Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Israel

Today's News about Issues Relating to Israel



Reps. Allen and Lieu Introduce Bipartisan Resolution in Support of U.S.-Israel Economic Relationship
Source: Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
April 22, 2019
“I am proud to join Congressman Lieu today as we work in a bipartisan manner to introduce H. Res 324, which recognizes the significance of our nation’s strong and meaningful economic relationship with the state of Israel. Israel has been one of our most beloved allies and we must continue to stand in solidarity with this beacon of democracy. I look forward to advancing our mutually beneficial friendship and partnership with Israel for years to come.”

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Forest Management

Today's News from the Lawmakers




O'HALLERAN JOINS DELEGATION TO URGE U.S. FOREST SERVICE TO ADDRESS ARIZONA FOREST HEALTH
Source: Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ, 1st)
April 26, 2019
“In recent years, fires have ravaged Arizona communities and destroyed our precious natural resources, which is why I have worked tirelessly to expedite the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) through the Farm Bill, the appropriations process, and in conversations with the United States Department of Agriculture,” Congressman Tom O’Halleran said. “4FRI is important for the responsible management of our forests and the protection of our state from the effects of fires. I am glad to see members of the delegation joining together to support my efforts to protect Arizona’s forests and water.”

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Wyden, Merkley Press USDA to Ensure Timely Implementation of Conservation and Forest Management Programs
Source: Senator Ron Wyden- (D - OR)
April 24, 2019
“While the desire to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely is commendable, we worry that this additional and extraordinary review of routine agreements will have serious effects on field operations,” the senators wrote. “With busy and potentially dangerous summer months quickly approaching, it is imperative the USDA and their partners begin seasonal programming, including necessary wildfire prevention efforts.”

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Jobs and Employment

Today's News about Jobs and Employment Issues



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VAN HOLLEN, LEE CALL ON OPM TO RESCIND POTENTIAL NEW HIRING RULES
Source: Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
April 24, 2019
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) have written to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Margaret Weichert urging her to revoke the current Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 84 FR 5733, which would expand the seven-year criminal background check lookback to include participation in any pretrial diversion or intervention programs.

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Small Business

Today's News about Small Business





Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Small Businesses Restructure Debt
Source: Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)
April 22, 2019
“The current one-size-fits-all method that dictates the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process unfairly disadvantages small businesses. This bipartisan legislation is a common sense approach to streamlining existing bankruptcy procedures while also providing new tools for small businesses looking for a successful path through restructuring,” said Senator Tillis.

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Medicare

Today's News about Medicare






Shelby Praises CMS Proposal to Adjust Medicare Wage Index
Source: Senator, Richard C.Shelby (R-AL)
April 24, 2019
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today praised the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement regarding the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule that provides relief from the increasing disproportion of reimbursement to hospitals created by the Medicare wage index. While CMS uses wage index data based on regional labor costs to determine Medicare reimbursement levels for hospitals in a particular area, many hospitals – particularly in Alabama – have been negatively affected as a result of flawed data.

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Abortion

Today's News about Abortion






REP. MARSHALL RESPONDS TO KANSAS ANTI-LIFE SUPREME COURT RULING
Source: Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)
April 26, 2019
Congressman Marshall released the following statement on the Kansas Supreme Court 6-1 decision that ruled the state constitution guarantees the right to an abortion.

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Congressman Lamborn's Statement on Title X
Source: Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
April 25, 2019
On March 4th 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services revised its regulations of the Title X program requiring a clear physical and financial separation between Title X recipients and programs in which abortion counseling occours. Recently, Congressman Lamborn joined 152 of his colleagues standing with HHS and upholding America's longstanding tradition of not using taxpayer money to fund or otherwise subsidize abortion.

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Shaheen Statement on Federal Court Ruling to Block Trump’s Domestic Gag Rule
Source: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
April 24, 2019
“This is welcome news and I’m relieved for the thousands of Granite Staters who rely on Planned Parenthood and other family planning clinics for their health care,” said Shaheen. “The court’s action was urgently needed as the domestic gag rule is rooted in a dangerous partisan effort to interfere in women’s access to reproductive health care services. This is another assault by the Trump administration on women’s Constitutional rights. While I’m encouraged by this temporary injunction, we’re not out of the woods yet. I’ll continue to stand up to the President’s incessant attacks on women’s health and I urge Republicans to join Democrats in this effort to protect health care access for Granite Staters and Americans across the country.”

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Yemen

Today's News about Yemen



Sanders Calls for Veto Override Vote on Yemen Resolution
Source: Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
April 22, 2019
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders called on his colleagues Monday to support a vote overriding President Donald Trump's veto of a resolution directing the removal of United States armed forces from the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.

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Gender Equality

Today's News about Gender Equality



Target pushes for U.S. government to punish churches and Christian business owners
Source: The American Family Association
May 1, 2019
The so-called "Equality Act" is nothing more than a repackaged version of the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA). This legislation has been driven for years by rabid homosexual activist groups like Human Rights Campaign and is specifically designed to place sexual liberty above religious liberty and the First Amendment.

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Key Committee Approves Equality Act, House Must Follow Suit
Source: The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
May 1, 2019
“Discrimination is wrong and runs counter to the fundamental American values of freedom and equality. Today’s committee vote takes us one step closer to ensuring equal opportunity and dignity for all LGBTQ individuals in America. We applaud Chairman Nadler and Congressman Cicilline for their leadership, and committee members for rejecting amendments that would dilute the legislation’s protections. The Equality Act is long overdue, and the House of Representatives must pass the bill.”

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LEADING RETAILERS URGE PASSAGE OF EQUALITY ACT
Source: Retail Industry Leaders Association
May 1, 2019
"RILA appreciates the opportunity to work with members of the Judiciary committee and stakeholders to advance this important legislation that promotes opportunity and inclusion in America’s workforce. Retail is the first job, second chance, or third act for millions of American workers. RILA and our members are committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all people, whether they are employees, customers, or business partners. We urge the House to pass this important legislation that will help retailers continue to shape an inclusive workforce that is diverse, skilled, and innovative.”

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WHY IS THE EQUALITY ACT IMPORTANT TO THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY?
Source: National LGBTQ Taskforce
May 1, 2019
Currently, there are no explicit federal protections from discrimination protecting the LGBTQ community. This means that in 30 states, LGBTQ people can be denied housing, jobs, service in public spaces and more, solely because of who they are. This is an issue of national urgency.

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Historic Committee Vote Advances the Equality Act Toward House Floor
Source: Transequality.org
May 1, 2019
The Equality Act—a landmark civil rights bill that would clarify and strengthen basic protections to LGBTQ people nationwide—was successfully voted out of the House Judiciary Committee today.

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Our time is NOW We Will Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment
Source: National Organization for Women
May 1, 2019
The ERA, which was first introduced nearly 100 years ago, would be a strong prohibition against any government action that would discriminate on the basis of sex. Furthermore, it would encourage the adoption of other laws and policies that aim to end sex-based discrimination. There is abundant evidence that those in power often seek to pass laws or promote policies that disadvantage women. The ERA would be a powerful antidote to those abuses, particularly those aimed at immigrant women, women working in low-wage jobs, women of color, women with disabilities and the LGBTQIA community.

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Tell The Truth About ERA
Source: Eagle Forum
May 1, 2019
Democrats led a sham hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties chose six panelists to argue the points in favor of the ERA. The panel was stacked in Democrats’ favor. The panelists included two Democrat Congresswomen, one ERA activist, one liberal celebrity, and one professor of law. While the professor, Elizabeth Foley, argued that the ERA would not hold up in court due to the seven-year deadline that passed in 1979, she expressed her support for the substance of the amendment. ERA opponents were shut out and not allowed to give testimony.

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Patricia Arquette, Alyssa Milano Join Members and Advocates in Call for ERA
Source: Jackie Speier (D-CA, 14th)
May 1, 2019
Congresswoman Speier is the House sponsor of H.J. Res. 38, the ERA joint resolution to remove the arbitrary deadline to ratify that was included in the preamble of the original constitutional amendment in 1972. The United States is just one state shy of meeting the three-fourths threshold set by Congress for ratification of the ERA

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Rosen Holds Equality Act Press Conference with LGBTQ Nevadans, Calls on Congress to Pass the Equality Act
Source: Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
April 23, 2019
“It is shameful that in this day and age members of the LGBTQ community still face discrimination. I am a proud cosponsor of the Equality Act, which explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in education, employment, housing, credit, jury service, public accommodations, and the use of federal funds.” said Senator Rosen. “This Administrations recent ban of transgender individuals from military service is the latest in a long line of assaults on the rights and liberties of LGBTQ people. I will continue to support legislation that promotes respect and tolerance for all of our fellow Americans."

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Iranian Oil

Today's News about Iranian Oil





Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Trump’s Iran Sanctions Increase Tensions, Escalating His March to War Against Iran
Source: Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming at large)
April 23, 2019
“President Trump seems determined to go to war with Iran, even after he campaigned on the platform of ending regime change wars. Trump’s move yesterday to deny sanctions waivers to countries purchasing Iranian oil drives us closer to war with Iran, increasing tensions in the region, and putting the U.S. at odds with many of our allies. His actions make our country less safe, damaging our non-proliferation efforts and negotiations to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “The Trump Administration continues to do the bidding of Saudi Arabia without regard for our own national security and economic interests. It is in our national security interest to rejoin the Iran nuclear agreement, and in that regard, lift the sanctions that are hurting the Iranian people. Whatever concerns we may have apart from Iran’s nuclear program can be dealt with in separate agreements.”

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Cheney Applauds President Trump’s Decision to Zero Out Iranian Oil Exports
Source: Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming at large)
April 22, 2019
“The Trump Administration today took an essential step in its maximum pressure campaign against the hostile regime in Tehran. Oil is a significant source of revenue for Iran. By not granting these exceptions for the import of Iranian oil, the President is underscoring a clear message: when it comes to depriving Tehran of funding for its terror network, nothing is off the table. With this move, the Trump Administration is rightfully putting those who continue to import Iranian oil on notice.”

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Senator Markey Opposes Trump Administration’s Decision to End Sanctions Waivers for Countries Importing Iranian Oil
Source: Senator Edward J.Markey (D-MA)
April 22, 2019
“Today’s announcement is bad for U.S. foreign policy and bad for American consumers,” said Senator Markey. “We should have stayed in the Iran deal, which was working. This administration’s tunnel vision on Iran has already cost us in terms of credibility by going back on our word. Having already harmed our relationship with Europe, the Trump administration is now choosing to punish our allies South Korea and Japan as we try to face the threat posed by North Korea.

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2nd Amendment

Today's News about the 2nd Amendment





Auction of firearms for noted outdoorsman's estate draws over 1,000 bidders
Source: The Ponder News
May 1, 2019
For decades, Dwight "Boob" Goble was widely known as a legendary marksman, trapshooter and collector of fine firearms. So when Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company offered more than 375 firearms from the Goble estate's collection, the response was beyond enthusiastic.

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Rep. Meeks Reintroduces Investor Choice Against Gun Proliferation Act
Source: Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY, 5th)
April 27, 2019
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) reintroduced the Investor Choice Against Gun Proliferation Act. In recent years, mass shootings have prompted many companies to sever ties with the National Rifle Association (NRA). This bill would require public companies to disclose their financial relationships with manufacturers, dealers and other entities in the gun industry, to increase transparency and help investors make informed decisions.

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The Ponder suggests that if we do this, then we also need an Investor Choice Against Planned Parenthood Act to go with that, as well as other Investor Choice Acts.

REP. JOHN LEWIS DECRIES RAMPANT VIOLENCE IN PLACES OF WORSHIP
Source: John Lewis (D-GA, 5th)
April 27, 2019
“It has come to a point where the people of this nation, and citizens of the world, cannot attend church or safely worship at synagogues or mosques. Violence is so pervasive in our society and in the world community that it has broken through the consecration of the sanctuary and violated our most sacred spaces. How many more lives do we need to lose before we decide to do all we can to bring an end to wanton gun violence in this country?

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Sen. John Kennedy Issues Statement On Advancement Of Pro-Second Amendment Bill
by: Senator Michael F. Bennet (D-CO)
April 24, 2019
“We don’t need banks that ask you how you voted before they’ll do business with you. We don’t need red banks and blue banks. I applaud Rep. Miguez for his bill,” said Sen. Kennedy. “In Washington, I’ve filed the Freedom Financing Act to prohibit big banks from refusing to do business with customers who legally sell firearms. I’ve also filed the No Red and Blue Banks Act to stop discriminatory banks from receiving federal contracts. I’m just sorry that bills like this are necessary to protect law-abiding Louisiana citizens’ constitutional rights.”

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