation will strengthen tsunami detection and warning systems, improve response and resiliency, and better protect communities vulnerable to tsunami. The legislation would complement local and state efforts to prepare for tsunami.
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Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Oversight Committee, released the following statement regarding the recent allegations of Russian possession of incriminating material involving President-elect Donald Trump and his campaign’s coordination with Russian officials:
“If true, the intelligence report outlining allegations of Russia’s possession of compromising personal and financial information about President-elect Donald Trump is beyond unsettling and sheds great light on Mr. Trump’s oddly sympathetic approach to Russia and its meddling in our election, as determined by our intelligence community. If substantiated or verified, I will call for a formal, bipartisan congressional investigation into these scandalous and disturbing allegations.”
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On January 4, 2017, the U.S. House passed H.R. 21, the Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017, a bill designed to provide greater congressional oversight of burdensome regulations issued during the final days of a president’s term.
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The U.S. House unanimously approved H.R. 353, the Lucas-Bridenstine Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act. This legislation prioritizes protecting lives and property.
This legislation is the product of a bipartisan effort. It directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to focus resources and effort to:
Rebalance NOAA funding to place a higher priority on weather-related research and activities;
Emphasize developing accurate forecasts and timely warnings of high impact weather events;
Create programs to extend warning lead times and improve forecasts for tornadoes and hurricanes;
Develop a plan to utilize advanced technology to regain U.S. superiority in weather modeling and forecasts;
Increase focus and continue development of seasonal forecasts and how to maximize information from these forecasts; and
Enhance coordination among various federal government weather stakeholders.
The legislation also authorizes and extends a NOAA pilot program already under way thanks to a partnership between the House Science Space and Technology and the House Appropriations Committee. Under this pilot program, NOAA has already issued two contracts to procure commercial satellite weather data. This pilot program could bring about a paradigm shift in how NOAA makes decisions about future procurement of critical weather data.
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H.R. 5 was passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. The six bills included in H.R. 5 include:
Regulatory Accountability Act: Requires agencies to use less costly regulations to achieve a given objective. (Title I—Regulatory Accountability Act )
Separation of Powers Restoration Act: Repeals the Chevron and Auer doctrines and enables judges to “end judicial deference to bureaucrats’ statutory and regulatory interpretations.” (Title II – Separation of Powers Restoration Act)
Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act: Requires agencies to explain how their actions affect small business owners, employees, and customers. (Title III—Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act)
REVIEW Act: Prevents new rules with billion-dollar annual costs from taking effect until litigation against them has been resolved. It would not affect current regulations. (Title IV—REVIEW Act)
ALERT Act: Requires agencies to publish already-mandatory transparency reports that they regularly dodge. (Title V—ALERT Act)
Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act: Requires agencies to publish summaries of their new rules in plain English. (Title VI—Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act)
Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-01) introduced H. J. Res. 100, a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that would provide states with the authority to repeal any federal rule or regulation if two-thirds of the states are in agreement.
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Congressman Diane Black (R-TN-06) and Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. The legislation, introduced with the support of 59 House cosponsors and the backing of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), would withhold key federal funding streams from jurisdictions that forbid their law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials.
=====
The House of Representatives unanimously approved Congressman Rod Blum’s legislation to protect whistleblowers in the federal government by reauthorizing the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) through 2021.
The Office of Special Counsel is responsible for protecting federal employees from retaliation for whistleblowing on violations of law, mismanagement of funds, abuse of authority, or other prohibited practices within the federal government.
=====
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) has introduced bipartisan legislation to help prepare coastal communities for tsunami. Several other Congressional members have sponsored the bill with Bonamici, including Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Don Young (R-AK), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Denny Heck (D-WA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Charlie Crist (D-FL), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA). This legislation will strengthen tsunami detection and warning systems, improve response and resiliency, and better protect communities vulnerable to tsunami. The legislation would complement local and state efforts to prepare for tsunami.
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Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Oversight Committee, released the following statement regarding the recent allegations of Russian possession of incriminating material involving President-elect Donald Trump and his campaign’s coordination with Russian officials:
“If true, the intelligence report outlining allegations of Russia’s possession of compromising personal and financial information about President-elect Donald Trump is beyond unsettling and sheds great light on Mr. Trump’s oddly sympathetic approach to Russia and its meddling in our election, as determined by our intelligence community. If substantiated or verified, I will call for a formal, bipartisan congressional investigation into these scandalous and disturbing allegations.”
=====
On January 4, 2017, the U.S. House passed H.R. 21, the Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017, a bill designed to provide greater congressional oversight of burdensome regulations issued during the final days of a president’s term.
=====
The U.S. House unanimously approved H.R. 353, the Lucas-Bridenstine Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act. This legislation prioritizes protecting lives and property.
This legislation is the product of a bipartisan effort. It directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to focus resources and effort to:
The legislation also authorizes and extends a NOAA pilot program already under way thanks to a partnership between the House Science Space and Technology and the House Appropriations Committee. Under this pilot program, NOAA has already issued two contracts to procure commercial satellite weather data. This pilot program could bring about a paradigm shift in how NOAA makes decisions about future procurement of critical weather data.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Deporting Aliens, Obamacare and Religion in the Military
Rep. Babin Re-Introduces Criminal Alien Deportation Enforcement Act
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On the first day of the 115th Congress, U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) reintroduced his Criminal Alien Deportation Enforcement Act (H.R. 82), a common-sense bill that will withhold foreign aid and travel visas from any country that refuses to take back one their citizens who has been criminally detained and ordered to be deported from the United States. Last Congress, the legislation (H.R. 5224) received over 50 co-sponsors, including one Democrat.
Under President-elect Trump, the bill faces renewed interest as he has voiced his strong support for punishing countries that refuse to accept deportations. The President-elect states in his ten-point immigration plan that we need to “Ensure that other countries take their people back when we order them deported.”
“There is absolutely no reason that criminal aliens should be released back onto America’s streets, yet that is exactly what is happening by the thousands each and every year because their countries of origin refuse to take them back,” said Rep. Babin. “My bill upholds the rule of law and holds these countries accountable by stripping their foreign aid and travel visas if they fail to cooperate. President-elect Donald Trump has announced that deporting the roughly 2 million criminal aliens in our country would be a top priority for his presidency – and this legislation is a critical component to any such effort.”
According to a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee report, 86,288 illegal immigrants who committed 231,074 crimes were released by the Obama Administration since 2013. Among them was an illegal immigrant named Jean Jacques, whose native Haiti refused to accept him back after he served seventeen years for attempted murder. Within six months of his release from a U.S. prison, Jacques murdered Casey Chadwick, a 25 year-old young woman in Connecticut. Had Haiti been compelled to take Jacques back, Casey would be alive today.
“For the sake of Casey and thousands of other Americans who have been victimized, it is time we start putting the safety of our citizens first and stop this revolving door that is allowing dangerous criminals who should be deported back onto our streets,” said Rep. Babin.
Specifically, H.R. 82 would:
Withhold foreign aid to uncooperative countries that refuse to take back their citizens who are criminal aliens;
Suspend visas for countries that are deemed non-cooperative in repatriating their own citizens who are criminal aliens;
Make it easier to track non-cooperative countries by mandating that the Department of Homeland Security submit to Congress a report every three months listing the uncooperative countries; and
Provide the victims of crimes committed by criminal aliens standing in federal court to sue for deportation of such criminal aliens.
Congressman Andy Biggs Introduces "Grant's Law"
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) introduced Grant’s Law to end the “catch and release” of illegal immigrants who have been arrested for deportable crimes. This bill ensures that these illegal aliens are not released back into our communities, which would prevent potential harm to law-abiding Americans. Rep. Biggs released the following statement:
“Grant Ronnebeck was gunned down on January 22, 2015 at a convenience store by an illegal immigrant in Mesa, Arizona. The illegal immigrant, a convicted felon, was free on bond while facing deportation. Grant’s Law would have prevented this terrible tragedy.
“I have had the privilege of getting to know Grant Ronnebeck’s family and want to express my sincere condolences to them – and to the families of all victims of violence perpetrated by illegal immigrant criminals.
“Without the Obama administration’s abject failure to protect innocent American lives, Grant’s murder would not have occurred. I am introducing this law in Grant’s memory to prevent this senseless violence from occurring again.”
Grant’s Law was introduced as the Stop Catch and Release Act in the 114th Congress by Congressman Matt Salmon.
BARLETTA CALLS FOR AMERICAN EMBASSY IN ISRAEL TO MOVE TO JERUSALEM
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) has joined 101 of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in urging President-Elect Donald J. Trump to move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. During the presidential campaign, the president-elect strongly supported the move to Jerusalem, which Israel considers to be its capital city. Currently, the U.S. embassy in Israel is the only American embassy not located in the capital as identified by the host nation. The members of Congress sent a letter to Trump, urging him to take “swift action” on the matter after he is sworn in on January 20, 2017.
“During your campaign, you made a forceful pledge to move our American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which is the eternal capital of the Jewish people and the state of Israel,” the letter reads. “We write to express support for this policy and to urge you to take swift action to relocate our embassy to Jerusalem as soon as you take office.”
The support for the change in the U.S. embassy’s location comes less than three weeks after the Obama Administration failed to veto a stridently anti-Israel resolution before the United Nations Security Council. It had been the longstanding policy and practice of the U.S. to oppose or veto any resolutions condemning Israel at the U.N., a tradition Obama himself had observed until he allowed the anti-Israel vote two days before Christmas.
“This action is all the more urgent in light of the anti-Israel Resolution 2334, adopted by the United Nations Security Council on December 23, 2016,” the letter continues. “The resolution invites renewed diplomatic hostility and economic warfare against Israel, and we must act urgently to mitigate its consequences and to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Israel.”
Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, passed by Congress, the embassy was to be relocated to Jerusalem by 1999. The legislation provided the president the authority to indefinitely delay the move, which is what has happened since its passage. The Trump Administration could move the embassy using its existing authority granted by Congress.
Congresswoman Beatty Votes Against House Republican Rules Package
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On January 3, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives enacted The Rules Package for the 115th Congress, H.Res. 5, on a party-line vote of 234 to 193. The adopted rules package will impose a fine against a Member of Congress for the use of electronic photography, audio, visual, recording or broadcasting on the House Floor—an unprecedented move by House Republicans in reaction to the House Democratic sit-in to force votes on gun violence prevention legislation on June 22 and 23. Following passage of the resolution, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) stated,
“Although Congressional Republicans finally reversed course on their plan to eliminate the independent Office of Congressional Ethics, they refuse to budge on a provision that will hamper a Member of Congress’ ability to fully voice the concerns of their constituency. The politically-motivated provision inserted into the House Rules Package was designed to punish House Democrats, including me, who spoke out on the need for gun violence prevention legislation, but in reality it will actually affect Democrats and Republicans alike. I refuse to support such an unprecedented move.”
Prior to full consideration by the House, Congressional Republicans also included language in the rules package to eliminate the independent Office of Congressional Ethics, preventing it from reviewing anonymous complaints and placing its authority under control of the Committee on Ethics which is controlled by Members of Congress. Reaction to the Republicans’ plan to gut the independent ethics committee was met with swift pushback from Americans across the political spectrum, forcing Republicans to make a late change to the rules package only hours before the scheduled vote on the House Floor.
India Caucus Chair Rep. Ami Bera Calls Army Religious Accommodation Policy Change ‘Strong Step Forward’ for Sikh Americans
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7), Chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, applauded the Army’s Religious Accommodation Policy as an important step forward for Sikh Americans in the Army.
The January 3 update allows for Sikh Americans in the Army to receive career-long accommodations to wear articles of faith, such as a turban or beard, and to gain that approval from a brigade-level commander. Observant Sikhs must avoid shaving their beards, and maintain their hair uncut under a turban.
“This is an important step in ensuring that our military can draw on the best and brightest patriots our nation has to offer, no matter what their faith or culture,” said Rep. Ami Bera.
Prior to the announcement, Sikhs were required to submit to a religious accommodation process granting them limited, impermanent permission to wear articles of faith through the Secretary of the Army.
Last month, in concert with the Sikh Coalition, Bera advocated for a constituent from California’s 7th District, Private Shabaddeep Singh Jammu, to obtain long-term religious accommodation.
“Ever since I was 18, I’ve wanted to enlist, so this is a dream come true,” said Shabaddeep Singh Jammu. “This is a step toward showing America that as Sikhs we love this country, that this is really our country, and I hope to see one day that every Sikh can serve in the military without needing a religious accommodation,” said Shabaddeep Singh Jammu.
“As a patriotic Sikh American, the ideals of service and moral character that Private Jammu holds are both prized by the Army and integral to his faith. We are better served when Private Jammu is serving the country that he loves, and I’m happy that all Sikhs in the army will be eligible for that same long-term accommodation,” said Rep. Ami Bera.
Since taking office, Bera has led a years-long effort on behalf of Sikhs in law enforcement, sport, and the military.
Bera, along with Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), pushed the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to change its policy requiring Sikhs and other players to remove articles of faith during international competition, in addition to multipleletters signed by dozens of Members of Congress urging FIBA’s board to end its discriminatory policy against players who wear turbans.
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler Urges Replacement Health Care Solutions to Accompany ACA Repeal Efforts
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Jaime Hierrera Beutler (R-WA, 3rd) sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to ensure Congress pursues replacement health care solutions simultaneously with efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
The text of Jaime’s letter to Speaker Paul Ryan follows:
Dear Speaker Ryan:
As Congress approaches the significant task of undoing the damage that has been done to Americans’ health care and the U.S. economy by repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I urge you to undertake the implementation of replacement health care solutions with equal urgency and purpose.
I know we share the same vision when it comes to Americans’ health care: to make it more affordable, accessible and higher quality for all citizens. Your leadership with regard to the ACA to this point should be commended; you’ve recognized that rather than trying to patch the massive problems of a fundamentally flawed program, we must take aggressive action before the system falls in on itself. However, please keep in mind that repealing the ACA is only one step in the process -- not our final goal.
It’s vital that we move forward with replacing the ACA in a manner that doesn't cause additional disruption to those families who have already endured higher costs and the loss of their doctors and plans since the ACA was forced upon them. As such, any action to repeal on the U.S. House floor should be accompanied by a simultaneous and immediate strategy for replacing it. For instance, as we unravel the portions of the law that did not reduce health care costs, but instead sought to make prices artificially low through taxpayer-funded subsidies, we should simultaneously debate and vote on a replacement solution that would eliminate the restriction on a citizen of Washington state from purchasing a health care plan from another state that costs less and better suits her specific needs.
Since the inception of the law, the ACA has been consistently opposed by a majority of Americans. Despite the problems that have fueled its unpopularity, advocates for the law have stubbornly dismissed or denied the difficulties it has caused. Americans want our party to do better with their health care. If we simply eliminate the ACA without an equal commitment to immediately replacing it with more patient-centered solutions, we risk repeating the Democrats’ mistakes and losing the trust of Americans we’ve worked so hard to earn.
As someone who has worked to improve health care for all residents throughout my career in public service, I offer my time, energy and support to you in pursuit of an immediate replacement plan for the ACA.
Sincerely,
Jaime Herrera Beutler
Member of Congress
Don Beyer: Repealing ACA Would Cost Virginia's Economy Billions Of Dollars And 50,000-100,000 Jobs
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th) pledged to fight any Republican proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as a new study from George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health and the Commonwealth Fund suggested that such a repeal would have dire effects on Virginia’s economy.
“The Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act will have disastrous consequences for Virginia,” said Rep. Beyer. “Hundreds of thousands of our neighbors will lose life-saving, affordable health coverage. The state also stands to lose as many as 100,000 jobs, $30 billion in gross state product, and $50 billion in business output. This is unacceptable and irresponsible.”
The job losses predicted by the Commonwealth Fund/GW study would hit as early as 2019, while the large damage to the state economy is estimated for the first five years (2019-2023) following repeal of the law.
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On the first day of the 115th Congress, U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) reintroduced his Criminal Alien Deportation Enforcement Act (H.R. 82), a common-sense bill that will withhold foreign aid and travel visas from any country that refuses to take back one their citizens who has been criminally detained and ordered to be deported from the United States. Last Congress, the legislation (H.R. 5224) received over 50 co-sponsors, including one Democrat.
Under President-elect Trump, the bill faces renewed interest as he has voiced his strong support for punishing countries that refuse to accept deportations. The President-elect states in his ten-point immigration plan that we need to “Ensure that other countries take their people back when we order them deported.”
“There is absolutely no reason that criminal aliens should be released back onto America’s streets, yet that is exactly what is happening by the thousands each and every year because their countries of origin refuse to take them back,” said Rep. Babin. “My bill upholds the rule of law and holds these countries accountable by stripping their foreign aid and travel visas if they fail to cooperate. President-elect Donald Trump has announced that deporting the roughly 2 million criminal aliens in our country would be a top priority for his presidency – and this legislation is a critical component to any such effort.”
According to a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee report, 86,288 illegal immigrants who committed 231,074 crimes were released by the Obama Administration since 2013. Among them was an illegal immigrant named Jean Jacques, whose native Haiti refused to accept him back after he served seventeen years for attempted murder. Within six months of his release from a U.S. prison, Jacques murdered Casey Chadwick, a 25 year-old young woman in Connecticut. Had Haiti been compelled to take Jacques back, Casey would be alive today.
“For the sake of Casey and thousands of other Americans who have been victimized, it is time we start putting the safety of our citizens first and stop this revolving door that is allowing dangerous criminals who should be deported back onto our streets,” said Rep. Babin.
Specifically, H.R. 82 would:
Withhold foreign aid to uncooperative countries that refuse to take back their citizens who are criminal aliens;
Suspend visas for countries that are deemed non-cooperative in repatriating their own citizens who are criminal aliens;
Make it easier to track non-cooperative countries by mandating that the Department of Homeland Security submit to Congress a report every three months listing the uncooperative countries; and
Provide the victims of crimes committed by criminal aliens standing in federal court to sue for deportation of such criminal aliens.
Congressman Andy Biggs Introduces "Grant's Law"
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) introduced Grant’s Law to end the “catch and release” of illegal immigrants who have been arrested for deportable crimes. This bill ensures that these illegal aliens are not released back into our communities, which would prevent potential harm to law-abiding Americans. Rep. Biggs released the following statement:
“Grant Ronnebeck was gunned down on January 22, 2015 at a convenience store by an illegal immigrant in Mesa, Arizona. The illegal immigrant, a convicted felon, was free on bond while facing deportation. Grant’s Law would have prevented this terrible tragedy.
“I have had the privilege of getting to know Grant Ronnebeck’s family and want to express my sincere condolences to them – and to the families of all victims of violence perpetrated by illegal immigrant criminals.
“Without the Obama administration’s abject failure to protect innocent American lives, Grant’s murder would not have occurred. I am introducing this law in Grant’s memory to prevent this senseless violence from occurring again.”
Grant’s Law was introduced as the Stop Catch and Release Act in the 114th Congress by Congressman Matt Salmon.
BARLETTA CALLS FOR AMERICAN EMBASSY IN ISRAEL TO MOVE TO JERUSALEM
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) has joined 101 of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in urging President-Elect Donald J. Trump to move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. During the presidential campaign, the president-elect strongly supported the move to Jerusalem, which Israel considers to be its capital city. Currently, the U.S. embassy in Israel is the only American embassy not located in the capital as identified by the host nation. The members of Congress sent a letter to Trump, urging him to take “swift action” on the matter after he is sworn in on January 20, 2017.
“During your campaign, you made a forceful pledge to move our American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which is the eternal capital of the Jewish people and the state of Israel,” the letter reads. “We write to express support for this policy and to urge you to take swift action to relocate our embassy to Jerusalem as soon as you take office.”
The support for the change in the U.S. embassy’s location comes less than three weeks after the Obama Administration failed to veto a stridently anti-Israel resolution before the United Nations Security Council. It had been the longstanding policy and practice of the U.S. to oppose or veto any resolutions condemning Israel at the U.N., a tradition Obama himself had observed until he allowed the anti-Israel vote two days before Christmas.
“This action is all the more urgent in light of the anti-Israel Resolution 2334, adopted by the United Nations Security Council on December 23, 2016,” the letter continues. “The resolution invites renewed diplomatic hostility and economic warfare against Israel, and we must act urgently to mitigate its consequences and to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Israel.”
Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, passed by Congress, the embassy was to be relocated to Jerusalem by 1999. The legislation provided the president the authority to indefinitely delay the move, which is what has happened since its passage. The Trump Administration could move the embassy using its existing authority granted by Congress.
Congresswoman Beatty Votes Against House Republican Rules Package
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On January 3, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives enacted The Rules Package for the 115th Congress, H.Res. 5, on a party-line vote of 234 to 193. The adopted rules package will impose a fine against a Member of Congress for the use of electronic photography, audio, visual, recording or broadcasting on the House Floor—an unprecedented move by House Republicans in reaction to the House Democratic sit-in to force votes on gun violence prevention legislation on June 22 and 23. Following passage of the resolution, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) stated,
“Although Congressional Republicans finally reversed course on their plan to eliminate the independent Office of Congressional Ethics, they refuse to budge on a provision that will hamper a Member of Congress’ ability to fully voice the concerns of their constituency. The politically-motivated provision inserted into the House Rules Package was designed to punish House Democrats, including me, who spoke out on the need for gun violence prevention legislation, but in reality it will actually affect Democrats and Republicans alike. I refuse to support such an unprecedented move.”
Prior to full consideration by the House, Congressional Republicans also included language in the rules package to eliminate the independent Office of Congressional Ethics, preventing it from reviewing anonymous complaints and placing its authority under control of the Committee on Ethics which is controlled by Members of Congress. Reaction to the Republicans’ plan to gut the independent ethics committee was met with swift pushback from Americans across the political spectrum, forcing Republicans to make a late change to the rules package only hours before the scheduled vote on the House Floor.
India Caucus Chair Rep. Ami Bera Calls Army Religious Accommodation Policy Change ‘Strong Step Forward’ for Sikh Americans
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7), Chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, applauded the Army’s Religious Accommodation Policy as an important step forward for Sikh Americans in the Army.
The January 3 update allows for Sikh Americans in the Army to receive career-long accommodations to wear articles of faith, such as a turban or beard, and to gain that approval from a brigade-level commander. Observant Sikhs must avoid shaving their beards, and maintain their hair uncut under a turban.
“This is an important step in ensuring that our military can draw on the best and brightest patriots our nation has to offer, no matter what their faith or culture,” said Rep. Ami Bera.
Prior to the announcement, Sikhs were required to submit to a religious accommodation process granting them limited, impermanent permission to wear articles of faith through the Secretary of the Army.
Last month, in concert with the Sikh Coalition, Bera advocated for a constituent from California’s 7th District, Private Shabaddeep Singh Jammu, to obtain long-term religious accommodation.
“Ever since I was 18, I’ve wanted to enlist, so this is a dream come true,” said Shabaddeep Singh Jammu. “This is a step toward showing America that as Sikhs we love this country, that this is really our country, and I hope to see one day that every Sikh can serve in the military without needing a religious accommodation,” said Shabaddeep Singh Jammu.
“As a patriotic Sikh American, the ideals of service and moral character that Private Jammu holds are both prized by the Army and integral to his faith. We are better served when Private Jammu is serving the country that he loves, and I’m happy that all Sikhs in the army will be eligible for that same long-term accommodation,” said Rep. Ami Bera.
Since taking office, Bera has led a years-long effort on behalf of Sikhs in law enforcement, sport, and the military.
Bera, along with Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), pushed the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to change its policy requiring Sikhs and other players to remove articles of faith during international competition, in addition to multipleletters signed by dozens of Members of Congress urging FIBA’s board to end its discriminatory policy against players who wear turbans.
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler Urges Replacement Health Care Solutions to Accompany ACA Repeal Efforts
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Jaime Hierrera Beutler (R-WA, 3rd) sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to ensure Congress pursues replacement health care solutions simultaneously with efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
The text of Jaime’s letter to Speaker Paul Ryan follows:
Dear Speaker Ryan:
As Congress approaches the significant task of undoing the damage that has been done to Americans’ health care and the U.S. economy by repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I urge you to undertake the implementation of replacement health care solutions with equal urgency and purpose.
I know we share the same vision when it comes to Americans’ health care: to make it more affordable, accessible and higher quality for all citizens. Your leadership with regard to the ACA to this point should be commended; you’ve recognized that rather than trying to patch the massive problems of a fundamentally flawed program, we must take aggressive action before the system falls in on itself. However, please keep in mind that repealing the ACA is only one step in the process -- not our final goal.
It’s vital that we move forward with replacing the ACA in a manner that doesn't cause additional disruption to those families who have already endured higher costs and the loss of their doctors and plans since the ACA was forced upon them. As such, any action to repeal on the U.S. House floor should be accompanied by a simultaneous and immediate strategy for replacing it. For instance, as we unravel the portions of the law that did not reduce health care costs, but instead sought to make prices artificially low through taxpayer-funded subsidies, we should simultaneously debate and vote on a replacement solution that would eliminate the restriction on a citizen of Washington state from purchasing a health care plan from another state that costs less and better suits her specific needs.
Since the inception of the law, the ACA has been consistently opposed by a majority of Americans. Despite the problems that have fueled its unpopularity, advocates for the law have stubbornly dismissed or denied the difficulties it has caused. Americans want our party to do better with their health care. If we simply eliminate the ACA without an equal commitment to immediately replacing it with more patient-centered solutions, we risk repeating the Democrats’ mistakes and losing the trust of Americans we’ve worked so hard to earn.
As someone who has worked to improve health care for all residents throughout my career in public service, I offer my time, energy and support to you in pursuit of an immediate replacement plan for the ACA.
Sincerely,
Jaime Herrera Beutler
Member of Congress
Don Beyer: Repealing ACA Would Cost Virginia's Economy Billions Of Dollars And 50,000-100,000 Jobs
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th) pledged to fight any Republican proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as a new study from George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health and the Commonwealth Fund suggested that such a repeal would have dire effects on Virginia’s economy.
“The Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act will have disastrous consequences for Virginia,” said Rep. Beyer. “Hundreds of thousands of our neighbors will lose life-saving, affordable health coverage. The state also stands to lose as many as 100,000 jobs, $30 billion in gross state product, and $50 billion in business output. This is unacceptable and irresponsible.”
The job losses predicted by the Commonwealth Fund/GW study would hit as early as 2019, while the large damage to the state economy is estimated for the first five years (2019-2023) following repeal of the law.
Aguilar Joins Congressional Hispanic Caucus to Warn House Republicans of Consequences of Repealing the Affordable Care Act
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Pete Aguilar joined members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to warn House Republicans of the ramifications of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
“We'll go back to the days when people were denied coverage for having pre-existing conditions, where preventative screenings weren't covered and when simply being a woman was a pre-existing condition. That's shameful. It is unforgivable that House Republicans would choose to go back to that,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “In my community of San Bernardino County, 67 percent of health care recipients are from communities of color…House Republicans have viciously and mercilessly argued against strengthening the ACA because they claim to know better. It's been over six years – what’s your plan?”
According to Health Access California, repealing the Affordable Care Act without replacing it would cause an estimated 20 billion dollar loss to California health care. Recent data shows that nearly 40,000 residents in California’s 31st Congressional district and approximately five million throughout California have enrolled in Covered California since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. Additionally, nearly 200,000 San Bernardino County residents and over 80,000 people in California’s 31st Congressional District now receive health care through Medi-Cal since the ACA expansion.
Rep. Aguilar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He is committed to working with House Democrats and Republicans to improve the Affordable Care Act so it works for all Americans.
Congresswoman Alma Adams’ Speaks Out Against Censorship of Winner of Congressional Art Competition
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) sent a letter to Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA-50) expressing her strong opposition and disappointment to the removal of the artwork of Mr. David Pulphus, the high school artist and winner of Missouri’s 1st District Congressional Art Competition, from the exhibit in the U.S. Capitol.
“As a practicing professional artist and retired 40 year college art professor, I am appalled that Congressman Hunter would take any action that would degrade and censor a high school student who was chosen as an official winner of the Congressional Art Competition,” said Congresswoman Adams.
“Representative Hunter’s actions not only disregarded and disrespected Representative Clay’s decision to award Mr. Pulphus with this special Congressional honor, but also silenced the very real experience of those citizens in Mr. Clay’s district- and more specifically this young student’s right as an artist to express himself.
“Our founding fathers enshrined the freedom of speech in the Bill of Rights, but this irreverent action showed, not only a lack of respect for our freedoms and civil liberties, but also a blatant disregard for our Constitution. Freedom of speech, which includes visual expression, press, and a lack of censorship are values that we have not only fought for, but also values that Representative Hunter and I have been elected to protect.”
The next day, after sending this letter, the painting was replaced in its original spot.
Abraham letter to Trump: Move American Embassy to Jerusalem
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, joined U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., in leading a letter to President-Elect Donald Trump asking that the United States move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
More than 100 members of Congress signed the letter, which was mailed to Trump on Wednesday. Trump stated during his campaign that he, too, supports putting the American Embassy in Jerusalem.
"Israel is one of the United States' closest allies and stands alone in the Middle East for its commitment to democratic ideals. Moving the embassy will strengthen the unique alliance between Israel and the United States and send a clear message to the world that we support Israel in recognizing Jerusalem as its eternal capital," wrote the members.
The letter comes less than a week after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution that condemned the United Nations for its recent anti-Israel actions. Dr. Abraham was an original cosponsor of that resolution.
Dr. Abraham has visited Israel twice since taking office and has become one of the country's strongest allies in Washington. He most recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November where the two discussed the threats Israel faced from radical Islamic terrorists and how America and Israel can improve relations that have been strained over the past eight years by the Obama administration.
"Israel and her citizens live under the daily threat of attack from Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Nothing would send a stronger message of 'America stands with Israel' than to move our embassy to Jerusalem. Israel is the strongest democracy in the entire region, and as the global leaders of democracy, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with our Israeli allies," Dr. Abraham said.
Read the letter here.
More than 100 members of Congress signed the letter, which was mailed to Trump on Wednesday. Trump stated during his campaign that he, too, supports putting the American Embassy in Jerusalem.
"Israel is one of the United States' closest allies and stands alone in the Middle East for its commitment to democratic ideals. Moving the embassy will strengthen the unique alliance between Israel and the United States and send a clear message to the world that we support Israel in recognizing Jerusalem as its eternal capital," wrote the members.
The letter comes less than a week after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution that condemned the United Nations for its recent anti-Israel actions. Dr. Abraham was an original cosponsor of that resolution.
Dr. Abraham has visited Israel twice since taking office and has become one of the country's strongest allies in Washington. He most recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November where the two discussed the threats Israel faced from radical Islamic terrorists and how America and Israel can improve relations that have been strained over the past eight years by the Obama administration.
"Israel and her citizens live under the daily threat of attack from Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Nothing would send a stronger message of 'America stands with Israel' than to move our embassy to Jerusalem. Israel is the strongest democracy in the entire region, and as the global leaders of democracy, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with our Israeli allies," Dr. Abraham said.
Read the letter here.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
More News from the House on January 5, 2017
U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) today spoke at a press conference to introduce the Republican Study Committee's plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. The bill, the American Health Care Reform Act of 2017 (AHCRA), is sponsored by U.S. Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) and was introduced today in the House.
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U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, led nearly 60 of their colleagues Wednesday to introduce resolutions in the Senate and House stating the sense of Congress that President-elect Donald Trump should comply with the Constitution and follow the precedent established by prior presidents and convert his assets to simple, conflict-free holdings, adopt blind trusts managed by an independent trustees, or take other equivalent measures.
The resolutions note that in the absence of such actions by the President-elect before he assumes office or without specific authorization by Congress, Congress will regard dealings by Trump-owned companies with any entity owned by a foreign governmental actor as potential violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.
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U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, led nearly 60 of their colleagues Wednesday to introduce resolutions in the Senate and House stating the sense of Congress that President-elect Donald Trump should comply with the Constitution and follow the precedent established by prior presidents and convert his assets to simple, conflict-free holdings, adopt blind trusts managed by an independent trustees, or take other equivalent measures.
The resolutions note that in the absence of such actions by the President-elect before he assumes office or without specific authorization by Congress, Congress will regard dealings by Trump-owned companies with any entity owned by a foreign governmental actor as potential violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.
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