Washington, D.C. - October 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to reform the systemic problems in our immigration detention system. Our current system is inhumane, unjust, and driven by private, for-profit corporations like The GEO Group, which operates the Northwest Detention Center located in Tacoma, Washington. This bill will end the use of private facilities and repeal mandatory detention, while restoring due process, oversight, accountability, and transparency to the immigration detention system.
“We must fix the injustices in our broken immigration detention system,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “As the Trump Administration continues to push a misguided and dangerous immigration agenda, we need to ensure fair treatment and due process for immigrants and refugees faced with detention. This legislation will address some of the worst failings of our immigration policy and restore integrity and humanity to immigration proceedings.”
“The high moral cost of our inhumane immigration detention system is reprehensible. Large, private corporations operating detention centers are profiting off the suffering of men, women and children. We need an overhaul,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “It’s clear that the Trump administration is dismantling the few protections in place for detained immigrants even as he ramps up enforcement against parents and vulnerable populations. This bill addresses the most egregious problems with our immigration detention system. It’s Congress’ responsibility to step up and pass this bill.”
In addition to repealing mandatory detention, a policy that often results in arbitrary and indefinite detention, the legislation creates a meaningful inspection process at detention facilities to ensure they meet the government’s own standards. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish legally enforceable civil detention standards in line with those adopted by the American Bar Association. With disturbing track records of abuse and neglect, DHS has a responsibility to ensure that facilities are held accountable for the humane treatment of those awaiting immigration proceedings.
Individuals held in our immigration detention system are subject to civil law, but are often held in conditions identical to prisons. In many cases, detained people are simply awaiting their day in court. To correct the persistent failures of due process, the legislation requires the government to show probable cause to detain people, and implements a special rule for primary caregivers and vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and people with serious medical and mental health issues.
"My time in detention in Artesia was a nightmare, a scene in which there is fear, anguish, and desperation in every breath. The immigration detention system harms the lives of thousands of people every day. The solution is not to just improve conditions in these detention centers, the real solution must be a fundamental change. Congress must urgently act to pass this bill and bring change to this tragic system of immigration detention," said Angelina Marquez, survivor of U.S. detention system.
“Being detained was difficult in every way. You are a prisoner. I am speaking out because the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act gives me hope that the U.S. government can find a way to stop the inhumane treatment being given to so many immigrants. We want to live peacefully and safely, and our country’s leaders must remember that all human beings deserve to be treated with dignity,” said Daniel, survivor of U.S. detention system.
“Our government locks away hundreds of thousands of people every year, hidden in remote jails with punishing conditions and no accountability. President Trump is asking Congress to give DHS even more money to super-fund this abusive network of jails. We applaud Representatives Smith and Jayapal for responding to this madness with a plan - a workable, compassionate and rights-respecting alternative to today's shameful reality,” said Mary Meg McCarthy of the National Immigration Justice Center.
“The Trump administration has made it clear that they will aggressively target immigrants for arrest and detention. This bill is an important step toward stemming the unchecked expansion of the immigration detention system, ensuring much needed oversight and accountability over detention operations and providing greater protections for immigrants. We call on Congress to immediately pass this bill in order to end the over-reliance on an inhumane and ineffective system and treat immigrants in detention with fairness and dignity,” said Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy and campaigns for the American Civil Liberties Union. “Over the past decade, the immigration detention system has grown dramatically without sufficient safeguards against human and civil rights abuses. It is a system known for egregious violations including sexual assault, prolonged solitary confinement, and life-threatening medical neglect. Many of the people detained are fleeing persecution in their home countries, while others have lived in the U.S. for years. They are often detained in for-profit prisons and county jails isolated from family, community and legal support. Many are detained for months without access to an immigration judge and are denied basic rights.”
“Our immigration detention system is a driving force of the U.S. deportation agenda, ruthlessly separating families and communities. For the past three decades the government has put hundreds of thousands of immigrants behind bars at a massive human, financial and moral cost. Under this administration, an already oppressive, inhumane and deadly system of detention has become even bigger, less transparent and less accountable. It is exactly at this moment—as the administration pushes to massively expand the system and further undermine the rights of all immigrants—that Congress must take immediate and decisive action to intervene. While this bill does not fully end the inhumane and unnecessary system of immigration detention, it takes a bold step forward by ending mandatory detention, ending privatized detention, enacting critical safeguards and reversing the trend of constant, unchecked growth,” said Mary Small, Detention Watch Network.
The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act is cosponsored by John Conyers Jr. (MI-13), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-4), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Bobby Rush (IL-1), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Elijah E. Cummings (MD-7), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Danny K. Davis (IL-7), James P. McGovern (MA-2), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Gwen Moore (WI-4), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Keith Ellison (MN-5), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-4), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Jared Polis (CO-2), Mike Quigley (IL-5), Judy Chu (CA-27), Bill Foster (IL-11), David N. Cicilline (RI-1), Suzan DelBene (WA-1), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Colleen Hanabusa (HI-1), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-4), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Ruben Gallego (AZ-7), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Kathleen M. Rice (NY-4), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34).
The legislation is also supported by the following civil society organizations: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, Capital Area Immigrants' Rights Coalition, Center for Community Change, The Center for Victims of Torture, Church Council of Greater Seattle, Church World Service, Colectiva Legal del Pueblo, Columbia Legal Services, Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC), DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Democracy for America, Detention Watch Network, FIRM, Grassroots Leadership, Human Rights First, Human Rights Watch, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Immigration Equality Action Fund, Just Detention International, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Make the Road New York, Make the Road NJ, MoveOn.org Civic Action, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, National Immigrant Justice Center, National Immigration Law Center, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), National Network to End Domestic Violence, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, OneAmerica, Our Revolution, Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Southern Poverty Law Center, Tahirih Justice Center, United We Dream, Washington Defender Association, Women’s Refugee Commission, 21 Progress
The Unpopular Truth
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Rep. Sewell Statement on Expiration of CHIP
Washington, D.C. - October 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On September 30, funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired after Congress missed a deadline to reauthorize the initiative. CHIP provides insurance coverage for children in low- and middle-income families.
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) releases the following statement:
“The failure of Republican leadership to reauthorize CHIP puts the health of 150,000 Alabama children and 9 million children nationwide on the line,” said Rep. Sewell. “Many families in my district and across Alabama rely on CHIP to cover their children’s checkups, immunizations, emergency care and more. Rather than wasting more time on partisan attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, I am urging my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to focus on what we can do now to help stabilize the insurance marketplace and make health care more affordable for all families. That starts with reauthorizing CHIP and maintaining Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments, which the majority of our hospitals rely on to offset the cost of uncompensated care. As hospitals in my district face closure and Alabama families struggle to pay for doctor visits, I am calling on Republican leadership to hold a vote now reauthorizing CHIP and protecting DSH payments. Not a week from now, not a month from now, but right now.”
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) releases the following statement:
“The failure of Republican leadership to reauthorize CHIP puts the health of 150,000 Alabama children and 9 million children nationwide on the line,” said Rep. Sewell. “Many families in my district and across Alabama rely on CHIP to cover their children’s checkups, immunizations, emergency care and more. Rather than wasting more time on partisan attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, I am urging my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to focus on what we can do now to help stabilize the insurance marketplace and make health care more affordable for all families. That starts with reauthorizing CHIP and maintaining Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments, which the majority of our hospitals rely on to offset the cost of uncompensated care. As hospitals in my district face closure and Alabama families struggle to pay for doctor visits, I am calling on Republican leadership to hold a vote now reauthorizing CHIP and protecting DSH payments. Not a week from now, not a month from now, but right now.”
Congressman Serrano Sends Letter to President Trump Urging Him to Rebuild Communications Infrastructure in Puerto Rico
Washington, D.C. - October 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman José E. Serrano together with 50 Members of Congress sent a letter to President Trump urging him to deploy all available federal assets and agencies to rebuild the communications infrastructure of Puerto Rico. The island has failing infrastructure that needs to be addressed immediately to aid with recovery efforts.
"Puerto Rico is facing a humanitarian crisis and adequate communication systems are necessary in order to adequately carry out the relief efforts," said Congressman Serrano. "President Trump has talked about fixing the failing infrastructure in our country and helping Puerto Rico with theirs in their time of need will show his commitment to this issue."
The full text of the letter is below and was signed by the following members: Serrano, González-Colón, Velázquez, Crowley, Soto, Curbelo, Lujan Grisham, S. Murphy, Huffman, Raskin, Wasserman Schultz, C. Maloney, Welch, Kaptur, Evans, Schakowsky, Cohen, Levin, Vargas, Castor, Pascrell, Ellison, Vela, Khanna, Holmes Norton, Garamendi, S.P. Maloney, Espaillat, Lowey, C. Smith, Moore, Engel, Meng, Doyle, Shea-Porter, Lieu, Cárdenas, Price, Conyers, Hastings, Gomez, DeGette, Beatty, Connolly, Moulton, Slaughter, K. Rice, Lynch, Diaz Barragán, Nolan, Tonko
September 27, 2017
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write to urge you to immediately deploy all available federal assets and relevant federal agencies to Puerto Rico for the express purpose of reestablishing telecommunications services such as telephone, cellular phone, and internet services in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The situation is very dire in Puerto Rico right now and with many localities still cut off from the rest of the island, communications are key in sharing information, residents receiving aid from first responders as well as from their relatives in the 50 states, and localities being able to respond to the first aid needs of communities and receive the support necessary to prevent further loss of life.
Currently, private telecommunications service providers are sending response teams from the 50 states and assessing the damage to the infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While the service providers have been proactive, we believe that due to the gravity of the situation, it is necessary for the federal government to support the reestablishment of services as quickly as possible for individuals and localities throughout the islands. In short, cellular and internet connections for basic communications purposes are crucial in fulfilling basic necessities. FEMA and other government agencies such as the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate have the mission of helping restore emergency communications networks and critical infrastructure for government, first responders, states, and localities. In addition, the Department of Defense has the capacity to provide resources and capabilities when other federal agencies are overwhelmed. We respectfully request that the full extent of these federal assets be deployed immediately to help restore individual service as well- at least until private service providers can fully restore their networks.
The lack of communications is undermining the relief effort- especially in communities currently cut off from other parts of the island. A working cellular network is necessary in order to receive emergency services and medically treat those in need to prevent the loss of life. It is also vital in order for municipalities to communicate with Commonwealth and federal disaster response authorities in order to receive the necessary help. From roads that need to be cleared, to locating missing persons, to communicating with remote areas and maintaining the safety and security of its residents, telecommunications services are vital.
Network restoration will also assist disaster response relief teams in narrowly tailoring aid to those areas most in need and quickly deploying assets across the island. In short, reestablishing communications in a prompt manner is crucial in order to have an effective disaster response and relief efforts.
The people of Puerto Rico need robust assistance at this hour of great need and it is incumbent upon us to help in every manner possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
"Puerto Rico is facing a humanitarian crisis and adequate communication systems are necessary in order to adequately carry out the relief efforts," said Congressman Serrano. "President Trump has talked about fixing the failing infrastructure in our country and helping Puerto Rico with theirs in their time of need will show his commitment to this issue."
The full text of the letter is below and was signed by the following members: Serrano, González-Colón, Velázquez, Crowley, Soto, Curbelo, Lujan Grisham, S. Murphy, Huffman, Raskin, Wasserman Schultz, C. Maloney, Welch, Kaptur, Evans, Schakowsky, Cohen, Levin, Vargas, Castor, Pascrell, Ellison, Vela, Khanna, Holmes Norton, Garamendi, S.P. Maloney, Espaillat, Lowey, C. Smith, Moore, Engel, Meng, Doyle, Shea-Porter, Lieu, Cárdenas, Price, Conyers, Hastings, Gomez, DeGette, Beatty, Connolly, Moulton, Slaughter, K. Rice, Lynch, Diaz Barragán, Nolan, Tonko
September 27, 2017
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write to urge you to immediately deploy all available federal assets and relevant federal agencies to Puerto Rico for the express purpose of reestablishing telecommunications services such as telephone, cellular phone, and internet services in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The situation is very dire in Puerto Rico right now and with many localities still cut off from the rest of the island, communications are key in sharing information, residents receiving aid from first responders as well as from their relatives in the 50 states, and localities being able to respond to the first aid needs of communities and receive the support necessary to prevent further loss of life.
Currently, private telecommunications service providers are sending response teams from the 50 states and assessing the damage to the infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While the service providers have been proactive, we believe that due to the gravity of the situation, it is necessary for the federal government to support the reestablishment of services as quickly as possible for individuals and localities throughout the islands. In short, cellular and internet connections for basic communications purposes are crucial in fulfilling basic necessities. FEMA and other government agencies such as the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate have the mission of helping restore emergency communications networks and critical infrastructure for government, first responders, states, and localities. In addition, the Department of Defense has the capacity to provide resources and capabilities when other federal agencies are overwhelmed. We respectfully request that the full extent of these federal assets be deployed immediately to help restore individual service as well- at least until private service providers can fully restore their networks.
The lack of communications is undermining the relief effort- especially in communities currently cut off from other parts of the island. A working cellular network is necessary in order to receive emergency services and medically treat those in need to prevent the loss of life. It is also vital in order for municipalities to communicate with Commonwealth and federal disaster response authorities in order to receive the necessary help. From roads that need to be cleared, to locating missing persons, to communicating with remote areas and maintaining the safety and security of its residents, telecommunications services are vital.
Network restoration will also assist disaster response relief teams in narrowly tailoring aid to those areas most in need and quickly deploying assets across the island. In short, reestablishing communications in a prompt manner is crucial in order to have an effective disaster response and relief efforts.
The people of Puerto Rico need robust assistance at this hour of great need and it is incumbent upon us to help in every manner possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Sarbanes Questions Former Equifax CEO about Consumer Data Breach
Washington, D.C. - October 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) has questioned former Equifax CEO Richard Smith about the data breach that exposed the personal and financial data of at least 145.5 million Americans.
“There are three things that I think the public is angry about,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “First of all, they want to understand why there weren’t sufficient protections in place on the front end so that this kind of breach wouldn’t happen given the sensitivity of the information that you’re keeping in the company. The second thing is how quickly – once a breach was discovered – you came clean to the public and provided information on what was happening. There seems to have been a delay there that concerns people. The third is whether the services that you’re now providing people are going to be a sufficient assurance to folks going forward – that their identity can be protected, that their information is safe.”
A full video of the exchange appears below.
“There are three things that I think the public is angry about,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “First of all, they want to understand why there weren’t sufficient protections in place on the front end so that this kind of breach wouldn’t happen given the sensitivity of the information that you’re keeping in the company. The second thing is how quickly – once a breach was discovered – you came clean to the public and provided information on what was happening. There seems to have been a delay there that concerns people. The third is whether the services that you’re now providing people are going to be a sufficient assurance to folks going forward – that their identity can be protected, that their information is safe.”
A full video of the exchange appears below.
Reps. Roybal-Allard & Jayapal Statement on White House Immigration Proposal
Washington, D.C. - October 3, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswomen Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), co-chairs of the Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform, released the following statement in response to reports that a circulated White House immigration proposal includes policies that will be profoundly damaging to immigrant children and families:
“The Trump Administration’s leaked immigration proposal is a betrayal of our nation’s values and principles. As the co-chairs of the Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform, we are particularly concerned that the proposal includes policies from two House bills that would place immigrant children and families in grave danger.
“These policies raise the credible fear standard, making it harder for people fleeing from violence and persecution to qualify for asylum; they restrict eligibility for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status to protect children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned; and they strip away due process and procedural protections from unaccompanied children seeking refuge in our country.
“As Americans, we should not turn away families fleeing persecution, we should not ignore the suffering youth who have been subjected to abuse or abandonment, and we should not send away unaccompanied children without giving them a meaningful opportunity to make their case for why they need protection.”
Rooney Introduces Bipartisan Child Safety Legislation
Washington, D.C. - October 3, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Tom Rooney (FL-17) introduced the bipartisan National Child Identification Assistance Act with Congressman Charlie Crist (FL-13) today. This bill protects children’s sensitive information by empowering parents to store it themselves, rather than the government.
“The National Child Identification Assistance Act highlights the importance of the National Child Identification Program, a national community service initiative which provides inkless, in-home fingerprinting kits to parents so they can proactively collect and store their child’s vital identification in the privacy of their own homes,” Rooney said. “It also decentralizes the process for law enforcement agencies that may lack the resources to collect and centrally-store information related to individual children. Should a child go missing, parents will be able to immediately furnish all of the pertinent information that law enforcement needs to conduct a search and rescue as quickly as possible. In the past, this program has partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, local law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community service organizations and this bill is an important step to ensure parents are directly involved in its continued success.”
“We must do all we can to protect our children. I am proud to join my friend, Congressman Rooney, in introducing this common-sense bill to do just that, promoting a proactive approach to address the growing issue of missing and exploited children,” added Charlie Crist.
“I am so proud that Congressman Rooney and Crist are leading the effort to help protect our greatest asset, our nations' children. I was one of the coaches that helped start this program, and to date with 57 million ID kits distributed, it is the largest child ID program in the world. What a blessing,” said former Florida State Head Coach Bobby Bowden.
Originally recognized by Congress in 2001 for its dedication and efforts to protect children, the National Child Identification Program is a community service initiative that partners with college football teams and NFL teams to provide parents and guardians with ID kits that they can use at home to store their child’s sensitive identification information.
Former West Virginia Head Coach Don Nehlen stated, “Nothing is more important to the country than our children, they are our future. This ID Kit can be filled out in about 5 minutes, stored in the home and can be provided to authorities in the case of an emergency.”
“It is a great initiative that I have been involved with since 1997. This is another positive way that we can protect one of our most important natural resources that we have and that's our children,” said Coach Jim Caldwell of the Detroit Lions and longtime program board member.
Tax Reform Statements Continued
“During today’s discussions, we made significant progress toward developing a tax reform plan that will deliver the fairness and simplicity Americans deserve. As I have said repeatedly throughout this process, we need a tax reform plan that focuses on delivering relief to those who need it most – the middle class. The framework released today would double the standard deduction so that families and individuals can keep more of their hard-earned dollars, simplify the code into three tax brackets, and eliminate unfair taxes like the ‘Death tax’ that place an undue burden on farmers and family owned businesses,” said Representative Mitchell.
“The American people asked for tax relief; it’s time for both parties and both chambers of Congress to come together to deliver. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, and with President Trump, to turn today’s framework into legislation that will put American workers and families first.”
“Our nation’s tax code is broken. For far too long, our tax code has burdened American families, stunted our economy’s growth, and limited the ability of our businesses to compete in global markets,” said Mullin. “With our federal tax code exceeding more than 70,000 pages, we can’t expect any individual, family, or small business to keep up. It’s time that our tax code worked for the American people, not against them.”
“We want to make sure that every American keeps more of their hard-earned paycheck in their pocket. We want to make sure that filing your family’s taxes is so simple and affordable that you don’t have to hire an expert,” said Mullin. “Our framework lowers rates for everyone across the board, eliminates loopholes, and allows our businesses—both big and small—to be competitive in the market. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to deliver on our promise to the American people to make our tax code fair and simple for the first time in over 30 years.”
Tim Murphy (R-PA, 18th)
“This framework is a solid foundation to build a more competitive Southwestern Pennsylvania economy with more opportunities for families to move ahead.
“As Congress gets to work on fixing the broken U.S. tax code, my focus remains the same: simplifying the tax code; ensuring hardworking families keep more of their paychecks; and growing our local economy by making sure good-paying jobs stay in Southwestern Pennsylvania.”
Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st)
“Despite Republican claims that their tax plan would benefit the middle class, today’s analysis from the Tax Policy Center confirms that the Ryan-McConnell tax plan would overwhelmingly favor the rich at the expense of the middle class and hardworking Americans. Alarmingly, this analysis found that the middle class would be likely to pay more in taxes, directly contradicting claims made by Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell. Paying for massive tax cuts for the wealthy at the direct expense of the middle class would cause great harm to our nation’s economy and further exacerbate income inequality. To put it simply, this tax plan is a gut punch to the middle class and a golden goose for the rich.”
Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st)
“Americans want more jobs, higher wages and tax relief. But instead of focusing on working families, the Republican tax reform plan is just another giveaway to billionaires and huge corporations. It fails the President’s own ‘Trump Test’ to not benefit the wealthy.
“This proposal crushes New Jersey’s middle-class by eliminating critical state and local tax deductions. More than a third of New Jersey tax filers would be hit with a large tax increase if Republicans get rid of the State and Local Tax deduction.
“This plan amounts to welfare for the wealthy, paid for out of the pockets of hardworking Americans. It’s a bait and switch. Republicans continue to avoid explaining details about how they plan to pay for this, which means Americans can expect cuts to the vital services they rely on, like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
“I urge Americans to reject this plan and demand that Republicans finally work with Democrats to actually create jobs, raise wages, and bring real relief to working families.”
Steve Pearce (R-NM, 2nd)
“Small businesses are the cornerstone and families are the backbone of our state. For too long, our nation’s complex, antiquated, and one-sided tax code has caused stress, undue burden, and hard-earned money to ensure compliance. This is simply wrong, and must change not only for the success of our communities, but for the success of New Mexico and the nation. The tax framework released today has the potential to finally bring the relief that has long been needed. Done right, it will strengthen the middle-class and working-class, ease the burden and stress on families, make small businesses a priority, and put America back on the competitive global playing field.
This framework simplifies the tax code for businesses, doubles the amount families and individuals are able to deduct, and has the potential to lower rate for individuals and families throughout the nation with a straightforward tax rate. These changes will allow everyday middle-class families to spend less on taxes and tax preparation allowing those hard-earned dollars to be saved and used where needed. Even more, this framework will help businesses expand, but also allow them to create jobs in communities with desperate for growth and services.
New Mexicans have struggled long enough to find good-paying jobs and deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to reform America’s tax code to make New Mexican businesses and families a priority.”
Scott Perry (R-PA, 4th)
“The outline is good, but we need to see the brackets and some other details. As it stands now, I'm supportive of the proposal,” said Perry. “The American People deserve a tax code that prioritizes their needs - one that's simple, fair and easy to understand. Everyone should be able to keep more of their own hard-earned money, and our role as a government is to create the opportunity for small businesses to generate jobs and prosperity.”
Erik Paulsen (R-MN, 3rd)
“This is an exciting week for Minnesota’s middle-class families and small businesses,” said Congressman Paulsen. “After more than three decades since the last major tax reform, the framework released today outlines how fixing our broken tax code will lead to more jobs and bigger paychecks. Tax reform is about one thing: Restoring the hope of prosperity for American workers, their families, and, most importantly, the next generation.”
“Republicans have apparently decided to approach tax reform with the same failed strategy that they employed for months in the health care debate. Instead of engaging in bipartisan discussions to come up with the best ideas, holding open hearings to solicit expert input, and publicly debating the merits of different policies, Republicans are reportedly meeting in secret behind closed-doors on a one-party basis to come up with a tax plan. I fear that what follows will be an attempt to ram another lopsided proposal through Congress with no transparency, no public debate and no meaningful opportunity to improve the legislation.
“Democrats stand prepared and ready to work with Republicans to dramatically simplify the tax code, get rid of special interest loopholes and giveaways, and make the whole tax system fairer for middle-class families. But real tax reform without blowing up the deficit will only be achievable through a thoughtful, public and bipartisan process—the exact opposite of what our friends across the aisle did with their serial health care repeal debacles. I urge the GOP leadership to abandon its secretive partisan tactics and work to engage Democrats – and the American people – in this important discussion so we can produce the best possible legislative outcome. Regular order and bipartisan collaboration is the only way to make this work.”
David G. Reichert (R-WA, 8th)
"Over the years as I have traveled to all corners or Washington’s Eighth District and met with individuals and families from all walks of life, I have heard the same message over and over again: Americans want a simpler, fairer tax code that leads to more jobs and bigger paychecks.
Today, the House released a framework for a tax reform plan to put us on that path.
The framework outlines a plan that provides tax relief and a simplified code to middle-class families, making Americans’ day to day life more affordable so individuals and families can focus on the things that matter.
And it sets out a path for significant economic growth, by lowering tax rates for American businesses and encouraging investment here at home. America’s outdated tax code has weighed down American workers and businesses as our foreign competitors move forward. We simply must have a tax code that supports the creation of good-paying jobs in America.
This is a once in a generation opportunity that will improve the lives of American families for generations to come. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle over the coming months on a tax plan that will give Americans a raise, help our businesses compete, and simplify the tax code."
Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)
“Since 1986 Washington has stood by and let the rest of the world tilt the playing field against the American worker. The decline of the American middle class and the growing income inequality that both Democrats and Republicans complain about is a direct result of the continued deterioration of America for a place to do business, in large part because we’ve failed to make ourselves competitive.
Our current tax code puts American businesses at a disadvantage and that translates to the loss of millions of middle class American jobs. If we really want to grow the middle class, give them a raise, reduce income inequality, and stop jobs from leaving our shores, we must make our tax code competitive in the world. That has got to be our number one goal and this plan helps get us there.”
Martha Roby (R-AL, 2nd)
“It was a productive meeting, and the message I would relay to those I represent is simple: We want to lower tax rates for every taxpayer so that Americans can keep and invest more of what they earn,” Roby said. “You should be able to keep more of your money in your pocket.”
“I’m ready to get this done. It is time to deliver some meaningful results to the American people. Tax reform presents a tremendous opportunity to move this country ahead, and I’m committed to getting it done.”
Mike (AL) Rogers (R-AL, 3rd)
“I strongly support the tax reform framework outlined today by President Trump and the House Republican Leadership. Tax reform is the single best way to grow our economy. Hard working Americans are due a fairer and simpler tax code.
“The tax reform framework is just the first step towards helping families keep more of what they earn, create more good-paying jobs in America and help small businesses.
“I look forward to working with President Trump as we work to make our broken tax code fairer and simpler for the folks across East Alabama and the country so they can keep more of what they earn.
“I’m ready to reform our nation’s tax code. It will help your wallet and it will help this business and businesses just like it. We have some of the best products in the world, and it’s time our country’s policies give our businesses the ability to thrive.”
“This is a transformational moment we have to reform a tax code that hasn’t been updated in over 30 years. This is about improving the lives of every single American. It’s about increasing paychecks and giving families, working students and small businesses an easier and fairer tax code. American families are counting on Congress and the White House to work together to fix a tax code that is too complicated and too unfair,” said Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL). “This framework puts us on the right path to accomplishing those goals and I invite my Democrat colleagues to join us in making the changes necessary to enact common-sense, fiscally-responsible measures that grows our economy, supports our middle-class, defends our workers and protects our jobs.”
“This week, the House, the Senate, and the Trump Administration released a tax reform framework to bring back jobs and money from overseas and create real prosperity for all Americans. This is a tax reform plan focused on simplicity and growth that will lead to significant investments and generate better paying jobs, while also enabling every individual and family to keep more of what they earn. For southeastern North Carolina, this is a first step to enacting into law a tax code that would benefit every individual and family — including our farm families and small businesses — and so simple you would be able to file your tax return on a postcard.”
More House Statements about the Las Vegas Shooting
"I never thought I’d wake up this morning to the news of the deadliest shooting in U.S. history; but unfortunately, this devastation is all too familiar. I join the world in expressing my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families in last night's heartbreaking attack.
"Many have asked when is the time to discuss gun violence prevention. The answer is yesterday, today, and always. There is no doubt the absence of smart gun laws plays a leading role in these attacks. We can and must do better."
David G. Reichert (R-WA, 8th)
"My heart breaks for the families of the victims, the wounded, and all those impacted by last night’s tragic, senseless, and evil event and I continue to pray for those being treated in the hospital," said Rep. Reichert. "Targeting innocent individuals enjoying time with family and friends is beyond evil and cowardly. As this tragedy continues to be investigated, we must all be thankful for the incredible bravery and swift action of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, all first responders, as well as local trauma center personnel. We must remain resilient as one nation."
Phil Roe (R-TN, 1st)
“I am heartbroken by the senseless and horrific shooting in Las Vegas. I am praying for the innocent victims, their families and the city of Las Vegas. I’m grateful to the Las Vegas Police Department, first responders and local authorities who responded quickly – they are true heroes. Clarinda and I echo the sentiments expressed by President Trump this morning and join the nation in praying for the quick recovery of the injured, for unity and for peace.”
Jacky Rosen (D-NV, 3rd)
“There are no words to describe the devastation that our community has suffered and witnessed. I am heartbroken over the evil, horrific act of violence that has shaken Las Vegas and taken scores of innocent lives and injured hundreds more. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and with our community. I am grateful to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, our first responders, and all of the brave souls who risked their lives to save others. This unspeakable tragedy has left a dark stain on our history, but we will not let this painful moment define us. Las Vegas will always be a strong, vibrant city with an open heart and our lights will always keep on shining.”
Congressman David Price Issues Statement on Tragedy In Las Vegas, Nevada
On Monday, October 2, Congressman David Price (D-NC) issued the following statement regarding the horrific mass-shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Last night, our country witnessed yet another senseless and despicable act of gun violence, this time at a concert in Las Vegas. Lisa and I join the American people in grieving with the families and loved ones of the more than 50 people who lost their lives and more than 400 wounded survivors of what we now know is the largest mass shooting in our nation’s modern history. And yet we are well past the point where grieving is enough—we must summon the will and courage to take concrete action to prevent future tragedies. Anything short of that is a betrayal of the thousands of Americans who lose their lives each year to gun violence, and a betrayal of our values as a great nation.”
<B><I><Font Color="Red">Tougher laws do not prevent criminals from gaining access to guns. It only makes it harder for law-abiding citizens to own them.</Font></I></B>
REPS. O’HALLERAN, SCHRADER INTRODUCE BILL TO END GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ABUSE
Washington, D.C. - October 3, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Reps. Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01) and Kurt Schrader (OR-05) introduced the Taxpayers Don’t Incur Meaningless Expenses (Taxpayers DIME) Act, which ensures no taxpayer money is spent on government air travel that violates rules applied to senior federal officials, increases transparency and oversight of government travel, and calls for the independent Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to report on ways to strengthen existing rules.
“Taxpayers are rightfully outraged by the disturbing practice of government officials wasting their hard-earned dollars on government and private jets to travel the country. It is time to put an end to this,” said Rep. O’Halleran. “The Taxpayers DIME Act strengthens rules against wasteful government spending and brings greater transparency to how agency resources for government travel are used or abused. Those who serve the American people, regardless of political affiliation, must be held to the highest ethical standard, and I will continue pushing for greater transparency and accountability in Washington.”
"There's often a running, mostly false narrative that Washington doesn't play by its own rules. When we see federal officials jet around the country on taxpayer dollars, the skepticism only deepens," said Rep. Kurt Schrader. "Our Taxpayers DIME Act ensures that public servants are transparent and fiscally responsible in their air travel spending, and it will hold those who aren't accountable. We're here to serve our neighbors back at home, not lavish their hard-earned dollars on personal luxury. If that's too much to ask, then go home -- and fly commercial."
The Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) outline the rules applicable to senior federal officials and agencies for requesting, approving, and using government aircraft for official and non-official travel. However, reports of Cabinet officials inappropriately requesting or utilizing government aircraft demonstrate a violation of the spirit of the FTR, which state clearly that “Taxpayers should pay no more than necessary for [officials’] travel”.
O’Halleran and Schrader co-chair the Blue Dog Coalition’s Task Force on Government Reform and Accountability. The group is responsible for monitoring regulations issued by the federal government and analyzing rules to ensure Congressional intent is appropriately applied.
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