Statement from Trump about Shooting in Sutherland, Texas Church

Source: The White House

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of today’s murderous attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas. This horrible act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of sacred worship. We cannot put into words the pain and grief we all feel, and we cannot begin to imagine the suffering of those who lost the ones they loved. Our hearts are broken.

But in dark times such as these, Americans do what we do best: we pull together. We join hands. We lock arms. And through the tears and the sadness, we stand strong.

My Administration is providing its full support to the state and local authorities investigating this horrible crime. I have spoken with Governor Abbott, and we offer our thanks to the first responders who ultimately stopped the suspect and rendered immediate and lifesaving aid to the victims of this shooting. I will continue to follow developments closely.

All of America is praying to God to help the wounded and the families – we will never leave their side."

- President Donald J. Trump, November 5, 2017

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

What's New at The Ponder Web Site 11.5.17

Today we have lots of great news added at the Web Site:
http://thepondernews.com
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We have added several new pages at the Ponder to aid in your information gathering. Below they are listed, along with the newest headlines on each:
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2nd Amendment Issues
https://www.thepondernews.com/2ndamendmentissues

Blumenthal Introduces Two Bicameral Bills to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence

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Abortion
https://www.thepondernews.com/abortion

Ohio House overwhelmingly approves Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act

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Bladensburg Memorial
https://www.thepondernews.com/bladensburgmemorial

BLADENSBURG WWI VETERAN’S MEMORIAL CROSS RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL

A three-judge panel ruled that the 90-year-old war memorial violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Attorneys for The American Legion Petition for En Banc Rehearing in Bladensburg Veterans Memorial Case

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Bowe Bergdahl
https://www.thepondernews.com/boweberghdal

Inhofe Statement on Bergdahl Sentence

Bowe Bergdahl Skates

Final City of Hailey Statement re: Bowe Bergdahl

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Children's Health Insurance Program
https://www.thepondernews.com/chip

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Championing Health Kids Act, H.R. 3922 by a vote of 242-174.
It now goes to the Senate.
​
The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act (H.R. 3922) includes:
​

Five year extension of Children’s Health Insurance Program;

Two year extension of Community Health Center funding at $3.6 billion;

Eliminates Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) reductions;

Two year extension of funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, the Youth Empowerment Program,

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, Funding for the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Center Graduate

Medical Education, and the Personal Responsibility Education Program are included in this bill;

Two year Extension of the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians; and

Over $1 billion for the Medicaid programs in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Headlines on this page include:

Rep. Brat Supports Passage of CHIP Reauthorization

Boyle Statement Opposing Cynical GOP Children’s Healthcare Reauthorization and Medicare Attack

Bonamici: CHIP Bill Reduces Important Funding for Public Health

BILIRAKIS CHAMPIONS HEALTH CARE FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

Congressman Bergman’s Statement on Voting in Favor of H.R. 3922

Beatty Opposes Partisan CHIP Reauthorization Bill

Adams Votes No on CHIP/CHC Bill

Abraham statement on CHIP, CHC reauthorization

Brown on House Chip Bill: Don’t Pit Ohio Kids Against Seniors

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Diversity Lottery
https://www.thepondernews.com/diversitylottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery

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DREAMERS
https://www.thepondernews.com/dreamers

LGBTQ Dreamers Need a Clean Dream Act Now

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Human Trafficking
https://www.thepondernews.com/humantrafficking

Portman, Blumenthal, Thune, Nelson Welcome Additional Tech Industry Support for the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act

BREAKING: After Months of Pressure, Tech Companies Drop Opposition & Throw Support Behind McCaskill Bipartisan Anti-Sex Trafficking Bill to ‘stop the next Backpage’

McCAIN WELCOMES TECH INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR THE STOP ENABLING SEX TRAFFICKERS ACT

CORTEZ MASTO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF BIPARTISAN BILL TO COMBAT SEX TRAFFICKING


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Masterpiece Cakeshop
https://www.thepondernews.com/masterpiececakeshop

Heinrich Backs Equal Rights For LGBTQ Community In U.S. Supreme Court Case

Colorado Lawmakers File Amicus Brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

OfficeMax refuses to print poster for event exposing homosexual agenda

HRC-Led Amicus Briefs in Masterpiece Cakeshop SCOTUS Case Features Top Chefs, Businesses

Amicus Briefs Demonstrate Broad Support for Equality in Masterpiece Case

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney Lead Congressional Amicus Brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

EVENT: Debate: ‘Masterpiece Cakeshop at US Supreme Court’ at Newseum on Nov. 13

THE MASTERPIECE CAKE SHOP SUPREME COURT CASE DOESN'T REALLY HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH CAKE

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Natural Disasters
https://www.thepondernews.com/naturaldisasters

Feinstein, California Leaders Urge Trump to Prioritize Disaster Assistance in Aftermath of Historic Wildfires

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Passes the PREPARE Act

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Opioid Epidemic
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic

Blackburn Endorses Bill to Create Opioid Task Force

Shaheen Statement on Final Report from White House Opioid Commission

Grassley, Blumenthal Ask HHS to Prioritize Funding for Program to Enhance Transparency in Opioid Prescribing

U.S. SENATOR TAMMY BALDWIN URGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO COMBAT OPIOID EPIDEMIC

ASAM commends the President’s commission for a thorough and thoughtful report that recommends an array of smart and actionable interventions

APA Pledges to Help Curb Opioid Epidemic

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Tax Reform
https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact

For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
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Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to zero, 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6 percent for high-income Americans.

Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes – from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.

Eliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans’ taxes – so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.

Establishing a new Family Credit – which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.

Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.
​
For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
​

Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20 percent – down from 35 percent, which today is the highest in the industrialized world – the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nation’s history.

Reduces the tax rate on the hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25 percent – the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II.

Establishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and “pass-through” business income so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help mosli>Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad.

Headlines are as follows:

BOST STATEMENT ON TAX REFORM LEGISLATION

Republican tax bill slashes taxes for corporations, raises them on working families

Rep. Black Statement on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Bishop Comments on Introduction of ‘Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’

Congressman Biggs' Statement on Tax Reform Package Negotiations

REP. BACON STATEMENT ON TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT

AMODEI RESPONDS TO THE RELEASE OF HOUSE REPUBLICANS' TAX PLAN

WHITEHOUSE STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN TAX PLAN

Senator Toomey Statement on House Tax Reform Bill

Tillis Statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Sanders Statement on GOP Tax Plan

Reed: Irresponsible Republican Tax Plan Could Hurt Rhode Island and Working Families Nationwide

MERKLEY BLASTS GOP’S CORPORATE GIVEAWAY TAX PLAN

McConnell Statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Senator Markey Statement on GOP-Trump Tax Scam

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON TAX REFORM PROPOSAL

Sens. Lee and Rubio Respond to House Tax Plan

Durbin Statement On Republican Tax Plan

Duckworth Statement on House GOP Tax Plan

November 04, 2017

Cotton Calls for Repealing the Individual Mandate through Tax Reform

CORTEZ MASTO: TAX PLAN SHOWS GOP FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY PLEDGE WAS ALWAYS A FARCE

CAPITO: PRESIDENT TRUMP’S TAX VISION IS THE RIGHT ONE FOR WEST VIRGINIA

ICYMI: This is the tax-cut plan America needs

House Tax Bill Preserves Key Priorities for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

BILIRAKIS FIGHTS TO PRESERVE MEDICARE

Source: Gus Bilirakis (R-FL, 12th)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The House passed the Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act of 2017, which Congressman Bilirakis enthusiastically supported. While many scare tactics have been employed in a misinformation campaign, the House remains committed to preserving this important program, with no changes for current participants or those who are set to enroll in the near future. This bill specifically eliminates the Independent Payment and Advisory Board (IPAB) which is an un-elected Board that was created as part of Obamacare to cut Medicare payments to providers (hospitals & doctors). To date, the IPAB Board has never been called upon to make such cuts, therefore the bill is revenue neutral.

“Countless independent studies have shown that reform is needed in order to ensure Medicare’s long-term sustainability. I support a bi-partisan study commission which will make recommendations about how to best achieve that goal while protecting seniors and vulnerable populations. Despite political rhetoric, all members of Congress (Republican and Democrat) understand the importance of Medicare and will work to ensure that it remains solvent for years to come. However, any future changes that might be needed in the Medicare program should be carefully considered by Congress, not an IPAB Board, to ensure seniors are not adversely impacted, said Congressman Bilirakis.

Congressman Bilirakis has a long history of championing efforts to help preserve Medicare. He sponsored a bill to increase civil and criminal penalties for Medicare fraud. Many of these penalties have not been updated in over 20 years. Cracking down on fraud and abuse will help ensure solvency of the program for future generations. The Congressman also sponsored the Drug Management Program for At-Risk Beneficiaries which was signed into law earlier this year. This provision also cracked down on fraud and abuse within Medicare. Additionally, he has introduced legislation to tackle the issue of high drug prices. Congressman Bilirakis worked closely on a provision passed as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act mirroring his drug cost legislation, which would accelerate the generic drug approval process and encourage generic drug makers to enter markets where there is no competition. Too often, bad actors in the marketplace take advantage of monopolies, skyrocketing the price of lifesaving medication simply because there is little to no competition. While the high costs of drugs impact all Americans and the healthcare system as a whole, it also burdens Medicare. Congressman Bilirakis will continue to work on the sustainability of the Medicare program.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Hirono, Daines Bill Signed into Law to Make APEC Travel Card Permanent

Source: Senator Mazie K. Hirono - (D - HI)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Steve Daines’ (R-Mont.) bill to make permanent the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card program was signed into to law by the President.

The law, which grants Americans and citizens from APEC nations access to fast-track processing lanes at Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport and airports across the U.S. and Asia-Pacific, was passed by Congress last month.

“The APEC Business Travel Card program has benefited hundreds of Hawaii residents by making it easier to travel and conduct business across a region critical to our local economy and jobs,” said Senator Hirono. “This newly signed law reaffirms the importance of travel to our country’s engagement with the nations of the Asia-Pacific.”

“With 95 percent of the world’s consumers outside of the United States – we must make every effort to expand markets to create new good-paying jobs,” said Senator Daines. “I’m thrilled to see President Trump sign this bill into law to open new opportunities for businesses.”

Over 200 Hawaii residents are active holders of the APEC Business Travel Card, which saves 43 minutes on average in airport wait times. Without Congressional action, U.S. Customs and Border Protection cannot issue cards to U.S. citizens after September 30, 2018.

The enactment of S.504, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act, comes in advance the annual APEC Leaders’ Meeting next week.

S. 504 is supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce, U.S. Council for International Business, National Foreign Trade Council, U.S. Travel Association, Global Business Travel Association, American Hotel and Lodging Association, U.S.-China Business Council, U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China, and the National Center for APEC.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Heller-Backed Bill to Protect Children from Online Predators Signed Into Law

Source: Senator Dean Heller - (R - NV)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The President signed into law the PROTECT Our Children Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and introduced by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

This legislation will reauthorize 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 online child exploitation across the country.

“I applaud the President for signing our bill to help protect children from predators,” said Sen. Heller. “This bipartisan legislation will empower local law enforcement – like police departments across Nevada – with the tools they need to more effectively pursue criminals who abuse and exploit children. I thank Senators Cornyn and Blumenthal for their leadership on this proposal, and I’m honored to have been part of the team to push it over the finish line.”

“Equipping law enforcement with the tools they need is vital to protecting our most vulnerable online,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and to the President for supporting victims and the law enforcement agencies that combat and prevent these crimes.”

“The PROTECT Act reauthorizes critical task force programs – empowering state and local law enforcement to combat child abuse, protect survivors, and prosecute perpetrators who prey on the vulnerable. This significant bipartisan bill is a solid step forward in the fight against predators and the horrific crime of child exploitation – and a warning against any criminal who would exploit our children online. I am proud to see this critical measure become law,” said Sen. Blumenthal.

“As a former prosecutor, I know the importance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program for our law enforcement officials,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “This law will help us continue this critical collaborative effort to protect children from predators on the internet.”

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.

Organizations who supported 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.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Heitkamp & Bipartisan Group Urge Supreme Court to Revisit Case Preventing States from Collecting Sales & Use Tax from Out-of-State Businesses like Online Vendors

Source: Senator Heidi Heitkamp - (D - ND)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court urging the Court to reconsider and overturn a 25 year-old case determining whether states can require out-of-state businesses like online vendors to collect and remit state sales and use taxes.

In 1991, when Heitkamp was North Dakota’s Tax Commissioner, the state of North Dakota attempted to make catalog retailers collect the sales and use tax the state and municipalities were already owed on sales. Heitkamp brought the case all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1992 found in Quill Corp v. North Dakota that a business must have a physical presence in a state before it can be required to collect and remit state sales and use taxes. The Court also said that the U.S. Congress had the ultimate power to resolve the issue.

Since then, the sharp increase in internet sales has sparked renewed interest from state and local governments in leveling the playing field for brick-and-mortar businesses and closing a gaping loophole in our tax system. While the members have put forward a legislative solution in the Marketplace Fairness Act, Congress has not come to an agreement to fix the loophole.

Joining Heitkamp in filing the amicus brief are U.S. Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN), along with U.S. Representatives Kristi Noem (R-SD) and John Conyers (D-MI),

“Small businesses in our states – and the workers who rely on them for jobs – have long been disadvantaged by out-of-state retailers and online vendors who aren’t required to collect sales and use taxes,” the members said. “When these retailers can charge lower prices, our small businesses and jobs are at risk. The Supreme Court should re-visit and reverse its decision in Quill that tipped the scales in favor of online retailers and against brick and mortar businesses around the country, which lose close to $26 billion every year because of a misguided decision over two decades ago. It’s past time to level the playing field for local shops across our communities.”

Retailers without a physical presence have a price advantage over brick and mortar businesses of up to 8.5 percent in North Dakota, 9.75 percent in Tennessee, 11 percent in Illinois, and 6 percent in Wyoming simply because they cannot be required to collect those state taxes.

Click here to read the full text of the amicus brief.

The amicus brief – also called a “friend of the court” brief that is filed by outside parties and is used to share additional information and arguments for the Court to consider – urges the Supreme Court to grant South Dakota’s request for the Court to consider South Dakota v Wayfair, Inc. This case seeks to overturn Quill, which prevents South Dakota and 44 other states from enforcing their own state sales and use tax laws.

On April 27, Enzi, Durbin, Alexander, and Heitkamp introduced the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2017 – legislation that would give states the right to require out-of-state businesses or online retailers to collect and remit the sales and use taxes that are already owed under current law. In 2013, the Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act by a bipartisan vote of 69-27, but the legislation did not become law.

Noem and Conyers introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives on April 27 — the Remote Transactions Parity Act – which has 49 bipartisan cosponsors and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Gillibrand’s Bill Would Increase Accountability and Transparency in Sexual Harassment Reporting Process

Source: Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand - (D - NY)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- As victims of sexual harassment in Congress come forward to tell their stories in an AP report, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has announced that she will introduce comprehensive legislation to combat sexual harassment in Congressional offices. This bill would create more transparency in Congressional offices and give sexual harassment victims the resources and protections they need to report incidents.

“Congress should never be above the law or play by their own set of rules. The current process has little accountability and even less sensitivity to victims of sexual harassment,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “What we are seeing from the powerful #MeToo campaign is that sexual assault and sexual harassment are pervasive across our entire society. What you see time and again in institutions all around the country is a culture where power and fear keep sexual assault and sexual harassment in the shadows. Congress is no different. The women and men coming forward are an inspiration because they are changing our society in a way that is making it unacceptable for people to turn a blind eye to sexual violence. They are showing we can build a more just society for ourselves, our families and future generations by shining a light on injustice and saying we will not accept it anymore. I will be introducing legislation in the Senate to reform the current inadequate process by creating mandatory annual training for Members and staff, requiring climate surveys to show the true scope of this problem, giving interns the access to the same resources and protections as full-time staff, ending forced mediation, and overhauling the process that Congressional staffers have to report sexual harassment. We must ensure that this institution handles complaints to create an environment where staffers can come forward if something happens to them without having to fear that it will ruin their careers.”

Gillibrand’s legislation would do the following:

Modernize and streamline the process for sexual harassment victims to report within the Office of Compliance
Create a designated person within the Office of Compliance to serve as a confidential advisor for victims of harassment
Require mandatory annual sexual harassment training for both Members and staff
Remove the current requirement that victims go through mediation before filing a complaint against an assailant
Require a climate survey to give a comprehensive analysis of the scope of this problem in Congress
Give interns access to the same resources as full-time staff
Require that each office post notices that detail the rights and protections of employees
Gillibrand has been a leading voice in the Senate in combatting sexual assault, and her bills to address the scourge of sexual assault on college campuses and in the military have broad, bipartisan support.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

CORTEZ MASTO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF BIPARTISAN BILL TO COMBAT SEX TRAFFICKING

Source: Senator Cathrine Cortez Masto - (D - NV)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) along with U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced their support of the bipartisan Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA), a bill to crack down on sex trafficking and ensure justice for victims.


“Sex trafficking is a despicable crime that is too often facilitated by nefarious websites like Backpage,” said the senators. “These companies knowingly profit off the pain of others and must be held accountable. This legislation ensures victims receive their day in court and empowers state attorneys general to seek justice. We applaud the hard work of the bill’s authors and are proud to join in support.”


SESTA was written in response to a two-year Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) inquiry which found that Backpage.com knowingly facilitated criminal sex trafficking of vulnerable women and young girls and then covered up evidence of these crimes in order to increase its own profits. The report from the subcommittee can be found here.


The bill would allow victims of sex trafficking to seek justice against websites that knowingly facilitated the crimes against them and eliminate federal liability protections for websites that assist, support, or facilitate a violation of federal sex trafficking laws. In addition, the law would enable state law enforcement officials, not just the federal Department of Justice, to take action against individuals or businesses that violate federal sex trafficking laws.

More news about the issues concerning Human Trafficking can be found at The Ponder News by clicking HERE

CORKER STATEMENT ON IMPORTANCE OF AN INDEPENDENT JUSTICE SYSTEM

Source: Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) - (R - TN)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on the importance of an independent justice system after reports that President Donald J. Trump refused to rule out firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions if the Department of Justice does not investigate what the president wishes.

“Like me, most Americans hope that our justice system is independent and free of political interference,” said Corker. “President Trump's pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American people’s confidence in our institutions.”

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Sen. Coons, Colleagues Call for ACTION to Expand Opportunities for National Service

Source: Senator Christopher A .Coons - (D - DE)

Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In an effort to tackle national priorities and help young Americans strengthen their communities and our nation while reducing the burden of student debt, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the America’s Call To Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act. The bill would increase opportunities for service across the country and provide young Americans with the chance to select a service program in a variety of fields. In exchange for their national service, students would get help paying for college.

The ACTION for National Service Act calls for elevating the Corporation for National and Community Service to a cabinet-level agency and providing resources to help support up to one million national service positions annually, enhancing participation in notable national service programs such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.

Currently, about one percent of Americans serve in either the military or a national service program. Retired General Stanley A. McChrystal, who serves as Chairman of the Board for the nonprofit Service Year Alliance, has stated that expanding national service options could go a long way toward uniting Americans and bridging the military-civilian divide by fostering a better understanding of shared sacrifice. General McChrystal noted: “Right now, less than one percent of our population serves in the military and, in my view, we need to rethink and create a system where young Americans have an opportunity to serve their nation in other ways. We need to create a culture of service where we are all invested in our nation's future and feel a shared sense of responsibility to our nation and to each other.”

Since 1994, over 1 million individuals have served through the AmeriCorps program, and roughly 245,000 seniors over the age of 55 volunteer annually through the Senior Corps programs. These individuals have addressed critical community needs in education, economic development, health, and many other areas, coming to their fellow citizens’ aid in times of national disaster, including thousands who have been deployed in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The bill seeks to enhance the nation’s capacity to support all those who want to serve their communities and the nation.

“Expanding national service opportunities for young Americans strengthens our communities, broadens the worldview of our next generation of American leaders, and instills in our young men and women a sense of pride in themselves and their country that can only be gained through giving back,” said Senator Coons. “As we work to make college more accessible and give our young people the opportunities they deserve to succeed, national service has to be part of the equation. I’m excited to introduce this bill and expand the impact of national service in the United States.”

“As Americans, we take inspiration from those who have answered the call to serve, whether in defense of our nation abroad or to strengthen our communities at home. This bill will grow our capacity to enlist, equip, and empower young people to address pressing challenges and give back to our nation while they earn money toward their education. It will increase volunteerism and strengthen our nation,” said Senator Reed. “Today, young people are eager to find ways to serve, and we need to do a better job of providing them with opportunities to give back. This willingness to make common cause with our fellow citizens and serve a purpose greater than ourselves is a hallmark of our nation. It’s also crucial that we invest in the education and professional development of those who have sacrificed and given so much to our nation. That’s why I’m pleased to introduce this legislation with my colleagues to help ensure that every American who wants to serve has the opportunity to do so, as well as future opportunities to get an education and build a better life. I commend Congressmen Larson, Lewis, and Kennedy for their leadership on this issue and longstanding commitment to expanding national service opportunities for all.”

“From the corners of Connecticut to disaster relief zones in Puerto Rico, I have seen the invaluable impact of individuals who have answered the call for their country with fundamentally American acts of service,” said Senator Blumenthal. “National volunteer service programs improve the lives of all Americans by protecting the environment, strengthening education, responding to disasters, supporting public health and safety, and providing assistance to at-risk communities. I am proud to support the ACTION for National Service Act, which would elevate and protect the spirit of service embodied in AmeriCorps and other federal service programs to inspire a new class of young leaders nationwide.”

Specifically, the ACTION for National Service Act:

• Gives all those who wish to serve the opportunity to do so by providing the necessary federal funding to support at least one million service positions nationwide.

• Significantly reduces student loan debt burdens by ensuring that individuals who serve two full terms of service are rewarded with an education benefit equivalent to four years of the average in-state tuition at a public, four-year college. Current law limits the award's value to the maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant at the time of the individual’s service.

• Makes the education benefit free from federal taxation. Currently, education benefits count as income for tax purposes.

• Elevates the existing Corporation of National and Community Service (CNCS) to a Cabinet-level federal agency, and appoints a Director of National Service with the same rank as Cabinet Secretaries. Existing CNCS programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps would be preserved and strengthened.

• Maintains the authority and programmatic responsibilities of state and local boards to direct federal resources to best meet community needs and be responsive to local priorities.

• Allows participants in programs outside of existing CNCS programs to be evaluated for eligibility for enhanced education benefits.

• Establishes a National Service Foundation to encourage private sector and philanthropic investment in expanding national service opportunities.

U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (D-CT), John Lewis (D-GA), and Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) have introduced similar legislation, the ACTION for National Service Act (H.R. 3140), in the U.S. House of Representatives.


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site