King Issues Plea to U.S. Navy: Increase Resources to Stop Drug Shipments

by: Senator Angus S. King Jr. (I - ME)

Washington, D.C. - April 10, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) urged U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer and Admiral John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, to find opportunities to collaborate with the U.S. Coast Guard to increase our ability to intercept drug shipments being transported into the United States by sea.

“I’d like to start my questioning with a plea….Of the hundred-percent [of drug shipments] that we have intelligence on, we’re only able to interdict twenty-five percent because of lack of maritime assets,” said Senator King. “Since this hearing started, twelve Americans have died of overdoses. Our country is under attack. People are dying. People are dying in my state – one a day. Please, see if you can find a way to allocate [Littoral Combat Ships] or other maritime assets to work with the Coast Guard to interdict those drug shipments. It is inexcusable that we know of a drug shipment and can’t do anything about it because of a lack of maritime assets… this is a heartfelt request to try to do something that’s within our power to do.”

Also during the hearing, Senator King expressed his appreciation for the Navy’s efforts to provide the data requested by Senator King regarding the two deadly 2017 collisions involving the USS Fitzgerald and the USS McCain. The data followed up on a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing earlier this year, during which Senator King pressed Admiral Philip Davidson on specific ways to prevent fatal collisions in the future. Senator King concluded his recognition of the Navy’s efforts with a request for the leaders to continue to provide, on a quarterly basis, data related to Navy efforts to avoid future collisions.

Senator King ended his questioning by returning to his focus on cybersecurity – urging Navy leaders to ensure that their private sector partners are fully defending themselves from cyberattacks – particularly subcontractors, who can often have smaller operations and may be more vulnerable. Today’s questioning continues his effort to make sure the military’s private sector partners are secure; last month, he raised the subject with leaders of United States Transportation Command and United States European Command during an Armed Services hearing, and in February Senator King took part in a Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) hearing on cybersecurity where he emphasized the need for urgent action. During that hearing, Senator King questioned James Robb, President and CEO of North American Energy Reliability Corporation, about the dangers of foreign equipment in America’s energy grid, and urged Mr. Robb to recommend red teams to America’s utilities.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues in the Senate. In addition to his committee work, he serves on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, and the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Calls For President Trump To Hold Immigration Summit With World Leaders

by: Senator John Kennedy (R-LA)

Washington, D.C. - April 10, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor about the need for immigration reform, including constructing a border wall, reforming U.S. asylum laws and calling an immigration summit to address the crisis at the southern border.

“Now, we’re a nation of immigrants, and I’m proud of that,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Americans cannot be called anti-immigrant. Every year we welcome a million people across the world to become Americans (and) to come into our country. They do it legally. They follow the law. They’re properly vetted. They get in line. They wait patiently, and we welcome them in.”

Floor speech highlights:

Immigration summit: “I think we should start with a presidential summit. Not a representative of the presidents, but a presidential summit of the president of the United States, the president of Mexico, President Lopez Obrador, and the presidents of the Northern Triangle countries, and let’s see what we can do to solve this problem.”

Border wall: “We do have a problem at the border. ‘Problem’ is an understatement. In March, we had 100,000 people come into our country illegally. One hundred thousand. That’s the most in 10 years. If that continues, we’re going to set a record this year for people entering our country illegally.”

“We’ve got to solve this problem ourselves. The first thing we have to do is build a wall. I’m not talking about a wall from sea to shining sea. We have 1,900 miles of border. I’m talking about barriers strategically placed. You cannot seal a 1,900-mile piece of real estate without a barrier. It can’t be done.”

Illegal immigration: “Illegal immigration is illegal. Even if you think it’s a good idea, and I don’t. If you care about the rule of law, which is one of the bedrock principles in America, then you would want to stop the illegal immigration.”

Asylum law reform: “The second thing we need to do, Madame President, as you well know, is to pass asylum laws that look like somebody designed the things on purpose. Because what we have now, doesn’t fit that description.”

“This United States Senate should be debating America’s asylum laws right this second. I’m not saying the other things we’re doing - we are in the personnel business - aren’t important, but there’s not a single issue right now that’s more important. Congress needs to do its job! The Senate ought to be debating this issue right now.”

Kaine Introduces Bill To Ensure Reproductive Care Services For American Servicewomen

by: Senator Tim Kaine (D - VA)

Washington, D.C. - April 10, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen to re-introduce the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act to ensure that all women who receive care though the United States military have access to all forms of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved contraception with no health insurance co-pay. This bill would overhaul current Department of Defense (DoD) policy on contraceptive coverage and family planning counseling by making sure health care provided by the military is in line with current law for civilian populations

“Servicemembers and their families deserve the same access to contraception and family planning resources as other Americans,” said Kaine. “This bill helps ensure that women serving in the military receive comprehensive, affordable health care.”

The Department of Defense provides health care to approximately 1.1 million women of reproductive age, including servicewomen on active duty, in the guard or reserves, and their dependents. Studies have shown that women in the military have a higher rate of unplanned pregnancy (50 percent higher) than the general population. The studies have also shown that servicewomen face unique challenges accessing their preferred method of contraception and family planning counseling, especially when deployed. Additionally, although the Women’s Health Amendment to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guarantees civilian women coverage of women’s health preventive services, without cost sharing, this policy does not apply to many servicewomen and dependents covered through military health insurance (TRICARE).

The Access to Contraception for Women Service Members and Dependents Act would:

Require that all women who receive health care through the military are treated the same as civilian women, and have access to all forms of FDA-approved contraception and family planning counseling services with no health insurance co-pay;

Require the Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive family planning education program for all servicemembers, ensuring that military families have the information necessary to make informed family planning decisions; and

Enhance access to emergency contraception for survivors of military sexual assault.

The bill has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including: the American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Catholics for Choice, Center for Reproductive Rights, Guttmacher Institute, Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, MomsRising, NARAL Pro-Choice America, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Health Law Program, National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH), National Network of Abortion Funds, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women's Health Network, National Women's Law Center, Not Without Black Women, People For the American Way, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Population Connection Action Fund, Power to Decide, Service Women’s Action Network, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) and URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity. A letter of support for the legislation on behalf of the organizations can be read here.

Text of the legislation can be read in full here.

House Chairs Seek Documents from Trump Administration on Sudden Decision to Stop Defending Health Care Law

by: Judiciary Committee

Washington, D.C. - April 9, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Five House Committee Chairs sent letters to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the White House requesting documents and information regarding the involvement of White House officials in the Administration’s troubling decision to not defend the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The letters were signed by Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairman Elijah E. Cummings, Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr., Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal, Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott, and Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler.

The chairs wrote in their letter to HHS and the White House:

“If the Administration’s new legal position prevails and the entire ACA is struck down, there would be catastrophic implications for millions of American consumers and the United States health care system.”

The chairs wrote in their letter to DOJ:

“This refusal appears to be violating longstanding policies to defend and enforce Acts of Congress; will have a significant negative impact on the accessibility of healthcare for Americans; and appears to be driven by political considerations rather than considered legal arguments. The Department owes Congress and the public an explanation as to why it refuses to enforce the law and we request that you provide previously requested information to us and make certain individuals available for questioning.”

Click here to read the letter to the White House.

Click here to read the letter to HHS.

Click here to read the letter to DOJ.

JOHNSON, BANKS SLAM DEMOCRAT PLAN TO RAISE SPENDING CAPS

by: Mike Johnson (R-LA, 4th)

Washington, D.C. - April 9, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman Mike Johnson (R-La.) and RSC Budget and Spending Task Force Chairman Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released the following statement after House Democrats’ decision to forgo producing a budget proposal and instead raise the discretionary spending caps to the tune of $2 trillion over 10 years:

“Rather than focusing on our ballooning federal debt, currently $22 trillion and counting, and releasing a budget resolution, Democrats have decided to ignore their responsibilities and drive us further into the hole. Their proposal to raise the discretionary spending caps not only fails to address America’s increasingly dangerous fiscal situation but highlights just how out-of-touch the Left has become. Moreover, their contention that providing for national security in some way obligates unnecessary spending on non-defense programs is patently absurd.

“President Trump is right – Congress cannot maintain the status quo by continuing to push irresponsible caps deals. We stand with the president and look forward to releasing our own balanced budget that will promote many of our shared priorities and restore fiscal sanity to the legislative process.”

On Tuesday, House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) introduced the Investing for the People Act of 2019 in lieu of producing a budget resolution for FY 2020. This bill irresponsibly applies the principle of parity, meaning regardless of the program or need, non-defense spending would be increased in an equal amount to any necessary national security funding increase. This bill contains not a single dollar in spending offsets and exempts two new categories of spending from the proposed non-defense caps.

The bill passed out of committee on April 3, 2019 without a single Republican vote.

House Reauthorizes Violence Against Women Act, Passes Johnson Amendment Strengthening Victims’ Housing Protections

by: Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th)

Washington, D.C. - April 9, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, with an amendment by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

“In my home state of Texas and my city of Dallas, we are unfortunately deeply familiar with the tragedies involved in domestic violence,” said Congresswoman Johnson, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus. “Families have been broken apart, and people have lost their lives to the scourge of domestic violence. We have the duty to do more to protect our communities.”

This bipartisan legislation makes great strides in addressing existing gaps in current law, which disproportionately affect victims of domestic violence and assault, including:

Improving the services available for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking;

Expanding the housing protections and financial assistance available for victims and survivors;

Improving protections for Native women, including by reaffirming tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;

Expanding firearm laws to prohibit persons convicted of dating violence, misdemeanor stalking, or subject to protective orders from possessing firearms; and

Investing in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.

Congresswoman Johnson’s amendment to the landmark bill will strengthen housing protections through emergency transfers for victims of domestic violence.

“My amendment will ensure that a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is able to apply for an emergency transfer to another available and safe dwelling unit assisted under a covered housing program,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “By voting in favor of this amendment, Congress is upholding our sacred obligation to protect the millions of victims and survivors who need and deserve our whole-hearted and full support.”

IMMIGRATION EQUALITY DENOUNCES TRUMP’S CALL TO ELIMINATE ASYLUM SYSTEM, IMMIGRATION JUDGES

by: Immigration Equality

New York, NY - April 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- President Trump called upon Congress to eliminate the asylum system and immigration judges. Bridget Crawford, Immigration Equality’s Legal Director, issued the following statement in response:

“President Trump’s recent call to ‘get rid of the entire asylum system’ and dispense with immigration judges is appalling and flies in the face of international and domestic law. For LGBTQ and HIV-positive refugees, asylum is a critical lifeline to safety and protection from persecution. The President’s systematic attacks on the immigration system betray America’s historic commitment to providing sanctuary to those most in need and contradict the overwhelming sentiment of the American people that our country must remain a beacon of hope for refugees.

“Immigrants make our country stronger. We are proud that our asylum system provides an avenue for LGBTQ people and those living with HIV to live freely and openly. Instead of gutting the system, Congress should remain true to our American values by improving the asylum system, protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees, and celebrating their invaluable contributions to our society.”

Federal Court Strikes Down California Firearm Magazine Ban

by: Illinois State Rifle Association

Chatsworth, IL - April 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The Illinois State Rifle Association is hailing the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California decision striking down California’s ban on commonly owned firearm magazines.

Proposition 63 in California was passed by voters. One section of the measure banned the possession of firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and Judge Roger T. Benitez ruled that section was a violation of the 2nd Amendment.

“We just recently learned we won the case against the firearm and magazine ban in Deerfield here in Illinois and now we have a ruling striking down the magazine ban in California,” said Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. “These are some major victories for the 2nd Amendment but the fight is far from over.”

Pearson said lawmakers in Illinois are pushing hard to implement firearm and magazine bans of their own. Senate Bill 107 would ban firearms with the capacity to hold magazines with 10 rounds or more.

“What happened in California is most definitely being tried here,” Pearson said. “Illinois lawmakers should take note of this ruling before enacting unconstitutional laws here.”

Illinois: BILL TO BRING JUSTICE FOR THOSE WRONGFULLY ARRESTED, CHARGED

by: Illinois Policy Institute

Springfield, IL - April 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Cook County’s criminal justice system could become fairer through a new bill that relieves wrongfully arrested and charged people of the burden of paying to clear their names. Senate Bill 482, championed by state Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, would waive fees to expunge or seal records for people in Cook County who have been acquitted, had their convictions reversed, or whose charges have been dropped or dismissed.

The bill passed today 53-0 on the floor of the Illinois Senate.

Many people cannot afford to petition the court to correct their record for crimes they did not commit. This bill would remove that financial burden and allow people wrongfully arrested or charged the opportunity to clear their names.

SB 482 would be an extension of a pilot program under the Criminal Identification Act, which began in 2016 and lapsed Jan. 1.

“As unjust as it is to face a wrongful arrest, charge or conviction, it can be a lifelong sentence to have records with false information linked to you. It is not fair that someone has to pay to clear his or her name in these cases,” said Amy Korte, research director for the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute. “We applaud Sen. Collins for her work to remove unfair barriers to work and life opportunities for people who have already suffered injustice.”

The bill now moves to the House, and if approved, will make its way to the governor’s desk.

Background:

Wrongful arrests and charges are a rampant problem in Illinois. Nearly 20% of arrestees in Cook County jail ultimately have their charges dropped, according to Sheriff Tom Dart.

In Cook County, the fee to have records expunged or sealed is $120. Expunging means to delete records entirely as if the event never occurred. Sealing means to make records hidden unless court-ordered.

If lawmakers vote to renew the pilot program in the Criminal Identification Act, it would take effect immediately upon becoming law and extend through Dec. 31, 2020.

IWF VOICES SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT HOUSE-PASSED VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT REAUTHORIZATION

by: Independent Women's Forum

Washington, D.C. - April 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Independent Women’s Forum Senior Advisor Andrea Bottner released the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives vote this morning to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019:

“This latest reauthorization of VAWA shows how far the law has strayed from its original purpose. This law was supposed to combat violence against women and protect. Now, it's about advancing a progressive political agenda.

“This 2019 House version of VAWA no longer prioritizes the comfort and safety of women victims and it flatly refuses to address victims of female genital mutilation (FGM).

“It raises serious constitutional concerns with regard to religious liberty and second amendment freedoms. Irresponsibly, it includes a provision that would cost tens of millions of dollars in new taxes on employers and adds significant new requirements on housing providers far beyond the scope of the current law.

“Sadly, the lack of transparency, accountability and misuse of taxpayer funds that has long been associated with VAWA funding is not being robustly addressed. We should never tolerate resources being wasted that are supposed to help women.

“We can only hope the U.S. Senate will address some of these serious concerns. Survivors of domestic violence deserve no less than a truly improved and survivor-centered Violence Against Women Act.”

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Domestic Violence happens more than you know. It happens more than you see. It happens more than you hear about.

Most victims of Domestic Violence won't discuss it because they feel powerless to confront it. By the time they have had enough, everything they once were has disappeared. We must empower those who have finally decided enough is enough. We must support the cause of the victim and bring justice to the cause.

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