Tax Reform, Graham-Cassidy Bill, Civil Rights, Immigrants, Hurricane Relief, Puerto Rico, Orange is the New Black

The Address to this page at The Ponder News is http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/09/tax-reform-graham-cassidy-bill-civil.html

Because the number of our sources has grown so much, (We now have a total of 753 Sources, and are adding more every day) we, at The Ponder have decided to stop posting individual news items -- except for editorial commentary and special notices. I hope you like our new format. There are just too many news items for our limited staff to go through each day to be able to continue doing the news as we have been.

New Poll: 7 in 10 Americans Say Passing Tax Reform Should Be A Priority For Congress
American Action Network
Ahead of the “Big Six” unveiling details on a tax reform plan, the American Action Network’s Middle-Class Growth Initiative (MCGI) released results from a national survey on Americans’ views on tax reform. The survey finds overwhelming support for passing comprehensive tax reform with 73% of Americans saying it should be a top priority or an important priority for Congress. Additionally, the survey found Americans, across party lines, view lowering middle-class tax rates as the most important tax reform initiative.
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AAFP to Congress: Time to Work on Bipartisan Health Care Legislation
American Academy of Family Physicians
"The American Academy of Family Physicians is pleased that the U.S. Senate has determined that they will not proceed with efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. We applaud those Senators who rejected this proposal and stood up for health care coverage for people in their state. With today’s withdrawal of the Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson amendment, we call on Congress to return to bipartisan negotiations aimed at amending and improving current law, not repealing it.
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ACLU COMMENT ON HOMELAND SECURITY NOTICE ON IMMIGRANTS’ SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION
American Civil Liberties Union
Faiz Shakir, American Civil Liberties Union national political director, had the following reaction to the Department of Homeland Security’s notice on immigrants’ social media information:
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AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders Calls on Trump and Congress to Act on Puerto Rico
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders issued the following statement calling on President Trump and Congress to act on hurricane relief to Puerto Rico:
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AFT President Randi Weingarten on GOP’s Decision to Withdraw Graham-Cassidy
American Federation of Teachers
“Americans sent a message to Senate Republicans who thought a political win was more important than stripping millions of Americans of their healthcare: ‘Think again.’
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EVENT
Piper Kerman, Author of Orange is the New Black Keynotes American Probation and Parole Association
American Probation and Parole Association
The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) will hold its 42nd Annual Training Institute at the Marriott Marquis-Times Square, August 27-30 with over 100 engaging sessions including three exciting keynotes. Piper Kerman, the author of the national best-selling memoir Orange Is The New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison (Spiegel & Grau), will be featured at the opening session on Sunday, August 27th. Piper will discuss her personal experiences and the state of criminal justice in America.
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National Fair Housing Alliance Settles Race Discrimination Complaint with Real Estate Groups in Jackson, Mississippi

Source: National Fair Housing Alliance

Washington, D.C. - September 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) has settled a housing discrimination complaint with Lorgroup, LLC, DBA RE/MAX Alliance, and The Lee Garland and Rita Jensen Team (Lorgroup). The terms of the settlement will open up housing opportunities for African Americans purchasing homes in metropolitan Jackson, Mississippi. According to one analysis, Jackson is the third most segregated city in the U.S. Following allegations of housing discrimination from African Americans in Jackson, NFHA launched an investigation of how Whites and Blacks were treated when inquiring about purchasing homes. NFHA found differences in treatment based on race and filed a federal housing discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development against the agents and companies.

The investigation included telephone and in-person testing. Testing is an investigation tool in which similarly situated Blacks and Whites make inquiries about available housing. NFHA’s testing revealed that when potential White homebuyers sought housing in integrated and predominantly African American neighborhoods, they were steered away. Instead, White homebuyers were provided with a plethora of information and assistance to help them buy a home in a predominantly White area. Meanwhile, African American homebuyers often never even received a call back from an agent after leaving messages about purchasing a specific home in Jackson.

The differences in treatment uncovered in NFHA’s investigation are examples of how Whites and Blacks are steered to different housing opportunities based on the racial composition of a neighborhood. “Steering intentionally perpetuates residential segregation and is illegal under the Fair Housing Act,” said NFHA’s President and CEO, Shanna L. Smith. “This is why it is imperative that real estate companies work to expand equal housing opportunities for everyone. When people choose where they want to live without artificial and illegal barriers, our communities and neighborhoods are stronger, Smith continued.”

Lorgroup will pay $46,000 to NFHA, participate in fair housing trainings, and display fair housing signs in its offices. Additionally, Lorgroup has agreed to promote fair housing in the communities where it does business and to expand equal housing opportunities for all consumers. The settlement agreement will be monitored by HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. The original complaint was filed on September 15, 2015. The settlement was signed and approved by HUD on September 7, 2017.

Charles Harris, Executive Director of Jackson-based Housing Education and Economic Develop, Inc., said of the discrimination uncovered in the investigation, “Fair housing is the law, believe it or not. But housing discrimination is still alive and well. Any person or group that violates the Fair Housing Act must face the consequences.” Smith added, “This victory should send a strong message to real estate agents in the Jackson area that racial steering will not be tolerated and that their practices are being monitored. Furthermore, African American homebuyers should expect equal treatment and services when they are buying homes. If they suspect steering or if real estate agents refuse to return calls or work with them, they should contact the National Fair Housing Alliance at 1-800-910-7315 or 202-898-1661.”

Roy Moore's Victory Shows Voters Want an End to Business as Usual, says Family Research Council Action

Source: Family Research Council Action

Washington, D.C. - September 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Family Research Council Action offered congratulations to Roy Moore on his primary election as the next U.S. Senator from the state of Alabama.

FRC Action PAC, the political action committee connected with Family Research Council Action, endorsed Moore’s Senate candidacy.

Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins released the following statement:

"Alabama voters are sending a clear and unmistakable message to Washington: ‘We want an end to business as usual.’ Roy Moore’s victory will echo throughout the country and help bring an end to the Senate’s trail of broken promises.

“Despite voters giving Republicans the majority in the House, the Senate and now control of the White House, almost every promise made to voters over the last seven years has been broken in the U.S. Senate.

“While Republicans in the House working with President Trump approved a measure to repeal Obamacare, it died in the Senate. The House approved a measure that would end taxpayer funding of abortion, and it died in the Senate. The House approved a measure that would repeal the onerous provision of Dodd-Frank that is choking our economy. And again, it is buried in the Senate.

“Judge Moore was elected because he is a promise keeper who will stand up for our Constitution. I congratulate Roy Moore and look forward to working with him on important issues in the U.S. Senate,” concluded Perkins.

Congratulations to Roy Moore of Alabama!

by Shonda Ponder

When I read that Donald Trump endorsed Luther Strange, I thought I read that wrong. After all, Roy Moore, the outspoken Alabama judge against same-sex marriage, pro-2nd Amendment, and dubbed the "10 Commandments Judge" was also running for senate. How could Donald Trump go against Roy Moore?

Thank God I wasn't the only person who thought like that. Alabama agreed with me, and now Roy Moore has won the Alabama early GOP primaries.

Let that sink in, Democrats: We didn't elect Donald Trump to look good. We elected him because he was one of US. And, so is Roy Moore.

Congratulations, Judge Roy Moore!

DR. DUNN INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM OPIOID ABUSE

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02), today introduced the Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act, an important step in the fight against the nation’s opioid epidemic.

Dunn’s bill directs Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin to connect VA health care providers to a national network of state-based prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). PDMPs track prescribing data to identify abuse patterns in patients.

Just like private sector physicians, VA doctors consult state-based PDMPs before prescribing potentially dangerous pain medications to veterans. VA doctors, however, lack the ability to consult a national network of state-based PDMPs that can identify someone from another state who is at high risk for abuse, overdose, and death.

“More than 140 people in the U.S. die from opioid abuse each day, and veterans are twice as likely than civilians. This is unacceptable,” said Dr. Dunn, himself an Army veteran and member of the House VA Committee. “This bill instructs the VA to do what more and more private doctors are doing – connect to the national drug monitoring databases so no one slips through the cracks.”

The President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis issued a preliminary report in July that cited the lack of cross-state interoperability as one significant shortcoming of state PDMPs. The Commission recommended “enhancing interstate data sharing among state-based prescription drug monitoring programs.”

Existing national networks of state PDMPs allow providers to confidentially access prescribing data and history across state lines. Access to these networks will help VA health care workers prevent and stop opioid abuse among our veterans.

“We cannot stand silent and watch prescription opioid abuse destroy the lives of those who fought for our freedoms,” added Dr. Dunn.
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In February, Dr. Dunn questioned VA officials in committee about the epidemic of prescription drug abuse among veterans and VA handling of controlled substances.

The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).

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DelBene Calls for Clean Reauthorization of Home Visiting Program

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) has called on Republicans to work with Democrats on a clean reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program to ensure states and communities can continue helping children and families thrive. This traditionally bipartisan program provides in-home help to ensure new parents can raise children who are healthy, happy and ready for school.

“I strongly support reauthorization of the Home Visiting program before it expires on September 30th. We know it has an incredible track record of success improving child and family outcomes in our most vulnerable communities,” DelBene said in a floor speech that can be seen HERE. “Unfortunately, Republicans have put forward a partisan bill — with reckless policy changes that are not supported by experts — and with only three legislative days remaining. It’s incredibly disappointing.”

The House passed H.R. 2824, which would reauthorize MIECHV through 2022, but impose policy changes that would reduce the number of states and communities that offer home visiting. Last year, more than 29,000 eligible families in Washington state were already unserved.

Among the policy changes made by Republicans were requiring states and tribal communities to match funding in order to receive federal dollars. States and tribes have said this requirement would result in home visiting programs shutting down or reducing services, particularly in areas already struggling economically. DelBene offered an amendment to remove the matching requirement on tribes, which passed the House. Her floor remarks can be found HERE.

However, when DelBene offered a second amendment to make the bill a clean reauthorizations, Republicans blocked it. Now H.R. 2824 heads to the Senate for further action. If they fail to act by Sept. 30, the authorization for MIECHV will expire.

DelBene serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over MIECHV.

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Investigation into Alleged Pill Dumping in West Virginia Amid Opioid Crisis

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) and other Energy and Commerce Committee leaders have sent a letter to Miami-Luken, a drug distributor, expanding on their investigation into alleged pill dumping in West Virginia. The letter requests documents regarding what steps the company has taken to comply with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations regarding suspicious orders for drugs, as well as information about the dosage and amounts of drugs the company had shipped to regional pharmacies.

Signing the letter along with DeGette were Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Rep. David McKinley (R-WV).

The committee has been investigating alleged pill dumping in West Virginia since earlier this year. This work stems from news reports by the Charleston Gazette-Mail and The Washington Post detailing an unusually large opioid presence in the state of West Virginia.

“It would appear that the state of West Virginia may have received extraordinary amounts of opioids from distributors beyond what the population could safely use,” the five members of Congress wrote

“There are specific allegations in the public domain relating to Miami-Luken’s distribution of opioids,” they added, noting that the DEA was seeking to revoke the company’s ability to operate in West Virginia because it allegedly failed to maintain effective controls over distribution there, including the disclosure of suspicious orders for controlled substances including oxycodone and hydrocodone.

The lawmakers set a deadline of October 9 for the company to respond to their letter.

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Democrats Move to Force Vote on DREAMERS

Source: House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Democrats took action to protect Dreamers and force a vote on the bipartisan DREAM Act, which would provide a permanent solution to allow young undocumented immigrants brought here as children to remain in this country legally.

Over 100 House Democrats signed a discharge petition. Once the petition is signed by a majority of members, the House would be forced to take a vote on the legislation. Rep. Davis is also urging her Republicans colleagues to participate in this effort to force a vote.

“For Dreamers, America is the only country they truly know, having lived here nearly their whole lives,” said Rep. Davis, who is a cosponsor of the DREAM Act. “They are contributing in a positive way and are an essential part of building our country’s future. I hope every member – both Democrat and Republican – will do the right thing and uphold our highest American values and join in signing this petition to bring this bipartisan, bicameral bill to the House floor for a vote.”

According to a press release by Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd), the San Diego region is home to nearly 40,000 recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects them against deportation. They are among 800,000 Dreamers across the nation. President Trump’s recent decision to end DACA has these young people and their families now living in fear unless Congress acts.

Davis says that there is a real economic impact if the Dreamers were to be deported. California would lose more than $11 billion in economic activity. Nationwide, it would mean almost half a trillion dollars lost. One study showed that employers would spend over $4 billion dollars to recruit and replace Dreamers who are deported.

Rep. Davis has met with Dreamers from the 53rd and participated in events in the community calling attention to the unique challenges they face, including the many who know no other home than the United States and may not even speak the language of their countries of birth.

H.R. 3440, the DREAM Act, is bipartisan, bicameral legislation which would permanently protect DREAMers from deportation. It was originally introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).

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Davidson Introduces "CBO Show Your Work" Act

Source: House Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH, 8th)

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Rep. Mark Walker (NC-06) introduced the “CBO Show Your Work” Act in the House on Monday pushing for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to disclose the formulas it uses when providing budget and economic information to Congress and the public.

"Transparency provides a strong safeguard against errors, omissions and bias.

"The algorithms, datasets and methodologies in use by the CBO should be readily available for everyone to inspect and use at their own discretion. Having this data available will save precious time and staff resources as it lets congressional offices vet their legislation before submitting a final product to the CBO.

“The CBO’s delay in providing timely analysis to the House and Senate during efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare punctuates a long list of reasons why transparency and peer review are essential," said Davidson.

Claudia Tenney (NY-22) and Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) are co-sponsors to the “CBO Show Your Work” Act H.R.3822.

Background: Davidson’s bill requires the Congressional Budget Office to make the fiscal and mathematical models, data, and other details of computations used in cost analysis and scoring publicly available online.

In the Senate, Sen. Mike Lee introduced The CBO Show Your Work Act of 2017 on August 4, 2017 which is a companion to Davidson’s bill. The bill has 14 co-sponsors including, Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Rand Paul (R-KY), David Perdue (R-GA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

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Pelosi Says Dems Won't Approve Hurricane Tax Relief Until DACA Reinstated.

Source: House Representative Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota)

Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, put politics over policy by opposing a six-month extension of the Federal Aviation Administration and hurricane tax relief:

“Citing no movement on DACA as a reason to obstruct the otherwise bipartisan FAA reauthorization is not only puzzling, but it’s reckless and it puts the safety of the traveling public at risk. I’m baffled by Nancy Pelosi’s willingness to use DACA individuals as pawns to score political points.”

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program created under the Obama Administration in 2012, which according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, allows certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

The Ponder wants to know: What does DACA have to do with the FAA? If this is not a blatant attempt to undermine Trump, once again, I don't know what is. Will voters PLEASE vote these whiney-babies out next election!

I'm sure there are a lot of voters out there stranded because of lack of Hurricane Relief who will remember her -- I hope.