Uranium One investigation raises a lot of questions

Source: Pete King (R-NY, 2nd)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee announced on Tuesday they would be opening an investigation into the Obama-era Uranium One deal, which gave Russia a 20% stake in U.S. uranium mining capacity.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said that in 2010, he alerted then-Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner that the uranium deal was being made with a company controlled by the Russian government.

“[Geithner] said that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) was thoroughly investigating this. Well if they were, were they told about the investigation? If so, why did they go ahead and approve it? I know Congress was never told about this investigation. Why did the FBI close the investigation? Bob Mueller was head of the FBI then, so it raises a lot of questions,” King told FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee will also investigate whether federal agencies knew the FBI was probing possible corruption before the deal was approved. At the time, the Justice Department had a criminal investigation into the Russian company's Uranium One purchase.

“Our question is No. 1, if [the FBI investigation showed bribery, corruption and influence peddling by the Russians], did the FBI notify the Obama administration? Did they notify the Justice Department? Did they notify the Treasury Department and the State Department? And if so, why did the deal go forward?,” King asked.

As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton helped orchestrate the Uranium One deal and her foundations reportedly received millions from someone involved with the deal.

King also raised questions as to whether the Russian dossier, which the Clinton campaign and the DNC allegedly funded, has any bearing on the FBI investigation into possible Trump-Russia collusion.

“You could have had a document prepared at the request of Hillary Clinton’s campaign filled with lies as an excuse and as a rationale to go ahead with a federal investigation into the Trump campaign. If that’s true that is really police state tactics,” King said.

Related News:

BREAKING: Gowdy Opens Investigation Into DOJ's Exoneration of Hillary Clinton, 2016 Decisions

Congresswoman Kelly Releases Statement on Twitter’s Political Advertising Announcement

Source: Robin Kelly (D-IL, 7th)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Kelly, ranking member of the IT oversight subcommittee, released this statement following Twitter’s announcement regarding political advertising transparency:

“I’m pleased to see Twitter taking the initiative to bring greater transparency to political advertising on its platform – nearly a year after the 2016 election and just weeks before gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia.

These are common sense standards that should have already existed. For decades, TV, radio and print advertising have required clear details about who paid for and authorized their advertising. Why should political advertising online be any different?”

Related News:

Twitter bows to Congress, announces political ad ‘transparency’ ahead of Russia testimony

Bill Johnson Calls On Congresswoman Wilson to Apologize

Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement after Congresswoman Wilson’s comments on President Trump’s phone call to the family of fallen Army Sgt. La David Johnson.

“Now that we know that the sentiments expressed in the President’s phone call to the grieving family of Army Sgt. La David Johnson were suggested to him by Gold Star father and former four-star General John Kelly, it’s clear that Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has inappropriately politicized this tragic situation. Her recent appearances on cable TV, bashing the commander-in-chief and talking about how she wanted to ‘curse him out’ while he was trying to console a grieving family are beneath the dignity of her office. General Kelly said he was ‘stunned’ and “disheartened” by her craven political stunt and we must all wonder if her actions didn’t reopen deep emotional wounds in General Kelly and his family.

After 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, serving with heroes and commanding brave men and women who were often in harm’s way, I was particularly appalled at Rep. Wilson’s interference in what should have been a time of grief and reverence for a fallen hero.

That’s why I’m publicly calling on Rep. Wilson to apologize to President Trump and General Kelly. If she does not, I will begin the legislative process of asking the House of Representatives to formally censure her for the heartless behavior she displayed in this situation.”

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement in response to White House allegations regarding her account of President Donald Trump’s call with the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson:

“Despite President Trump’s suggestion that I have recanted my statement or misstated what he said, I stand firmly by my original account of his conversation with Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson. Moreover, this account has been confirmed by family members who also witnessed Mr. Trump’s incredible lack of compassion and sensitivity.

“The Johnson family and the families of the three other soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the Niger ambush are experiencing what I am certain must feel like an unbearable loss. Rather than engage in a petty war of words with Mr. Trump, it is so much more important to embrace and support the families and honor these fallen heroes.

“This is personal for me, not political. Sgt. Johnson was a member of my community and of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project that I founded to help boys of color build successful futures. He was killed while on a mission to provide training and security assistance to West African armed forces battling vicious insurgents like Boko Haram, the group whose defeat I’ve been fighting for since it abducted nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls more than three years ago.

“The loved ones Sgt. Johnson leaves behind are my constituents and my job now is to do all that I can to help them heal. I’ll save the bully pulpit for the necessary task of uncovering the circumstances surrounding the ambush and working to help ensure that our soldiers have all of the resources and support that they need while putting their lives on the line to keep others safe.”

Related News:

Gen. John Kelly: ‘Stunned’ After ‘Empty Barrel’ Frederica Wilson Politicized President’s Phone Call

House Democrats seek GAO Investigation into Federal Scheme to Fund Delta Tunnels Project

Source: Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Led by Reps. Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), the Natural Resources Committee’s Ranking Member, six House Democrats are calling on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to open a new investigation into the misuse of taxpayer funds by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation, following last month’s revelations that tens of millions of dollars were secretly spent by the federal agency to subsidize private interests and help develop plans for a massive new California water project.

In its September audit, the Interior Department’s Inspector General found that the Bureau of Reclamation improperly subsidized the planning process for the California WaterFix project, also known as the “Delta Tunnels.” The audit identified at least $84 million in taypayer funds spent without disclosure to Congress as required by law, and kept hidden from other water users, stakeholders, and the public. According to the Inspector General, at least $50 million of this total should have been paid by the local water agencies that sought to benefit from the massive infrastructure project, such as the powerful Westlands Water District. Instead, those costs were secretly reassigned by the Bureau of Reclamation so that taxpayers would pay most of the water districts’ share.

With today’s letter, the lawmakers are asking the GAO, the federal watchdog agency that conducts investigations and audits on behalf of Congress, to issue a legal opinion about the Bureau of Reclamation’s funding scheme. The penalty for this type of misuse of public money can include removal from office.

The Inspector General’s audit found that the controversial funding plan was first launched in 2008, during the period when David Bernhardt was the department’s top lawyer. Upon leaving the department, Bernhardt became one of the top lobbyists for the Westlands Water District, the major beneficiary of this funding plan. He has now returned to the Interior Department as Deputy Secretary. In responses to the Inspector General, Interior Department staff have indicated that there are no plans to recoup these millions of dollars in taxpayer funds that were spent without authorization or rationale.

In addition to Rep. Huffman and Rep. Grijalva, the letter was also signed by Mike Thompson (D-CA), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), and Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA).

The full text of the letter below.

The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro

Comptroller General of the United States

U.S. Government Accountability Office

441 G Street, NW

Washington, DC 20548

Dear Comptroller General Dodaro,

The Department of the Interior’s Office of Inspector General, (DOI OIG), recently issued a report regarding the Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR) spending on the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) – a state-led effort involving the construction of new water diversion facilities benefitting select water contractors in the state of California. See DOI OIG, Report No. 2016‑WR‑040, The Bureau of Reclamation Was Not Transparent in its Financial Participation in the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (Sept. 7, 2017) (DOI OIG Report). In its report, the DOI OIG found that USBR “did not fully disclose to Congress and other stakeholders the $84.8 million cost of its participation in the BDCP efforts.” DOI OIG Report, at 1. The DOI OIG report (at 1) states further that:

[USBR] did not report [to Congress] $50 million derived from an appropriation, available for other general purposes, that it also used for the BDCP. USBR obtained this $50 million over a 7‑year span by using a complex, obscure process that was not disclosed in the annual congressional budget justifications, Office of Management and Budget Calfed Bay‑Delta certified annual financial reports, or numerous briefing documents on BDCP issues and status prepared by USBR for senior management officials.

The complex, obscure process cited by DOI OIG report involved USBR altering its standard funding process for operation and maintenance activities which, according to the DOI OIG report, “obscured the source of its funding and the total cost of [USBR’s] participation in the BDCP.” DOI OIG Report, at 8. The DOI OIG report states that “USBR supplemented its BDCP activities with $50 million derived from funds appropriated for ‘water and related resources’ and authorized for application to reimbursable Federal [Central Valley Project Operation and Maintenance] activities and other purposes.” DOI OIG Report, at 8. That is, USBR may have “written off” reimbursable expenses and converted them to expenses borne by the taxpayer.

Given these troubling findings, we respectfully request a GAO legal opinion as to whether USBR’s actions with regard to the $50 million referenced above were consistent with, among other things, the rule against augmentation and the Miscellaneous Receipts Statute, 31 U.S.C. § 3302 (b). For your convenience, please find the full OIG report enclosed.

If you have any questions, please contact Matthew Muirragui and Vic Edgerton, of the House Natural Resources Committee, at (202)-225-6065. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

House of Representatives Votes to Impose New Sanctions Against North Korea

Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On October 24, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3898, the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act. The Otto Warmbier Nuclear Sanctions Act, H.R. 3898, incurs strict penalties on any individual that facilitates transfers to North Korea through U.S. accounts or any foreign account that may touch the U.S. financial system.

Statements from House Representatives are below:

Andy Harris (R-MD, 1st)

“I commend my colleagues in Congress for passing the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act. Otto’s death was the result of abuse by his North Korean captors – one of countless atrocities committed by Kim Jong Un and his oppressive dictatorship. Congress can no longer stand idly by while North Korea starves its citizens, abuses its American prisoners, and builds a nuclear arsenal with the intention of attacking the United States.”

French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)

“We took action in the House Financial Services Committee to impose stronger sanctions on North Korea. We passed legislation out of the committee with a strong bipartisan vote that would incentivize stricter sanction enforcement by foreign countries and require regular reports on sanction implementation from the Department of the Treasury. The legislation also would impose economic restrictions on a number of North Korean and Chinese banks as well as trading corporations and individuals associated with those entities. It also would give the International Monetary Fund the ability to use its budget to assist member states with improving their capacity to prevent money laundering and terrorism finance.

“This legislation comes at an important time as the United States and the international community are taking significant actions against the North Korean regime and their many threats. This legislation adds to the actions the Administration and Congress have already taken to reign in this rogue nation.”

NORTH KOREA BALLISTIC MISSILE INVESTIGATIONS ACT Introduced in the House

Source: Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ, 5th)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Francis Rooney (FL-19) introduced the bi-partisan North Korea Ballistic Missile Investigations Act.

Said Congressman Gottheimer, “To be clear, North Korea’s illegal nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programs and its cooperation with Russia, China, and Iran pose a grave threat to the United States and our allies on the Korean Peninsula, the region, and around the world. We must use every tool at our disposal - including maximum political, diplomatic, and financial pressure – to defuel Pyongyang and cut off Kim Jong-un’s access to this deadly propellant. This bipartisan, national security bill I'm introducing with my colleague, Rep. Francis Rooney, will ultimately help stop the flow of fuel and technology to North Korea from abroad."

Congressman Rooney stated, “It is beyond time to defuel Kim Jong-Un and his rogue regime in North Korea. As the Korean missile crisis escalates, the United States must consider new methods to stop the aggressive nuclear program.

“The North Korea Ballistic Missile Investigations Act will require the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of State to investigate whether North Korea is obtaining unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH), or rocket fuel, engines, and parts from foreign countries. Reports suggest North Korea is using UDMH in their missile tests, and it is known that Russia and China are principal users of this fuel. These measures of accountability will further isolate the Kim regime by reducing its ability to receive foreign support, and de-escalate the threat of a missile attack on the United States.”

Last month, a bombshell report in the New York Times found that North Korea has acquired or produced the deadly fuel unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH) -- known in Russia as “the devil’s venom” -- that is used to power intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the continental United States. Reports also surfaced that North Korea tested a new solid fuel missile engine as recently as last week. This disturbing trend threatens the security of the region, especially when other international threats like Iran are involved.

Congressmen Rooney and Gottheimer introduced the bill in response to a New York Times report detailing North Korea’s use of UDMH and their possible procurement of the rocket fuel from Russia and China. The North Korea Ballistic Missile Investigations Act will:

Require the Director of National Intelligence and Secretary of State to investigate the Kim regime’s procurement of rocket fuel and engines from foreign entities

Require a report to Congress within 105 days on North Korea’s internal capabilities to produce the fuel and engines, and on Russia and China’s role in assisting the Kim regime

Require the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to submit recommendations on improved implementation of the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which was established to combat proliferation, including foreign procurement of liquid propellant engines such as the ones used by North Korea

As a member of the House Committee on Financial Service’s Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance, Rep. Gottheimer cosponsored the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act, which passed the House yesterday.

Rep. Rooney and members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee recently urged Secretary Tillerson to re-list North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Grothman: House Republicans Should Support Spending Cuts in Budget

Source: Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) released the following statement about the U.S. Senate’s vote to remove $200 billion in mandatory spending cuts from the budget:

"For eight years, Republicans have promised to reign in out-of-control spending and scale back expanding deficits,” said Grothman. “Now that we’re in control, we have the chance to deliver on these promises. Unfortunately, the Senate budget did not include the $200 billion in mandatory spending cuts that were included in the House budget.

“That is why I today submitted an amendment to the House Rules Committee to include the House-passed $200 billion mandatory spending cuts in the Senate budget. While the amendment was not agreed to, it is something that I will continue fighting for in future budget discussions.”

Mandatory spending is government spending on certain programs, like entitlement programs, that’s required by current law.

The Senate approved a budget plan that removed spending cuts on Thurs., Oct. 19, 2017.

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his second term representing Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Griffith Responds to McAuliffe Letter on CHIP

Source: Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) earlier sent a letter responding to Governor Terry McAuliffe’s letter regarding reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In the letter, Congressman Griffith noted that the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a bill reauthorizing CHIP on October 4, 2017, and that the delay in bringing the bill to the House floor is at the request of Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee Frank Pallone (D-NJ).

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Honorable McAuliffe,

I am writing in response to your letter dated and received on the evening of October 24, 2017 regarding the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). As the sole Member of Congress from Virginia on the committee of jurisdiction, the Energy and Commerce Committee, I want to inform you that the committee passed the reauthorizing legislation on October 4, 2017. Unfortunately, the Ranking Member of the Committee, Congressman Pallone, is on record in the press stating he wants to hold up the measure for Floor consideration. It is my understanding from House Leadership that they prefer this not be a partisan issue and are trying to resolve the “pay-fors” or funding issues with Congressman Pallone before bringing it to the Floor.

For background, please see the enclosed CQ News article where Congressman Pallone has stated his position publicly.

I strongly encourage you, should you wish, to contact Ranking Member Pallone’s Washington, DC office at 202-225-4671 and share your concerns.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 202-225-3861.

Sincerely yours,

H. MORGAN GRIFFITH
Member of Congress

HOUSE LEADERS STAND UNITED TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Source: Adrianno Espaillat (D-NY, 13th)

==Special Offer==

==Special Offer==

Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) was joined by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi; Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus; Rep. José E. Serrano (NY-15); Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23); Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02); Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12); Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12); Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26); and Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09) for a press conference to raise awareness of domestic violence and remember the life of Washington Heights bride-to-be Gladys Ricart and domestic violence victims and survivors around the nation.

“Today, we stand united with the family of Gladys Ricart, survivors and advocates in support of victims of domestic violence and continue to lend our collective voices to stop the abuse that impacts each of our communities,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat.

“Freedom from abuse is a basic human right,” said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. “We are all grateful for the leadership of Congressman Espaillat, New York Latinas Against Domestic Violence, Brides Marchers and all the activists fighting for a future free from the scourge of domestic violence. Together, we must honor the life of Gladys Ricart and all victims of abuse with activism, action and courage.”

“By speaking out and offering a helping hand, we can end the cycle of domestic abuse. For far too long countless of domestic violence victims have been left to suffer in silence. That time is over. We must break the silence,” said House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Linda T. Sánchez. “It’s our responsibility to continue talking about domestic abuse and teach young boys and girls that any sort of violence, be it physical, verbal, or emotional, is wrong and has no place in our society. We owe to domestic violence victims the assurance that they are not alone, and that we will keep making our voices louder to raise awareness of this important issue.”

“In New York City alone, the NYPD responds to nearly 300,000 domestic violence incidents each year. It is time to stop the abuse and stand in solidarity with all the victims who oftentimes suffer in silence. I was proud to join Rep. Espaillat and Brides March to raise awareness on an issue that has an impact not only on women but in many cases also their children. As the lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, I will continue to fight for VAWA funding to help prevent domestic violence and support survivors,” said Rep. José E. Serrano.

“During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is imperative that we rededicate ourselves to the unfinished work of ensuring that every individual can live in safety, security, and without fear of domestic violence,” said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

“I was proud to stand with Congressman Espaillat, my colleagues and brides who are speaking out against domestic violence. Far too often, women, men and families suffer domestic violence in silence because they do not have the resources to make themselves safe and break the cycle,” said Rep. Robin Kelly. “It’s time for Congress to act and support women and families escaping the ever-escalating cycle of domestic violence. We must also act to prevent stalkers, abusive boyfriends and convicted domestic abusers from accessing firearms.”

“Every individual deserves to feel safe and live in homes and communities that are free from violence and abuse,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. “I thank Congressman Espaillat and the brides for raising awareness throughout this country. The Brides March helps give voice to those who don’t have a voice and create communities without violence.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, a number that is even greater in minority communities. The purpose of today’s press event was to raise awareness and address initiatives to help support victims of domestic violence in communities around the nation. New York Latinas Against Domestic Violence participated as part of the organization’s annual “Brides March” vigil in honor of murdered Washington Heights, New York bride-to-be Gladys Ricart, a victim of domestic violence who lost her life tragically on her wedding day.

FERGUSON, BONAMICI INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROMOTE WORK-BASED LEARNING

Source: A. Drew Ferguson (R -GA, 3rd)



Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) has introduced the PARTNERS Act with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.). This bill would establish a grant program to promote local partnerships to help small and medium sized businesses develop work-based learning programs. Funding for this grant would come from fees collected for H1-B visas.

“The Central Education Center in Newnan led Georgia by implementing an innovative style of apprenticeship that prepares our young people for 21st century careers,” said Ferguson. “I am introducing this bill to allow workers across the nation to have access to work-based training. The United States needs a workforce that’s competitive on the world stage, but we must also face the stark realities of our current fiscal situation. By using H1-B visa fees to fund a direct path into the workplace, we can ensure workers receive the skills for success at no cost to the American taxpayer.”

“When I visit communities in my district, I hear from hard-working Oregonians who feel left behind because they do not have the skills they need to compete in today’s economy,” said Bonamici. “Our bipartisan PARTNERS Act will bring together employers, education, training, labor, and community-based organizations to develop work-based learning programs that benefit workers and rapidly growing sectors like health care and technology. We can build pathways to get more people back to work and provide our nation’s businesses with a skilled workforce that will improve productivity and efficiency.”

The bill has received support from the National Skills Coalition, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Business Leaders United (BLU).

National Skills Coalition issued the following statement from Kermit Kaleba, Federal Policy Director

“National Skills Coalition (NSC) enthusiastically supports the bipartisan Promoting Apprenticeship with Regional Training Networks for Employers Required Skills (PARTNERS) Act of 2017. The bill would support partnerships between businesses and local workforce stakeholders that enable small- and medium- sized employers to develop and expand apprenticeships and work-based learning programs.”

“Small- and medium-sized businesses often lack the infrastructure to establish apprenticeships or work-based learning programs on their own. Industry and sector partnerships can help lessen the burdens businesses face when starting or expanding work-based learning programs, like apprenticeships, and help workers access and succeed in these programs.”

“Work based learning, including apprenticeship, is good for both working people and local businesses. For companies in desperate need of workers, work-based learning immediately puts motivated hires on site. Working people obtain market-driven skills and can “earn while they learn.”

“NSC applauds Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA) for introducing this bipartisan bill.”