Duncan’s Statement on Clinton Corruption Investigation

Source: Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jeff Duncan released the following statement after three House committees announced new investigations into the Russian acquisition of uranium and the Department of Justice’s 2016 investigation of Secretary Clinton’s possible misconduct:

“Hillary Clinton’s gross negligence has brought us to yet another congressional inquiry into her illegal behavior while serving as Secretary of State. We must investigate the botched 2016 probe by Former FBI Director James Comey to the fullest extent to ensure the legitimacy of the rule of law is upheld. Further, the twisted love triangle between the Clinton Foundation, the Obama Administration, and Russia is another shocking example of the deeply rooted corruption that we are up against.

“I applaud Chairman Goodlatte, Chairman Gowdy, and Chairman Nunes for opening investigations into the alleged fraudulent and nefarious behavior of Hillary Clinton, the Clinton Foundation, and the Obama Administration. The indisputable corruption of the Clinton family and their allies is slowly coming to light for the world to see, and I believe this is just the beginning. Justice must and will be served.”

Donovan Calls on City to Drop Sanctuary Policies

Source: Daniel Donovan (R-NY, 11th)



Staten Island, NY - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today called on the City of New York to adjust its sanctuary policies to comply with federal law instead of risking the loss of Department of Justice (DOJ) grants. On October 11, DOJ notified the City of New York that it must adjust its sanctuary policies to maintain eligibility for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants Program (Byrne JAG), which provided $4.3 million to the City last year.

Congressman Donovan said, “Cities shouldn’t be able to pick and choose which laws to follow. The federal law is clear: the City cannot instruct law enforcement agents to withhold information on immigration status from federal authorities. New York City should adjust its policies to comply with federal law.”

In one example of the City’s non-compliance, DOJ cites a section of New York Administrative Code stating the Department of Correction may not “honor a civil immigration detainer…by notifying federal immigration authorities of [a] person’s release.” To remain eligible for Byrne JAG grants, DOJ says the City must certify that it does not restrict the Department of Correction from sharing release information with the federal government, and that the City has communicated this interpretation to its employees.

Donovan, a former prosecutor, has long opposed sanctuary cities that refuse to comply with or enforce the law. Earlier this year, he voted in support of Kate’s Law, which enhances criminal penalties for deported felons who return to the United States so they’re not free to commit further crimes. He also voted in support of the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, which updates immigration law to permit deportation of known members of a criminal gang who are in the country illegally.

Donovan also voted against legislation that would have ended anti-terror initiatives in New York City as a consequence of being a sanctuary city. In a joint op-ed with Congressman Peter King (NY-2), the lawmakers wrote:

[The bill] would make New York City ineligible for hundreds of millions of dollars every year that go toward thwarting terror attacks. These dollars have no connection to immigration whatsoever, except for the fact that the NYPD hunts down terror threats and also sometimes arrests illegal aliens.

It’s a cruel irony that security concerns over criminal undocumented immigrants have been given as a rationale for a bill that disembowels the anti-terror apparatus in the world’s top terror target.

REP. HANABUSA HIGHLIGHTS NEW REPORT: 123,000 HAWAII FAMILIES FACE HIGHER TAXES UNDER THE PROPOSED GOP TAX PLAN

Source: Colleen Hanabusa, (D-HI, 1st)

Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Hanabusa shared a new report detailing the impact of the Ryan-McConnell tax plan on families across Hawaii. While 80 percent of the tax benefits in the GOP plan go to the wealthiest 1 percent alone, 123,000 hard-working Hawaii families would pay higher taxes.

According to the report, “199,685 households in Hawaii deduct state and local taxes, with an average deduction of $9,905.” The Ryan-McConnell tax plan eliminates this deduction.

“It concerns me that Republicans are pushing a tax plan that favors the wealthiest in our society at the expense of working families and individuals who live modestly in Hawaii and strive to save for retirement,” said Rep. Hanabusa. “The GOP is essentially asking middle class Hawaii families to pay more, while borrowing trillions from our children in order to benefit the wealthiest among us.”

The state-by-state report finds that under the Ryan-McConnell framework:

123,000 Hawaii households will pay higher taxes;

The average nationwide tax increase for families earning up to $86,100 would be $794;

199,685 Hawaii households will lose their State and Local Tax Deduction, with an average deduction of $9,905;

The mortgage interest payments deduction, claimed by 141,980 Hawaii households would become useless for many families unless their home was worth more than $801,000 – more than 1.5 times the median home value in Hawaii of $604,800.

The report also documents that the GOP tax plan “eliminates the personal exemption, which deducts $4,050 for each taxpayer and dependent on a return from taxable income. In Hawaii, 384,170 dependent exemptions were claimed in 2015.”

The report was compiled by the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

Rep. Doggett: Republican Tax Scheme Should be Rejected

Source: Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 35th)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Tax Policy Subcommittee, twice spoke in opposition to the Republican budget, which would fast track tax legislation. Rep. Doggett said:

“This bill is about one thing only. It is about lavishing tax breaks on Donald Trump personally, on his family, and all of his billionaire buddies. It is about lavishing tax breaks and incentives on the very same giant multinationals that have shipped away so many American jobs, that have refused to pay their fair share for our national security by hiding their profits in offshore island tax havens.

“With Halloween coming, they can try to trick American middle class families into believing that a little of those tax benefits will trickle down to them. Because if they can do that, if they can pass this bill, they will treat themselves – the billionaires and the job exporters – to tax breaks of almost astronomical proportions.

“The Republicans want the public to know as little about the details of their sham as possible. And that’s why they’ll have it introduced next week, passed in committee the following week, forced onto this floor and into the Senate. The American people have to understand what is in it, and speak up, and say no.”

Dingell Statement on CBO Score for Alexander-Murray Health Care Plan

Source: Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the Alexander-Murray health care plan to restore the cost-sharing reduction payments ended by President Trump would decrease the deficit and not impact the number of people with health insurance.

“This urgently-needed bipartisan fix would restore critical cost-sharing payments working families depend upon and stabilize the marketplace. This is what we are supposed to do. Rather than pushing through partisan bills that kick millions off their insurance, Congress should be working together to improve health care and bring down costs for the American people. The Alexander-Murray plan represents a commonsense, responsible step to lower premiums and ensure protections for those with pre-existing conditions. We should have a clean vote on this bill as soon as possible.”

Senator Jeff Flake Will Not Serve Another Term

Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Jeff Flake - (R - AZ) spoke on the Senate floor announcing that he will be retiring from the Senate at the end of his first term.

“I have decided that I will be better able to represent the people of Arizona and to better serve my country and my conscience by freeing myself from the political considerations that consume far too much bandwidth and would cause me to compromise far too many principles. To that end, I am announcing today that my service in the Senate will conclude at the end of my term in early January 2019,” said Flake.



Charles W. Dent (R-PA, 15th)

"Today's announcement by my friend Senator Jeff Flake is sad news for the people of Arizona, the U.S. Senate and the entire United States. Jeff has always acted according to a clear compass of conservative principles, with recognition and respect for the responsibility to govern. A true statesman and dedicated public servant--Jeff never shied away from speaking out against the dysfunction and instability that has come to dominate Washington. I wish Jeff, his wife Cheryl, and their family all the best in whatever may lie ahead."

Trent Franks (R-AR, 8th)

“In spite of our sometimes stark political differences, I consider Senator Jeff Flake a truly decent human being and a man who loves God, his country and his fellow human beings. I wish him and his family the very best God can give them during his remaining time in the Senate and going forward in life.”

Jeb Hensarling (R-TX, 5th)

“Jeff is a dear friend and someone I worked closely with in the House of Representatives. His commitment to limited government, freedom, responsibility, and genuine compassion for people across the world will not soon be forgotten. Jeff is a strong leader and fiscal conservative who will be missed in Congress. I wish him the best of luck on his next journey.”

Senate votes to undermine Americans’ right to a day in court

Source: National Consumers League



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The National Consumers League (NCL) condemns the Senate’s passage of a Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) arbitration rule. The rule would have allowed consumers access to courts after big banks like Wells Fargo steal their identity, or credit bureaus like Equifax compromise consumers’ most personal information.

The following statement is attributable to Sally Greenberg, NCL executive director:

“Last night, while most Americans were sleeping, 50 Senate Republicans and Vice President Mike Pence voted to take away our sacred right to a day in court. Today, in the aftermath of massive financial wrongdoings like Wells Fargo’s nearly 1.4 million fraudulent accounts scandal or Equifax’s massive data breach, financial companies will continue to be free to bury binding arbitration clauses in their terms of service. These ‘rip-off clauses’ are designed to prevent consumers from having their day in court or joining together to form a class action lawsuit after they are harmed.

In fact, earlier this year the NCL Board of Directors voted to take NCL’s operating capital out of Wells Fargo and switch to Bank of Labor precisely because of Wells’ requirement that customers to give up their rights. Bank of Labor, Bank of America and many credit unions are thriving without forcing their customers to sign away rights through these odious ‘rip-off clauses.” We applaud CFPB director Richard Cordray, whom NCL is honoring this evening, for his efforts to protect the consumer rights that were just taken away in one fell swoop by this unfortunate Senate vote.

The Senate’s decision to side with Wall Street over consumers is shameful. The denial of one of our most basic rights as Americans -- the right to our day in court -- is a massive step backwards for consumers and our nation. While this may be a setback, the National Consumers league will continue fighting before Congress and the Administration to reaffirm consumers basic rights, including, the right to justice.”

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.

AMGA Urges House to Pass CHRONIC Care Act of 2017

Source: American Medical Group Association

Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- AMGA urged U.S. House of Representatives Leadership to pass the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2017. The AMGA-endorsed legislation, which passed the Senate in September, would significantly strengthen and improve the care of the chronically ill.

In the letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-SC), AMGA detailed provisions that will improve health outcomes. Specifically, the legislation would enhance AMGA members’ ability to manage patient populations by making a number of improvements. These include:

Allowing for prospective assignment in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)

Encourage coordinated care by allowing certain ACOs to provide patient engagement incentives, such as offering up to $20 for a primary care service to beneficiaries

Provide greater beneficiary access to telehealth services by expanding payments for these services

“Care coordination is extremely important for those with chronic illnesses and diseases,” said Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A., AMGA president and CEO. “AMGA members, many who participate in our programs focused on chronic care such as

Together 2 Goal, are implementing team-based care processes that lead to better, coordinated, care, yet more can be done. The improvements included in the CHRONIC Care Act would provide clinicians with the tools needed to enhance care for the chronically ill. We urge the House to act swiftly and pass the bipartisan CHRONIC Care Act.”

AMGA’s letter is available by clicking HERE

AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of health care in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of medical groups’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, cost-effective care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans.

GOVERNOR BROWN AND TEXAS GOVERNOR ABBOTT ANNOUNCE FRIENDLY WORLD SERIES WAGER

Source: California Governor's Office

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. has announced a friendly wager with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on the matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros in the 2017 World Series, which begins tonight.

In the spirit of bi-partisanship and in recognition of the resilience of the communities impacted by the recent wildfires in California and Hurricane Harvey in Texas, the governors are wagering wine, beer and food from businesses in regions impacted by these disasters and encouraging the public to see, taste and experience what their respective states have to offer.

“While we don’t expect to have to send any vino to Texas, we hope travelers from all over the world – yes, even the Lone Star State – will continue to visit California,” said Governor Brown.

Northern California’s wine region has more than 1,200 wineries, and only a handful were heavily damaged or destroyed. Vintners report that 90 percent of this year’s grapes were harvested before the fires and most tasting rooms have reopened.

“Texas and California are recovering from some of the worst natural disasters our states have ever encountered,” said Governor Abbott. “As we work to overcome these challenges, our two states are united by America’s pastime as we cheer on our home teams in the World Series. Go Astros!”

If the Astros win, Governor Brown will send Governor Abbott a selection of wine from wineries in the Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino regions impacted by recent wildfires. If the Dodgers win, Governor Abbott will send Governor Brown a six-pack of Houston-brewed beer and Texas BBQ.

The first game of the best-of-seven World Series will be played tonight at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

School Milk Nutrition Act Of 2017 Introduced in the House

Source: Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) and Joe Courtney (CT-02) today introduced H.R. 4101, the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017, which will ease unnecessary regulations preventing milk consumption in school lunch programs.

The bipartisan bill recognizes the importance of milk to the health and well-being of school children. It also works to improve the variety and availability of milk offered in schools, which was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue earlier this year.

In May, Secretary Purdue directed USDA to begin the process of allowing schools to serve 1 percent flavored milk through the school meals program.

“Milk is the No. 1 source of nine essential nutrients in many young American’s diets and provides many significant health benefits,” Rep. Thompson said. “The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017 seeks to reverse the decline of milk consumption in schools throughout Pennsylvania and across the country. By allowing children more milk options – including flavored milk – it is my hope that we will witness consumption return to their historic levels and kids will again be able to enjoy milk. I am certainly encouraged by the Agriculture Secretary Perdue’s support, and I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Courtney to pass this important piece of legislation.”

“Milk is a cornerstone of a healthy meal for our nation’s children,” Rep. Courtney said. “It packs valuable nutrients including protein, potassium, and calcium—a solid foundation for building a healthy menu in America’s schools. With declining milk consumption in recent years, our bill provides school systems the flexibility to offer students a wider range of healthy milk options. I am proud to join with Rep. Thompson to offer this proposal to expand milk varieties in schools while also supporting local dairy production.”

The School Milk Nutrition Act is strongly supported by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF).

“Congressmen Thompson and Courtney recognize the nutritional role that milk plays in helping school-aged children to grow and develop to their full potential,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “We appreciate their steadfast commitment to reverse declining milk consumption by allowing schools to give kids access to a variety of milk options, including the flavored milks they love.”

“When kids don’t drink milk, it’s extremely difficult for them to get sufficient amounts of three of the four major nutrients most lacking in childrens’ diets: calcium, potassium, and vitamin D,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “This legislation helps address that shortcoming both in schools and in the WIC program.”

Key Provisions of the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017:

Preserve milk’s integral role in school meals by reaffirming the requirement that milk is offered with each meal, that varieties of milk is consistent with the DGA, and that substitute beverages be nutritionally equivalent to milk.

Provide schools the option of offering low-fat (1%) flavored milk, rather than only fat- free – but only if the milk contains no more than 150 calories per 8-ounce serving.

Eliminate unnecessary and cumbersome paperwork for schools who wish to offer students more variety.

Allow milk to be sold in the same age-appropriate container sizes as competing beverages.

Establish a pilot program designed to increase milk consumption through expanded breakfast programs, a la carte sales, new outlets, etc., with a focus on improvements to packaging, refrigeration, flavors and merchandising.

Allow mothers in the WIC program to select reduced-fat milk (2%) for themselves or their children with a written request.