Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on his vote against the amendment to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement plan:
“I agree with President Trump that we should repeal and replace major parts of the Affordable Care Act at the same time. In 2015, we could have waited two years for relief, but we cannot now, when Tennessee insurance commissioner Julie McPeak says the state’s individual insurance market is ‘very near collapse.’ We have 350,000 Tennesseans who buy insurance in the individual market—songwriters, small businessmen and women, farmers—who are worried today that they may have zero options for insurance in just six months.
“In addition, I don’t think Tennesseans would be comfortable canceling insurance for 22 million Americans, and trusting Congress to find a replacement in two years. Pilots like to know where they’re going to land when they take off, and we should too.”
U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) issued the below statement following today’s vote on President Trump and Senate Republicans’ latest bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act:
“Tonight is a victory for the millions of Americans who will not lose health coverage because Senate Republicans failed to pass their latest disgraceful attempt at a health repeal bill.”
“This is also a victory for the thousands upon thousands of Americans across the country who rallied, marched, and called their Senator to demand the right to affordable, quality health care. Your voices were heard. Tonight’s failed vote is a testament to your power – the power of the people, which we all know is greater than the people in power.”
“In the United States, it shouldn’t matter how much money you make or where you live – you should have access to quality, affordable health care, because health care is a human right.”
“The fight isn’t over. Republicans in both chambers have made it clear they’ll stop at nothing to enact their dangerous agenda. If we don’t stop them, they'll strip health coverage from millions of Americans, raise premiums, and gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions. We must remain vigilant and continue speaking up and out against those who would prefer to play politics with the nation’s health care system rather than earnestly work to improve it.”
The Unpopular Truth
Thursday, July 27, 2017
U.S. SENATOR TAMMY BALDWIN INTRODUCES HEALTH CARE AMENDMENT TO PROTECT AMERICANS WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced an amendment to the health care repeal bill to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions.
The amendment, led by Senator Baldwin and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), would direct Congress to eliminate all the provisions in the partisan repeal legislation that threaten to make health care unaffordable for those with pre-existing conditions.
“People are speaking out in opposition to this repeal effort because health care is personal. It’s personal for me too because when I was young, I had a childhood illness and was branded as a child with a pre-existing condition. I’ve heard from Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions who are scared that the protections they have today won’t be there tomorrow if Republicans pass repeal legislation,” said Senator Baldwin. “The people of Wisconsin did not send me to Washington to take people's health care away. My amendment will protect access to affordable health care for the millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. This a guarantee that we must protect.”
Following Tuesday’s vote to begin debate, the Senate is currently considering amendments on the health care repeal legislation. Senators Baldwin and Hirono will introduce this amendment today and will push for a vote this week.
Specifically, this amendment would “eliminate provisions that threaten to make health care unaffordable for those with pre-existing conditions.” The current Republican health care repeal legislation would weaken guaranteed protections, rollback coverage of essential services, and could throw people with pre-existing conditions, struggling with a sickness, into a high-cost pool that could price them out of the health insurance they have today.
The amendment, led by Senator Baldwin and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), would direct Congress to eliminate all the provisions in the partisan repeal legislation that threaten to make health care unaffordable for those with pre-existing conditions.
“People are speaking out in opposition to this repeal effort because health care is personal. It’s personal for me too because when I was young, I had a childhood illness and was branded as a child with a pre-existing condition. I’ve heard from Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions who are scared that the protections they have today won’t be there tomorrow if Republicans pass repeal legislation,” said Senator Baldwin. “The people of Wisconsin did not send me to Washington to take people's health care away. My amendment will protect access to affordable health care for the millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. This a guarantee that we must protect.”
Following Tuesday’s vote to begin debate, the Senate is currently considering amendments on the health care repeal legislation. Senators Baldwin and Hirono will introduce this amendment today and will push for a vote this week.
Specifically, this amendment would “eliminate provisions that threaten to make health care unaffordable for those with pre-existing conditions.” The current Republican health care repeal legislation would weaken guaranteed protections, rollback coverage of essential services, and could throw people with pre-existing conditions, struggling with a sickness, into a high-cost pool that could price them out of the health insurance they have today.
Norcross Provision to Help Vets Struggling with the Disease of Addiction Included in House Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) successfully included a provision in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act that helps veterans struggling with the disease of addiction by directing the Department of Defense to set aside $5 million to study the connection between opioid addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Our vets dedicate their lives to protecting us. The least we can do is dedicate money to help them fight the disease of addiction,” said Congressman Norcross. “We must do all we can for vets struggling with PTSD and opioid abuse – and I’m glad my commonsense provision is now part of the Appropriations Act.”
Norcross is the Vice-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, a group of lawmakers from across the political spectrum who are united against the public health crisis. The growing opioid epidemic causes 75,000 drug overdose deaths a year and, according to the American Medical Association, veterans with PTSD are at particular risk of abusing opioids.
“Our vets dedicate their lives to protecting us. The least we can do is dedicate money to help them fight the disease of addiction,” said Congressman Norcross. “We must do all we can for vets struggling with PTSD and opioid abuse – and I’m glad my commonsense provision is now part of the Appropriations Act.”
Norcross is the Vice-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, a group of lawmakers from across the political spectrum who are united against the public health crisis. The growing opioid epidemic causes 75,000 drug overdose deaths a year and, according to the American Medical Association, veterans with PTSD are at particular risk of abusing opioids.
Noem Introduces Legislation to Reduce Poverty, Promote Financial Independence
Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Kristi Noem has introduced two bills that aim to improve the outcomes of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the country’s primary assistance program for low-income individuals and families.
“The best poverty reduction program out there is a good job,” said Noem. “Unfortunately, today’s programs too often perpetuate poverty rather than opportunity. This legislation aims to bring greater integrity and accountability to the TANF program while reaffirming its core mission: offering upward mobility and the opportunity for greater financial independence to hardworking Americans.”
The Improving Employment Outcomes of TANF Recipients Act, aims to increase the employment, job retention, and earnings of TANF recipients. To accomplish this, Noem’s bill would base a portion of the TANF block grant on a state’s success in helping TANF recipients enter, retain, and advance in employment.
Meanwhile, the TANF Accountability and Integrity Improvement Act, aims to bring more accountability to the program. More specifically, TANF currently requires states to ensure 50% of program recipients participate in work-related activities, such as working, searching for a job, or training for one. If states spend more than the federal government requires, the 50% threshold can be decreased. In extreme cases, the threshold can be reduced to 0%.
Some states are counting third-party spending as “state spending” and driving their apparent investments to artificially high levels. As a result, those states don’t need as many TANF recipients to be engaged in work-related activities in order to continue receiving full federal funding. Under Noem’s legislation, states would no longer count spending by third parties as state spending, meaning states would need to engage more adults in work-related activities in exchange for federal benefits, as the program was originally intended.
Of note, South Dakota does not count third-party spending as state spending in order to reduce the portion of TANF recipients engaged in work-related activities.
“We need to ensure other states follow South Dakota’s example,” said Noem. “By continuing to engage participants in work activities at the level intended, South Dakota has upheld the integrity of the program and ensured the support we provide through TANF is support that really helps struggling families.”
“The best poverty reduction program out there is a good job,” said Noem. “Unfortunately, today’s programs too often perpetuate poverty rather than opportunity. This legislation aims to bring greater integrity and accountability to the TANF program while reaffirming its core mission: offering upward mobility and the opportunity for greater financial independence to hardworking Americans.”
The Improving Employment Outcomes of TANF Recipients Act, aims to increase the employment, job retention, and earnings of TANF recipients. To accomplish this, Noem’s bill would base a portion of the TANF block grant on a state’s success in helping TANF recipients enter, retain, and advance in employment.
Meanwhile, the TANF Accountability and Integrity Improvement Act, aims to bring more accountability to the program. More specifically, TANF currently requires states to ensure 50% of program recipients participate in work-related activities, such as working, searching for a job, or training for one. If states spend more than the federal government requires, the 50% threshold can be decreased. In extreme cases, the threshold can be reduced to 0%.
Some states are counting third-party spending as “state spending” and driving their apparent investments to artificially high levels. As a result, those states don’t need as many TANF recipients to be engaged in work-related activities in order to continue receiving full federal funding. Under Noem’s legislation, states would no longer count spending by third parties as state spending, meaning states would need to engage more adults in work-related activities in exchange for federal benefits, as the program was originally intended.
Of note, South Dakota does not count third-party spending as state spending in order to reduce the portion of TANF recipients engaged in work-related activities.
“We need to ensure other states follow South Dakota’s example,” said Noem. “By continuing to engage participants in work activities at the level intended, South Dakota has upheld the integrity of the program and ensured the support we provide through TANF is support that really helps struggling families.”
AMENDMENT TO COMBAT VETERAN SUICIDE INTRODUCED
Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) introduced an amendment to H.R. 3219, the Department of Defense Appropriations bill, to combat veteran suicide. As the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) David Shulkin, M.D. recently noted, an average of fourteen out of twenty veterans committing suicide every day do not receive services from the VA. Congressman Murphy's amendment would allow VA funds to help more veterans access evidence-based care.
"It is tragically clear that we need to find new, better ways outside of the traditional system to reach and treat our veterans; the current system does not work for many and no one system can work for all," said Murphy, a Navy psychologist who currently treats veterans suffering from PTSD/Traumatic Brain Injury at Walter Reed Military Hospital in Bethesda.
"Allowing public-private partnership pilot programs to deliver innovative, evidence-based, accountable, forward-looking models of care to those who have served is crucial to improving veterans mental health care and turning the tide on veteran suicide."
Specifically, Murphy's amendment calls for greater ability for treatments to address the veteran suicide crisis by connecting veterans with community and non-profit mental health networks in order to provide expedited access to evidence-based mental health care services. Murphy’s amendment to the appropriations bill also gives VA Secretary Shulkin the authority to create an expedited credentialing process for veteran mental health networks to ensure they are delivering evidenced-based therapies with same-day access to care while demonstrating effective clinical patient outcomes.
Read the full text of the amendment here.
"It is tragically clear that we need to find new, better ways outside of the traditional system to reach and treat our veterans; the current system does not work for many and no one system can work for all," said Murphy, a Navy psychologist who currently treats veterans suffering from PTSD/Traumatic Brain Injury at Walter Reed Military Hospital in Bethesda.
"Allowing public-private partnership pilot programs to deliver innovative, evidence-based, accountable, forward-looking models of care to those who have served is crucial to improving veterans mental health care and turning the tide on veteran suicide."
Specifically, Murphy's amendment calls for greater ability for treatments to address the veteran suicide crisis by connecting veterans with community and non-profit mental health networks in order to provide expedited access to evidence-based mental health care services. Murphy’s amendment to the appropriations bill also gives VA Secretary Shulkin the authority to create an expedited credentialing process for veteran mental health networks to ensure they are delivering evidenced-based therapies with same-day access to care while demonstrating effective clinical patient outcomes.
Read the full text of the amendment here.
Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series Act of 2017 Approved by Homeland Security Committee
Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The House Committee on Homeland Security today approved H.R. 3284, the Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series Act of 2017, a bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., and Daniel Donovan, R-N.Y. The bill authorizes funding for workshops to be held in cities across the country to train state officials, local officials, and the private and non-profit sectors on ways to prevent and respond to complex terrorist attacks. Orlando hosted a workshop in October 2014.
“Protecting our communities must be a top priority, and the Homeland Security Committee’s approval of our bipartisan bill is a step towards achieving that goal,” said Murphy. “The lessons Orlando learned during its 2014 workshop were critical in the emergency response to the ISIS-inspired Pulse nightclub attack last year. As we work to include Orlando on the list of cities that receive Urban Area Security Initiative funding, these training workshops are another way to help keep central Florida safe.”
Only cities that have received counter-terrorism funding through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program are eligible to host a workshop. UASI provides grants to cities to buy homeland security equipment, conduct training exercises, strengthen emergency response, and enhance security at vulnerable locations. Orlando received UASI funding in the past—so it is eligible to host a workshop—but has not received funding since 2015 due to a flawed formula. Murphy has been separately working with fellow central Florida representatives Val Demings, D-Fla, and Darren Soto, D-Fla, in an effort to get Orlando back on the list of cities that receive UASI funding.
During workshops, participants:
Review existing preparedness and response plans related to a complex terrorist attack and identify gaps in capabilities; Identify federal, state, and local resources available to address such gaps;
Improve situational awareness, recognize best practices, and encourage information sharing;
Examine health care system and clinical challenges unique to a complex terrorist attack that employs small arms and explosives;
Examine the roles of the community and bystanders in a complex terrorist attack;
Discuss a framework for immediate medical management of wounded near an attack site; and
Identify and share best practices and lessons learned from case studies in medical preparedness.
“Protecting our communities must be a top priority, and the Homeland Security Committee’s approval of our bipartisan bill is a step towards achieving that goal,” said Murphy. “The lessons Orlando learned during its 2014 workshop were critical in the emergency response to the ISIS-inspired Pulse nightclub attack last year. As we work to include Orlando on the list of cities that receive Urban Area Security Initiative funding, these training workshops are another way to help keep central Florida safe.”
Only cities that have received counter-terrorism funding through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program are eligible to host a workshop. UASI provides grants to cities to buy homeland security equipment, conduct training exercises, strengthen emergency response, and enhance security at vulnerable locations. Orlando received UASI funding in the past—so it is eligible to host a workshop—but has not received funding since 2015 due to a flawed formula. Murphy has been separately working with fellow central Florida representatives Val Demings, D-Fla, and Darren Soto, D-Fla, in an effort to get Orlando back on the list of cities that receive UASI funding.
During workshops, participants:
One of Eight People Leaked Closed Door Testimony -- Trey Gowdy Not Happy
USA Politics Today
Discussed Gowdy on CNN’s Outfront, “About eight hours ago, Adam Schiff and I looked Dan Coats in the eyes and we assured him that there would be no selective leaking of his testimony to us. And I’ll be damned if eight hours later, there aren’t three different leaks with what he told us.”
Discussed Gowdy on CNN’s Outfront, “About eight hours ago, Adam Schiff and I looked Dan Coats in the eyes and we assured him that there would be no selective leaking of his testimony to us. And I’ll be damned if eight hours later, there aren’t three different leaks with what he told us.”
Read more...
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
PRESIDENT TRUMP ANNOUNCES NO MORE TRANSGENDERS IN THE MILITARY
In a statement this morning, directly from his personal Twitter account, President Donald Trump shattered his predecessor's grand social experiment in the U.S. military. (Photo: President Trump speaks with General Mattis/Reuters/via Charisma News)
"After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military," he wrote. "Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail."
Congressmen React to Military Transgender Ban
Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement condemning President Trump’s cruel and discriminatory ban on transgender military service members from serving in the U.S. Armed Forces:
“Today’s attack by the Commander-in-Chief on our military’s active duty personnel is appalling,” Representative Nadler lamented. “The arguments against allowing transgender service members to serve openly in our military reflect the same arguments that have been used against every other group that has been prohibited from serving in our country’s history – including black and Latino men, women, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. President Trump is attacking the very individuals he asks to risk their lives.”
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on President Trump’s tweets on transgender Americans serving in the military.
“Tens of thousands of transgender Americans have bravely and selflessly served our military, risking their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy every day. Like all Americans, they deserve the opportunity to wear the uniform regardless of their gender identity. President Trump’s bigoted decision will make America less safe and inhibit our military readiness. It is clear that President Trump is doubling down on his policies of hatred and it is the responsibility of all Americans – especially the Congress – to stand against this injustice.”
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the House Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Equality Caucus, issued the following statement after President Donald Trump tweeted that transgender Americans will no longer be able to serve in the U.S. military:
“The President’s tweet attacking transgender service members is shameful and prejudiced. Those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country should not face discrimination from anyone, let alone their Commander in Chief. Last year, the Department of Defense implemented a policy to allow transgender troops to serve openly in the military. Today’s guidance by President Trump, if carried out by the Department of Defense, to explicitly ban people who are already serving and wish to serve our country is a huge step back in the progress we have made in the name of diversity and inclusion. As member of the House Armed Services Committee and a veteran, I value every American who is willing and able to join the U.S. military. I urge the President to reverse his guidance, and to respect and support those who protect our country regardless of their gender identity.”
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement in response to President Trump's tweets on banning transgender Americans from serving in the military:
"Our commander-in-chief should not ban Americans who are qualified to serve in our military and are willing to risk their lives for our country. This is an obvious attempt to distract from the Republicans' disastrous debate on health care."
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposed ban on transgender Americans serving in the military.
“Servicemembers should be accepted on the basis of their ability to fight, train, and deploy without discrimination. Many transgender Americans have served honorably and capably – and countless others are serving now and would seek to serve in the future. President Trump should be thanking these servicemembers and veterans for their dedication and commitment to our nation instead of barring them from service. This rash and surprising Tweet contradicts the Department of Defense’s previous policy decision to allow transgender servicemembers to serve openly, and constitutes official discrimination.”
"After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military," he wrote. "Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail."
Read more...
Congressmen React to Military Transgender Ban
Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement condemning President Trump’s cruel and discriminatory ban on transgender military service members from serving in the U.S. Armed Forces:
“Today’s attack by the Commander-in-Chief on our military’s active duty personnel is appalling,” Representative Nadler lamented. “The arguments against allowing transgender service members to serve openly in our military reflect the same arguments that have been used against every other group that has been prohibited from serving in our country’s history – including black and Latino men, women, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. President Trump is attacking the very individuals he asks to risk their lives.”
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on President Trump’s tweets on transgender Americans serving in the military.
“Tens of thousands of transgender Americans have bravely and selflessly served our military, risking their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy every day. Like all Americans, they deserve the opportunity to wear the uniform regardless of their gender identity. President Trump’s bigoted decision will make America less safe and inhibit our military readiness. It is clear that President Trump is doubling down on his policies of hatred and it is the responsibility of all Americans – especially the Congress – to stand against this injustice.”
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the House Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Equality Caucus, issued the following statement after President Donald Trump tweeted that transgender Americans will no longer be able to serve in the U.S. military:
“The President’s tweet attacking transgender service members is shameful and prejudiced. Those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country should not face discrimination from anyone, let alone their Commander in Chief. Last year, the Department of Defense implemented a policy to allow transgender troops to serve openly in the military. Today’s guidance by President Trump, if carried out by the Department of Defense, to explicitly ban people who are already serving and wish to serve our country is a huge step back in the progress we have made in the name of diversity and inclusion. As member of the House Armed Services Committee and a veteran, I value every American who is willing and able to join the U.S. military. I urge the President to reverse his guidance, and to respect and support those who protect our country regardless of their gender identity.”
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement in response to President Trump's tweets on banning transgender Americans from serving in the military:
"Our commander-in-chief should not ban Americans who are qualified to serve in our military and are willing to risk their lives for our country. This is an obvious attempt to distract from the Republicans' disastrous debate on health care."
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposed ban on transgender Americans serving in the military.
“Servicemembers should be accepted on the basis of their ability to fight, train, and deploy without discrimination. Many transgender Americans have served honorably and capably – and countless others are serving now and would seek to serve in the future. President Trump should be thanking these servicemembers and veterans for their dedication and commitment to our nation instead of barring them from service. This rash and surprising Tweet contradicts the Department of Defense’s previous policy decision to allow transgender servicemembers to serve openly, and constitutes official discrimination.”
Terry Sharpe: The Walking Marine
Terry Sharpe is planning his 2017 Walk to raise awareness of the current Veteran suicide rate, which stands at 22 per day — the equivalent of one Veteran committing suicide every 65 minutes. Terry at age 66, will walk from Summerfield, NC to Washington, DC to bring attention to this terrible plight. That is a trip of 300 miles, some very hard miles, but Terry wants to bring attention to the Veteran’s Issues. Terry will be joined on his walk by Micheal Boncek who is also an avid walker devoted to drawing attention to Veteran issues.
Read more...
Wisconsin retail tech company offers to microchip its staff
KTBS News
A Wisconsin company is offering to microchip its employees, enabling them to open doors, log onto their computers and purchase break room snacks with a simple swipe of the hand.
Three Square Market, also known as 32M, says it expects about 50 employees to take advantage of the technology. The chips are the size of a grain of rice and will be implanted underneath the skin between the thumb and forefinger.
A Wisconsin company is offering to microchip its employees, enabling them to open doors, log onto their computers and purchase break room snacks with a simple swipe of the hand.
Three Square Market, also known as 32M, says it expects about 50 employees to take advantage of the technology. The chips are the size of a grain of rice and will be implanted underneath the skin between the thumb and forefinger.
Read more...
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