Nurses, Mobile Workforce, Obamacare, Trumpcare, Airport Security, Mental Healthcare, Aerospace Defenses, Outsourcing, Small Business, London, Russia, Veterans, Energy, Syria

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement After Introducing National Nurse Act of 2017
Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Johnson introduced the National Nurse Act of 2017, which would designate the Chief Nurse Officer position of the U.S. Public Health Service as “The National Nurse for Public Health.” Congresswoman Johnson released the following statement describing the importance of the bill:
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House Judiciary Committee Passes Rep. Johnson’s Mobile Workforce Bill
Henry C. (Hank) Johnson, Jr. (D-GA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s markup, Congressman Hank Johnson’s bipartisan Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017 passed the full House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19-2.
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ICYMI: Jordan reiterates opposition to current House Obamacare repeal bill on MSNBC’s Morning Joe
Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe this morning to discuss congressional efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. During the interview, Rep. Jordan reiterated his opposition to the American Health Care Act in its current form.
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IN LIGHT OF ENHANCED TSA AVIATION SECURITY PROCEDURES, REP. KATKO HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED NEED TO IMPROVE AVIATION AND AIRPORT SECURITY, SUPPORT TSA
John Katco (R-NY, 24th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s announcement that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has temporarily prohibited electronics in carry-on bags on certain U.S.-bound flights, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, highlighted the continued need to address evolving threats to aviation and to airports nationwide.
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KENNEDY: GOP BILL IS 'LARGEST ASSAULT ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN RECENT HISTORY'
Joseph P. Kennedy, 3rd (D-MA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
On the eve of a vote on the Republican health care repeal bill, Congressman Joe Kennedy III took to the House floor to highlight the devastating impact their legislation would have on those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders.
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REP. KHANNA CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONTRACTOR BUSINESS PRACTICES
Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
March 21, 2017
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) sent a letter today to the Defense Department Inspector General asking for an investigation into the business practices of aerospace company, TransDigm Group. Recent news reports indicate that TransDigm may be operating as a “hidden monopolist” and more information must be made available to the public on the company’s business practices.
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Kildee: Trumpcare will hurt Americans and our Economy
Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the Republican health care bill, known as Trumpcare. In his speech, Congressman Kildee called on his colleagues in Congress to vote against the bill that would mean higher costs for worse care and the loss of nearly two million jobs.
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Kilmer, Collins Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop the Outsourcing of American Jobs
Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)
March 23, 2017
Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Doug Collins (R-GA) reintroduced a bill to prevent employers from sending jobs overseas by abusing a temporary visa program. The legislation would stop employers that are awarded temporary visas through the H-1B program from using them to train workers in the United States then move those jobs to another country.
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Kuster: Making It Harder for Veterans to Afford Health Insurance is Un-American and Nonsensical
Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Today it was reported in the Washington Examiner that as many as 7 million veterans could lose access to tax credits for their health insurance under the Republican bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The proposed change comes as a result of yet another late night amendment to appease the Tea Party wing of the Republican party. Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement in response to the proposed change:
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KUSTOFF: OBAMACARE IS COLLAPSING, AND DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION
David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today said the following regarding the state of the Affordable Care Act.
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LaMalfa Votes to Empower Small Businesses
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. This bill creates Association Health Plans (AHP) that allow small businesses to join together to negotiate for the same low health care costs and high quality care that larger businesses and labor organizations have access to. AHPs will increase small businesses’ bargaining power, expand affordable coverage for working families, and lower administrative costs.
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Lamborn Praises Additional Healthcare Legislation
Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Lamborn has released the following statements regarding two pieces of healthcare legislation that passed the House of Representatives:
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Langevin Statement on London Attack
Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
“This attack killed several innocent people and injured many more, including a police officer who died in the line of duty. The proximity of the attack to the Houses of Parliament certainly seems symbolic, and I join my fellow lawmakers from across the Atlantic in solidarity to condemn this cowardly act."
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Larsen, Murray Renew Push to Expand Access to Reproductive Services for Injured Servicemembers, Veterans, and Their Families
Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced bills in the House and Senate to permanently allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer reproductive services to veterans with service-connected injuries, repealing a decades-old ban. The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2017 would also expand the fertility options available to servicemembers through the Department of Defense (DoD), give access to fertility treatment for spouses, allow VA to provide adoption assistance, and make VA’s highly successful child care pilot program permanent.
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Larson Renews Call for Independent Investigation into Russia
John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
March 23, 2017
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after it was revealed that Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-22), the Republican Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee shared information with the White House, before sharing it with the Committee
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Latta Authors Bill To Protect Consumers And Strengthen ENERGY STAR Program
Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Energy Star Program Integrity Act, to strengthen the popular ENERGY STAR program and protect consumers. The legislation fixes a gap in federal law that threatens the voluntary participation of manufacturers in the program, which ultimately harms consumers seeking energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that allows manufacturers to obtain ENERGY STAR labeling for products if specific energy saving guidelines are met.
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee: We Must Stop Endless War
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Lee led a bipartisan coalition of House members in demanding the Trump Administration halt escalating military engagement in Syria. The coalition included: Congressman Walter Jones, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Peter Welch, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Congressman Rick Nolan. The Members were also joined by Afghanistan War Veteran Richard Allen Smith.
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REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON REPORT OF TRUMP ASSOCIATES’ POSSIBLE COLLUSION WITH RUSSIA
Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding the CNN report that Trump associates possibly colluded with Russia to affect the outcome of the 2016 election in the United States.
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Lipinski Amendment Would Get Rid of the Giveaway to Health Insurance Companies and Executives in Republicans' Healthcare Bill
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
March 21, 2017
“The Republicans’ American Health Care Act (AHCA) does not help the middle class or make the healthcare system in the U.S. better, but it does have a tax giveaway for health insurance companies and their top executives. The Republican healthcare bill repeals a provision in current law that limits how much health insurance companies can deduct from their federal taxes for executive pay. Right now, health insurance companies can only deduct up to $500,000 of compensation per executive. Repealing this limit means that taxpayers would lose about $400 million in taxes from insurance companies over the next ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office. Health insurance companies have a right to decide how much they will pay their executives, but hard-working middle-class families should not be subsidizing this pay. This is bad policy, and I have offered an amendment to strike this break from the AHCA."
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LoBiondo Statement on the American Health Care Act
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today issued the following statement on the expected vote on the American Health Care Act:
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Loebsack Statement on Delaying the Healthcare Repeal Vote
David Loebsack (D-IA, 2nd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after House Republicans pushed back a scheduled vote on their plan to repeal the ACA. Republican leaders have been saying for the past week that there would be a vote on their repeal bill this evening
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Acquisition, Russia, Obamacare, Adoption, IMF, Medicaid, Border Wall, Labor Secretary, Cancer Screening, Veterans, Fort Leonard Wood, Water Infrastructure, Military, Marriage, ALS, Right to Work, Self Defense, Religious Liberty

House Passes Higgins' First Bill to Increase Efficiency of DHS Major Acquisition Programs
Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)
March 20, 2017
The bill, the DHS Acquisition Authorities Act of 2017, creates greater accountability for major acquisition programs within the Department of Homeland Security by ensuring proper oversight and implementing cost-saving budget measures.
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Himes: No Obama wiretapping, Trump Russia
Jim Himes (D-CT, 4th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Jim Himes released the following statement on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence’s hearing on Russian interference in our election, ties between the Trump campaign and Russian figures and President Trump’s claims that he was surveilled:
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HOYER, MEMBERS OF THE MARYLAND DELEGATION CALL ON GOVERNOR HOGAN TO OPPOSE REPUBLICANS' BILL TO REPEAL THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congressmen Elijah Cummings (MD-07), John Sarbanes (MD-03), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) at a press conference this morning calling on Governor Larry Hogan to oppose House Republicans’ bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.
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Reps. Huffman, Russell, Bass & Sens. Gillibrand, Lankford Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Adoption Standards Nationwide
Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd)
March 21, 2017
Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Steve Russell (R-OK), Karen Bass (D-CA) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the “National Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Act,” legislation that builds on successes in states like California to improve the matching of children and families in foster care and adoptions in the United States,
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Huizenga Introduces Bill to Oppose IMF’s Third Greek Bailout
Bill Huizinga (R-MI, 2nd)
March 17, 2017
Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the IMF Reform and Integrity Act. This legislation would require the U.S. to oppose the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) co-financing of a third Greek bailout with the European Stability Mechanism. If such co-financing were to go forward, the bill would prohibit the U.S. from supporting an IMF quota increase until funds are repaid in full.
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Hultgren to Speaker Ryan: New Medicaid Formula will Hurt Illinois
Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) sent a letter to Speaker Ryan yesterday urging House leadership to “seriously consider including provisions” to the American Health Care Act as the bill moves through the legislative process “that would put fairness and parity into the [Medicaid] formula that underpins funding to states. Additionally, as we move forward with health care reform, I am urging my colleagues to make broader structural reforms to Medicaid that are fair for recipients a top priority.”
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Reps. McSally and Hurd Call on DHS to Substantiate Funding Request for Border Wall
Will Hurd (R-TX, 23rd)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (AZ-02) and Will Hurd (TX-23), Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security’s Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee, sent an oversight letter asking for specific details of the Administration’s request for $999 million to plan, design, and construct the first installment of a border wall between the United States and Mexico.
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Alexander: Goal of Labor Secretary, Congress is to Create Environment for American Workers to Succeed in Rapidly Changing Workplace
Lamar Alexander - (R - TN)
March 22, 2017
The chairman of the Senate labor committee today said that the Labor Secretary and Congress’s goal is to create an environment for American workers to succeed in a rapidly changing workplace and that harmful Obama-era labor regulations have only made it harder for Americans to create, find, or keep good-paying jobs.
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Baldwin, Murray, Gillibrand Introduce Legislation to Increase Availability of Preventive, Life-Saving Cancer Screenings for Women
Tammy Baldwin - (D - WI)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Invest in Women’s Health Act of 2017, legislation to provide women with more preventive and life-saving cancer screenings at safety net clinics like Planned Parenthood. This bill would help reduce health disparities by placing an emphasis on populations most at risk, including low-income women and women of color.
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Barrasso: We Must Repair Damage Caused by Obamacare
John Barrasso - (R - WY)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding efforts to repair the damage caused by Obamacare.
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Bennet, Murphy, Tester Introduce Bill to Provide Mental Health Services for Veterans with Other-Than-Honorable Discharges
Michael F. Bennet - (D - CO)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Murphy (D-CN), and Jon Tester (D-MT) today introduced The Honor Our Commitment Act, requiring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide mental and behavioral health services to veterans who received other-than-honorable discharges.
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Blunt Applauds Expansion of Basic Combat Training Mission at Fort Leonard Wood
Roy Blunt - (R - MO)
March 20, 2017
“Fort Leonard Wood is the first stop for thousands of soldiers who answer the call to serve each year,” Blunt said. “The 10 incredibly challenging weeks they face in Basic Combat Training provide them with the knowledge, skills, and discipline to take on the threats we face. I’m proud that even more men and women will become soldiers in our state over the next year, and I'll continue backing efforts to ensure our military branches have the end strength they need to fulfill their missions.”
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Boozman Promotes Increased Flexibility for Managing Wastewater and Storm Water Projects
Boozman, John - (R - AR)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined efforts to provide communities with increased flexibility when complying with Clean Water Act requirements for updates to water infrastructure projects by helping introduce the Water Infrastructure Flexibility Act. The bill would also give communities more autonomy as they prioritize and plan for wastewater and storm water investments.
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Brown Introduces Legislation to Extend Higher Education Opportunities for Troops
Sherrod Brown- (D - OH)
March 21, 2017
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the Educational Development (ED) for Troops and Veterans Act, legislation to improve higher education opportunities for troops and military families.
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#FreeSpeechBus – It's Biology Not Bigotry
National Organization for Marriage
March 22, 2017
Marriage Supporter — I have an important announcement: NOM has joined with the International Organization for the Family (IOF) and CitizenGO, a community of active citizens who promote life, family and liberty, to sponsor a #FreeSpeechBus tour promoting the truth of gender. Starting today, our bus will make appearances at the United Nations, Trump Tower, Yale University and other locations with the message that gender is determined by biology rather than by emotions and feelings, and to call on all Americans to respect the free speech rights of citizens to debate these issues without fear of being demeaned, harassed, or threatened with retaliation.
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Scientists discover urinary biomarker that may help track ALS
National Institutes of Health
March 22, 2017
A study in Neurology suggests that analyzing levels of the protein p75ECD in urine samples from people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may help monitor disease progression as well as determine the effectiveness of therapies. The study was supported by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), both part of the National Institutes of Health.
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Worker Advocate Files Brief with Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Defense of Wisconsin Right to Work Law
National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation
March 21, 2017
National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys have filed a legal brief for six Wisconsin workers with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in defense of Wisconsin’s Right to Work law. The brief was filed after union lawyers appealed a district court judge’s decision to dismiss a challenge by union officials to Wisconsin’s Right to Work law.
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Minnesota: Your Urgent Action Needed to Ensure Self-Defense Bills Advance in the Legislature
NRA-ILA
March 22, 2017
Earlier this month, both House File 188, the constitutional/permitless carry bill, and House File 238, the stand your ground bill, were both held over by the House Committee on Public Safety & Security Policy and Finance with the intention of being included in the committee’s omnibus bill, House File 896. It is imperative that you contact Speaker Kurt Daudt, Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, and Committee Chairman Tony Cornish to voice support for the inclusion of both HF 188 and HF 238 in HF 896! Tell these legislators that law-abiding gun owners across Minnesota are eager to see these important self-defense bills move forward in the House of Representatives.
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First Liberty Institute Condemns Lawsuit Against Judge's Courtroom Invocations
First Liberty Institute
March 22, 2017
Yesterday evening, an activist group filed a lawsuit against Judge Wayne Mack over his practice of allowing volunteer chaplains to open his court sessions in prayer.
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Government Claims First Amendment Protects Only The "Right To Choose A Religion"
First Liberty Institute
March 21, 2017
Two police officers came to the home of Mary Anne Sause late at night and demanded to be let in to her apartment, without giving a specific reason for why they were there. The officers proceeded to harass Sause, telling her to prepare to go to jail, ordering her to stop praying in her own home, and saying the Constitution was “just a piece of paper.” Sause viewed the demand to stop praying as a direct violation of her religious freedom established in the First Amendment. First Liberty Institute is representing Sause before the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, arguing that no government official should tell someone to stop praying in his or her own home.
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Firearms, Healthcare, Students, Immigration, Wiretap, Military

Griffith, Hatch, Introduce Legislation to Improve Firearm Transportation Laws
Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have introduced legislation to address a critical gap in U.S. law related to the transportation of firearms. Under current regulations, many law-abiding Americans unwittingly violate disparate rules governing the transportation of firearms across state lines. Griffith and Hatch’s bills would amend the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 to clarify a number of key provisions.
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Grijalva Re-Introduces Legislation to Encourage Nutrition, Disease Prevention in Healthcare
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today reintroduced legislation for the third consecutive Congress that would encourage a stronger focus on nutrition and disease prevention in continuing medical education. The Education and Training (EAT) for Health Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidelines that ensure federally employed primary care providers learn more about the role nutrition can play in preventing cancer, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. While physicians are already required to earn a set number of continuing medical education credit hours each year, Grijalva’s bill would help ensure that federally employed providers spend a portion of those hours learning about nutrition.
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Guthrie, Bonamici Reintroduce Bipartisan Student Financial Literacy Bill
Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
March 20, 2017
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), chairman of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Vice Ranking Member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, today reintroduced the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act.
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GUTIÉRREZ ON HOMELAND SECURITY INITIATIVE TO SHAME STATE & LOCAL POLICE OVER IMMIGRATION POLICIES
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th)
March 20, 2017
Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) issued the following statement today in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement that they would begin publishing the “Declined Detainer Outcome Report,” (http://bit.ly/2nsx1c7) a report designated by one of Trump’s executive orders to shame state and local police departments who do not routinely hold immigrant prisoners without a federal warrant. By enumerating crimes committed by immigrants who were not held in violation of the Fourth Amendment until federal authorities came to deport them, the Trump Administration hopes to further attack so-called “sanctuary cities” that draw a bright line between local public safety activities and federal deportation activities.
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US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE HEARS FROM FBI DIRECTOR JAMES COMEY AND NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY DIRECTOR MIKE ROGERS
Colleen Hanabusa, (D-HI, 1st)
March 20, 2017
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence heard from FBI Director James Comey and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers today. FBI Director Comey testified that “[w]ith respect to the president’s tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI.” NSA Director Mike Rogers testified similarly and also refuted that President Obama asked British intelligence to intercept Trump’s communications. Both men characterized Russia as an adversary clearly interested in undermining the United States in many ways.
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Hartzler on Increase to Fort Leonard Wood Combat Training Mission
Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th)
March 20, 2017
Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Harrisonville) issued the following statement regarding the Army’s announcement it will increase troop levels for fiscal year 2017, increasing the number of soldiers expected to go through basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood:
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Meals on Wheels, Military Obscenity, Budget, Bereavement, Veterans Administration, Healthcare, Wiretapping, Hate Crimes, Todd Young, Tax Reform

Meals on Wheels could take funding hit in Trump budget
CNN
March 16, 2017
The preliminary outline for President Donald Trump's 2018 budget could slash some funding for a program that provides meals for older, impoverished Americans.
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Bipartisan Group of House Members Seek Additional Information on Marine Obscene Photo Sharing Scandal
Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
March 15, 2017
A Bipartisan group of Members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis seeking additional information on the reports that as many as 30,000 Marines are being investigated as part of their involvement in distributing and commenting on obscene photos of female Marines. The Members are specifically requesting “an update to the investigation conducted by NCIS and a detailed explanation of actions taken to date by the Marine Corps, Navy, and DoD.”
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Chairman Frelinghuysen statement on President's FY18 budget blueprint
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ, 11th)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, made the following statement today on the release of the President’s budget blueprint:
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Goodlatte Praises Committee Approval of Legislation to Honor Vietnam Veterans
Bob Goodlatte (R-VA, 6th)
March 16, 2017
Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the following statement upon House Judiciary Committee approval of the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 (S. 305) by voice vote:
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Reps. Gosar, Beyer, McSally, Schneider, Suozzi, Comstock Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Give Parents Time Off to Mourn Loss of a Child
Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ, 4th)
March 16, 2017
Today a bipartisan group of Representatives including Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Martha McSally (AZ-02), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Tom Suozzi (NY-03) and Barbra Comstock (VA-10) introduced the Sarah Grace-Farley-Kluger Act. This legislation would add “death of a child” as a life event that would qualify for unpaid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), allowing a grieving parent up to 12 weeks to deal with the trauma and then return to work.
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Rep. Tom Graves: Start Cleaning House at the VA
Tom Graves (R-GA, 14th)
March 16, 2017
Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) voted for and the House passed the VA Accountability First Act (H.R. 1259), which increases accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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Democratic Senators Ask Ethics Watchdog if Trump Trademarks Run Afoul of Constitution and Anti-Bribery Laws
Senator Tom Udall - (D - NM)
March 16, 2017
After President Trump and the Trump Organization were granted 38 trademarks by the Chinese Government, U.S Senators Tom Udall, Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 17 other senators wrote the Office of Government for guidance on whether the award betrays ethics laws, policies, or established norms. The senators also asked whether or not the government ethics watchdog was even consulted before the trademarks were sought or granted.
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Joint Statement from Senate Intel Committee Leaders on Wiretapping Evidence at Trump Tower
Mark R.Warner - (D - VA)
March 16, 2017
“Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016.”
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Senator Warren: Cruel GOP Health Care Bill Will Hurt Efforts to Address Opioid Crisis
Senator Elizabeth Warren- (D - MA)
March 16, 2017
In a Senate floor speech on Wednesday, Senator Elizabeth Warren raised concerns about how the Republican health care bill would hamper efforts in Massachusetts and across the country to address the opioid crisis.
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WHITEHOUSE STATEMENT ON TRUMP ‘SKINNY’ BUDGET
Sheldon Whitehouse- (D - RI)
March 16, 2017
“Looking at these pages makes me wonder what ‘America First’ means to President Trump. This proposal would gut programs that support jobs, education, and public health for all Americans, while handing out favors to the wealthy and big corporations. And it would abdicate American leadership in the world. It’s light on details, but it’s chock full of terrible ideas.
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Wyden, Merkley Join Congressional Members to Introduce “NO HATE” Act
Wyden, Ron - (D - OR)
March 16, 2017
Following a national surge in hate crimes, Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined Democratic legislators in the House and Senate to introduce legislation that would strengthen federal laws combatting hate speech, threats and attacks.
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Senator Young's statement on confirmation of Senator Dan Coats
Senator Todd Young
March 16, 2017
"Senator Coats will be an effective Director of National Intelligence. He has made our state proud, and I know he will serve our country well."
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Smith Statement on President Trump’s Budget Blueprint
House Committee on Science, Space and Technology
March 17, 2017
“Today President Trump took the first step in rebalancing and reprioritizing the federal budget. For far too long, vital programs have fallen by the wayside while climate funding continues to escalate. Hard decisions have to be made to better protect American taxpayers. This new budget continues to fund priority basic research that will enable policy makers to make informed decisions based on sound science.”
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Cafeteria Plans: A Menu of Non-Options for Small Business Owners
House Committee on Small Business
March 16, 2017
“Cafeteria plans are available across the board to large and mid-size companies, non-profits, schools, universities, and the federal government,” said Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access Chairman Dave Brat (R-VA) in his opening statement. “However, one major category of people who are not allowed to participate in a cafeteria plan is small business owners. They can sponsor these plans for their employees, but they cannot personally participate. This provides a disincentive to offering the plan in the first place.”
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House Passes Bill Improving VA’s Ability To Hire, Retain High-Quality Providers
House Committee on Veterans Affairs
March 17, 2017
H.R. 1367, introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup, contains a number of provisions that would strengthen VA’s ability to identify staffing shortages, recruit employees to fill vacant positions, quickly on-board new hires, and retain high-performing workers across the country. It also contains provisions that would improve leadership and accountability throughout VA and increase the number of veterans in the federal workforce.
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Support Continues to Grow for the House GOP Pro-Growth Tax Reform Blueprint
House Committee on Ways and Means
March 17, 2017
In his Joint Address to Congress on February 28, 2017, President Trump called for bold tax reform that will allow our country to “compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone.” House Republicans are ready to deliver. Our pro-growth tax reform Blueprint will unleash U.S. economic growth and provide unprecedented simplicity and fairness for all taxpayers.
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NEW POLL REVEALS AMERICANS BELIEVE US IS LOSING THE WAR AGAINST THE ISLAMIC STATE
Joni and Friends News
March 16, 2017
Less than one week before the Trump Administration’s 68-nation coalition focused on fighting the Islamic State meets in Washington March 22-23, an insightful new survey reveals a plurality of Americans believe we are losing the war against the Islamic State.
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Religious Liberty Law Firm: Chaplain Prayers Are Allowed on Military Base
Liberty Institute
March 14, 2017
On February 6, a special interest group sent a letter to Pease Air National Guard Base, demanding that the base commander forbid military chaplains from performing invocations at military events held on the base. The Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, an organization of chaplain endorsers that speaks for nearly half of all chaplains in the military, asked First Liberty Institute, a national religious freedom law firm, to advise the Air Force base on the constitutionality of the practice.
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NASA Acting Administrator Statement on Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal
NASA
March 16, 2017
“The President mentioned in his speech to both houses of Congress that, ‘American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.’ NASA is already working toward that goal, and we look forward to exciting achievements that this budget will help us reach."
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NAPO Calls for Resignation of Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala
National Association of Police Organizations
March 17, 2017
On behalf of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) and the more than 240,000 law enforcement officers we represent across the United States, especially those represented by the Florida Police Benevolent Association, we write to you to express our extreme concern and disappointment with your decision not to seek the death penalty for Markeith Loyd, who is charged with murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and then assassinating Orlando Lieutenant Debra Clayton as she tried to apprehend him.
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Trump Budget Abandons the Nation's Public Schools
National Association of Secondary School Principals
March 16, 2017
“The President’s proposed budget abandons the nation’s public schools at a time when states are working to implement the new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The nation’s school leaders are especially concerned about the elimination of Title II, Part A, which provide $2.4 billion in flexible funding for states and districts to improve teacher and principal quality. More than a decade of intensive research by the Wallace Foundation concluded that quality instruction and quality leadership are the two largest school-based factors in student achievement. As states are ramping up their school improvement plans under ESSA, the president is ramping down support for the very professionals committed to educating our nation’s students, 80 percent of whom are in public schools."
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Addressing the Intersection of Domestic Violence and HIV: What You Can Do To Help Survivors
National Network to End Domestic Violence
March 17, 2017
Since 2010, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has brought awareness to the intersection of domestic violence and HIV through the Positively Safe project. Positively Safe mobilizes domestic violence and HIV service providers and allies by building partnerships, increasing capacity, and enhancing linkage to care for persons exposed to domestic violence and HIV. At nearly double the national rate, 55 percent of women living with HIV have experienced domestic violence, and domestic violence victims have a 4x greater risk of contracting STIs, including HIV.
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Nurses: Proposed Budget Latest Attack on the Public Protections and the Most Vulnerable People
National Nurses United
March 16, 2017
National Nurses United sharply criticized President Trump’s proposed federal budget as a broad attack on public protections that also targets some of the nation’s most vulnerable people while shifting resources to the least needed areas.
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Budget, Travel Ban, Climate Change, Science and Technology, Employee Wellness Programs, Energy Prices, VISAs

Congressman Jeff Duncan Reacts to Presidential Budget Blueprint
Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
March 16, 2017
"As Mick said yesterday, ‘This is not a soft power budget, this is a hard power budget.’ I couldn’t agree more. It is long past time to shore up the nation’s defenses with the spending needed to modernize our military and improve readiness. Defending our country must always be the nation’s top priority, and this budget takes important steps in that direction."
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ENGEL STATEMENT ON LATEST DISTRICT COURT RULING AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP'S TRAVEL BAN
Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)
March 16, 2017
Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement on the U.S. District Court ruling which froze President Trump’s latest travel ban:
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Esty Statement on President Trump’s FY 18 Budget Outline
Elizabeth Esty (D-CT, 5th)
March 16, 2017
Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) today issued the following statement regarding the budget outline released by President Trump:
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Rep. Faso Cosponsors Resolution to Combat Climate Change
John Faso, (R-NY, 19th)
March 15, 2017
Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today joined 16 Republican members of the House to introduce a resolution that calls for using American innovation to preserve and protect our environment.
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FITZPATRICK STATEMENT ON WHITE HOUSE BUDGET PROPOSAL
Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)
March 16, 2017
“President Trump is a negotiator and, as such, this broad-stroke budget proposal should be treated as a starting point, not a final product. As a CPA, I appreciate the administration’s focus on fighting back against Washington’s overspending, and as a former counter-terror FBI agent, I appreciate the commitment to rebuild our military and support a robust foreign policy. However, I am very concerned about any proposed cuts to places like the EPA and State Department. We are requesting more information on the White House’s spending priorities – and I will fight for my own – during the upcoming budget debate.”
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Foster Introduces American Innovation Act
Bill Foster (D-IL, 11th)
March 16, 2017
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the American Innovation Act, a measure that would support the steady growth of federal investment in scientific and technological research.
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Setting the Record Straight: Q&A on Voluntary Employee Wellness Programs
Virginia Foxx (R-NC, 5th)
March 16, 2017
Voluntary employee wellness plans have long helped lower health care costs for working families and promote the health and wellbeing of employees. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, introduced the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act (H.R. 1313) to provide regulatory clarity so employers can have the certainty they need to continue offering their workers the option of participating in employee wellness programs. Unfortunately, critics of the bill are spreading false information to deny workers that option. Below are some basic facts to help set the record straight.
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SCHUMER VOWS TO PROTECT CRITICAL FED INVESTMENT
Charles E. Schumer- (D - NY)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today sounded the alarm and expressed serious concerns over reports that the administration will eliminate all funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)- the proposed elimination Schumer says would put countless community development and infrastructure projects at risk in Syracuse and across Central New York. Schumer promised to fight to protect the CDBG program, which is currently scheduled to receive $3 billion from HUD.
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Senator Scott, Congressman Rice Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Energy Prices
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced legislation that could help lower energy prices for millions of Americans. His legislation corrects an inefficiency in the United States tax code to allow more effective use of the nuclear production tax credit (PTC) to lower energy prices for consumers and mitigate the risk public-private partnerships incur when involved in the construction of first-in-a-generation nuclear power facilities.
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Senator Stabenow Statement on President Trump’s Budget Request that Completely Eliminates Great Lakes Funding
Senator Debbie Stabenow - (D - MI)
March 16, 2017
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget request, which completely eliminates funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:
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Statement on President Trump’s Budget Blueprint
Patrick J.Toomey - (R - PA)
March 16, 2017
"President Trump's budget blueprint proposes a significant increase in spending to strengthen national security, rebuild our neglected military, and honor our commitment to veterans with additional resources for the VA. To pay for these changes, it proposes reductions to non-defense programs. After years of overspending, I am encouraged that the President has proposed actual spending cuts and has committed to maintaining the overall cap on discretionary spending. I look forward to carefully examining each of the proposed reductions in this budget proposal."
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Tillis, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Legislation Authorizing Additional Visas for Afghan Interpreters, Support Staff
Senator Thom Tillis - (R - NC)
March 16, 2017
Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John McCain (R-AZ), and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide 2,500 more visas for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which allows Afghans, including interpreters, who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and face threats as a result of their service, to apply for refuge in the United States. The senators introduced their bill after the U.S. Embassy in Kabul officially stopped scheduling interviews for applicants seeking a visa through the Afghan SIV program. Last year, Senators Tillis, Shaheen, McCain, and Reed led efforts in the Senate to extend this vital national security program.
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Welfare, Sick Leave, Healthcare, Immigration, Manufacturing, Agro-Terrorism, Social Security, Death, Economy, Digital Privacy, Tax Reform, and more...

Davidson Introduces Legislation to Consolidate Redundant Welfare Programs
Warren Davidson (R-OH, 8th)
March 9, 2017
Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) has introduced the Welfare Benefit Reform and Alignment Commission (BRAC) Act which will create a bipartisan, eight-member commission tasked with formulating concrete solutions to reform more than 90 federal welfare programs which cost taxpayers almost $1 trillion a year.
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DeLauro, Murray Reintroduce Healthy Families Act to Allow Workers to Earn Paid Sick Days
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
March 15, 2017
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member on the Appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding the Department of Labor, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today reintroduced the Healthy Families Act, legislation that would allow workers to earn paid sick leave to use when they are sick, to care for a loved one, to obtain preventative care, or to address the impacts of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
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CBO RATING CONFIRMS WORKING FLORIDIANS WILL PAY MORE FOR LESS COVERAGE UNDER GOP HEALTHCARE PLAN
Val Demings (D-FL, 10th)
March 15, 2017
The Congressional Budget Office released its Cost Estimate on the GOP’s Healthcare plan Monday, which shows 14 million more people would be uninsured in 2018, and 24 million more would be uninsured by 2026. Rep. Val Demings, Florida’s 10th Congressional district, released this statement:
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Rep. Denham’s ENLIST Act Surpasses 100 Co-Sponsors
Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th)
March 14, 2017
U.S. Representative Jeff Denham today announced that his commonsense immigration reform bill – H.R. 60, the Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training Act (ENLIST Act) – has gained over 100 co-sponsors in the 115th Congress.
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DeSantis Commends Trump Administration For Charges Against Jordanian Terrorist
Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)
March 14, 2017
The Trump administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that Ahlam Aref Ahmad Al-Tamimi has been charged in connection with a 2001 terrorist attack in Jerusalem that killed two Americans, Malki Roth and Judith Greenbaum. Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the National Security Committee, highlighted this attack and called for the DOJ to charge the mastermind behind the attack, Ahlam Al-Tamimi, during a February 2016 hearing examining the role of the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism.
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Portman, Stabenow, Brown Introduce Bill to Support U.S. Manufacturers, Promote More American Jobs
Rob Portman- (R - OH)
March 15, 2017
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today introduced legislation – the Promoting More American Manufacturing Jobs Act – to clarify the domestic manufacturing tax deduction for U.S. manufacturers. The legislation clarifies the intent of Congress in enacting the domestic manufacturing deduction, section 199 of the tax code, to ensure that in contract manufacturing situations, any party to the arrangement that makes a substantial contribution to the manufacture of qualifying goods through its U.S. employees is entitled to claim the deduction.
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Senate Homeland Security Committee Passes Roberts’ Legislation to Address Agro-Terrorism Threats to Nation’s Food Supply
Pat Roberts- (R - KS)
March 15, 2017
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) today announced his legislation to address the threat of agro-terrorism and ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply was approved by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC). Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the bipartisan legislation with Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
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Rubio, Cotton, Lee Introduce Legislation to Save Social Security Disability Insurance from Bankruptcy
Marco Rubio - (R - FL)
March 15, 2017
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced the Return to Work Act of 2017, legislation that would save Social Security Disability Insurance from bankruptcy. This bill would help Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries who can recover return to work, while also preserving the program's long-term sustainability for the permanently disabled. U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR) introduced the companion bill in the House.
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Statement from Consumer Healthcare Products Association on HSA/FSA Provision of the American Healthcare Act
Consumer Healthcare Products Association
March 7, 2017
“CHPA strongly supports restoration of the ability for consumers to use their Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and urges the Ways & Means Committee to advance this important measure. According to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CHPA, the majority of Americans (75%) favor including OTCs in FSAs and HSAs. Since 2011, a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took away the ability of consumers to use their tax-preferred HSA and FSA dollars to purchase OTC medicines, unless they first received a prescription. At a time when more and more Americans are exercising these vital HSA and FSA benefits, this is a common-sense fix for many families who rely on non-prescription OTC medicines to treat common ailments such as allergies, cough and colds, or pain.”
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Hawai‘i State Senate Passes a Death with Dignity Bill
Death With Dignity
March 9, 2017
The Hawai‘i State Senate thus became the first full legislative chamber this year to pass an assisted dying law. Modeled on the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, SB 1129 would allow terminally ill residents of Hawai‘i to make their own end-of-life decision to die with dignity.
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The recent productivity slowdown could be reversed by giving the economy “room to run”
Economic Policy Institute
March 13, 2017
“Simply put, businesses’ incentives to invest in equipment and technology to make workers more productive are blunted when labor is so cheap,” said Bivens. “A tighter labor market and the rising wages that come with it would provide an incentive to boost workers’ productivity and will thus boost investment.”
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Digital Privacy at the U.S Border: A New How-To Guide from EFF
Electronic Frontier Foundation
March 9, 2017
“Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border” helps everyone do a risk assessment, evaluating personal factors like immigration status, travel history, and the sensitivity of the data you are carrying. Depending on which devices come with you on your trip, your gadgets can include information like your client files for work, your political leanings and those of your friends, and even your tax return. Assessing your risk factors helps you choose a path to proactively protect yourself, which might mean leaving some devices at home, moving some information off of your devices and into the cloud, and using encryption. EFF’s guide also explains why some protections, like fingerprint locking of a phone, are less secure than other methods.
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Getting Tax Reform Done—and Done Right
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
March 13, 2017
In the relationship between government and business, no issue is more fundamental, impactful, or important to get right than taxation. It’s one of government’s oldest responsibilities and one of business’ biggest expenses. Taxes are a critical factor in most major decisions a company makes—including whether to expand, hire new workers, or invest in new technologies. Unfortunately, America has one of the most burdensome tax systems in the world. That is why we must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul our tax code in a way that promotes dynamic economic growth.
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Family Research Council Applauds Texas Senate Passage of the Texas Privacy Act
Family Research Council
March 14, 2017
Family Research Council praised the State Senate passage of the Texas Privacy Act by a vote of 21 to 10. Last week, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, testified before the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee in support of the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6), which would protect the privacy and safety of women and children. The bill prevents public schools and government buildings from adopting policies that would open women’s showers, bathrooms, and changing facilities to men and visa-versa.
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Chairman Conaway praises President Trump's nomination of Chris Giancarlo
House Committee on Agriculture
March 14, 2017
President Trump announced today his intent to nominate Chris Giancarlo to serve as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway issued the following statement.
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Diane Black: “I am confident this bill is going to come out of Budget”
House Committee on the Budget
March 15, 2017
House Budget Committee Chairman Diane Black talked to MSNBC’s Hallie Jackson about the American Health Care Act and her confidence that the committee will pass the bill tomorrow to help those suffering under Obamacare.
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Nunes Statement on Surveillance of Political Campaigns
House Intelligence Committee
March 5, 2017
“One of the focus points of the House Intelligence Committee's investigation is the U.S. government's response to actions taken by Russian intelligence agents during the presidential campaign. As such, the Committee will make inquiries into whether the government was conducting surveillance activities on any political party’s campaign officials or surrogates, and we will continue to investigate this issue if the evidence warrants it.”
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American Healthcare Act, Flood Insurance, terrorists, Federal Agencies, Regulatory "Dark Matter", Free Speech, Travel Ban

CRIST STATEMENT ON CBO SCORE OF REPUBLICAN HEALTHCARE REPEAL
Charlie Crist (D FL, 13th)
March 13, 2017
Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) made the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found the Republican healthcare repeal bill would result in 14 million fewer Americans having health care coverage in 2018, with a total of 24 million Americans losing coverage by 2026. At the same time, those with coverage would see higher out-of-pocket costs, including higher deductibles and premium increases of 15-20 percent. The bill also would cut $880 billion from Medicaid, gutting the program that 70 million low-income Americans depend on for care, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
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Menendez Outlines Sweeping Reforms to FEMA’s Broken National Flood Insurance Program
Robert Menendez - (D - NJ)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chair of the Sandy Task Force and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, laid out a series of robust reforms to the much-maligned National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that experienced widespread failures and fraud, cheating storm victims and hampering recovery in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Sen. Menendez aims to make the NFIP: simple, affordable, fair, efficient and accountable to consumers and taxpayers.
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MERKLEY: CBO SCORE SOUNDS THE ALARM – LIFE-AND-DEATH CARE AT RISK FOR MILLIONS
Jeff Merkley - (D - OR)
March 13, 2017
Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its scoring of the American Health Care Act, or “Trumpcare:”
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Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Stop Arming Terrorists Act
Senator Rand Paul - (R - KY)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senator Rand Paul introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act (S. 532) to prevent American taxpayers’ money from being used to directly or indirectly support armed militants who are allied with or often working under the command of al-Qaeda, ISIS, or other terrorist groups. The legislation serves as a companion bill to H.R. 608, which Representative Tulsi Gabbard (HI-2) reintroduced in January.
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Sen. Moran Introduces Legislation to Restore Trade with Cuba
Senator Jerry Moran- (R - KS)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently introduced The Cuba Trade Act of 2017 (S. 472), which would restore trade with Cuba and grant the private sector the freedom to export U.S. goods and services to Cuba while protecting U.S. taxpayers from any risk or exposure associated with such trade.
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MURPHY ON TRUMPCARE CBO SCORE: “PASSING THIS BILL WOULD BE A HUGE MISTAKE”
Christopher Murphy- (D - CT)
March 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement on Monday after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released their projected cost and reach of Republicans’ misguided Trumpcare. The CBO report made clear that under Trumpcare, 24 million fewer people would be insured by 2026 and average premiums would increase by 15-20% for single policyholders in the individual market.
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Citizens Against Government Waste Praises President Trump’s Executive Order to Improve the Efficiency of Federal Agencies
Citizens Against Government Waste
March 13, 2017
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), America’s largest taxpayer watchdog group, applauded President Donald Trump’s executive order “directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit a comprehensive plan to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of the executive branch,” including the elimination or reorganization of redundant or unnecessary federal agencies.
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Mapping Washington’s Lawlessness: CEI Releases Updated Inventory of “Regulatory Dark Matter”
Competitive Enterprise Institute
March 14, 2017
Today, the Competitive Enterprise (CEI) released the 2017 update to its comprehensive report Mapping Washington’s Lawlessness: An Inventory of “Regulatory Dark Matter.” This analysis covers how, in addition to Congress’s own laws and the many thousands of rules issued by unelected regulators, regulatory dark matter exists in the form of thousands of additional issuances from executive and independent agencies. This dark matter goes around Congress, the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) public notice and comment requirements, and the American people themselves.
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CVA TESTIFIES ON ANTI-FREE SPEECH MEASURE S.255
Concerned Veterans for America
March 14, 2017
“Veterans sacrificed for the right for all of us to stand up and speak freely about the issues we care about. But if S.255 passes, South Carolinians could be intimidated from supporting a cause or making a statement. This is America – no one should be forced to report their private information to the government and fear retaliation for their beliefs. We urge the state Senate to protect the First Amendment and block S.255 today.”
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Important information on Executive Order – Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States
Bureau of Consular Affairs
MARCH 13, 2017
On March 6, 2017, President Trump signed a new Executive Order on Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States which directs us to review current screening procedures, while protecting national security – our top priority when issuing visas.
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News: Climate Change, Flood Insurance, Cybersecurity, Veterans, Immigration, Airline Seats, Seniors, Volkswagon

Rep. Cartwright Introduces Bill to Improve Climate Change Resilience
Matthew Cartwright (D-PA, 17th)
March 9, 2017
Congressman Matt Cartwright introduced a bipartisan bill that would strengthen America’s ability to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SUCCESS Act directs NIST to convene an effort to make consistent, authoritative set of climate information available to standard-developing organizations (SDOs).
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Castor, Ross Reintroduce Bipartisan Flood Insurance Bill to Help Homeowners
Kathy Castor (D-FL, 14th)
March 8, 2017
U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, today reintroduced his bipartisan legislation, the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act, which would encourage the development of a robust private flood insurance market that can offer homeowners options in terms of pricing and coverage.
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Castro, Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Local Cybersecurity Defenses
Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th)
March 10, 2017
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) yesterday reintroduced The National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act, H.R. 1465, legislation that allows non-profit entities, including universities, to work more closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address cybersecurity risks and incidents at the state and local level. Every member of the San Antonio delegation in the House (Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Will Hurd (TX-23), and Lamar Smith (TX-21)) has signed on as a co-sponsor of the measure, and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has also reintroduced the Senate companion bill. Both Rep. Castro and Sen. Cornyn initially introduced the legislation in the 114th Congress, when it passed the House of Representatives with broad support.
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Cornyn, Leahy, Cruz Introduce Bill to Enhance Cybersecurity
Senator Patrick J. Leahy - (D - VT)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have introduced the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act to authorize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to work with the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) to help prepare for and respond to cybersecurity risks at the national, state, and local levels.
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Coffman Introduces Bipartisan ‘Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services' Act (VREASA)
Mike Coffman (R-CO, 6th)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) with bipartisan support has introduced H.R. 1445, the ‘Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services Act’. The intent is to correct the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) regulations that unfairly saddle veterans with emergency ambulance payments.
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Curbelo, Coffman, Introduce Recognize American Children Act
Mike Coffman (R-CO, 6th)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) along with U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06) have introduced the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act, legislation that would provide a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.The bill provides immigrants that have been vetted by The Department of Homeland Security with three pathways toward legalization: higher education, service in the armed forces, or work authorization. Following a 5-year conditional status, these immigrants would be able to reapply for a 5-year permanent status.
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Reps. Cohen and Kinzinger, Senators Blumenthal, Schumer, Markey, Menendez and Feinstein Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral SEAT Act
Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)
March 9, 2017
The SEAT Act would establish a minimum seat size on commercial airlines as well as a minimum distance between rows of seats to protect the safety and health of airline passengers.
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King, Collins, Schatz Introduce Bill to Help America’s Seniors Safely Age at Home
Senator Angus S. King Jr. - (I - ME)
March 9, 2017
As more Americans are choosing to grow older in their own homes, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today introduced legislation that will help make independent living less burdensome.
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Markey and Blumenthal Statemenet on Volkswagen Guilty Plea
Senator Edward J.Markey - (D - MA)
March 10, 2017
Washington (March 10, 2017) - U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement today after Volkswagen pleaded guilty to three felony counts as part of an agreement with the Department of Justice to settle charges related to the automaker’s vehicle emission scandal.
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News to Ponder, March 10

Remaining 46 U.S. attorneys hired by Obama asked to resign: Justice Dept
MSN.com
March 10, 2017
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has asked the remaining 46 chief federal prosecutors appointed by President Barack Obama who have not already resigned to do so "in order to ensure a uniform transition," the Justice Department said on Friday.
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Buck’s Innocent Party Protection Act Passes House
Ken Buck (R-CO, 4th)
March 10, 2017
Congressman Ken Buck’s (CO-04) Innocent Party Protection Act (IPPA) passed the House by a vote of ___ to ___. This legislation prevents trial lawyers from fraudulently joining local small businesses to a lawsuit in order to have their case heard in a court they perceive to be a more favorable forum. The small businesses are added to the suit, even though the trial lawyers have no intention of pursuing a claim against them. When these small businesses are dragged into the courtroom and forced to pay legal fees to defend themselves for doing nothing wrong, they can't focus on creating jobs and adding value to the American economy. The IPPA gives judges more discretion to prevent the practice of fraudulent joinder.
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Butterfield Commemorates Women’s History Month with Librarian of Congress
G.K. Butterfield (D-NC, 1st)
March 10, 2017
March marks Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the role women have played in American history. This week, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) commemorated Women’s History Month with a discussion with Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress.
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Heitkamp Joins Tester in Fight to Expose Dark, Unaccountable Money in Politics
Senator Heidi Heitkamp - (D - ND)
March 10, 2017
U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp joined Senator Jon Tester of Montana in an effort to push back against dark money in politics, signing onto a bill he introduced to make sure the public knows who is funneling money into tax-exempt groups that currently aren’t required to disclose their donors as they try to influence elections through TV and radio ads, direct mail, and more.
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HOEVEN JOINS SENATOR LANKFORD IN INTRODUCING SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY RELIEF BILL
John Hoeven - (R - ND)
March 10, 2017
Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, legislation that requires federal agencies to analyze the full impact of proposed regulations on small businesses during the rulemaking process.
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Taylor lecture addresses religious freedom
Chronicle-Tribune
March 10, 2017
The Heritage Foundation’s Ryan T. Anderson tackled pressing arguments about religious liberty and LGBT discrimination in the United States at Taylor University Thursday night.
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THEOLOGY AND ALCOHOL
The Courier Times
March 10, 2017
New Castle native Samuel Frost is author of a new book that examines the meaning of God as relates to Alcoholics Anonymous and controversies through the years about inclusion of a deity in the 12 steps of recovery outlined by the AA program. The book is called God, As Bill Wilson Understood Him, by Samuel M. Frost, Th.M.
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