Rep. Johnson Demands Accountability for Deadly U.S. Counter-narcotics Operations Abroad

Source: House Representative Henry C. (Hank) Johnson, Jr. (D-GA, 4th)



Washington, D.C. - September 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson demanding answers as to what steps the Department of Justice and the Department of State plan in response to the killing of innocent bystanders in US-backed counter-narcotics operations abroad.

The letter, led by Johnson and signed by the ranking members of the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees and other colleagues, seeks answers regarding what steps are being taken to hold accountable officials found to be involved in “undermining Congressional oversight, undermining Chief of Mission Authority and obstructing an internal investigation.”

The letter focuses on pending questions and calls for accountability in the wake of a joint review from the Offices of the Inspectors General of Justice and State that presented shocking conclusions regarding the role of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in several lethal shooting incidents during counter-narcotics operations in Honduras under “Operation Anvil.”

The most notorious and deadly of these, and the focus of the letter, was a May 11, 2012, incident in Ahuas, Honduras, in which four local villagers were shot and killed and several others seriously wounded. The episode, as detailed in the OIG report, was a joint operation involving DEA agents and Honduran police.

The OIG review also revealed efforts by DEA and the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to cover up the agencies’ responsibility for the deadly operations. The letter notes that officials who reviewed the aftermath of the Ahuas operation with Congressional staff were not honest in doing so, telling staff “that there was reliable evidence showing that passengers on the water taxi were armed and opened fire on Honduran and DEA agents. They also insisted that U.S. agents on the mission were not responsible for the discharging of firearms. In fact, there was no credible evidence to support these assertions.”

“We waited five long years for this Inspector General Review and, though it confirms our worst fears regarding what really happened during the tragic Ahuas incident, it also leaves many questions unanswered,” said Rep. Johnson. “The biggest question of all is: what is our government doing to fix this and make sure that, going forward, any U.S. agent involved in the loss of innocent life abroad is held accountable?”

The letter also discusses the findings of a recent ProPublica investigation into a 2011 DEA-related massacre in Allende, Mexico, that indicate that some of the serious problems noted in the joint OIG review may be part of a broader pattern of deficiencies hampering US counter-narcotics operations abroad. In response, the letter presses the Attorney General and Secretary of State on whether they are carrying out a “thorough review” of the system of US-vetted foreign police units and of the DEA methods related to “Sources of Information.”

Trump Ends DACA, Gets Criticism as Usual

Source: House Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
Source: House Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)
Source: House Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)

Washington, D.C. - September 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In 2012, President Obama established DACA to protect young undocumented immigrants from deportation. Those protected by DACA, also called DREAMers, met several requirements including being under 16 when arriving in the United States; being enrolled in school or having completed high school or earned a general education development (GED) certificate; and posing no threat to public safety. Since DACA’s inception, nearly 800,000 individuals have received DACA protection, though it is estimated that 1.7 million young immigrants are DACA-eligible.

U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on Friday as President Trump threatened to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative that protects people who came to the United States as children:

“If the President chooses to end DACA, he will be tearing apart families and disrupting entire communities. He will cost our economy $460 billion over the next decade. And he will make it even more difficult for Congress to pass a comprehensive solution that fixes our broken immigration system.”

“The President’s decision will impact millions of people who are living in the United States today. The President needs to stop playing games with people’s lives. His public indecision today, after months of demonizing immigrants, is creating anxiety in cities and towns here in Rhode Island and across America. It’s cruel.”

“Dreamers represent the very best of our American ideals. As children, they were brought to America. They grew up here. They have embraced our values. And they want nothing more than to give back to this country that they love. The President should act soon to ensure they can do this.”

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement in regards to President Trump’s plans to effectively end the DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, program.

“Because I am an ordained United Methodist clergy, I cannot resist saying that Ezekiel 18 is clear, each individual is responsible for his/her own sins. Listen to the text:

Ezekiel 18:19

“The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.”

Who are we to punish young Americans for their parents’ decision? Come on, opponents of that which is right, get with it or get out of the way!”

On Tuesday, July 5, President Trump officially ended DACA, with a six month delay. Cicilline then commented:

“This is a shameful moment for our country. America has always stood as a beacon of freedom and opportunity. But not today."

“Dreamers were brought here as young children. They love this country. They share our values. They are contributing to their communities every day.”

“What President Trump just did is despicable and cruel. Every Republican should not only be speaking out against this President today, but they should immediately bring legislation to the House floor to right this wrong.”

“Make no mistake, until they back up their words with actions, Republicans are giving Donald Trump a blank check to put his hateful ideas into action.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

“I am outraged by the President’s foolish decision to end DACA. This decision will cost our economy $460 billion over the next decade. More importantly, it ignores our nation’s rich immigrant heritage. Our nation can never be great without embracing immigrants. Ending DACA is an unconscionable assault on thousands of young Americans who know no other home than the United States. I will stand firmly with my Democratic colleagues to fight this action and do whatever we can to protect DREAMers.”

U.S. Rep. Castor on the Trump Administration's Sabotage of ACA Open Enrollment Outreach

Source: House Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL, 14th)

In the spirit of not lowering myself to the standard of the Main-Stream Media, I am posting this at The Ponder because it is from a House Representative, and we do believe in Freedom of Speech. I may not like what you have to say, but I will fight for your right to say it. This is from a Democrat "Never Trumper". Go figure.

Washington, D.C. - September 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s latest "sabotage" of the health care of American families – devastating cuts to outreach efforts for the upcoming ACA marketplace open enrollment season:


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“President Trump's sabotage of affordable health care for hardworking families is cruel and misguided. Consumers want lower costs, affordable choices and a healthy insurance market. His decision to slash outreach and marketing is a bad business decision too. Thanks to previous outreach efforts, Floridians led the nation in sign-ups through HealthCare.gov and the Affordable Care Act. The ACA is here to stay, but it needs updating, not sabotage.

“This announcement comes just two months before open enrollment begins, and I urge my colleagues to join Democrats in stabilizing the marketplaces for 2018, including by guaranteeing cost-sharing reduction payments and ensuring Americans looking for affordable coverage have access to full information.

“The Trump Administration's massive cuts to outreach and our "navigators" will hit the University of South Florida and partners particularly hard as USF consecutively won the largest navigator grants in the country over the past 2 years. We all must work together to ensure that Florida families are not left in the lurch. Open enrollment runs Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.”

U.S. Rep. Castor serves as Vice Ranking Member of the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee, and helped to draft the Affordable Care Act to ensure it works for families and businesses. Since ACA enrollment started in 2013, Florida has led the nation in the number of sign-ups on healthcare.gov – last year 1.7 million Floridians enrolled in the Affordable Care Act.

REP. CARTER APPROVES $7.85 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL AS NEXT STEP FOR HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF

Source: House Representative John Carter (R-TX, 31st)

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31), Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding the President’s request for $7.85 billion in supplemental funding to address the immediate needs of Hurricane Harvey:


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“As the Chairman in the House of Representatives responsible for allocating disaster relief funding, I believe the President’s request of an additional $7.85 billion in supplemental funding is a necessary next step towards assisting our communities in immediate need. However, rebuilding and recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey will continue to require further resources and hard work. I will continue to work closely alongside my colleagues in the Texas Delegation and the Appropriations Committee to meet the needs of our neighbors in the southeast. Texans continue to show resiliency in the wake of destruction and heartbreak, and my prayers are with those impacted by this devastating storm.”

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Statement from President Donald J. Trump on National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Source: The White House

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Melania and I join all Americans in honoring the friends, family members, and loved ones we have lost to ovarian cancer. This month, we recommit ourselves to supporting every woman who bravely wages a battle of hope against this terrible disease.



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The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 22,000 Americans will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017. Unfortunately, about 14,000 women in the United States will lose their battle with ovarian cancer this year alone. If diagnosed and treated early, however, the five-year survival rate for women fighting this disease is more than 90 percent. Regular medical checkups and learning about the early warning signs of ovarian cancer can save lives.

In addition to raising awareness, we reaffirm our pledge to prevent, treat, and defeat ovarian and other forms of cancer. Innovative and cutting-edge research in women’s health can transform cancer detection and lead to new treatments that are less debilitating and even more effective. This is why my Administration will continue to clear the way for incredible breakthroughs in medical science, including by working with Congress to implement the 21st Century Cures Act. So far this year, the Food and Drug Administration has approved two maintenance therapies for ovarian cancer, to help women who are battling this disease lead longer, happier lives.

Melania joins me in sending our prayers to those affected by ovarian cancer, and we encourage every American to learn more about this important health issue. With the support of families and friends, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates, we can create a healthier future for all Americans.

President Donald J. Trump Amends Texas Disaster Declaration

Source: Department of Homeland Security

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- President Donald J. Trump today made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Texas by authorizing an increase in federal funding for certain eligible costs.

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The President’s action today authorizes 90 percent Federal cost share for debris removal, including direct Federal assistance; and a 100 percent Federal cost share for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for 30 days from the start of the incident period, and then a 90 percent Federal cost share thereafter.

Under the President’s major disaster declaration issued for the state of Texas on August 25, 2017, federal funding was made available for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Other Needs Assistance Programs at 75 percent federal funding of total eligible costs.

USDA Helps Hurricane Harvey Evacuees to Obtain Expedited Nutrition Assistance

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has issued special procedures that give all states flexibility in providing expedited Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to families who have evacuated their homes and moved outside the State of Texas as a result of Hurricane Harvey.

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Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said USDA is offering all SNAP state agencies nationwide the choice of using the program’s expedited service provisions or offering evacuees two months of disaster benefits using streamlined program procedures under a special Evacuee Policy designed in response to Hurricane Harvey. These efforts ensure that people who have traveled outside Texas to safer ground as a result of the disaster get the vital nutrition they need.

“Many people have taken extraordinary measures to reach safety as a result of this historic storm, even traveling to distant states, and we’re working to make sure that paperwork and procedure don’t stand in the way of getting folks access to the food they need to feed their families,” Perdue said, emphasizing that hurricane relief is a top priority for President Trump.

The Evacuee Policy applies to anyone who during Hurricane Harvey resided in a county that received a Presidential disaster declaration for Individual Assistance, who did not receive SNAP benefits in August 2017, and who evacuated to another state that chooses to apply the policy. Eligible households will receive two months of SNAP benefits on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.

Households that received SNAP in August 2017 may use remaining benefits on their EBT card in any state. They may also use September benefits and August replacement benefits that the State of Texas has already issued. In the coming weeks, these households may also receive supplemental benefits, Perdue said.

The special Evacuee Policy issued Friday is the latest in an ongoing series of USDA actions taken to help Texans cope with the storm and its aftermath that also include a waiver to allow all disaster-affected schools to provide meals to all students at no charge and be reimbursed at the free reimbursement rate through September 30.

In addition, local disaster organizations, such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Southern Baptist Men continue to utilize USDA Foods to serve hot meals in congregate shelters. Individuals seeking more information about this and other available aid should dial 2-1-1 or 1-(877) 541-7905. For more information about Texas SNAP, visit YourTexasBenefits.com .

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs, including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children , and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which together comprise America's nutrition safety net.

Keesler PERSCO team preps to support Harvey relief effort

Source: U.S. Air Force

Keesler Air Force Base, MS - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- A six-person Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team made up of 81st Force Support Squadron members is set to deploy from here this weekend to Texas to support Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery efforts.

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The PERSCO team will be primarily responsible for the accountability of all the deployed military members supporting hurricane relief efforts in the area to include active-duty, Reserve and Guard from all branches.

The PERSCO team will be stationed out of Kelly Annex near Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas. All ground commanders will be responsible for reporting the status of their personnel to the PERSCO team on a regular basis.

“The team will have to account for all military members taking part in recovery and rescue efforts, no matter where they are they will be required to report their status up to the Air Force Personnel Center in case members get seriously injured or go missing,” said Master Sgt. Krista Mercadel, the 81st FSS military personnel section superintendent. “Accountability in vital to keeping commanders on the ground informed about service member strength at all times.”

Mercadel also mentioned that the team is ready and excited for this deployment and does monthly training to prepare themselves for just such a mission.

“The team is excited about going, their happy to be able to do their job in a deployed location,” said Mercadel, “the members of (Keesler AFB) are there for our fellow wingmen no matter where they are or the circumstances. “

The 81st FSS team includes of Chief Master Sgt. Leslie Jackson, superintendent, Master Sgt. Nikki Gulley, NCOIC career development, Tech Sgt. Jamie Bell, assignments counselor, Staff Sgt. Deltron McRae, student personnel assignment counselor, Senior Airmen Corey Easley, force management journeyman, and Thanh Ngan Le, retention counselor. They will be joined with five others service members from Goodfellow Air Force Base to create an 11-person team.

“This is why we’re here, to help people out and accomplish the mission,” said Lt Col Teresa Ammons, the 81st FSS commander. “We’re very excited and so happy to be able to go down and help people get back on their feet.”

Governor Abbott And President Trump Visit Houston

Source: Texas Governor Gregg Abbott

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Governor Greg Abbott and Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott greeted President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday as they landed in Houston, Texas to survey the the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. The Governor then joined President Trump visiting Houston communities affected by Harvey, speaking with victims of the storm as they begin the recovery process.


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"Texas is truly grateful for all the help the President and his administration have provided in our time of need," said Governor Abbott. "I am pleased to have him on the ground in Texas again as he experiences the resiliency of the people in the Lone Star State. Just as Texas has pledged to be with the victims every step of the way, the President has committed the full power of the federal government to ensure support and assistance on our road to recovery."

While in Houston, the Governor and President met with Texans impacted by the storm seeking refuge at NRG Stadium. Governor Abbott and President Trump also visited the First Church of Pearland, which has been serving as a hurricane relief center for victims of the storm. Throughout their trip, both the Governor and President spoke of the inspiration to the nation the people of Texas have been as they work together to overcome the worst natural disaster the state has seen.

Also in attendance today were Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke, FEMA Administrator Brock Long, General John Kelly, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

During the Presidents previous visit, he joined Governor Abbott in receiving a detailed briefing on the federal, state, and local response to Hurricane Harvey.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF HARVEY

Source: House Representative Kay Granger (R-TX, 12th)

"Harvey caused unprecedented devastation and hundreds of thousands of people are suffering. That is why we are announcing that the House Appropriations Committee released an assistance package to provide disaster relief and recovery funding urgently needed by the individuals, families and communities who were in Harvey’s path. This is the initial assistance package needed to address the massive destruction. Congress will act swiftly to ensure this assistance gets to those in need. It is vital that those affected by this extraordinary disaster receive the federal resources required to begin to recover and rebuild. I have been awed by the response of the State of Texas, first responders and volunteers over the past week.

Texans are strong and resilient; we will recover from this devastation."

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