The State Flexibility and Patient Choice Act of 2019 Introduced

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by: Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- This week, Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall introduced H.R. 2183- The State Flexibility and Patient Choice Act of 2019. This legislation would drive the cost for health care down and increase patient choice by empowering states to come up with innovative solutions to stabilize their individual and small group markets.

“I have long said, in order to fix our broken health care system, we must focus on solutions that prioritize transparency, innovation, and consumerism,” Rep. Marshall said. “This bill is designed to give more power to states so that they have the freedom to develop programs and policies that will focus on cost and patient choice. I am proud of this legislation, it’s a great step in the right direction.”

The State Flexibility and Patient Choice Act would streamline Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the State Innovation Waivers application process by allowing states to waive certain requirements of the ACA to implement their own plan to provide health insurance to residents.

To obtain a waiver under the proposed guidelines of the legislation, a state must have a waiver signed into law and demonstrate that the plan will not increase the federal deficit and will provide coverage to the same number of citizens.

“My goal is to help get more people covered and drive down the cost for patients in the process.” Rep. Marshall said. “I believe that each state has unique needs and demands and shouldn’t be forced to fit a one-size-fits-all model. It’s simple; this bill could help pave the way for Kansans to make health care decisions for Kansans by eliminating arbitrary processes mandated by Obamacare.”

Currently, eight states have approved a 1332 waiver, and seven of them are reinsurance programs. Congressman Marshall’s legislation would take the hassle out of the waiver application process that has proved to be convoluted and difficult for states to navigate. The State of Maryland has an approved waiver to introduce a reinsurance program to lower premiums and stabilize their markets. Their well-run reinsurance program has shown success in decreasing people’s premiums this year and was praised as a collaborative, bipartisan success story between Maryland and the Administration.

“It’s incredible what people can accomplish when we give them freedom and choices,” Rep. Marshall said. “This legislation will help streamline the process and encourage other states to follow success like Maryland to apply for a waiver so they have the flexibility and freedom to come up with solutions that help patients get the healthcare they need at an affordable price.”

Dr. Marshall’s legislation would:

Continues to protect those with pre-existing conditions.

Creates an expedited process for identical or significantly similar applications of approved waivers.

Amends the contract year terms from 5 to 6 years to consider states with two-year budget cycles.

Helps Basic Health Programs (BHPs) to utilize all available pass-through funding.

Allows for consideration of other state-federally funded sources (i.e. CHIP and Medicaid).

Amends budget neutrality so a state’s savings are considered throughout the entire contract period, rather than annually.

To find more information, please click here.

Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Introduce New Legislation to Tackle Nationwide Digital Equity Gap

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by: Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, a group of Senate Democrats introduced new legislation aimed at closing the growing digital divide in communities across the country.

The Digital Equity Act of 2019 creates new federal investments targeted toward a diverse array of projects at the state and local level that promote “digital equity”— a concept defined by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance as the “condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.” The legislation was cosponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jack Reed (D-RI) and a companion bill will also be introduced in the House of Representatives.

“For so many of us, having a reliable broadband connection is a given—we use the internet to pay bills, do our taxes, book travel, do homework, and much more. We can do it on our own time, in our own homes—even from our phones. But for far too many individuals and families—including those from communities of color, people with disabilities, low-income households, and rural communities—getting online isn’t so easy to do, and I strongly believe that in 2019, we shouldn’t be a country of haves and have-nots when it comes to using the internet,” said Senator Murray. “That’s why I’m proud to join with my Democratic colleagues to introduce the Digital Equity Act, which will direct significant new federal investments to help ensure people in our communities have the tools, support, and technologies necessary to take full advantage of a broadband connection when they have access to one. Congress can and should help states, counties, tribes, and others do more to close the growing digital divide, and the Digital Equity Act is a major step in the right direction. It’s the right thing to do for families, and it’s the right thing to do for our economy to make sure everyone is reaching their full potential."

“The internet impacts every aspect of our day-to-day lives, from conducting business to pursuing an education to connecting with friends and loved ones. Put simply: it is the most important tool for anyone trying to participate in 21st century life,” said Senator King. “And it’s not enough to simply have access to the internet; you also need to know how to use it. By making these investments in digital equity and digital inclusion, we can ensure Americans of all ages and backgrounds are fluent in the technology that will drive so much of our nation’s future.”

“The Internet is a powerful tool that has become instrumental in economic and social mobility and civic engagement. In 2009, Hawaii capitalized on funds made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand broadband to schools and public computer centers, making it one of the most-connected states in the country. But physical infrastructure is only part of the equation,” said Senator Hirono. “The Digital Equity Act will provide grants for things like digital literacy and digital skills education to low-income populations and improving the online accessibility of social services for individuals with disabilities that will allow the people of Hawaii to make full use of what broadband has to offer. Only then can they fully participate in our society, democracy, and economy.”

“More and more, we rely on the internet to help us participate in our democracy and take part in the global economy. Expanding access to the digital world will help combat inequality, increase transparency in our institutions, and help citizens hold their government accountable. That’s why I’m pleased to support the Digital Equity Act,” said Senator Whitehouse.

“As we rely more on technology in our everyday lives, we have to make sure that every family has access to broadband, regardless of their zip code. This legislation will help close the digital divide and bring high-speed internet to communities across the county,” said Senator Klobuchar.

“Access to broadband internet service is literally transformative. With broadband, students can access vast educational resources, families remain connected, citizens engage their representatives, and businesses reach new customers,” said Senator Blumenthal. “For far too long, the digital divide has left behind those overlooked and underserved communities that would benefit most from broadband. Our bill would invest much-needed resources in our broadband infrastructure – spurring growth and development, and helping to level the playing field for all Americans.”

“Broadband is the infrastructure of the 21st Century—it isn’t just nice, it’s necessary if we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone,” said Senator Smith. “This bill represents a positive step forward in that direction, ensuring that traditionally overlooked communities are not left behind in our efforts to provide affordable and reliable internet service to all Minnesotans and other Americans.”

“From students completing homework to people of all ages applying online for jobs, broadband internet plays a crucial role in a community’s growth and economy. Expanding access to broadband will help create more opportunity for Marylanders, and will move our state forward on closing the digital divide. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense legislation, and I will continue working to expand economic opportunity for all,” said Senator Van Hollen.

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly one in five teenagers in the U.S. say they have been unable to complete homework assignments due to lack of a reliable internet connection. The digital divide, also sometimes referred to as the “homework gap” as it applies to students, exacerbates existing wealth and income gaps in our communities; subsequently, many people—including those from communities of color, people with disabilities, low-income households, and rural communities, overwhelmingly impacted by the digital skills gap—are at risk of being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven world, absent intervention. To that end, the Digital Equity Act of 2019 strengthens federal support for efforts to help ensure students, families, and workers have the information technology capacity needed to fully participate in society by creating an annual $125 million formula grant program for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to fund the creation and implementation of comprehensive digital equity plans in each State, as well as an additional annual $125 million competitive grant program to support digital equity projects undertaken by individual groups, coalitions, or communities of interest. Finally, the legislation tasks the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) with evaluating digital equity projects and providing policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels with detailed information about which projects are most effective.

“I believe the future belongs to the connected. No matter who you are or where you live in this country, you need access to modern communications to have a fair shot at 21st century success. But today millions of American lack the broadband access that they need to meaningfully participate in the digital age. That means too many students fall into the Homework Gap, unable to complete school assignments that require high-speed internet service. It means that too many small businesses will not have the work force with the skills necessary to compete in the global economy. It means that too many communities will go without the civic and commercial infrastructure that is needed to thrive and grow. So thank you to Senator Murray for this legislation which thoughtfully addresses digital equity and seeks to expand technology opportunity for all,” said Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.

“Local and state leadership drive most efforts to bring people online with affordable Internet access and training. On the one hand, this is fabulous because trusted community relationships are essential to effective digital inclusion work. On the other hand, financial support of local digital inclusion work is sorely lacking. The Digital Equity Act recognizes the value of local trusted institutions while allocating financial support. NDIA and our 350 affiliates in 41 states fully support the Digital Equity Act and look forward to its passage,” said National Digital Inclusion Alliance Executive Director Angela Siefer.

The Digital Equity Act of 2019 is endorsed by: Alliance for Community Media, American Library Association, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Broadband Connects America, Center for Law and Social Policy, Center for Media Justice, Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, Coalition on Adult Basic Education, Common Cause, Consortium for School Networking, Competitive Carriers Association, EdTech Center @ World Education, Free Press Action Fund, International Society for Technology in Education, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, National Coalition for Literacy, National Collaborative for Digital Equity, National Congress of American Indians, National Consumer Law Center on behalf of their low-income clients, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National League of Cities, National Parent Teacher Association, New America's Open Technology Institute, Next Century Cities, NTEN, Public Knowledge, Rural Telecommunications Congress, Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition, State Educational Technology Directors Association, and the Urban Libraries Council.

Read the bill text HERE.

Find more background on the Digital Equity Act HERE.

Find a section-by-section breakdown of the Digital Equity Act HERE.

MERKLEY, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE RESOLUTION DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SAUDI HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES

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by: Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a new Senate resolution calling for accountability for Saudi Arabia’s numerous human rights violations, and requiring the State Department to produce a report determining whether the Kingdom has committed “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.”

The resolution also requires the Trump Administration to provide further information on the possible involvement of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) in the assassination of journalist and U.S. resident Jamal Khashoggi, and on whether the Saudi-led military coalition is taking any steps to limit civilian casualties in its war in Yemen.

Merkley was joined on today’s resolution by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

“Over the last several years, Saudi Arabia has become more brazen than ever before in its malign activities and shocking human rights violations,” said Merkley. “The Kingdom is conducting a brutal and bloody war in Yemen, inflicting thousands of civilian casualties and creating the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world today. It committed a coldblooded assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S. resident. And Saudi Arabia continues to commit grievous human rights abuses against its own residents, like the jailing and threatened execution of women’s rights activists who dared to push the Kingdom to evolve in its extremely restrictive treatment of women and girls. Unacceptably, the Trump Administration has not stood up to Saudi leaders, but has instead rewarded them with smiling photo ops and ever-bigger arms deals, compromising our values and our standing in the world. It’s time for a reckoning and a full accounting of Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations, and that’s what our resolution requires.”

“The government of Saudi Arabia has long had one of the worst human rights records in the world,” said Sanders. “Since Muhammad bin Salman became crown prince in 2017, it has gotten even worse. The Saudi government should release the many political activists it has unjustly imprisoned, must give a full accounting of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and cease its disastrous war in Yemen, which has led to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, the Trump administration’s refusal to criticize Saudi abuses dramatically undermines the United States’ ability to advance a human rights agenda around the world, empowering extremists and undemocratic leaders who insist that our support for those rights and values is not serious.”

“President Trump has ignored the requirements of the Magnitsky Act, which applies to the Saudi Crown Prince,” said Leahy. “The Saudi Government has engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of human rights, in violation of section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act. This White House talks about the rule of law, and then flaunts the law it when it suits them -- in this instance, to shield the Crown Prince from accountability for the premeditated murder of Jamal Khashoggi. This Resolution reaffirms that the Congress will continue to pursue the whole truth about the Saudi Royal Family’s crimes.”

“Congress must continue to keep pressure on the Trump Administration to hold the Saudis accountable for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and ongoing violations of human rights violations – including unjust detention of activists, journalists, and minorities,” said Blumenthal. “As the Trump Administration continues to curry favor with regimes that violate human rights and perpetrate gruesome crimes, I am pleased to join my Senate colleagues in demanding accountability and transparency.”

“Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses, including the brutal murder of U.S. resident Jamal Khashoggi, are unacceptable. Yet this Administration has given the Crown Prince its full-throated endorsement. That’s why Congress must speak out. This resolution condemns these abuses and calls on the President to sanction the Saudi leadership, consistent with the law. I urge the Senate to take up this measure immediately,” said Van Hollen.

“The fact that the Saudi regime would recently double down on the six month anniversary of its cold blooded murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and arrest several more of its civic activists is outrageous,” said Durbin. “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has learned nothing from the international outrage regarding his barbaric actions and believes he can act with impunity from the Trump Administration. Such behavior will not go unnoticed in Congress.”

“The Saudi regime has repressed peaceful dissent for decades, but the Crown Prince has presided over a series of new lows, from arresting US citizens to the horrific war in Yemen to the brutal murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi,” said Wyden. “The Senate should make clear to Donald Trump that his business as usual with the Saudis is no longer an option.”

“President Trump can’t continue to turn a blind eye to Saudi Arabia’s actions under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman,” said Feinstein. “The murder of a U.S. resident in a Saudi consulate, the ongoing atrocities being committed in Yemen and the numerous violations of human rights, particularly those against women, is not behavior the United States should support. It’s time for the Trump administration to hold the Saudi government accountable.”

“This Administration has turned a blind eye to Saudi Arabia’s murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the arrest of civil rights activists, and the humanitarian catastrophe that is the Yemen Civil War. Most recently, we have seen reports that this Administration has made secret authorizations for the transfer or nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. This resolution is about sending a loud and clear message that the United States cannot continue to stand behind a regime that grossly violates human rights,” said Kaine.

Merkley’s resolution comes as there is increasing congressional pressure on the Trump Administration to stand up to Saudi Arabia. Both the House and Senate recently passed—with strong bipartisan support—a resolution that would end U.S. support for Saudi’s bombing campaign in Yemen. And at hearings this week, Senators sharply criticized Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for the administration’s defiance of the Global Magnitsky Act. The administration has refused to make a determination on whether MBS was involved in the assassination of Khashoggi, which would trigger sanctions, despite legal requirements that it do so.

In February, Merkley led a bipartisan resolution with Senators Paul (R-KY) and Markey (D-MA) setting out that any civilian nuclear cooperation “123” agreement with Saudi Arabia should meet the strongest nonproliferation “gold-standard,” to deny the Kingdom the ability to develop a nuclear weapon – all the more vital with the discovery this week of a Saudi Arabian ballistic missile base and test facility.

The full text of Merkley’s resolution is available here.

Marijuana Banking Bill Introduced

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by: Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, introduced the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2019 to ensure that legal cannabis businesses can access banking services.

“The fact is, we already have legal medical marijuana businesses in New Jersey,” said Sen. Menendez. “What they don’t have are bank services to pay employees, take credit cards, write checks or pay taxes. Instead, they’re forced to operate entirely in cash—large sums—an open invitation for robbery and crime. We can fix this with common sense legislation that simply allows banks and credit unions to service these legitimate, legal enterprises without risk of federal prosecution.”

Currently, cannabis businesses operating under state laws that have legalized medicinal or recreational marijuana have been mostly denied access to the banking system because banks can be prosecuted under federal law. Without the ability to access bank accounts, accept credit cards, or write checks, businesses must operate using large amounts of cash. This creates safety risks for businesses and surrounding communities, and makes it more difficult for local and state governments to collect taxes.

Sen. Menendez said he also plans to soon introduce separate legislation to allow insurance companies to provide services to legal marijuana businesses. Currently, those businesses are largely barred from getting property, fire, flood, liability and other insurance products.

“Legal marijuana businesses don’t just need banking services, they need insurance in order to operate and seek financing, and insurers need the green light to participate in this emerging market,” he said.

At a Senate banking panel hearing in February, Senator Menendez asked Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell about the fact that most banks can’t service legal marijuana businesses because the drug remains illegal on the federal level. Powell agreed with Menendez that Congress should consider providing both financial institutions and insurance providers new clarity so that businesses can operate not only legally, but safely, and that local economies can benefit.

The SAFE Banking Act of 2019

Provides safe harbor for depository institutions and credit unions by preventing Federal banking regulators from:

Terminating or limiting depository institutions’ Deposit Insurance Fund or credit unions’ share insurance under the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund for providing services to a state-sanctioned and regulated cannabis business, or to a tribe that has cannabis-related businesses, solely because that institution is providing services to a legitimate state-sanctioned and regulated cannabis business;

Prohibiting, penalizing, or discouraging a depository institutions from providing financial services to a legitimate state-sanctioned and regulated cannabis business;

Recommending or incentivizing a depository institution to halt or downgrade providing any kind of banking services to these businesses; or

Taking any action on a loan to an owner or operator of a cannabis-related business.

Creates safe harbor from liability and asset forfeiture for institutions and their officers and employees who provide financial services to legitimate cannabis businesses pursuant to state or tribal law.

Does not require depository institutions or credit unions to provide financial services to a cannabis-related legitimate business.

Requires depository institutions and credit unions to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) under the Bank Secrecy Act pursuant to relevant Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) guidance.

See Also:

MERKLEY, GARDNER LEAD SENATE INTRODUCTION OF BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO BANKING SERVICES FOR LEGAL CANNABIS BUSINESSES

Legislation to Enhance Tribal Road Safety Introduced

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by: Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced, S. 1211, the Addressing Underdeveloped and Tribally Operated Streets (AUTOS) Act. The legislation, which is co-sponsored by Senators Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), would enhance the safety of roads on Indian lands by streamlining existing federal procedures and funding mechanisms used to repair roads and bridges in Indian country.

“With a backlog of at least $280 million of deferred maintenance, many tribal roads are in dire condition and need to be improved in a timely manner,” said Hoeven. “That’s why we’ve introduced this legislation, which would help accelerate repairs for the many communities that use these roads and bridges on a daily basis. As Congress considers legislation to reauthorize America’s surface transportation programs, we will work to ensure this priority is addressed.”

“Native Americans’ tribal infrastructure has been stifled under the red tape of the bureaucracy for too long,” said McSally. “I am proud to join the effort to streamline the process for tribal road repairs, increase safety, and provide additional funding for backlogged projects.”

“Enhancing infrastructure is an important part of improving life on tribal lands,” said Cramer. “This legislation streamlines the approval process for improving tribal roads and authorizes funding for these much needed improvements. Better infrastructure means more economic opportunity.”

The AUTOS Act does the following:

Permits certain traffic safety projects that are identified by the Secretary of the Interior to be eligible for categorical exclusion. The Department of Transportation already allows these categorical exclusions for safety projects.

Authorizes $46 million for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Road Maintenance Program, with increases of $2 million per year.

Reinstates the Tribal Transportation Bridge Program as a standalone program instead of a 2 percent carve out in the Tribal Transportation Program.

Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Transportation to work with Indian Tribes in developing a standard and uniform crash report form.

Directs BIA law enforcement to use one standard crash report form.

Increases funding available for the Tribal Safety Transportation Program Safety Fund from 2 percent to 4 percent.

The bill, S. 1211, text can be found here.

The BIA, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) coordinate programs to address transportation issues in Indian country. The largest share of federal funding for highways on Indian lands is provided through the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP), which is jointly administered by the FHWA and the BIA. Resources for these tribal transportation programs is mostly derived from the Highway Trust Fund.

Interior Department Veteran David Bernhardt to be Confirmed as Secretary

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by: Senator Mitch McConnell (R - KY)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to confirm more of the president’s well-qualified nominees including his nominee for Secretary of the Department of Interior, David Bernhardt:

“Today, the Senate will vote to confirm the president’s choice to serve as Secretary of the Interior. As I’ve discussed this week, David Bernhardt is no stranger to the Department. He’s served twice before. In fact, this body has confirmed him twice before. Each time, his professionalism and dedication proved us right. As Solicitor and as Deputy Secretary, Mr. Bernhardt has offered capable leadership and a firm grasp on the complex policy environment surrounding our nation’s public lands. And his expertise has not gone unnoticed.

“Praise for Mr. Bernhardt’s nomination to head the Department has poured in from a growing list of more than forty stakeholder organizations; from agriculture, trade, conservation, and Native American organizations. They describe him as a leader whose ‘experience is sorely needed.’ They laud his commitment to ‘make the lands [the Department] manages accessible to the recreating public.’

“So we have before us an opportunity to confirm a well-qualified steward of our nation’s public lands and resources. Yesterday, a bipartisan majority of our colleagues voted to end debate on his nomination. And I hope each will join me in voting ‘yes’ once more later today. Of course, confirming Mr. Bernhardt will be just the latest in a series of many executive calendar accomplishments.

“Following on the heels of last week’s turn back toward the Senate’s historic tradition concerning nominations, we’ve been able to approve a number of the President’s nominees at a much more reasonable pace in the last several days. I’ve noted with particular interest that, for all the breathless warnings my Democratic colleagues issued about the kinds of people we’d be confirming, these unobjectionable nominees have actually mostly coasted through on a bipartisan basis.

“We saw support from both sides of the aisle for Roy Altman to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and for Daniel Domenico to the District of Colorado. We saw an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in favor of confirming General John Abizaid to serve as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a voice voted confirmation for Jeffrey Kessler to serve as Assistant Secretary of Commerce. These are not lightning-rod people whom my Democratic colleagues would have eagerly debated and investigated for an extra 30 hours. They are the kind of thoroughly qualified public servants who used to sail briskly through previous Senates without opposition.

“And now, even as my Democratic colleagues continue to require us to file cloture on individuals whom they go on to actually support, we’re able to fill out the President’s team at a more reasonable clip. There are still many more empty seats left to fill. But this week’s progress marks a great new beginning -- not just for an administration that needs its personnel, but for the health of this institution.”

See Also:

MERKLEY SLAMS BERNHARDT CONFIRMATION: “THE WORST OF DC CORRUPTION”

McEachin Leads Letter Urging Senate to Oppose Bernhardt Nomination

Senator Markey Decries Trump Pipeline Power Grab

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by: Senator Edward J.Markey (D-MA)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding the two executive orders issued this week by President Donald Trump. One executive order would allow the President to unilaterally approve or deny permits for construction, connection, operation, and maintenance work on international pipeline projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, bypassing the State Department and circumventing the need for environmental reviews. The other executive order would make it harder for states to protect their water quality and the environment by directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide new guidance on states’ use of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, which allows states to withhold certifications or impose conditions on federal permits for activities that could result in discharges to bodies of water. The attack on Section 401 authority was opposed by the Western Governors’ Association earlier this year.

“This Trump pipeline power grab will only benefit the American Petroleum Institute and Big Oil’s bottom line,” said Senator Markey, Chair of the Senate Climate Change Task Force. “These executive orders trample states’ rights and completely undermine the role that science and environmental reviews play in making policy and permitting decisions about pipelines projects across the country. It is Congress—not the President—that has the authority to make changes to states’ powers under the Clean Water Act. I will continue to fight this effort to turn states and communities across the country into Big Oil playgrounds.”

No Kid Hungry Selects Six States to Participate in 2019 School Breakfast Leadership Institute

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by: No Kid Hungry

Washington, D.C. - April 11, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The national anti-hunger campaign No Kid Hungry has selected six states to participate in its 2019 School Breakfast Leadership Institute. Teams from Georgia, Maryland, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah and Wyoming will attend an in-person convening in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 11-12, and receive a $50,000 grant from No Kid Hungry to implement a comprehensive action plan to expand access to school breakfast in their state. States were selected through a competitive proposal process.

No Kid Hungry’s School Breakfast Leadership Institute brings together national, state and local leaders to develop new and better ways to connect kids with school breakfast. Each state team comprises stakeholders who can influence school breakfast practice and policy including gubernatorial and state education agency staff, school nutrition directors, superintendents, non-profit partners, school board members and education association representatives.

Now in its second year, the Institute has proven a catalyst for expanded access to school breakfast, already helping to move the needle in the six states that participated in 2018: Hawaii, Kansas, Michigan, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina.

“The School Breakfast Leadership Institute and grant have been a great way for us to be able to focus time and effort on improving breakfast in the state of South Carolina,” said Ellen Mason, an Education Associate with the South Carolina Department of Education’s Office of Health and Nutrition. “It has enabled us to talk to not only child nutrition directors, but superintendents, chief financial officers, and principals about the importance of breakfast for students. We are hopeful that the models developed through this opportunity can be expanded throughout the state to ensure that no student in South Carolina starts the school day hungry.”

School breakfast is an energy source for kids across the nation. Research shows that hunger has long-term ramifications on children, including lower test scores, weaker attendance rates, and a higher risk of hospitalizations and chronic diseases. No Kid Hungry and its partners focus on school breakfast as a critical way to end childhood hunger.

Accessing traditional cafeteria breakfast service can be challenging for many kids. Breakfast after the bell provides breakfast in a way that is more convenient and accessible to students, resulting in more kids starting the day ready to learn.

No child should go hungry in America. But 1 in 6 kids will face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization working to end hunger and poverty.

Counseling Ban Violates Free Speech

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by: Liberty Counsel

Atlanta, GA - April 11, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Liberty Counsel filed a brief in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, in an appeal challenging the constitutionality of ordinances enacted by the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County, which prohibit minors from receiving voluntary counseling from licensed professionals to reduce or eliminate unwanted same-sex attractions or behaviors, or gender confusion.

The appeal is from an order signed by U.S. District Court Judge Robin Rosenberg denying a preliminary injunction blocking the ordinances which was sought by Liberty Counsel on behalf of Dr. Robert Otto, LMFT, Dr. Julie Hamilton, LMFT, and their minor clients. These licensed therapists provide life-saving counseling to minors who desperately desire to conform their attractions, behaviors, and gender identities to their sincerely held religious beliefs.



In denying the preliminary injunction, Judge Rosenberg disregarded binding precedent and avoided ruling on the central constitutional claim in the case. In National Institute for Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra (NIFLA), involving crisis pregnancy centers, the U.S. Supreme Court made it clear that the government must satisfy the highest constitutional scrutiny when it enacts laws infringing on the speech of licensed professionals. Although Judge Rosenberg acknowledged that the city and county failed to show that their ordinances satisfy this high scrutiny, she still denied the preliminary injunction.

“These ordinances are unconstitutional speech restrictions that violate the First Amendment,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “We have a number of similar challenges pending in other federal courts. It is just a matter of time before one of them gets to the Supreme Court and may put an end to these draconian speech restrictions,” said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.

Email Print Court Ruling Blocks Trump In Move Against Refugees

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by: League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Washington, D.C. - April 11, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), said a federal court decision Tuesday prevents President Trump from expelling refugees seeking asylum from the United States while their case is being decided. The ruling highlights the wide gap between the Administration and the nation’s historic handling of arriving immigrants fleeing violence in their own countries.

“We thank Judge Richard Seeborg of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California for his courage and fairness,” said Domingo Garcia, National President. “His own words remind us all of America’s true values and speak loudly against xenophobia and scapegoating immigrants, many of them Latinos,” he added.

Judge Seeborg wrote in his decision that the Administration expulsion actions did not include “sufficient safeguards” and that migrants would be returned to places where their “life or freedom would be threatened.” The government argued that refugees asylum applicants were simply being returned to Mexican border cities, under a policy known as Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP. However, the judge ruled that refugees should be allowed to enter the United States even if it meant they might be detained until their case is approved or denied.

“This important federal court injunction comes during the same week that LULAC is convening an historic Dreamer Summit in Dallas, Texas where our goal is to come up with a proposal that can win bipartisan Congressional support for a comprehensive solution to immigration,” said Garcia. “This case clearly demonstrates how serious the situation has become when President Trump thinks he has the right to throw desperate asylum seeking men, women and children out of the country even if it means they will be harmed or killed. No American should stand for that kind of inhumane treatment just to fulfill a campaign promise. And LULAC will never allow it,” he added.