Senate Passes Tax Reform

Washington, D.C. - December 4, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Early on the morning of December 2nd, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1). The tax cut legislation was approved by a 51-49 vote.  The Senate measure will now move to a conference to reconcile differences with a House-passed measure.

“I supported this important legislation because it is the best opportunity in 30 years to improve the federal tax code.  The Senate bill would lower taxes for Mississippians.  Lowering the tax burden and simplifying the law will also help generate economic growth by making businesses in Mississippi and across the country more competitive" said Senator Thad Cochran - (R - MS). He continued with,

“I look forward to the Senate and House negotiating a final package that can be sent to the President for his signature.”

Before the vote Senator Susan M. Collins - (R - ME) stated, “I don’t think there is a single American who thinks that our current tax code is fair, simple, or promotes economic growth.  We need a tax system that will boost the economy, help the middle class, and encourage small businesses to grow and create jobs.  If we stimulate the economy through tax reform, we can significantly increase federal revenues while boosting Americans’ take-home pay. "

National Taxpayers Union (NTU) applauded the "tireless work of the United States Senate for delivering much needed tax relief to Americans by passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act."

“This is a massive milestone on the road to fiscal prosperity and we commend the Senate for approving pro-growth tax reform. There is still a great deal of work Congress must do in order to make our tax system more transparent, simple and competitive with the rest of the world, but today’s vote should leave no doubt that this work is well underway,” said Pete Sepp, President of the National Taxpayers Union.

"Instead of chasing unicorns, Senators took the bull by the horns and did what taxpayers hoped they would do -- they legislated,” added Sepp, “The result is not perfect, but that is not the standard by which it should be measured. It is a phenomenal improvement over the status quo, which guaranteed Americans years of subpar economic growth, billions of hours in additional paperwork burdens, thousands of job opportunities denied, and millions of dreams from families and small businesses deferred.”

NTU has been on the front line of the fight to pass comprehensive tax reform, organizing a press conference with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Republican Senators prior to the introduction of the Senate tax reform plan and releasing a unified statement with other conservative groups this week to emphasize the importance of overhauling the tax code. NTU also sponsored a television and radio ad campaign encouraging the Senate to adopt meaningful tax reform to encourage economic growth, create new jobs and allow individuals and families to keep more of their income.

“We have always viewed tax reform as an important opportunity to realign the tax code to better support entrepreneurship and spur new company formation.  While we would have preferred to see a section in tax reform dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, it does preserve several provisions that are critical to the startup ecosystem,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of National Venture Capital Association.  “We are thankful the Finance Committee removed language that would have disrupted the equity-based compensation system that is so critical to recruiting and retaining a talented startup workforce as well as taking the additional step of including new language that provides a deferral to emerging growth company employees that are forced to pay taxes on their stock options before the gains are realized.  We are also pleased senators heard our message on the importance of supporting patient, long-term investment into entrepreneurial activity.”

The National Retail Federation welcomed Senate passage, saying congressional action on the pro-growth plan is helping boost consumer confidence and that savings from reform could be enough to pay for many families’ holiday shopping.

“This vote couldn’t come at a better time,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Holiday shopping was strong throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, and a good part of the reason was optimism about the work Congress is doing to pass tax reform. Consumers and voters are beginning to realize that tax reform will create jobs, leave more money in the pockets of middle-class Americans and give our nation’s economy the biggest boost it’s seen in decades. In fact, the savings is enough to give the average family a free Christmas. It’s time to get this legislation to President Trump so American consumers will know they can count on extra money in their paychecks come January.”

“We look forward to members of the House and Senate sitting down to reconcile the differences between their versions of the legislation so that a final bill can be signed into law as soon as possible,” Shay said. “There is far more that the two chambers agree on than they disagree on. And both clearly agree that the time for tax reform has come.”

According to the Senate Finance Committee, a typical family of four earning the average annual income of $73,000 would see its taxes cut by nearly $1,500 a year, or $125 a month, and some estimates are higher. The number is enough to completely cover the $967.13 NRF expects the average consumer to spend this year as part of up to $682 billion in holiday season sales.

An NRF survey found that 174 million American adults shopped from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, 10 million more than NRF had projected.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after vote:

“The Tax Cut and Jobs Act cuts taxes for working and middle-income families,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It boosts the economy, repeals Obamacare’s individual mandate, preserves the Historic Tax Credit, gives tax relief to victims of the 2016 floods in North and South Louisiana and provides money to rebuild our coastline. This is a good bill for Louisiana and the United States.”

The bill doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000, lowers income tax rates across the board, nearly doubles the standard deduction to $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a couple filing jointly, preserves the Adoption Tax Credit as well as deductions for home mortgage interest and charitable contributions.

According to the Tax Foundation’s analysis, the bill will boost take-home pay for Louisiana families by more than $1,800 a year and create more than 12,600 new jobs in Louisiana alone. In an open letter to Congress, 137 economists announced their support for the tax reform effort, writing, “Economic growth will accelerate if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passes, leading to more jobs, higher wages, and a better standard of living for the American people.”

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Cassidy crafted or help spearhead several provisions in the Senate’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including those that:

Provide victims of last year’s floods in North and South Louisiana with $500 million in disaster tax relief, exempting them from tax penalties on early withdrawals of retirement account funds used for rebuilding and recovery, and allowing income tax deductions for qualifying personal casualty losses.
 

Preserve the Historical Tax Credit, which since 2002 has facilitated over 782 projects in Louisiana, encouraging more than $2.5 billion in private rehabilitation investments and creating more than 38,000 jobs.

Restore nearly $100 million in funding for coastal restoration projects in Louisiana, making up for the projected GOMESA revenue shortfall.

Keep full business expense deduction for automobile, truck, boat, motorcycle, and farm implement dealers who use floor plan financing. This will ensure small business dealers are treated fairly and are not subject to the risk of paying higher taxes, protecting jobs and economic growth.

Reduce potential effects of a new investment excise tax on large private college endowments, helping small institutions such as Centenary College of Louisiana.

Preserve Private Activity Bonds (PABs), which are widely used for airport and seaport projects, affordable housing, and nonprofit health and education facilities. In 2016, over $72 billion in PABs were issued for investments in nonprofit hospitals and universities, along with over $12 billion in PABs for airports, housing, and rural public cooperatives.

Keep existing business structure commonly referred to as IC-DISC (Interest Charge Domestic International Sales Corporation). This will encourage small and medium businesses to export goods made in Louisiana.

Identified deficit reduction mechanisms to help pay for a state and local property tax deduction up to $10,000, and an increased deduction (17.4 to 23 percent) for small business owners’ qualified business income (“pass-throughs”).

National League of Cities (NLC) President Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, released the following statement:

“Cities have spoken loudly and clearly during the tax reform debate: Congress must not take away the critical tools cities need to balance their budgets, build infrastructure and provide essential services for our residents. While we welcome the Senate’s preservation of tax exemptions for municipal bonds and qualified private activity bonds, we are dismayed that the bill targets other bonds, eliminates key credits and greatly reduces the deductibility of state and local taxes.

“It is encouraging that amendments were introduced in the eleventh hour to address some problems of the bill, like one to preserve part of the property tax deduction. Congress has heard some of our concerns, and we thank the members who stood with cities. 

“As this bill heads to conference, Congress must take the time to fix this bill so it actually provides relief for American families. As we turn our efforts toward the reconciliation process for this bill and the appropriations process for the Federal Budget, cities need a federal partner that is willing to invest in the future of our communities. We are eager to work together to reform our tax code so that it benefits everyone, and strengthens America’s cities."

More than 800 city leaders have already signed onto an action letter outlining NLC’s top-line priorities when it comes to tax reform and the federal budget.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) issued the following statement today on behalf of President and CEO Juanita Duggan in response to the Senate’s passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:

“We are pleased to see the Senate pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will provide significant tax relief to small businesses. We are grateful to Majority Leader McConnell, Chairman Hatch, and all of the senators who supported the measure.

“For small businesses, federal taxes are too high. The tax code is too complicated. Complying with the rules is too costly. According to our research, five of the top 10 problems for small business owners relate to the federal tax code. Tax reform is an economic imperative and it’s one step closer. We urge leaders in the House and Senate to reconcile their respective plans quickly so the President can sign tax reform into law this year.”

National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen García issued the following statement:

“Hypocrisy is at the heart of the tax bill approved by Senate Republicans. It reveals the ill-conceived and misguided priorities of Republican leaders in Washington. Instead of providing tax cuts to those who need it most—the middle class and working families—their plan hands massive tax giveaways to corporate special interests and the wealthy. Expanding education tax loopholes in order for wealthy families to stash away money for religious school will hurt neighborhood public schools and students.

“They will eliminate the state and local deductions for working people but keep it for wealthy corporations. Millions of hard working people will see their taxes increase. On top of it all, this bill will take away health care coverage for 13 million Americans and cause premiums to spike for millions more. It could also trigger $25 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare in 2018 alone. In the end, this disastrous bill will push crushing debt and tax increases onto the middle class while Medicare, Medicaid, and education will take the brunt of the cuts.

“Public schools have not fully recovered from the Great Recession. Now, by eliminating the state and local tax deduction, the Senate just voted to blow a hole in state and local revenue to support public education, potentially risking the jobs of hundreds of thousands of educators, exposing public school students to serious and potentially damaging consequences—ballooning class sizes and overcrowded classrooms that deprive students of one-on-one attention.

“It is outrageous to hand massive tax giveaways for the wealthy and corporate special interests paid for by students and working families. This is a terrible bill for the American people and we need more courage from members of Congress to stop this runaway train.”

National School Boards Association Executive Director & CEO Thomas J. Gentzel  stated, “NSBA is deeply troubled by the U.S. Senate’s version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Tax reform should cultivate state and local investments and innovation, not impede them. In rushing to pass legislation, lawmakers are presenting Americans with a potential tax structure that offers tax breaks and benefits for the few at the price of supporting state and local efforts to invest in vital areas including education.

“While it’s unclear, the full extent of the impact the proposed changes will have on local decision making and resources available for public services, the threat it poses to students, parents and communities is very real. Limiting the current State and Local Tax deduction and providing tax-advantages for private school tuition accounts are misguided efforts and a significant step in the wrong direction.

“Districts already operate with limited resources to provide students with educational and other necessary support. Too many neighborhood schools struggle to balance diverse, growing populations with recessionary levels of funding. School infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum, transportation, health services, counseling, public and student safety measures and other vital services, which are all funded by state and local taxes, are placed at risk by these proposed changes in federal tax law.

“NSBA urges Congress to put students, parents, and communities first as the House and Senate bills move to conference. NSBA opposes any tax proposal that negatively impacts local decision makers’ ability to govern and operate in the best interests of our country’s students and the American taxpayer. To do anything less would be irresponsible and a reckless disinvestment in students and their future.”

Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement:

“Today will be remembered as a shameful day in American history. In a cowardly move, Republican senators rushed to pass a tax bill that will cause a tremendous amount of pain for Americans from coast to coast, including many of President Trump’s supporters. Today’s children, workers, and students will be especially hard hit, as will future generations that will be stuck with the consequences of this fiscally irresponsible and morally indefensible measure. The Senate has essentially robbed tens of millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet. For so many, this bill effectively hikes taxes on those who can least afford to lose more money and could make health care unaffordable for these same people.

“Immigrant families have been especially hard hit: the bill eliminates the Child Tax Credit for immigrant children, a move that is cruel and short-sighted. Republicans in the Senate have voted to harm immigrant children and families to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.

“This bill, loaded with holiday treats for the rich and massive corporations and their insatiable greed, delivers nothing more than economic insecurity and greater income inequality for the rest of us. Our lawmakers should be working to make sure all our communities are healthy and thriving, not just the ultra-rich. The halls of Congress failed their constituents early this morning, and voters should not forget it.”

Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice had a scathing response:

“Tonight’s Senate tax vote was a shameful scheme to prioritize the wealthiest in our nation over the needs of the most vulnerable. This legislation is shocking on both substance and process. On substance, the bill violates the moral fiber of our country by lining the pockets of millionaires and billionaires while robbing people in poverty. It is an abomination on process because no one has been able to study or understand this hodgepodge of giveaways drafted behind closed doors.

“Tonight’s tax vote undermines our democracy and makes a laughing stock of Congress. It bankrupts our nation and calls into question who Congress works for: their constituents or their donors.

“This is the wrong move for our people, but we know this fight isn’t over. NETWORK is committed to stopping this flawed policy in its tracks.

“Instead, NETWORK desires a policy that heals our nation and supports our people. We must ensure that the common good is promoted and not the special interests. Tax policy is a moral issue.

“Shame on the Senate for passing this terrible policy under the cover of darkness.”

Mayor de Blasio of New York claimed, "Republicans, voting on a bill they didn't even have time to read, once again proved they care more about millionaires and campaign donors than working families." This is simply not true. The Republican version of the bill passed exactly one month to the day that the Senate version did. They had plenty of time.

As if in agreement with the mayor, Gawain Kripke, Oxfam America’s Policy Director, made the following statement:

“This is not reform, it’s a heist. Rushed through in the night without time for analysis or debate, the implications for the poorest – here and around the world- are being ignored. The repercussion will be serious and long lasting.”

"This process isn't finished yet, as the Senate and House bills remain very different, but I am very concerned that we're close to making our already-broken tax code even worse. As always, I remain willing to work across the aisle to pass a real, bipartisan tax reform bill for the middle class, but our opportunity to do that is quickly slipping away," said Senator Christopher A .Coons - (D - DE).

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Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act Passes Senate

Washington, D.C. - December 4, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- With unanimous support, the U.S. Senate has passed the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act. The legislation, which is sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would enable the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make important safety and sanitation improvements at the tribal treaty fishing access sites along the Columbia River, which are on lands held by the United States for the benefit of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes.

The next step would be for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the legislation, before being sent to the President for his signature.

“This is a positive step on our long road to properly honor our obligations to the Columbia River Treaty Tribes,” said Senator Murray. “It’s so important that we continue to make progress to provide safe, sanitary housing and infrastructure at these fishing access sites, so tribal members can exercise their protected rights.”

“These Tribal members’ way of life was washed away when the Bonneville dam went up. Since then, few steps have been taken to right this wrong,” said Senator Cantwell. “By improving housing conditions for these Tribes, we can begin to fulfill long-overdue promises. I encourage our House colleagues to quickly take up this bill so we can begin to improve conditions at existing sites”

Beginning in the 1930s, the construction of the three lower Columbia River dams displaced members of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes: Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Nez Perce Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. These tribes have a treaty-protected right to fish along the Columbia River in their usual and accustomed places.

The Senators have been fighting to address the urgent need for adequate housing and infrastructure at tribal fishing access sites constructed by the Army Corps following construction of The Dalles, Bonneville, and John Day dams. The Army Corps designed the sites to be used primarily for daily, in-season fishing access and temporary camping; however, in many cases tribal members now use the areas as longer-term or even permanent residences. In fact, many people at these sites are living in extremely distressed, unsafe, and unsanitary conditions, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs has not committed the resources necessary to ensure the basic necessities of clean and safe living conditions at these sites.

While the Senators have been working to move forward with a plan that would fulfill the federal government’s unmet obligation to provide permanent replacement housing for tribal members living at the fishing sites, the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently halted work on that plan. The Senators have pushed OMB to reverse its decision. In the meantime, the delay makes improving conditions at existing sites all the more critical.  

The Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act  would address the urgent need for improved conditions by:

Calling on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to conduct a much-needed assessment of current safety and sanitation conditions at the sites, in coordination with the affected Columbia River Treaty Tribes; and

Authorizing the Bureau to work on improving sanitation and safety conditions in several key areas such as structural improvements (restrooms, washrooms, and other buildings); safety improvements (wells and infrastructure to address fire concerns, and more); electrical infrastructure to ensure safe electrical hookups; and basic sewer and septic infrastructure.

The legislation is supported by the four Columbia River Treaty tribes—Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Nez Perce Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation—as well as the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

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Norquist Statement Praising Senate Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Source: Americans for Tax Reform

Following Senate passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, ATR President Grover Norquist released the following statement:

“The swamp mocked the idea that Republicans could enact sweeping tax reform in the first 12 months of the Trump presidency. It was too much. Too big a hill to climb. Everyone else had failed. Couldn’t be done.

“But it is happening. Tax Reform has now passed the House and Senate and after conference will soon be signed by President Trump.

“This is big. A bigger deal than Obamacare. Big job creation. Big middle class tax cuts. Big changes in an outdated tax code.

“They said it couldn’t be done. It is happening now. It will change the world.”

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FAIR: Kate Steinle’s Death Was Preventable, and Congress Must Act Now to Secure the Border and End Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Source: Federation for American Immigration Reform

The following statement was issued by Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), in response to the acquittal of Jose Ines Garcia Zarate on charges of murder and involuntary manslaughter in Kate Steinle murder case:

“The nation is rightfully shocked and heartbroken that a five-time deported criminal alien – who should never have been in the country in the first place – will get off nearly scot-free in the killing of Kate Steinle. Her death was completely preventable, and is yet another example of Congress failing to do its most important job: ensuring the safety of the American public.

“Congress has repeatedly failed to put the national interest first in immigration policy. Instead of focusing on funding the border wall and administering strong penalties against dangerous sanctuary city jurisdictions, Congress is currently consumed in offering yet another amnesty program for illegal aliens. Even more outrageously, Democratic leadership is threatening to shut down the government as a way of forcing through this controversial proposal.

“Hopefully, this tragic verdict will serve as a teachable moment for elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Congress must now focus on the safety of the American people by securing the border and enhancing immigration enforcement. Until that goal is achieved, all other immigration benefits, such as an amnesty for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, should be set aside.”

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An Open Letter to Alabama Voters

From The MAGA Coalition

The eyes of the nation are upon you. December 12th vote will be a crucial test of honor, morality, justice and wisdom. As is often the case in politics, nothing will be black or white. There will be no “right” answer, no unequivocal fact, and no pundit, politician or personality who holds the moral high ground. Myself included.

However, our MAGA Coalition made the call on this race months ago when we endorsed Judge Roy Moore for US Senate. It would be a shameful abdication of our duties to shy away from clarifying that endorsement in a time of trial and tribulation. In fact, there is no greater test of one’s mettle than to weigh in on matters such as the election facing Alabama voters.

This is the new and obscene American political landscape — a place where the lowest common denominator reigns, and charges of depravity rule the day. Are we so desensitized that we don’t flinch at 40-year-old charges, lobbed like a hand grenade, 30 days before an election? The methods deployed by the Washington Post in printing their latest bit of “organic” journalism, is almost as repugnant as the charges alleged within. As we watch the establishment powers that be in Washington D.C., trying to wrestle away the autonomy and integrity of elections for all Alabamians, we can only offer our contempt for the manner in which their charges against Judge Roy Moore have been staged.

To be clear: the campaign of Doug Jones, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and the mainstream media, have turned a US Senate election into a binary choice on individual morality. The implication being, if you don’t vote a certain way, we will paint your entire state as moral degenerates. Not too dissimilar from the efforts of those who sought to define Donald Trump by surreptitious recordings from an Access Hollywood show. This playbook is well-worn and dog-eared by now, yet the masters of political war in Washington plow forward. They see themselves as the sole moral arbiters and purveyors of truth, and voters as simple tools to advance their agenda. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Alabama is now the tip of the spear. Each man and woman of voting age will be transformed into an agent of justice on December 12th. Every voting booth will be transformed into a jury box; not for the guilt or innocence of Judge Roy Moore, per se, but for the whole political system. A vote for Roy Moore is not a vote on what may or may not have happened in 1979. The moral equivalency game is not a winnable one. If the biblical parable of Solomon’s wisdom is to hold true: who in this scenario is prepared to split the child? One side is willing to sacrifice this election rather than allow the grassroots another win. That much is clear.

It feels to us like there are unseen forces at work, seeking to replace our hope with hostility, our faith with fear, and our judgment with theirs. On November 8th, 2016, the world watched as we made our choice. Now, on December 12th, the nation looks to you, Alabama. There, in the solitude of the voting booth, you will have your say. Nothing, and no one, can take that moment from you. May you all be blessed, even if only in that moment, with the Wisdom of Solomon.

God bless Alabama and God bless America.

Adam Gingrich

President – MAGA Coalition, Inc.

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Reauthorizing the Brownsfields Program

Washington, D.C. - December 1, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- The Brownfields program was created in 2002 by bipartisan legislation authored in the House by Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ, 6th) and the late Rep. Paul Gillmor of Ohio.

“By almost any metric, the Brownfields program has been a remarkable success,” said Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ, 6th). “Removing public health hazards by cleaning up contaminated sites is incredibly important for the surrounding communities. It is also a job creator that primes the pump for local investment and development. I’m proud we are working on a bipartisan basis to reauthorize a program that makes a real difference in New Jersey communities.”

The brownfields program assists communities with the cleanup of former industrial properties where redevelopment is complicated by the presence of environmental contamination. When the program was first authorized, there were an estimated 450,000 brownfields properties in the U.S. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 59,000 brownfields sites have already been revitalized.

Since 2002, New Jersey has received over $34 million in Brownfields grants. The vast majority of these funds, approximately $29 million, were awarded for assessment and cleanup efforts. Last year, Asbury Park received $400,000 in Brownfields Grants.

In 2009, the Department of Environmental Protection designated the Woodbridge Waterfront as a Brownfields Development Area. The Keasbey Woodbridge Redevelopment Zone includes the FedEx Ground Transportation Terminal & Warehouse, Wakefern Food Corp, Graydell, and a waterfront park that is currently under construction. Since 2010, EPA Region 2 has granted nearly $4 million to NJDEP to help revitalize brownfields in the state, including the Woodbridge waterfront.

When completed, the park will include approximately 30 acres of nature area with restored wetlands/uplands, more than 7,000 feet of walking trails circling the restored wetlands, 800 feet of boardwalk overlooking natural wetland areas, a viewing platform at the Raritan River, bird blinds for observing wildlife, educational signs, gathering spaces with seating, and bus parking.

On Thursday, the House voted 409-8 to pass H.R. 3017, the Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017. Paul D. Tonko (D-NY, 20th) was the lead Democrat advancing the bill, which would reauthorize and expand a previously-expired EPA program that cleans up and assesses sites polluted by former industrial activity, re-opening the door to economic development and environmental revitalization of these often economically vital sites.

“Today’s overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in the House breathed new life into the EPA’s Brownfields program, a vital economic redevelopment tool,” said Tonko. “Since 2002, the Brownfields program has helped put tens of thousands of acres of economically critical land back into circulation, supporting local economies and encouraging greater development in areas that were previously written off. In the process, more than 130,000 jobs have been created and $24 billion has been leveraged from federal investment. Local governments are realizing that through this program we can turn a liability into an opportunity. Today’s vote brings us a step closer to restoring more than 450,000 brownfield sites that still exist across the United States. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to advance this measure so it can be adopted into law without delay.”

Congressman Tonko, who serves as the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Environment, is an original cosponsor of the legislation. He worked to shepherd the bill through regular order with his Republican colleagues on the committee.

“There are more than 450,000 brownfields sites across the country, and many communities in our area have seen the positive results of the program,” said Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI, 7th). “It empowers states and local governments to take abandoned and vacant industrial sites and once again turn them into economic assets—all-the-while cleaning up the environment. With the help of this bipartisan bill, more Michigan communities will be able to revitalize these properties, encourage job growth, and bring about economic benefits for our communities.”

Congressman Walberg serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Greg Walden (R-OR, 2nd) noted that Oregon has been particularly successful using the Brownfields Program to put old industrial sites back in to productive service. Standing beside a before-and-after picture of the Old Mill District in Bend -- one of Oregon’s most successful Brownfields projects -- Walden stressed the importance of strengthening the program to ensure this success continues.

“Bend isn’t alone. Last year in The Dalles, Google broke ground on an expansion to their data center on 26 acres of former mill land that was cleaned up under this program -- a $600 million investment expected to create 50 new jobs,” said Walden. “Also, in my hometown of Hood River, the Port of Hood River just finished a brownfields cleanup of another former mill site, opening over 12 acres of land for future business opportunities in the area.

And in southern Oregon, the city of Grants Pass is in the early stages of working towards the same goal. They've successfully secured assistance through the Brownfields Program to begin planning the cleanup and redevelopment of the old Spalding Mill industrial site.”

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North Korea can Hit the U.S.

In response to reports that North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed in the waters just off the coast of Japan, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th), who is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017 (HR 4027), released the following statement:

“This latest missile launch makes clear that North Korea is not feeling enough pressure to halt its development of nuclear and ballistic missiles. We need to double down on our efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, while working with our allies in the region to levy all international sanctions – including cutting off oil exports to North Korea.

“The bipartisan Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017 would strengthen our ability to block financial transactions between North Korea and those who continue to conduct prohibited business with that regime. U.S. military personnel and Korean leaders made clear in our meetings this summer that toughening sanctions enforcement against North Korea is a key step toward starting productive talks about denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. We need to use all diplomatic resources available to us to stabilize the region and defend our allies.”

Rep. Maloney joined Reps. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) to introduce HR 4027, the Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017. The Senate companion was introduced by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA).

This summer, Congresswoman Maloney joined Senator Markey’s Congressional delegation with Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) to Korea, Japan and China. After returning from this trip, she and Rep. Wagner hosted a bipartisan roundtable with Republic of Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined the bipartisan meeting.

Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th) released the following statement:

“North Korea has now successfully tested a missile that can hit anywhere in United States. Clearly, they are not intimidated by President Trump’s threats or boasts. America is less safe and more vulnerable to North Korea than the day President Trump took office. The President’s strategy -- if he even has one -- is not working. Foreign policy is not conducted on Twitter. Our allies need to know they can count on clear, level-headed American leadership. Laying out and executing a firm diplomatic strategy for North Korea is vital to assuring America and our allies that they can trust our steady hand.”

Opioid Abuse Deterrence, Research, and Recovery Act Introduced in the House

Washington, D.C. - December 1, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jim Renacci (R-OH) and Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced the Opioid Abuse Deterrence, Research, and Recovery Act—a bill to combat the rapidly spreading opioid crisis in America.

The opioid crisis has rocked the United States for 20 years since the 1990’s, and in that time, it’s become widely referred to as an epidemic—or a rapid acceleration of prescription and non-prescription drug abuse. The opioid epidemic has devastated families, neighborhoods, and communities across the country, with nearly 90 Americans dying per day from opioid related incidents. according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Law enforcement officials, physicians, and treatment centers across the country have done an admirable job attempting to contain the problem, but the epidemic has left these communities overwhelmed as they try to address the root causes of the problem and help rehabilitate those suffering from its damage.

Their bill seeks to an underlying cause of this issue by placing common-sense parameters, with appropriate flexibility, around initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain in order to limit the risks of addiction. Research conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that the risks for addiction to prescription opioids dramatically increase around seven days after prescribed. This bill would place a limit on a patient’s first opioid prescription for acute-pain to no more than 7 days, except in cases of traumatic injury, chronic conditions, cancer-care, end of life care, palliative care, or based on a physician’s recommendation. The limitation to seven days would appropriately mitigate risks of abuse while also providing flexibility for doctors and patients to receive treatment where needed.

“Far too many men, women, and families across the country have suffered from the preventable spread of opioid abuse in America,” Rep. Meadows said. “The effects of this crisis are heartbreaking, and I know for me, they’re felt right at home. My state of North Carolina has 4 of the top 20 cities in America suffering from opioid abuse, with over 12,000 North Carolinians dying as a result of the epidemic since 1996. This has got to end—and we believe Congress has an opportunity to lead by helping establish standards that benefit doctors, patients, and treatment centers alike. I want to thank my colleague, Jim Renacci, as well, for his efforts. I’m grateful we could introduce this bill to begin a process of seriously addressing this crisis that has impacted so many.”

“Ohio is the number one state affected by this epidemic. In my district, alone coroners are running out of space, and now need to rent coolers to hold the overflow of body’s due to overdose,” Rep. Renacci said. However this isn’t a local crisis, it’s a national crisis. Evidence shows that more than 80% of individuals addicted to heroin started out on opioid pain relievers. That is why we must start with limiting Schedule II & III opioid prescriptions at a seven day limit federally for the treatment of acute pain. I appreciate my friend Congressman Meadows and his staff for joining forces with us to make an even stronger impact. “


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DEA and U.S. Attorney’s Office launch opioid abuse prevention public awareness campaign

Boston, MA - December 1, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England Division and Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb spoke with members of the media about Monday’s launch of a state-wide opioid abuse prevention campaign. The initiative seeks to inform the public and spur conversation about the dangers and consequences of abusing, selling and sharing prescription opioids, which has had a devastating impact on families and communities in Massachusetts.

“The DEA believes that a critical component to its role as the nation’s lead drug law enforcement agency is reducing the demand for drugs,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Opioid abuse is rampant in Massachusetts and throughout New England and many times the abuse of prescription opioids is a gateway to heroin and fentanyl addiction. DEA is proud to collaborate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on this campaign to encourage conversation and raise awareness about the dangers and consequences associated with the abuse of opioids.”

“The goal of this campaign is to remind people about the dangers of abusing, selling and sharing opioids, including prescription pain pills. Misusing prescription drugs is risky and illegal. We must do more to deter people from misusing opioids, and we hope that increasing awareness will help people make better choices – to resist the risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb.

Dubbed #ResistTheRisk, the initiative will blend a multi-media strategy, including the use of print designs - four of which launched Monday on the MBTA’s red and orange subway lines and various MBTA buses, as well as on buses operated by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority and the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority. Additionally, as a part of the campaign, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will engage in direct outreach with youth which will be customized to specific needs and requests. The campaign, which will also involve the use of online marketing, will roll out in stages over the next few months.

The campaign messages focus on a range of audiences, from teens, to parents, to caregivers. All are consistent in their goal of arming individuals to make informed decisions and to inspire further discussion about the opioid crisis.

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Legislation Promised to Release Accusers from Privacy Agreements

Washington, D.C. - November 30, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- House Representative Luke Messer (R-IA, 6th) has promised that he will introduce legislation to help protect victims of sexual assault and harassment in Congress.

Messer’s bill would ensure victims aren’t silenced by non-disclosure agreements, and prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims with members of Congress.

“It’s not OK that taxpayer money is used to silence victims of sexual harassment,” Messer said. “If these victims want to tell their story, they should be empowered to do so.”

This effort by Messer follows recent reports that John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI, 13th) settled a sexual harassment complaint with a former staff member using taxpayer dollars. The Washington Post reports that the government has paid more than $17 million in taxpayer money over the last 20 years to settle sexual harassment claims and other workplace violations filed by employees of Congress.

Messer’s bill would release Congressional staff from current non-disclosure agreements signed as part of a sexual assault settlement with a Member of Congress, and prohibit non-disclosure agreements like this in the future. It would also prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims by a member of Congress or employee of the House or Senate.

Messer also supports the bipartisan Member and Employee Training and Oversight On Congress Act, which would make sexual harassment training mandatory for all members and staff.

Upon the allegations against John Conyers, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal called for Conyers to resign, saying, “The actions and subsequent deflections from the growing tide of sexual harassment cases in Congress not only hurt individual women, but they undermine our institution of democracy. For justice to be done in cases with substantial evidence, a simple denial is not sufficient; the relinquishment of power becomes essential. It is not easy for me to reach this conclusion because, as a civil rights activist, I have looked up to Rep. Conyers for decades. I believe these women, I see the pattern and there is only one conclusion – Mr. Conyers must resign.”

Representative Kathleen Rice (D-NY, 4th) has called on Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI, 1st) to intervene in the case of a former employee who accused Rep. John Conyers, Jr. of unwanted sexual advances, and release her from the confidentiality agreement that she was forced to sign as part of a settlement. In a letter sent to Ryan Rice wrote:

“Under the settlement, the complainant was forced into a non-disclosure agreement and has been unable to openly discuss the workplace harassment and abuse she was subjected to, while Rep. Conyers and his attorney, Arnold Reed, have been free to make their case to the public. Three additional women (Maria Reddick, Melanie Sloan, and Deanna Maher) have been able to speak publicly about harassment by Rep. Conyers because they chose not to pursue a complaint through a system that is now universally acknowledged to be stacked against the victim.

“The accuser who attempted to seek help through a deeply flawed system should not continue to be silenced by the institution that failed to protect her in the first place.”

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