Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the Senate Budget Committee’s mark-up of the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2018 which will lay the foundation for tax reform. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video of his remarks can be found here.
“Beginning today, the Senate Budget Committee will take the next step in our effort to enact pro-growth tax reform, this time by marking up a budget resolution. The Committee's work follows the release last week of our unified framework, the tax blueprint on how to create jobs and how to put more money back in the pockets of the hardworking Americans that earn it.”
“The best way to accomplish meaningful tax reform is to lower rates and simplify provisions across the board to give Americans more take-home pay and have to spend less time hiring somebody just to complete their tax return. We can't simply throw up our hands and do nothing and accept the status quo because American workers and job creators can't afford the status quo. I'm optimistic… about the framework and look forward to working with my colleagues in the Finance Committee in the days and weeks ahead.”
The Unpopular Truth
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Cornyn: Democrats Attacking Tax Reform Ideas They Once Supported
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) noted Democrats’ hypocrisy when discussing tax reform efforts, highlighting their previous support for elements in the Big Six framework which they are now criticizing. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video of his remarks can be found here.
“You'd think, given their effusive support for tax reform in the past, our Democratic friends would at least wait to review the legislation before they pounce on it.”
“They are already piling on, and spreading misinformation, and assuming the worst because that's the easy and politically expedient thing to do.”
“What's most striking is that the new framework, unveiled by the so-called ‘Big Six,’ shares many of the core features of previous plans that were widely embraced by Democrats.”
“These changes to our tax code used to be noncontroversial, certainly not partisan. So the Big Six plan isn't just similar to the Wyden one, though. It also shares key features with the so-called ‘Simpson-Bowles’ plan from 2010 that not long ago was embraced by a number of Democrats.”
“Our Democratic colleagues used to think these reforms were long overdue, and they were right then, and they are wrong now.”
“Our colleagues from Ohio, Minnesota, and Missouri have all said in recent years that we should lower the corporate tax rate, not because we love corporations, but because we recognize that that provides incentives for them to stay here and invest in jobs and businesses in America, rather than overseas.”
“There is nothing partisan about wanting an updated and more competitive tax code.”
“You'd think, given their effusive support for tax reform in the past, our Democratic friends would at least wait to review the legislation before they pounce on it.”
“They are already piling on, and spreading misinformation, and assuming the worst because that's the easy and politically expedient thing to do.”
“What's most striking is that the new framework, unveiled by the so-called ‘Big Six,’ shares many of the core features of previous plans that were widely embraced by Democrats.”
“These changes to our tax code used to be noncontroversial, certainly not partisan. So the Big Six plan isn't just similar to the Wyden one, though. It also shares key features with the so-called ‘Simpson-Bowles’ plan from 2010 that not long ago was embraced by a number of Democrats.”
“Our Democratic colleagues used to think these reforms were long overdue, and they were right then, and they are wrong now.”
“Our colleagues from Ohio, Minnesota, and Missouri have all said in recent years that we should lower the corporate tax rate, not because we love corporations, but because we recognize that that provides incentives for them to stay here and invest in jobs and businesses in America, rather than overseas.”
“There is nothing partisan about wanting an updated and more competitive tax code.”
Bill to Protect Children from Online Predators Passes House
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The PROTECT Our Children Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation, which passed the Senate in June, reauthorizes the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program, a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies that combat child exploitation across the country. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dean Heller (R-NV), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) were original cosponsors of the legislation.
“As Attorney General of Texas, I saw firsthand how children can be exploited over the internet and what resources are needed to stop these despicable predators. Preventing cyber-crimes like online child exploitation is an increasingly tough task, which is why the ICAC Task Force Program and the support it gives to our law enforcement agencies to combat this heinous crime is invaluable,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I’m proud to see my colleagues in both Chambers recognize the importance of reauthorizing this program, and I will work to see that the Senate clears this legislation for the President’s signature.”
The PROTECT Our Children Act, originally passed in 2008, authorized the ICAC Task Force Program, a coordinated group of task forces representing 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in reactive and proactive investigations across the country. This legislation built upon work Senator Cornyn began as Texas Attorney General, when he created the Texas Internet Bureau to fight internet crimes like child pornography.
The ICAC Task Force Program helps local and state law enforcement respond to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children, and offers guidance on victim support, forensic investigative components, training and technical assistance, and prevention and community education.
Earlier this year, Senator Cornyn met with local leaders and law enforcement officers working with two of the three ICACs in Texas, the Dallas ICAC Task Force and the Houston Metro ICAC Task Force, to discuss their successes and challenges to preventing online exploitation of children in the state.
Organizations who support the PROTECT Our Children Act include the National Association to Protect Children (PROTECT), the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the National Children’s Alliance, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the National Sheriffs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Criminal Justice Association, and the Major City Chiefs Police Association.
“As Attorney General of Texas, I saw firsthand how children can be exploited over the internet and what resources are needed to stop these despicable predators. Preventing cyber-crimes like online child exploitation is an increasingly tough task, which is why the ICAC Task Force Program and the support it gives to our law enforcement agencies to combat this heinous crime is invaluable,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I’m proud to see my colleagues in both Chambers recognize the importance of reauthorizing this program, and I will work to see that the Senate clears this legislation for the President’s signature.”
The PROTECT Our Children Act, originally passed in 2008, authorized the ICAC Task Force Program, a coordinated group of task forces representing 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in reactive and proactive investigations across the country. This legislation built upon work Senator Cornyn began as Texas Attorney General, when he created the Texas Internet Bureau to fight internet crimes like child pornography.
The ICAC Task Force Program helps local and state law enforcement respond to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children, and offers guidance on victim support, forensic investigative components, training and technical assistance, and prevention and community education.
Earlier this year, Senator Cornyn met with local leaders and law enforcement officers working with two of the three ICACs in Texas, the Dallas ICAC Task Force and the Houston Metro ICAC Task Force, to discuss their successes and challenges to preventing online exploitation of children in the state.
Organizations who support the PROTECT Our Children Act include the National Association to Protect Children (PROTECT), the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the National Children’s Alliance, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the National Sheriffs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Criminal Justice Association, and the Major City Chiefs Police Association.
Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act Passes Senate, Heads to President's Desk
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his bipartisan legislation to protect seniors from neglect and financial exploitation passed Congress. The Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act, which he introduced with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), will help crack down on elder abuse by strengthening oversight and accountability for guardians and conservators.
“Our nation’s senior citizens regretfully are targets for exploitation and fraud, sadly sometimes at the hands of those they trust the most,” said Cornyn. “I’m glad the House passed this bipartisan legislation to strengthen accountability measures for guardians so our senior citizens are protected and this type of abuse can be prevented.”
Sen. Cornyn’s bipartisan legislation passed as part of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. The Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act makes courts eligible for an already existing program designed to protect seniors. Under the program, state courts would be able to apply for funding to assess the handling of proceedings relating to guardians and conservators, and then make the necessary improvements to their practices. For example, the courts could conduct background checks on potential guardians and conservators, or implement an electronic filing system to better monitor and audit conservatorships and guardianships.
“Our nation’s senior citizens regretfully are targets for exploitation and fraud, sadly sometimes at the hands of those they trust the most,” said Cornyn. “I’m glad the House passed this bipartisan legislation to strengthen accountability measures for guardians so our senior citizens are protected and this type of abuse can be prevented.”
Sen. Cornyn’s bipartisan legislation passed as part of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. The Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act makes courts eligible for an already existing program designed to protect seniors. Under the program, state courts would be able to apply for funding to assess the handling of proceedings relating to guardians and conservators, and then make the necessary improvements to their practices. For example, the courts could conduct background checks on potential guardians and conservators, or implement an electronic filing system to better monitor and audit conservatorships and guardianships.
CAPITO, MANCHIN, MCKINLEY, WELCH INTRODUCE AMERICAN MINERS PENSION ACT
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and U.S. Representatives David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have introduced the American Miners Pension Act (AMP Act) at a press conference with United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) President Cecil Roberts and retired miners explaining the importance of this legislation and urging quick adoption.
“Earlier this year, we secured a major victory of permanent health care for our miners and their families. But that victory was only half the battle. Today, we took the next step by introducing the AMP Act, which will ensure these hardworking men and women receive the pensions they rightfully earned. I am always proud to stand with our miners through thick and thin—especially our West Virginia miners—and I will continue to stand with them today as we work to deliver the peace of mind they deserve,” Senator Capito said.
“We have come together today to deliver on an unfinished promise. Earlier this year, we passed legislation to ensure the health benefits of 22,600 miners,” Senator Manchin said. “These benefits are lifesaving to our nation’s miners and their families and I was proud to fight successfully, shoulder to shoulder with them, to secure their health care. But our job isn’t finished. The bill we will introduce today, the American Miners Pension Act, protects the pensions of nearly 87,000 current beneficiaries and another 20,000 eligible coal miners with vested pensions. These miners earned their pensions through a lifetime of the hardest work imaginable. They did so resting in the knowledge that they would find it waiting for them down the road for support in their retired years. Let’s finish what we started and pass this fix to ensure our coal miners keep their hard-earned pensions.”
“Congress needs to keep the promise made to our miners and protect the pension benefits these men and women earned with their sweat. More than 117,000 miners and their families are counting on us. Now that we’ve addressed the immediate threat to retirees’ health care, we need to finish what we started and fix their troubled pension. Our retirees deserve peace of mind that the benefits they earned during their years in the mines will be there when they need them,” Congressman McKinley said.
“For generations, coal miners have risked their lives to keep homes warm, lights on, and factories powered,” Congressman Welch said. “We have a moral obligation to ensure that their hard earned pensions are there when they retire.”
Currently, the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan is on the road to insolvency. The American Miners Pension Act will shore up the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan to make sure that nearly 87,000 retired miners receiving pensions, as well as another 20,000 who are vested, won’t lose the pensions they have paid into for decades. In West Virginia alone, there are 26,967 pensioners who are at risk. The AMP Act would:
Use the provision from the Miners Protection Act to allow transfers of excess funds in the Abandoned Mine Land program to the 1974 UMWA pension plan.
Direct the Treasury Department to loan the Pension Plan funds annually.
Cap the annual loan amount at $600 million and set the interest rate at 1 percent.
Require the fund to pay interest for the first 10 years and then pay back the principal plus interest over a 30-year term.
Require the fund to certify each year that the pension plan is solvent and able to pay back the principal and interest.
“Earlier this year, we secured a major victory of permanent health care for our miners and their families. But that victory was only half the battle. Today, we took the next step by introducing the AMP Act, which will ensure these hardworking men and women receive the pensions they rightfully earned. I am always proud to stand with our miners through thick and thin—especially our West Virginia miners—and I will continue to stand with them today as we work to deliver the peace of mind they deserve,” Senator Capito said.
“We have come together today to deliver on an unfinished promise. Earlier this year, we passed legislation to ensure the health benefits of 22,600 miners,” Senator Manchin said. “These benefits are lifesaving to our nation’s miners and their families and I was proud to fight successfully, shoulder to shoulder with them, to secure their health care. But our job isn’t finished. The bill we will introduce today, the American Miners Pension Act, protects the pensions of nearly 87,000 current beneficiaries and another 20,000 eligible coal miners with vested pensions. These miners earned their pensions through a lifetime of the hardest work imaginable. They did so resting in the knowledge that they would find it waiting for them down the road for support in their retired years. Let’s finish what we started and pass this fix to ensure our coal miners keep their hard-earned pensions.”
“Congress needs to keep the promise made to our miners and protect the pension benefits these men and women earned with their sweat. More than 117,000 miners and their families are counting on us. Now that we’ve addressed the immediate threat to retirees’ health care, we need to finish what we started and fix their troubled pension. Our retirees deserve peace of mind that the benefits they earned during their years in the mines will be there when they need them,” Congressman McKinley said.
“For generations, coal miners have risked their lives to keep homes warm, lights on, and factories powered,” Congressman Welch said. “We have a moral obligation to ensure that their hard earned pensions are there when they retire.”
Currently, the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan is on the road to insolvency. The American Miners Pension Act will shore up the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan to make sure that nearly 87,000 retired miners receiving pensions, as well as another 20,000 who are vested, won’t lose the pensions they have paid into for decades. In West Virginia alone, there are 26,967 pensioners who are at risk. The AMP Act would:
CAPITO, JENKINS RELEASE FEDERAL STUDY ON NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) have announced the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on neonatal abstinence syndrome. The study, “Federal Action Needed to Address Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome,” is the first federal study of its kind to examine best practices and approaches to treating newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
The report recommends several practices to address neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and improve treatment for these newborns, including educating expectant mothers on prenatal care and available resources. It also suggests educating healthcare providers on screening and treating NAS, as well as addressing the stigma faced by pregnant women who use opioids that keeps them from getting treatment.
Representative Jenkins introduced legislation, the NAS Healthy Babies Act, to require this study, which the House passed last year. Thanks to the work of Senator Capito and Representative Jenkins, the legislation was included in the final version of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which was signed into law by the president.
“We hear heartbreaking stories every day about the tragic deaths and painful struggles of individuals dealing with addiction, but some of the most heartbreaking are those of infants who are exposed to opioids before they’re even born. It’s important that we do more to draw attention to this issue and take action to address it. That’s why I pushed to make sure CARA included a provision requiring this study and have continued working to advance legislation that will help these infants,” Senator Capito said. “West Virginia is so fortunate to be home to Lily’s Place, a wonderful facility that provides the kind of specialized care infants going through withdrawal need. However, many families across the country don’t have access to that kind of care or don’t even know it’s a possibility. By raising awareness of treatment options like those available at Lily’s Place and exploring strategies to help infants in need, we can really begin to address this tragic aspect of the opioid crisis. This study is another step in a much larger fight, but it’s a welcome and useful tool that I know will inform our efforts moving forward.”
“Suffering through withdrawal from exposure to drugs such as heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start one’s life, but tragically that’s the reality for many newborns in West Virginia and across the country. I was proud to sponsor and champion the law that required this study so we could expand our knowledge of NAS and how to care for these precious newborns. Every child deserve the best chance for a healthy start in life,” Representative Jenkins said. “This report showed that there are other options for care outside of a hospital that may be more suitable for some babies, like the care being given at Lily’s Place in Huntington. It also found that we can and must do more to implement best practices and work with caregivers in our communities. Based on this report’s findings, I am ready to draft new legislation to find and promote solutions to help these babies and stop the opioid epidemic.”
Senator Capito and Representative Jenkins have worked together on other legislation to address the opioid crisis and help NAS newborns. In May, Senator Capito reintroduced the Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Act, which Representative Jenkins introduced in the House. The bipartisan legislation would help newborns suffering from addiction recover in the best setting and provide support to their families. The bill would recognize residential pediatric recovery facilities as providers under Medicaid, allowing Medicaid to cover these services in residential pediatric recovery facilities in addition to hospitals.
For a copy of the full GAO report, click here.
The report recommends several practices to address neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and improve treatment for these newborns, including educating expectant mothers on prenatal care and available resources. It also suggests educating healthcare providers on screening and treating NAS, as well as addressing the stigma faced by pregnant women who use opioids that keeps them from getting treatment.
Representative Jenkins introduced legislation, the NAS Healthy Babies Act, to require this study, which the House passed last year. Thanks to the work of Senator Capito and Representative Jenkins, the legislation was included in the final version of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which was signed into law by the president.
“We hear heartbreaking stories every day about the tragic deaths and painful struggles of individuals dealing with addiction, but some of the most heartbreaking are those of infants who are exposed to opioids before they’re even born. It’s important that we do more to draw attention to this issue and take action to address it. That’s why I pushed to make sure CARA included a provision requiring this study and have continued working to advance legislation that will help these infants,” Senator Capito said. “West Virginia is so fortunate to be home to Lily’s Place, a wonderful facility that provides the kind of specialized care infants going through withdrawal need. However, many families across the country don’t have access to that kind of care or don’t even know it’s a possibility. By raising awareness of treatment options like those available at Lily’s Place and exploring strategies to help infants in need, we can really begin to address this tragic aspect of the opioid crisis. This study is another step in a much larger fight, but it’s a welcome and useful tool that I know will inform our efforts moving forward.”
“Suffering through withdrawal from exposure to drugs such as heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start one’s life, but tragically that’s the reality for many newborns in West Virginia and across the country. I was proud to sponsor and champion the law that required this study so we could expand our knowledge of NAS and how to care for these precious newborns. Every child deserve the best chance for a healthy start in life,” Representative Jenkins said. “This report showed that there are other options for care outside of a hospital that may be more suitable for some babies, like the care being given at Lily’s Place in Huntington. It also found that we can and must do more to implement best practices and work with caregivers in our communities. Based on this report’s findings, I am ready to draft new legislation to find and promote solutions to help these babies and stop the opioid epidemic.”
Senator Capito and Representative Jenkins have worked together on other legislation to address the opioid crisis and help NAS newborns. In May, Senator Capito reintroduced the Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Act, which Representative Jenkins introduced in the House. The bipartisan legislation would help newborns suffering from addiction recover in the best setting and provide support to their families. The bill would recognize residential pediatric recovery facilities as providers under Medicaid, allowing Medicaid to cover these services in residential pediatric recovery facilities in addition to hospitals.
For a copy of the full GAO report, click here.
Brown Says Wells Fargo Has Not Done Enough to Earn Back Customer Trust
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs – demanded answers from Wells Fargo CEO Timothy Sloan today about the company’s failure to detect millions of fraudulent accounts opened in customers’ names, as well as the company’s practice of forcing unwanted insurance on auto loan borrowers.
Brown cited multiple examples that demonstrate Wells Fargo has failed to institute significant changes in order to earn back customer trust. Wells Fargo only recently disclosed that the number of fraudulent accounts was 70 percent higher than it originally reported. And, while Wells Fargo told Congress the problems were limited to its community bank, the auto loan division stuck 800,000 customers with auto insurance policies without the customers’ consent.
Brown pressed Sloan on Wells Fargo’s use of so-called forced arbitration clauses to block customers from seeking justice in the court system. While Wells Fargo has insisted it is no longer using forced arbitration clauses to cover fake accounts, Brown pointed to a case in Utah within the last three weeks.
Brown pointed out that forced arbitration favors banks, putting customers at a disadvantage when seeking justice. In fact, despite the fact that Wells Fargo opened 3.5 million fraudulent accounts between 2009 and 2017, the bank was awarded more money through arbitration than it was required to pay to customers during that time, according to publicly available data. The average customer involved in an arbitration case with Wells Fargo ended up being ordered to pay the bank $11,000.
Brown also said that because the arbitration proceedings are private, they allow fraud that may have otherwise been brought to light through the court system to continue in secret.
“Forced arbitration always gives the advantage to the bank, and you are continuing to use forced arbitration to take advantage of your customers. Why should we believe you are committed to changing your practices and being fair to customers when you continue to use closed-door arbitration practices that deny customers their day in court?” Brown questioned Sloan.
As the CEO side-stepped Brown’s question, the Senator interrupted, “Give customers their day in court.”
Click here for production-quality video of Brown’s questions.
Brown is leading legislation in the Senate that would give defrauded Wells Fargo customers their day in court. Brown has also championed a rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would bar banks, payday lenders and other financial institutions from using forced arbitration to block customers from accessing the court system. In July, the House of Representatives voted to overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule. Brown vowed a ‘hell of a fight’ against Congressional efforts to roll back the rule.
Brown cited multiple examples that demonstrate Wells Fargo has failed to institute significant changes in order to earn back customer trust. Wells Fargo only recently disclosed that the number of fraudulent accounts was 70 percent higher than it originally reported. And, while Wells Fargo told Congress the problems were limited to its community bank, the auto loan division stuck 800,000 customers with auto insurance policies without the customers’ consent.
Brown pressed Sloan on Wells Fargo’s use of so-called forced arbitration clauses to block customers from seeking justice in the court system. While Wells Fargo has insisted it is no longer using forced arbitration clauses to cover fake accounts, Brown pointed to a case in Utah within the last three weeks.
Brown pointed out that forced arbitration favors banks, putting customers at a disadvantage when seeking justice. In fact, despite the fact that Wells Fargo opened 3.5 million fraudulent accounts between 2009 and 2017, the bank was awarded more money through arbitration than it was required to pay to customers during that time, according to publicly available data. The average customer involved in an arbitration case with Wells Fargo ended up being ordered to pay the bank $11,000.
Brown also said that because the arbitration proceedings are private, they allow fraud that may have otherwise been brought to light through the court system to continue in secret.
“Forced arbitration always gives the advantage to the bank, and you are continuing to use forced arbitration to take advantage of your customers. Why should we believe you are committed to changing your practices and being fair to customers when you continue to use closed-door arbitration practices that deny customers their day in court?” Brown questioned Sloan.
As the CEO side-stepped Brown’s question, the Senator interrupted, “Give customers their day in court.”
Click here for production-quality video of Brown’s questions.
Brown is leading legislation in the Senate that would give defrauded Wells Fargo customers their day in court. Brown has also championed a rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would bar banks, payday lenders and other financial institutions from using forced arbitration to block customers from accessing the court system. In July, the House of Representatives voted to overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule. Brown vowed a ‘hell of a fight’ against Congressional efforts to roll back the rule.
Brown: Equifax Should Spend More on Security, Less on CEO Pay
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs – questioned former Equifax CEO Richard F. Smith today in the wake of a massive data breach that exposed the data of 145 million Americans. According to Equifax, more than 5.2 million Ohioans were impacted by the breach.
Brown called for Equifax to invest more in security and less in huge salaries for CEOs. He pointed out that Equifax spent nearly as much on Smith’s multi-million dollar salary as the company spent on cybersecurity. Since last year, Smith earned about $69 million, while Equifax spends just $85 million a year on cybersecurity.
“In hindsight, do you think Equifax should have spent more money protecting peoples’ data rather than compensating you so well?” Brown asked. “You’re an IT company. That’s just not acceptable.”
Brown also pointed out how unfair Equifax’s business model is for American consumers. Equifax makes money collecting and selling consumers’ data to other big companies. Those consumers are not compensated for the use of their data, in fact, most of the time, they don’t even know it’s being sold. Then Equifax makes even more money by forcing those same consumers to pay Equifax to protect their data after a breach occurs.
“Do you think it’s fair that Equifax gets to take consumers’ data at almost no cost, make millions by selling it to data mining companies and marketers, then charge fees to those consumers for credit monitoring products after they’ve become identity theft victims?” Brown pressed the CEO.
Brown called for consumers to have more control of their own data, similar to how Americans have ownership of their medical records. It is illegal for companies to buy and sell medical records, and patients must consent before their information is transferred. However, companies like Equifax are free to buy and sell sensitive data without people’s consent or knowledge. Brown suggested Americans should have the right to request their data be deleted from Equifax’s system or at the other consumer reporting agencies.
“If you don’t think consumers should be allowed to control their own data, why should a company that has had so many security failures be allowed to control their data? That’s the fundamental question this company hasn’t answered to the public,” Brown said.
Brown called for Equifax to invest more in security and less in huge salaries for CEOs. He pointed out that Equifax spent nearly as much on Smith’s multi-million dollar salary as the company spent on cybersecurity. Since last year, Smith earned about $69 million, while Equifax spends just $85 million a year on cybersecurity.
“In hindsight, do you think Equifax should have spent more money protecting peoples’ data rather than compensating you so well?” Brown asked. “You’re an IT company. That’s just not acceptable.”
Brown also pointed out how unfair Equifax’s business model is for American consumers. Equifax makes money collecting and selling consumers’ data to other big companies. Those consumers are not compensated for the use of their data, in fact, most of the time, they don’t even know it’s being sold. Then Equifax makes even more money by forcing those same consumers to pay Equifax to protect their data after a breach occurs.
“Do you think it’s fair that Equifax gets to take consumers’ data at almost no cost, make millions by selling it to data mining companies and marketers, then charge fees to those consumers for credit monitoring products after they’ve become identity theft victims?” Brown pressed the CEO.
Brown called for consumers to have more control of their own data, similar to how Americans have ownership of their medical records. It is illegal for companies to buy and sell medical records, and patients must consent before their information is transferred. However, companies like Equifax are free to buy and sell sensitive data without people’s consent or knowledge. Brown suggested Americans should have the right to request their data be deleted from Equifax’s system or at the other consumer reporting agencies.
“If you don’t think consumers should be allowed to control their own data, why should a company that has had so many security failures be allowed to control their data? That’s the fundamental question this company hasn’t answered to the public,” Brown said.
Booker, Senators Introduce Bipartisan Comprehensive Criminal Justice Reform Package
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today joined a bipartisan group of senators in reintroducing the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017, which will recalibrate prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, target violent and career criminals, and save taxpayer dollars. The legislation permits more judicial discretion at sentencing for offenders with minimal criminal histories and helps inmates successfully reenter society, while tightening penalties for violent criminals and preserving key prosecutorial tools for law enforcement.
Booker was joined by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).
“America’s criminal justice system is broken. The mass incarceration explosion of the last 40 years has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, held back our economy, undermined public safety, disproportionately affected communities of color and the poor, and devalued the very idea of justice in America. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act is a critically important and urgently needed step forward to help right these wrongs,” Booker said.
“Our justice system demands consequences for those who choose to run afoul of the law, and law enforcement works hard to keep our communities safe. This bipartisan compromise ensures that these consequences fit their crimes by targeting violent and career criminals who prey on the innocent while giving nonviolent offenders with minimal criminal histories a better chance to become productive members of society. This bill strikes the right balance of improving public safety and ensuring fairness in the criminal justice system. It is the product of much thoughtful deliberation, and we will continue to welcome input from stakeholders as we move forward,” Grassley said.
“This compromise represents more than five years of work on criminal justice reform. The United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any other country on earth. Mandatory minimum sentences were once seen as a strong deterrent. In reality they have too often been unfair, fiscally irresponsible and a threat to public safety. Given tight budgets and overcrowded prison cells, our country must reform these outdated and ineffective laws that have cost American taxpayers billions of dollars. This bipartisan group is committed to getting this done,” Durbin said.
“Since arriving in Congress, I’ve made it a priority to reform our criminal justice system so that it both keeps the public safe and imposes fair sentences. The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act would be an important step in the right direction. It has strong bipartisan support from across the political spectrum, and I call on Congress to pass this historic legislation and on the president to sign it,” Lee said.
“This bill tackles major problems facing our criminal justice system. It recognizes that longer sentences don’t always lead to safer communities or less crime, and that the toughest penalties should be aimed at the worst offenders. And it uses what’s worked for states to prepare inmates for life after prison. In Rhode Island, that kind of smart anti-recidivism programming has led to big gains for former inmates, our prison system, and the communities where prisoners return, and to lower crime and recidivism rates. I’m proud to support this bipartisan, comprehensive legislation,” Whitehouse said.
“We maintain the tools law enforcement needs to continue making sure that the worst drug traffickers and violent criminals stay off of our streets. We also provide flexibility in sentencing for those offenders who deserve it. I'm proud to support this important legislation,” Graham said.
"For too long Congress reflexively turned to ineffective and Draconian mandatory minimum sentences to solve every public safety concern. I have been heartened by the growing, bipartisan agreement in Congress that it is time to fix our mistakes. Although I wish it did more, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act will begin to bring fairness to our sentencing laws and will save us millions of dollars that can be reinvested in our communities. We must keep pushing to see that this bill is enacted," Leahy said.
“We can both keep violent offenders off the streets and ensure that non-violent offenders are serving time that better matches their offense. I look forward to working with this bipartisan group of Senators to help reduce recidivism, keep violent offenders off the street, and ensure our criminal justice system is both fair and tough,” Scott said.
“I oversaw more than 5,000 felony cases during my service on the California Women’s Board of Terms and Parole. I know the negative effects of rigid, determinate sentences on families and defendants. Judges need discretion to evaluate the facts of each case before them. I’m glad that Chairman Grassley and Senator Durbin will reintroduce their bipartisan compromise bill, which has strong support. I look forward to working with the chairman to move the bill forward,” Feinstein said.
“This bill will enable law enforcement to focus on bringing the most dangerous criminals to justice, while reducing recidivism rates. This measure represents a thoughtful, bipartisan approach to criminal justice reform. I look forward to continuing to work with law enforcement, faith leaders, and local organizations to strengthen our justice system and make our communities safer,” Blunt said.
The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017 narrows the scope of mandatory minimum prison sentences to focus on the most serious drug offenders and violent criminals, while broadening and establishing new outlets for individuals with minimal non-violent criminal histories that may trigger mandatory minimum sentences under current law. The bill also reduces certain mandatory minimums and provides judges with greater discretion when determining appropriate sentences. Under the bill, courts must first review eligible inmates’ individual cases, including criminal histories and conduct while incarcerated, before determining whether a sentence reduction is appropriate.
Importantly, the bill preserves cooperation incentives to aid law enforcement in tracking down kingpins and stiffens penalties for individuals convicted of serious violent felonies.
In addition, the bill establishes recidivism reduction programs to help prepare low-risk inmates to successfully re-enter society. Qualifying inmates may receive reductions to their sentences through time credits upon successful completion of recidivism reduction programming. The bill also makes retroactive the Fair Sentencing Act and certain statutory reforms that address inequities in drug sentences. Courts must first review each eligible inmate’s case on an individualized basis, including criminal history and conduct while incarcerated, before determining whether a sentence reduction is appropriate.
Booker was joined by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).
“America’s criminal justice system is broken. The mass incarceration explosion of the last 40 years has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, held back our economy, undermined public safety, disproportionately affected communities of color and the poor, and devalued the very idea of justice in America. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act is a critically important and urgently needed step forward to help right these wrongs,” Booker said.
“Our justice system demands consequences for those who choose to run afoul of the law, and law enforcement works hard to keep our communities safe. This bipartisan compromise ensures that these consequences fit their crimes by targeting violent and career criminals who prey on the innocent while giving nonviolent offenders with minimal criminal histories a better chance to become productive members of society. This bill strikes the right balance of improving public safety and ensuring fairness in the criminal justice system. It is the product of much thoughtful deliberation, and we will continue to welcome input from stakeholders as we move forward,” Grassley said.
“This compromise represents more than five years of work on criminal justice reform. The United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any other country on earth. Mandatory minimum sentences were once seen as a strong deterrent. In reality they have too often been unfair, fiscally irresponsible and a threat to public safety. Given tight budgets and overcrowded prison cells, our country must reform these outdated and ineffective laws that have cost American taxpayers billions of dollars. This bipartisan group is committed to getting this done,” Durbin said.
“Since arriving in Congress, I’ve made it a priority to reform our criminal justice system so that it both keeps the public safe and imposes fair sentences. The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act would be an important step in the right direction. It has strong bipartisan support from across the political spectrum, and I call on Congress to pass this historic legislation and on the president to sign it,” Lee said.
“This bill tackles major problems facing our criminal justice system. It recognizes that longer sentences don’t always lead to safer communities or less crime, and that the toughest penalties should be aimed at the worst offenders. And it uses what’s worked for states to prepare inmates for life after prison. In Rhode Island, that kind of smart anti-recidivism programming has led to big gains for former inmates, our prison system, and the communities where prisoners return, and to lower crime and recidivism rates. I’m proud to support this bipartisan, comprehensive legislation,” Whitehouse said.
“We maintain the tools law enforcement needs to continue making sure that the worst drug traffickers and violent criminals stay off of our streets. We also provide flexibility in sentencing for those offenders who deserve it. I'm proud to support this important legislation,” Graham said.
"For too long Congress reflexively turned to ineffective and Draconian mandatory minimum sentences to solve every public safety concern. I have been heartened by the growing, bipartisan agreement in Congress that it is time to fix our mistakes. Although I wish it did more, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act will begin to bring fairness to our sentencing laws and will save us millions of dollars that can be reinvested in our communities. We must keep pushing to see that this bill is enacted," Leahy said.
“We can both keep violent offenders off the streets and ensure that non-violent offenders are serving time that better matches their offense. I look forward to working with this bipartisan group of Senators to help reduce recidivism, keep violent offenders off the street, and ensure our criminal justice system is both fair and tough,” Scott said.
“I oversaw more than 5,000 felony cases during my service on the California Women’s Board of Terms and Parole. I know the negative effects of rigid, determinate sentences on families and defendants. Judges need discretion to evaluate the facts of each case before them. I’m glad that Chairman Grassley and Senator Durbin will reintroduce their bipartisan compromise bill, which has strong support. I look forward to working with the chairman to move the bill forward,” Feinstein said.
“This bill will enable law enforcement to focus on bringing the most dangerous criminals to justice, while reducing recidivism rates. This measure represents a thoughtful, bipartisan approach to criminal justice reform. I look forward to continuing to work with law enforcement, faith leaders, and local organizations to strengthen our justice system and make our communities safer,” Blunt said.
The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017 narrows the scope of mandatory minimum prison sentences to focus on the most serious drug offenders and violent criminals, while broadening and establishing new outlets for individuals with minimal non-violent criminal histories that may trigger mandatory minimum sentences under current law. The bill also reduces certain mandatory minimums and provides judges with greater discretion when determining appropriate sentences. Under the bill, courts must first review eligible inmates’ individual cases, including criminal histories and conduct while incarcerated, before determining whether a sentence reduction is appropriate.
Importantly, the bill preserves cooperation incentives to aid law enforcement in tracking down kingpins and stiffens penalties for individuals convicted of serious violent felonies.
In addition, the bill establishes recidivism reduction programs to help prepare low-risk inmates to successfully re-enter society. Qualifying inmates may receive reductions to their sentences through time credits upon successful completion of recidivism reduction programming. The bill also makes retroactive the Fair Sentencing Act and certain statutory reforms that address inequities in drug sentences. Courts must first review each eligible inmate’s case on an individualized basis, including criminal history and conduct while incarcerated, before determining whether a sentence reduction is appropriate.
Booker, Sullivan Press FCC on Space Debris
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to tackle the challenge of space debris – hundreds of thousands of pieces of orbital debris no longer in use that pose a serious threat to satellites and spacecraft.
In a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the Senators asked the Commission to form a working group with NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop a comprehensive policy on mitigating space debris. Collisions with debris as small as 10cm can catastrophically damage satellites, and debris as small as 1cm can disable spacecraft.
The Senators wrote: “As the Commission considers multiple requests for new LEO [low-Earth orbit] satellite constellations, we ask that you formally coordinate with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an interagency working group on space debris and to develop a comprehensive domestic policy on space debris mitigation.”
Full text of the letter is below.
September 29, 2017
Mr. Ajit Pai
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Pai,
We are writing to express our concern for the growing challenge presented by low-Earth orbit (LEO) space debris. As the Commission considers multiple requests for new LEO satellite constellations, we ask that you formally coordinate with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an interagency working group on space debris and to develop a comprehensive domestic policy on space debris mitigation.
We note that NASA, as stated in its own filings with the Commission, is conducting an internal parametric study on large constellations, which will be completed later this year. As part of your coordination with NASA on this issue, we ask that the Commission use any recommendations or best practices from this study to inform regulatory decisions on LEO constellation permitting.
As you may know, the U.S. Department of Defense Space Surveillance Network currently tracks nearly 22,000 pieces of orbital debris, defined as man-made objects in Earth’s orbit that no longer serve a useful purpose. This figure does not include hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris smaller than 10cm that are also orbiting the Earth. Collisions with debris as small as 10cm can catastrophically damage satellites, and debris as small as 1cm can disable spacecraft. Each collision exponentially increases the likelihood of another collision, creating a potential cascade that could severely inhibit future telecommunications, national security, and other space-based activity in the LEO environment.
In the last decade, two major satellite collisions dramatically increased the amount of fragmented debris currently in orbit. Model predictions suggest that even with nearly full compliance with existing mitigation measures, LEO space debris is expected to grow by an average of 30% in the next 200 years. A number of national and international studies have concluded that orbital debris may have already reached a tipping point.
Collectively, if approved, the applications pending at the Commission for new satellite constellations could drastically increase the number of satellites in LEO. In light of these pending requests, we remind you of the United States’ obligation to ensure that any licensed system will not operate near other systems in a way that could potentially create space new debris, endanger national and international assets, and threaten our future access to space.
We are extremely excited by the unique potential for these proposed satellite constellations to connect rural and underserved American populations to the internet. However, swift action to mitigate the collision risk associated with a growing number of constellations is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our space environment.
We stand ready and willing to support the Commission, NASA and FAA in establishing comprehensive regulatory policy to mitigate the space debris challenge. We appreciate your prompt attention to this issue and we look forward to discussing further.
Sincerely,
In a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the Senators asked the Commission to form a working group with NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop a comprehensive policy on mitigating space debris. Collisions with debris as small as 10cm can catastrophically damage satellites, and debris as small as 1cm can disable spacecraft.
The Senators wrote: “As the Commission considers multiple requests for new LEO [low-Earth orbit] satellite constellations, we ask that you formally coordinate with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an interagency working group on space debris and to develop a comprehensive domestic policy on space debris mitigation.”
Full text of the letter is below.
September 29, 2017
Mr. Ajit Pai
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Pai,
We are writing to express our concern for the growing challenge presented by low-Earth orbit (LEO) space debris. As the Commission considers multiple requests for new LEO satellite constellations, we ask that you formally coordinate with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an interagency working group on space debris and to develop a comprehensive domestic policy on space debris mitigation.
We note that NASA, as stated in its own filings with the Commission, is conducting an internal parametric study on large constellations, which will be completed later this year. As part of your coordination with NASA on this issue, we ask that the Commission use any recommendations or best practices from this study to inform regulatory decisions on LEO constellation permitting.
As you may know, the U.S. Department of Defense Space Surveillance Network currently tracks nearly 22,000 pieces of orbital debris, defined as man-made objects in Earth’s orbit that no longer serve a useful purpose. This figure does not include hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris smaller than 10cm that are also orbiting the Earth. Collisions with debris as small as 10cm can catastrophically damage satellites, and debris as small as 1cm can disable spacecraft. Each collision exponentially increases the likelihood of another collision, creating a potential cascade that could severely inhibit future telecommunications, national security, and other space-based activity in the LEO environment.
In the last decade, two major satellite collisions dramatically increased the amount of fragmented debris currently in orbit. Model predictions suggest that even with nearly full compliance with existing mitigation measures, LEO space debris is expected to grow by an average of 30% in the next 200 years. A number of national and international studies have concluded that orbital debris may have already reached a tipping point.
Collectively, if approved, the applications pending at the Commission for new satellite constellations could drastically increase the number of satellites in LEO. In light of these pending requests, we remind you of the United States’ obligation to ensure that any licensed system will not operate near other systems in a way that could potentially create space new debris, endanger national and international assets, and threaten our future access to space.
We are extremely excited by the unique potential for these proposed satellite constellations to connect rural and underserved American populations to the internet. However, swift action to mitigate the collision risk associated with a growing number of constellations is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our space environment.
We stand ready and willing to support the Commission, NASA and FAA in establishing comprehensive regulatory policy to mitigate the space debris challenge. We appreciate your prompt attention to this issue and we look forward to discussing further.
Sincerely,
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