War Powers Resolution, EPA, Census, PFAS Act, Fishery FUNDD Act

Iran and the War Powers Resolution

Guthrie Votes ‘No’ on War Powers Resolution
Source: Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)
January 9, 2020
“President Trump acted in America’s best interest when he ordered the strike that killed Iranian General Soleimani,” said Guthrie. “This afternoon, I voted against Speaker Pelosi’s War Powers Resolution that would undermine President Trump’s authority to protect American troops in the Middle East. This resolution fully ignores President Trump’s clear ongoing efforts to avoid war and bring Iran to the negotiating table, and it would further prevent President Trump from keeping our troops safe. I will continue to pray for our brave men and women abroad, and I stand ready to work with President Trump and my colleagues to negotiate with Iran on a deal that keeps our nation safe.”

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Congressman Guest Votes Against Resolution That Would Weaken American Strength
Source: Michael Guest (R-MS, 3rd)
January 10, 2020
Following the vote, Congressman Guest admonished the resolution for its political nature. “Democrats are so focused on continuing political battles with President Trump that they are willing to abandon their responsibility to our nation,” Guest said. “The sole reason Democrats introduced this resolution is to score points with their base by attacking President Trump. In reality, they are undermining our national security. After a major foreign policy victory that put an end to the brutal leadership of terrorist Qassem Soleimani, we should be uniting our country to capitalize on a successful military operation against an enemy of the United States.”

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Haaland Votes for the War Powers Resolution
Source: Debra Haaland (D-NM, 1st)
January 9, 2020
“The Trump Administration has shown the American people that they are willing to take us to the brink of war and put our troops, diplomats, and Americans abroad in harm’s way. This War Powers Resolution reflects the constitutional power of Congress to prevent dangerous escalations into another endless war,” said Congresswoman Deb Haaland.

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Harris Statement on Iran and War Powers Resolution
Source: Andy Harris (R-MD, 1st)
January 9, 2020
“Today I voted against the Democrats’ purely political resolution seeking to tie the President’s hands as he responds to the terrorist threat posed by Iran, its proxies, and radical Islamic terrorists. I fully support the President’s targeted and proportional actions that responded to the attacks orchestrated by General Soleimani. Soleimani was intimately involved in the planning of the raid on the American Embassy in Baghdad last week, and intelligence indicated he was actively planning further attacks on Americans. As the longtime leader of the Quds Forces within the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (the first state military institution to earn the “terrorist organization” designation by a presidential administration), he was directly involved in the training of terrorists and the building and deploying of improvised explosive devices, which resulted in the death or brutal maiming of thousands of American troops in the Middle East. Additionally, his organization supported and coordinated multiple Shiite terrorist militias which pose significant and ongoing threats to the U.S. and our allies. While the Iran apologists in Congress continue to attempt to politicize our national security, I support the President, and am confident that he will wisely evaluate all options in response to Iranian threats, including military action if Americans are at risk. We should not tie his hands in the fight to save Americans from radical Islamic terrorists.”

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Hern reacts to Trump announcement on Iran
Source: Kevin Hern (R-OK, 1st)
January 8, 2020
“President Trump has resurrected the credibility of the American name overseas after years of the apologetic Obama administration. There’s certainly a lot of work left to do, but I believe that through the work of our President and our foreign allies, we will continue to make progress in the region and eliminate the nasty threat of terrorism.”

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STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN BRIAN HIGGINS IN RESPONSE TO CONFLICT WITH IRAN
Source: Brian Higgins (D-NY, 26th)
January 8, 2020
“This President repeatedly says he wants to bring our troops home, but he isn’t doing it. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost nearly $5 trillion U.S. dollars and taken the lives of nearly 7,000 U.S. soldiers. America needs nation building here at home. This Congress must step up to rein in these actions to prevent another conflict that further disrupts this part of the world and forsakes American resources and lives.”

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Higgins Votes Against Democrats’ Resolution to Weaken President Trump’s Authority as Commander-in-Chief
Source: Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)
January 9, 2020
“The President operated squarely within Article II enumerated powers as Commander-in-Chief, in compliance with the War Powers Act of 1973, and within the Executive Branch powers delineated in the 2002 AUMF regarding security threats and enemy combatants inside Iraq. President Trump’s decisive action eliminated two dangerous terrorists, interrupted future attacks on U.S. service members, and delivered a clear message to Iran and its proxies that we will defend our position. As the theater of engagement evolves, the President’s continued authority to protect U.S. forces and interests against all threats is critical for operational success.

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Rep. Hill Statement Opposing Speaker Pelosi’s War Powers Resolution
Source: French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)
January 9, 2020
Speaker Pelosi knows that President Trump’s strike against Iran’s architect of terror was well within his Article II authority to defend the nation as Commander-in-Chief. She supported the same legal authorization that President Obama used to conduct more than 500 drone strikes against terrorist targets in the Middle East.

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Rep. Holding's Statement on the Death of Qassem Soleimani
Source: George Holding (R-NC, 13th)
January 6, 2020
Qasem Soleimani was one of the world's most ruthless terrorists. He is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans & thousands of civilians across the globe.

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The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released two reports tallying drone strikes under the Obama Administration. The first reported that there were 473 strikes between January 20, 2009, and December 31, 2015, in “areas of active hostilities” that included Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The second reported that there were another 53 strikes in the same region for 2016, bringing the total to 526.

Under the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), the president has the authority to defend the national security of the United States against threats emanating from Iraq—where General Soleimani spent years cultivating violent Iran-backed proxy attacks against Americans. Following the January 3, 2020 drone strike against Soleimani, President Trump promptly notified Congress under the rules of the War Powers Act within the required 48 hours.

Environmental Protection Agency

Haaland, Sarbanes, Rouda Lead Effort to Prevent Trump EPA from Weakening Water Quality Standards
Source: Debra Haaland (D-NM, 1st)
January 6, 2020
“We write to express our serious concerns regarding the proposed rule … which attacks state and tribal rights under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA),” the Members wrote. “We urge EPA to withdraw this harmful proposal.”

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2020 Census

Haaland Questions Lead Expert to Express Concerns About Census Bureau Operational Decisions to Reach Indian Country During the 2020 Census
Source: Debra Haaland (D-NM, 1st)
January 9, 2020
At a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) asked questions that led experts to raise concerns about the Census Bureau’s operational decisions to reach Indian Country during the 2020 Census. During the hearing, experts explained that undercounting any community would result in more crowded classrooms, disparities in health care services, less funding for roads and infrastructure, and discrepancies in affordable housing investments in all communities.

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PFAS Act

Haaland: Bill Will Protect New Mexico’s Water From Toxic Chemicals
Source: Debra Haaland (D-NM, 1st)
January 10, 2020
“New Mexicans deserve clean water to raise their families, grow their businesses, and support agriculture, but harmful chemicals have taken a toll on our communities. I’ve seen what happens to the health of family and friends when toxic sites are not cleaned up, and it’s not something we should risk. The bill that passed today will protect our water and our families from toxic chemicals,” said Haaland.

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Rep. Hayes Votes to Implement More Stringent PFAS Standards
Source: Jahana Hayes (D-CT, 5th)
January 10, 2020
United States Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to pass H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act of 2019. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals are known to cause certain types of cancer and can adversely impact the development of babies and young children. This critical legislation requires the Environmental Protection Agency to designate all PFAS as hazardous, prohibits the development of new PFAS, and specifically establishes a new contamination safety standard. The bill passed the House of Representatives 247 to 159.

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Small Business

Rep. Hagedorn’s Small Business Legislation, H.R. 5146, Passes the U.S. House
Source: Jim Hagedorn (R-MN, 1st)
January 8, 2020
The measure works to remove barriers to entry for small businesses seeking to compete for federal prime contracts by requiring contract officers to consider the relevant past performance and subcontractor experience of these companies. H.R. 5146 will now be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

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Fishery FUNDD Act

Herrera Beutler, Kilmer Lead Legislation to Improve Federal Fishery Disaster Process, Increase Accountability
Source: Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA, 3rd)
January 8, 2020
U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) led the introduction of the Fishery Failures: Urgently Needed Disaster Declarations Act (Fishery FUNDD Act), which aims to improve the federal fishery disaster process and ensure more timely disaster relief for impacted communities.

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Iran, Missouri, GREAT Act, Hate Crimes, Phil Roe

More News about Iran

Golden Statement on U.S. Strike Against High-Ranking Iranian Military Official
Source: Jared Golden (D-MN, 2nd)
January 3, 2020
The president’s strike on Suleimani raises important questions about his goals and his strategy in the Middle East. After announcing he would withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal, the president has tried to force Iran back to the negotiating table through sanctions. These sanctions have been effective at inflicting economic pain on Iran, but have also steadily raised tensions — including attacks on the U.S. and our allies throughout 2019 — leading to increased American troop levels in the region. The president’s decision to strike Suleimani will continue this trend. Indeed, today the Pentagon announced the deployment of thousands of additional American servicemembers to the Middle East.

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Rep. Grijalva Statement on the Killing of Qasem Soleimani
Source: Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
“While Trump golfs at his private club in Florida, his reckless actions have endangered the lives of American diplomats and servicemembers around the world, dramatically escalated tensions in the Middle East, and raised the likelihood of another endless war in the region. From his decision to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal to his warmongering advisors in the White House, President Trump has made the decision to forgo diplomacy and pursue a disastrous foreign policy toward Iran. Time and time again, President Trump has proven himself to be guided by erratic impulses over thoughtful leadership. Congress has not authorized war with Iran, and we will not allow President Trump to lead us into another endless war in the Middle East.”

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The Ponder: Trump hasn't golfed in awhile. Grijalva has been watching too much CNN.

Congressman Al Green’s Statement on Iran and Impeachment
Source: Al Green (D-TX, 9th)
January 6, 2020
“The President serves as the commander-and-chief of the United States military, but he is not above the law. He does not have the authority to declare war. The Constitution grants that authority to Congress. Although the White House may have justified using military action to kill Mr. Soleimani – identifying him as an imminent threat, his death could cause dire consequences for the United States, our allies, Iran, and Iraq where the killing took place. Before additional military action is taken, the President must consider these possible consequences and the safety of the people he serves.

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News about Missouri

Looking Back; Looking Forward
Source: Sam Graves (R-MO, 6th)
January 3, 2020
For a lot of folks in North Missouri, 2019 was a tough year. We saw destructive floods along the Mississippi, Chariton, and Grand rivers—and record-setting flooding on the Missouri River that officially began in March, lasted more than 7 months, and is definitely not over as some areas are still underwater.

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The GREAT Act

Gomez-Foxx GREAT Act Becomes Law
Source: Jimmy Gomez (D-CA, 34th)
January 6, 2020
“The GREAT Act – now the law of the land – was the result of strong bipartisan cooperation and a shared commitment to modernize our federal grant reporting system to ensure it works for all Americans,” said Congressman Gomez. “I’d like thank Congresswoman Foxx for working with me to help streamline this process and make it more transparent and equitable for everyone, from state and local governments to small businesses and nonprofit groups.”

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News about Hate Crimes

STATEMENT: GOTTHEIMER CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CONGRESSIONAL VOTE TO BOOST INVESTMENT TO PROTECT HOUSES OF WORSHIP FROM ANTI-SEMITIC AND OTHER HATE-FILLED ATTACKS
Source: Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ, 5th)
January 6, 2020
Today, I am calling on Congress to vote immediately on increasing investment for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which helps fund security enhancements like barrier and screening tools, safety improvements, and preparedness training at synagogues, yeshivas, Jewish Community Centers, and houses of worship. The safety and security of our places of worship and schools are bedrock American values.”

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News about Phil Roe Retirement

Griffith Statement on Phil Roe Retirement
Source: Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
January 3, 2020
“Phil Roe has been a great partner in the House of Representatives on the many matters of shared interest between East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. He is always ready to work together to advance our common agenda. He has also been an important voice in Congress on behalf of veterans. I will miss having this friend and devoted public servant in the House when he departs. I wish Phil, Clarinda, and their family all the best as they go forward.”

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GREAT Act, Epstein, Iran, Resignation

GREAT Act Signed into Law

Foxx-Gomez GREAT Act Becomes Law
Source: Virginia Foxx (R-NC, 5th)
January 6, 2020
On December 30, the President signed into law H.R. 150, the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency (GREAT) Act, sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Jimmy Gomez (D-CA). Under the GREAT Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will simplify the federal grant reporting process by enacting a government-wide reporting system for federal grant recipients – building a more accessible, data-driven federal reporting system. This legislation not only serves to benefit recipients of federal grants, but it also allows the general public to see first-hand how federal dollars are being allocated.

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Epstein Investigation

OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATES EPSTEIN’S FAVORABLE PLEA DEAL
Source: Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
January 6, 2020
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, along with Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Reps. Jackie Speier, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Lois Frankel sent letters to Attorney General William Barr and Richard Swearingen, the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, seeking documents and information regarding the favorable deal for sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein and the concealment of the deal from the victims of Mr. Epstein’s crimes.

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More about Iran

Statement on Trump's Military Strike in Iraq
Source: Dwight Evans (D PA, 2nd)
January 3, 2020
"President Obama worked to DE-escalate tensions in the region through a nuclear limitation deal with Iran – President Trump broke that deal and the result has been increased danger in an already volatile region."

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Fitzpatrick Statement on the Death of Qasem Soleimani
Source: Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)
January 3, 2020
“Qasem Soleimani, leader of Iran’s Quds force, is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American servicemen and servicewomen. Soleimani perpetuated the Iranian regime’s destabilizing proxy wars across the Middle East and carried out numerous terrorist attacks on behalf of Iran—the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. According to the Defense Department, Soleimani was imminently plotting even more attacks on American servicemen and servicewomen, and therefore the air strike was needed to protect our American soldiers, diplomats, and civilians serving in critical missions in the region. Iran’s attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, their mounting aggression against the United States in the region, and their direct and imminent threats to Americans serving in critical missions abroad cannot be ignored.”

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Fortenberry Statement on the Escalating Military Situation with Iran
Source: Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE, 1st)
January 3, 2020
“In a more perfect world, our countries have more reason to be natural allies than natural enemies. America needs to be aware that Iran is likely to retaliate through terrorism and assassination,” Fortenberry said.

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Congressman García’s Statement on U.S. Airstrike that Killed Iranian General Soleimani
Source: Jesus Garcia (D-IL, 4th)
January 3, 2020
The killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by our military forces confirms our worst fears: President Trump may be provoking an international crisis and putting us on the brink of war to distract the country from his impeachment. This is wrong.

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Roe to Resign

Fleischmann Thanks Congressman Roe for Years of Service
Source: Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
“Phil served our country well both during his time in the United States Army Medical Corps overseas and in Washington. As Chairman and then Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Phil spearheaded efforts to increase access to care for those who have sacrificed in defense of our nation. With his medical background, he led the Republican Study Committee’s Health Care Task Force to establish new protections for patients from the increase of medical costs. His immense contributions to our nation can be widely felt in the Volunteer State and are lauded by all who have benefitted from his tireless advocacy.

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Prescription Drugs, Iraq, Iran, Census

Rep. Angie Craig Votes to Pass Historic Drug Pricing Bill
Source: Angie Craig (D-MN, 2nd)
December 30, 2019
“Working families cannot wait for action on the outrageous cost of prescription drugs,” said Rep. Craig. “I cosponsored this historic piece of legislation to put common-sense solutions in place to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, invest in research for more effective treatments, and hold big drug companies accountable for profiting off the backs of Minnesota families. It is now the Senate’s turn to take up this essential piece of legislation.”

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The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act is estimated to save over $500 billion over ten years according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill would:

Allow Medicare to negotiate prices for a minimum of 50 of the most expensive drugs and to extend the negotiated price to all health plans

Create a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors

Expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing for the first time, which would benefit over 100,000 people in Minnesota’s Second District alone

Invest in research for new innovation, cures and treatments

Crenshaw Statement on U.S. Strike Killing Qassem Soleimani
Source: Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)
January 2, 2020
Tonight’s strike was historic and America is better off because of it. One of the world’s most pre-eminent sponsors of terrorism, Qassem Soleimani, is now dead. He spent more than 20 years spreading death and destruction across the region, to include engineering and providing IEDs to Shia militias in Iraq that were used to kill hundreds of Americans.

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The Democrats are "up in arms" about the recent killing of a dangerous terrorist. Some of them claim that it was a "declaration of war" and that Trump acted without proper approval from Congress. Debate on whether or not Trump was declaring war is eminent, but the Democrats are concerned that this could inevitably lead to a decades long war.

The Democrats are right about Congress having the authority to declare war. (Read the Constitution.) But, Republicans and Trump supporters agree that this dangerous terrorist needed killing. AND, according to a resolution passed by Congress after 9-11-2001, Trump was well within his authority.

The Ponder wants to know: Who still supports Trump after this?

The Ponder supports the killing of the General. We support any war that may happen as a result. This war was eminent from the start. Without it, the U.S. has already surrendered to terrorists. And, when Congress refused to Act, WE THE PEOPLE elected a man who would.

Rep. Courtney Statement On US Air Strike In Iraq
Source: Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)
January 3, 2020
“The unilateral decision by President Trump to strike down a bad actor such as Soleimani unfortunately does not close the book on the threat Iran poses to America. Not consulting with the American people, Congressional leadership and our allies before taking this escalatory action in a part of the world where we have been entangled for eighteen long years is the wrong way to isolate Iranian bad behavior and wind down our involvement in the Middle East.”

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REP. COX ON KILLING OF IRANIAN GENERAL
Source: TJ Cox (D-CA, 21st)
January 3, 2020
"Last night’s airstrike was unprecedented with incalculable consequences that will play out over the coming days, weeks, and months. Given the immense gravity of this situation, Congress needs to hear from the Administration about the intelligence that led to this airstrike and how it fits into our broader strategy to counter Iran’s destabilizing presence in the region, consolidate our gains in Iraq, and combat violent extremism. Soleimani was a brutal killer responsible for the death of hundreds of Americans, but his death is not a substitute for thoughtful foreign policy. Without a full account of the facts on the ground, whether or not the Administration acted within its authority in carrying out this strike remains in question. However, this much is clear: the Administration cannot take any action that will bring us closer to a conflict with Iran without the consent of Congress. Right now, our top priority must be preventing further escalation and protecting the lives of American servicemembers and diplomats overseas."

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Davids Statement on Killing of Qassem Soleimani
Source: Sharice Davids (D-KS, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
"Qassem Soleimani committed atrocious crimes against American troops and innocent people. But his killing will only serve to further destabilize an already dangerous region and put more American and civilian lives at risk. The American people deserve to know that this Administration has a strategy for how to deal with the aftermath of this major escalation.”

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Rep. Davidson Praises Airstrike that Killed Iranian General
Source: Warren Davidson (R-OH, 8th)
January 3, 2020
General Soleimani should not have been in Iraq. He was behind the violent demonstrations against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and was planning further attacks on Americans.

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Rep. Susan Davis Statement on Killing of Qasem Soleimani
Source: Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd)
January 3, 2020
“There is no doubt that Qasem Soleimani was responsible for countless deaths and violence, what is not clear is the Trump Administration’s justification and the strategy for the aftermath of this dangerous escalation. The administration needs to explain to the American people and to Congress, which was not consulted, about the ‘imminent attack’ and provide reassurance that it has the diplomatic capabilities to prevent this from spiraling into a major conflict with Iran.”

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Cunningham Statement on the Death of Qassem Soleimani
Source: Joe Cunningham (D-SC, 1st)
January 3, 2020
"Last night’s airstrike was unprecedented with incalculable consequences that will play out over the coming days, weeks, and months. Given the immense gravity of this situation, Congress needs to hear from the Administration about the intelligence that led to this airstrike and how it fits into our broader strategy to counter Iran’s destabilizing presence in the region, consolidate our gains in Iraq, and combat violent extremism. Soleimani was a brutal killer responsible for the death of hundreds of Americans, but his death is not a substitute for thoughtful foreign policy. Without a full account of the facts on the ground, whether or not the Administration acted within its authority in carrying out this strike remains in question. However, this much is clear: the Administration cannot take any action that will bring us closer to a conflict with Iran without the consent of Congress. Right now, our top priority must be preventing further escalation and protecting the lives of American servicemembers and diplomats overseas."

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STATEMENT FROM REP. PETER DEFAZIO ON U.S. KILLING OF IRANIAN GENERAL QASSIM SULEIMANI
Source: Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
January 3, 2020
If we are not careful, President Trump’s impulsive recklessness will lead the United States into yet another endless war in the Middle East. Our founders ensured that the Constitution grants Congress—not the executive branch—the power to declare war, specifically to act as a check on presidential war-mongering.

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DeGette Statement on U.S. Airstrike in Iraq
Source: Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
January 3, 2020
“I’m deeply concerned by the escalation of violence with Iran that occurred overnight. Congress has the sole constitutional authority to declare war. And while Iran continues to pose a serious threat to our nation’s security, and our interests abroad, no one wants to see America drawn back into a decades-long war in the Middle East.

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DeLauro Statement on United States Airstrikes Killing Iranian Military Leaders
Source: Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
“The actions authorized by President Trump may have accomplished their tactical objective, but I am deeply concerned by the ripple effects this attack may have by destabilizing the region. The use of lethal force by the United States in the international arena must always be carefully considered—taking into account the potential backlash and harm that may befall our servicemembers, our diplomats, our national security interests, and our allies. In a volatile region where we have seen our embassy attacked in the last week, and where we have deployed additional troops to support our personnel, every action must be carefully considered to ensure that we avoid bringing the United States into another deadly, protracted armed conflict.”

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Delgado Statement on the Airstrike that Killed the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp Commander General Qassem Soleimani
Source: Antonio Delgado (D-NY, 19th)
January 3, 2020
“Qassem Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of American servicemembers and innocent civilians throughout the Middle East—he met the fate he deserved. That said, last night the Administration took an enormous and escalatory step in a volatile area of the world without clear coordination with our allies, Congress, or stakeholders in the region, and with no explanation for how it will manage the inevitable repercussions. Moving forward, I have serious questions about how the Administration plans to keep our men and women in uniform and diplomats serving across the region safe, and avoid the march to another costly war in the Middle East. Congress should be briefed immediately on the situation, including the Administration’s legal justification for the strike, and concrete plans going forward.”

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Dingell Statement on the Airstrike that Killed the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp Commander General Qasem Soleimani
Source: Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)
January 3, 2020
“Qasem Soleimani was an evil man responsible for the death of thousands of innocent people. However, I deeply fear the consequences of this action, which was made without consulting Congress, or our allies and partners in the region. Congress must be briefed on the Administration’s strategy, and we must be prepared for an almost certain escalation of activities and conflict in the Mideast, as well as the safety of Americans throughout the world.

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Doggett Reacts to Trump Assassination Order
Source: Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 35th)
January 3, 2020
“While Soleimani was undoubtedly evil, our foreign policy must focus on protecting Americans. Trump, who claims to know more than our generals, the intelligence community, and our foreign service officers, now risks endless escalation from an aggressive and malicious adversary. Through many years of disastrous conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan—so costly in both blood and dollars, we surely know wars are easier to get into than to get out of. To avoid war, both Presidents Bush and Obama rejected assassination of this detested figure, which may well violate President Ronald Reagan’s anti-assassination Executive Order. At the very time when more Iraqis have been protesting Iranian influence, Trump’s actions strengthen anti-American forces and Iranian zealots. His recklessness has little to do with protecting Americans and everything to do with protecting Trump, the Master of Distraction. To avoid the loss of even more lives through endless escalation, we must find a better path forward.”

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Duncan Statement on Death of Terrorist Qassem Soleimani
Source: Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
“I applaud President Trump for taking decisive action to take out Qassem Soleimani, a brutal terrorist with the blood of countless Americans on his hands. This action shows Iranian attacks and aggression against Americans will not go unnoticed under President Trump’s leadership. Our military is the best of the best, and may God bless them for their efforts in making the world a safer place without murderous terrorists like Qassem Soleimani.”

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Eshoo Statement on Airstrike in Iraq Against High-Level Iranian Military Officials
Source: Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA, 18th)
January 3, 2020
“No Member of Congress carries a brief for Iran or Soleimani, however, this act is exactly why I wrote legislation in 2018, HR 2354 (and reintroduced in 2019), that specifically prohibits the use of any federal funds for military operations in or against Iran without Congressional approval. I did so based on the provocations of Iran by the President, and the dangers of escalation.”

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REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT ON KILLING OF QASEM SOLEIMANI
Source: Adrianno Espaillat (D-NY, 13th)
January 3, 2020
“Soleimani was, without doubt, responsible for much violence and the deaths of Americans in the Middle East for many years,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat. “The Trump Administration has continuously shown a lack of preparedness or a coherent strategy regarding Iran and the entire Middle East. The various strikes conducted over the last week by the administration, culminating with the escalation in last night’s targeted killing of Qasem Soleimani, appear to be part of this ad hoc approach. My primary concern with the administration’s reckless escalation is for the safety of U.S. servicemembers, diplomats, personnel, and our allies in the region who are now at heightened risk of aggressive Iranian retaliation. The administration has claimed that the goal of this latest strike was to prevent future attacks by Iran, yet it is clear that this action may have the opposite effect.

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Rep. Cuellar Continues to Fight for a Fair and Accurate Census
Source: Henry Cuellar (D-TX, 28th)
January 3, 2020
“Our founding fathers were committed to creating a government that represents of the people of this great and diverse nation,” said Congressman Cuellar. “With an accurate Census count, we can ensure that every American has the opportunity to send a representative to Congress that will fight for them in Washington. I will continue to ensure that we make the 2020 Census the best it can be so our communities receive their fair share of resources and representation.”

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Impeachment, Teachers, Natural Disaster Relief, NDAA, Border Patrol, Jones Act, SALT, Prescription Drugs, Discrimination, Boeing

Congressional spending may be even more insane than impeachment
Source: Americans for Limited Government
December 20, 2019
“Now that some of the smoke has cleared from impeachment, it cannot be lost that Congress once again failed miserably at showing any kind of fiscal discipline in passing the $1.4 trillion spending bill. It is absurd that in a time of unprecedented prosperity, Congress continues to expand domestic spending. Times of prosperity should be opportunities to cut deficits and restrain the cost of government programs, while still meeting the basic safety net needs of those left behind. The fact that Congress continues a wild spending spree bodes poorly for our nation’s ability to afford the real costs of an economic downturn that will eventually happen. The President needs to make fiscal sanity a key component of his 2020 presidential campaign so that in 2021, there will be a political will to significantly cut the exorbitant cost of government. He can start by promoting and defending his own budget, which has in the past provided a pathway to balance with trillions of cuts, when it gets released early next year.”

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Congressman Brown Celebrates the Expansion of Teacher Tax Deduction
Source: Anthony Brown (D-MD, 4th)
December 20, 2019
“Teachers and school support staff dig deep into their own pockets to pay for everyday classroom supplies - and educators in high-poverty communities spend even more, said Congressman Anthony Brown. “After protecting the teachers’ tax deduction from being cut by President Trump, House Democrats are expanding it and helping teachers offset more of the costs they incur every school year. I’ll keep fighting for our schools, our educators and increasing this deduction to meet the needs of our students.”

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CARTWRIGHT BILLS TO MAKE U.S. COMMUNITIES MORE RESILIENT AGAINST EXTREME WEATHER RISKS INCLUDED IN FEDERAL FUNDING LEGISLATION
Source: Matt Cartwright (D-PA, 8th)
December 20, 2019
“As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House-Senate NDAA Conference Committee, I’m proud to have worked with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to get the NDAA across the finish line,” said Rep. Cisneros. “With the passage of this legislation, our servicemembers and their families get the resources they need and our national security is strengthened. I’m pleased the bipartisan NDAA includes several of my provisions to improve military healthcare and service to military families, promote diversity and inclusion, repeal the unfair Widow’s Tax, and toughen our stance against our adversaries. As a Navy veteran, I will continue to fight for our servicemembers in the 39th District and around the world.”

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REP. CISNEROS PRAISES SIGNING OF FY 2020 NDAA
Source: Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA, 39th)
December 20, 2019
The appropriations legislation includes language from Rep. Cartwright’s PREPARE Act (H.R. 4347), which authorizes an interagency council whose purpose is to provide recommendations on the best means of planning and preparing for extreme weather incidents. It also provides state and local stakeholders with the best information available and best practices to help them formulate emergency preparation plans tailored to their local needs.

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Cole Applauds Full-Year Government Funding for FY 2020
Source: Tom Cole (R-OK, 4th)
December 20, 2019
“One of the most fundamental duties of Congress is to fund the government and to keep it open and operational. By coming to bipartisan agreement on full-year appropriations, I am very proud that lawmakers in both chambers not only prevented a government shutdown, but they avoided the need for another short-term continuing resolution. I applaud President Trump for signing these critical packages into law, responsibly providing certainty for the federal government and the thousands of supporting federal workers.”

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Burgess Votes to Pass Defense Appropriations for 2020 Fiscal Year
Source: Michael Burgess (R-TX, 26th)
December 20, 2019
“While one of the appropriations bills included critical funding the other left hardworking Americans with the check. It is past time for Congress to pass twelve appropriations bills, as required by law. We can no longer afford to wait until the last minute to complete one of our most basic, and important, responsibilities. I believe I was sent to Congress to provide fiscal solutions that will rein in our national deficit while continuing to grow our economy, allowing for hard-working families to prosper. My desire is that in the coming year Congress will put aside partisan politics and get back to the business of legislating on behalf of the American people.”

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The Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations packages included the following:

Prioritizes national security and continues to rebuild the military.

Provides $1.3 billion for a border wall system along our southern border.

Provides resources and authorities to address the humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border.

Maintains prior pro-life funding restrictions.

Provides affordable alternatives to expensive Obamacare plans.

Butterfield Introduces Bill to Provide Electronic Equipment to American Communities
Source: G.K. Butterfield (D-NC, 1st)
December 20, 2019
“In today’s digital economy, access to the Internet is absolutely essential for nearly all aspects of American life. However, all over the country, millions of Americans still do not have consistent and reliable access to broadband. The problem is especially prevalent in rural and low-income communities where the costs of computers and other devices are often a barrier to consistent access. That’s why I was proud to introduce H.R. 5495, The Federal Electronic Equipment Donation Act of 2019. My bill directs federal agencies to donate excess and surplus federal electronic equipment, including computers, computer components, printers, and fax machines to qualifying small towns, counties, schools, nonprofit organizations, and libraries. The bill also provides a preference for rural towns and counties as well as low-income areas, in an effort to deliver much needed electronic equipment to the communities that need it most.”

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Cárdenas, Correa, Escobar Call for Investigation into Reports of CBP Officials Issuing Fake Court Notices to Asylees
Source: Troy Cardenas (D-CA, 29th)
December 20, 2019
“According to news reports, refugees who have been granted asylum are intentionally being given incorrect information by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials as a strategy to keep them out of the U.S. This type of behavior by a government agency is abhorrent, violates the rule of law, and is antithetical to our values and the very essence of what we stand for as a nation,” the Members wrote. “We request that DHS Inspector General answer our questions, investigate this matter, and issue a full report to the United States House of Representatives. Additionally, if the investigation finds that officials are criminally liable, we demand that they are held accountable immediately and referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

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Case Introduces Bills Reforming the "Jones Act"
Source: Ed Case (D-HI, 1st)
December 20, 2019
“My three bills aim directly at one of the key drivers of our astronomically high cost of living in Hawai‘i and other locations in our country that are not part of the continental U.S,” said Case. “Because the Jones Act severely limits the supply of shipping to and from our communities, it has allowed a very few companies to control our very lifeline to the outside world and as a result command shipping rates way higher than the rest of the world."

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Casten Votes to Restore State and Local Tax Deduction
Source: Sean Casten (D-IL, 6th)
December 20, 2019
H.R. 5377 would lift the SALT cap deduction for years 2020 and 2021. The Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 capped the SALT deduction at $10,000 for individuals and families, but not businesses. Republicans took this deduction away from working, middle class families, like those in Illinois 6th Congressional District, to provide tax breaks for corporations. The cap also threatens the ability of states and local communities to fund education and other essential public services adequately. By restoring the SALT deduction, it helps state and local governments adequately plan and fund education, child care, mass transit, health care, and many more important public services.

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Cicilline Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs Becomes Law
Source: David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
December 20, 2019
“In the last election, Democrats promised to bring down the high cost of prescription drugs. Today, we are delivering on that promise,” said Cicilline. “The CREATES Act cracks down on the big pharmaceutical companies that are charging an arm and a leg for medicine that thousands of Rhode Islanders, and millions of Americans, need. No longer will these companies be able to recklessly block or delay access to generic drugs that perform the same as branded drugs, at a fraction of the cost. This is a big win for American consumers, and another example of how Democrats are delivering for the people.”

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Congressman Cleaver Calls for Investigation Into JPMorgan Chase Following Allegations of Racial Discrimination
Source: Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)
December 20, 2019
“The allegations of racial discrimination within JPMorgan Chase purported in media reports are extremely troubling,” said Congressman Cleaver. “It seems clear from the reporting and the statement released from the bank that there were practices of discriminatory behavior within a regional branch. Now, we want to know whether or not this kind of discrimination has spread throughout the entirety of the company and what the bank is doing to ensure they are complying with federal antidiscrimination laws.”

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Cleaver's Statement Following Votes to Pass Articles of Impeachment
Source: Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)
December 20, 2019
My votes to support the articles of impeachment were not based out of hate for the President, but rather out of love for this country and the values imbued in our constitution. Sadly, the President perverted the powers granted to him by the constitution in an effort to coerce a foreign government into interfering in our sacred elections. When this was discovered and courageously reported by a nonpartisan career service official, the President stonewalled Congress and our constitutional right to provide oversight of the Executive Branch, seemingly, to cover up his misdeeds.

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PARTISAN IMPEACHMENT CHARADE DIVIDES COUNTRY; CONGRESS MUST DO BETTER
Source: James Comer (R-KY, 1st)
December 23, 2019
Kentuckians are even less supportive of the effort to remove the President from office. As I said on the House floor, the people I represent in Kentucky’s First Congressional District are appalled at the charade put on by the House in recent months. They overwhelmingly supported the President in 2016 to drain the swamp, enact change and fight on their behalf, which he has done. America’s economy is roaring like never before, the taxes of all Americans have been reduced, and President Trump recently sealed the deal on a modernized trade agreement that is great news for our farmers, middle-class workers and industries.

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Congressman Cohen Commends Boeing for Firing Muilenburg
Source: Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)
December 23, 2019
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, commended Boeing for its decision to fire its CEO Dennis Muilenburg for his mishandling of the company’s response to two crashes of its 737 Max aircraft that killed 346 people. Congressman Cohen demanded that Muilenburg take some responsibility for the crashes and the response at a hearing in October, asking “What does accountability mean?”

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Equal Rights Amendment, Individual Healthcare Mandate, Honest Candidates, Immigrants, Gun Violence Research, Addiction, Tobacco

Dump Netflix: Movie mocks Jesus at most holy time of year
Source: American Family Association
December 18, 2019
Netflix has released a "Christmas special" movie that depicts Jesus as a homosexual and the Virgin Mary as an adulteress.

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Alabama, Louisiana, and South Dakota File Legal Challenge to Stop Activists from Illegally Rewriting the U.S. Constitutions
Source: Alabama Attorney General's Office
December 18, 2019
Alabama, Louisiana and South Dakota have filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Archivist of the United States — the federal officer who oversees the ratification process for constitutional amendments — seeking to prevent him from illegally adding the long-failed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution

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Fifth Circuit Court Decision Perpetuates Uncertainty For Americans, Insurance Industry
Source: American Association of Family Physicians
December 19, 2019
Wednesday’s Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Texas v. Azar prolongs the uncertainty that millions of Americans face about whether they will have access to health care. The Fifth Circuit upheld the district court’s decision that the individual mandate was unconstitutional. However, the judges remanded the case to the lower court to analyze and explain whether any or all of the law’s other provisions are severable from the individual mandate and thus can remain operative as a law without the mandate.

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Internists Say Court’s Decision on ACA Potentially Could Put Health Care for Millions at Risk
Source: American College of Physicians
December 19, 2019
The American College of Physicians (ACP) is greatly concerned that the decision of a federal appeals court that the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional could place health care for millions at risk, should the courts rule that the coverage requirements and other provisions of the ACA also must be overturned because they can’t be “severed” from the mandate. The court sent back the “severability” question to a lower court. What’s at stake is whether the ACA’s pre-existing condition protections, essential benefit requirements, funding for Medicaid expansion, and other provisions will be upheld or overturned, with the health and lives of the millions of patients being at risk depending on what the courts decide.

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AOA statement on Congressional health care spending agreement
Source: American Osteopathic Association
December 19, 2019
The American Osteopathic Association commends Congressional leaders on their work to achieve a bipartisan agreement on an annual appropriations and other public health legislation. The package includes funding for crucial public health programs and addresses several important public health issues.

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APA Applauds Mental Health Funding in Federal Spending Bill
Source: American Psychiatric Association
December 19, 2019
This week Congress passed a $1.4 trillion fiscal year 2020 spending bill that includes several provisions that will fund medical research and treatment programs for people with mental illness and substance use disorders (SUD).

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ASAM Commends Congress for Strengthening Addiction Treatment Workforce
Source: American Society of Addiction Medicine
December 19, 2019
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) commended Congress for expanding funding to strengthen the nation’s addiction treatment workforce in a bipartisan, end-of-year appropriations package that passed last Thursday. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) includes significant funding for policies that bolster the addiction treatment workforce to help increase access to care for people living with addiction.

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ASCO Applauds Congress for Raising Minimum Age to Purchase Tobacco and Boosting Cancer Research Funding
Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
December 19, 2019
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) applauds Congress for working across party lines to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21. A longtime advocate on this issue, ASCO believes this important change will delay and reduce the use of tobacco and help prevent tobacco-related cancers. A 2015 report from the Institute of Medicine predicted that raising the minimum age for the sale of tobacco products to 21 would, over time, reduce the smoking rate by about 12 percent and cut smoking-related deaths by 10 percent. We commend Congress for taking this important step and look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers and regulators in service of our longstanding commitment to reducing and eventually eliminating tobacco-related cancers.

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ADF: Federal Equal Rights amendment is legally suspect, threatens equal opportunities for women
Source: American Immigration Lawyer’s Association
December 20, 2019
Litigators from the Justice Action Center (JAC), the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and Innovation Law Lab, with pro bono counsel Sidley Austin LLP and Latino Network as the organizational plaintiff, welcomed the Ninth Circuit 2-1 decision to refuse the federal government an administrative stay pending appeal of the preliminary nationwide injunction in Doe v. Trump. The administration had sought an emergency stay of the injunction granted on November 26, 2019, by the U.S. District Court in Portland, OR. The stay would have immediately implemented President Trump’s October 4 proclamation requiring legal immigrants to prove they hold an “approved” health insurance plan, or can pay for health care out of pocket, in order to be allowed entry to the U.S. This unconstitutional health care ban would affect approximately 375,000 people each year, immediately separate families from loved ones, harm businesses seeking to employ international talent, and undermine our nation’s commitment to equal rights. The Ninth Circuit agreed with the U.S. District Court in Portland, OR, and the proclamation remains enjoined.

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Trump's Attempt to Make Legal Immigrants Prove They Have Health Insurance Thwarted
Source: Alliance Defending Freedom
December 20, 2019
Even though it pretends to protect women, a federal ERA could be used to allow boys to compete in girls’ sports, unfairly taking away opportunities and denying girls a fair playing field in athletics. It could also threaten women’s homeless shelters who seek to provide a safe place for survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking. Instead, ERA proponents are actively striving to redefine “sex” as a subjective belief that has nothing to do with the biological reality of being male or female. Additionally, the ERA could also require Americans to pay for abortions with their hard-earned tax dollars, including abortions up to the moment of birth—a move that most Americans oppose. Women knew the ERA was a bad idea in the 1970’s, and it’s an even worse idea today.

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20 ALEC Lawmakers Say NO to Importing Price Controls and Socialized Medicine to America
Source: American Legislative Exchange Council
December 20, 2019
For months, some in Congress have tried to advance socialist healthcare policies that have failed overseas and would leave Americans with fewer treatment options. In doing so, they are rejecting free-market principles that have led to lifesaving and life-enhancing medical discoveries. With passage of H.R. 3 in the U.S. House of Representatives, these lawmakers have led us one step closer to a command-and-control, single-payer healthcare system that imposes European-style price controls on America’s medical innovations and cures.

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APA Commends Congress for Allocating Federal Funds for Gun Violence Research
Source: American Psychological Association
December 20, 2019
The support from Congress is a key step in allowing agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health to take a public health approach by conducting research on the causes of gun violence that can lead us to evidence-based solutions that will ultimately save lives.

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You can’t buy honesty
Source: American Economic Association
December 23, 2019
Denmark is the least corrupt country in the world, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs declares. It consistently tops Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. And while the country isn’t perfect, the government manages to attract an honest workforce that rarely takes bribes or kickbacks.

The fact that they pay their public servants less than private sector wages could be part of the reason, according to a paper in the November issue of the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy.

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Impeachment, USCMA, Nominations, and Teachers

New Boston, TX - December 24, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd) voted to impeach Trump. She said, "We are a nation of laws, based on the principle that no one is above the law, but this president believes he can do anything he wants. As the record shows and the irrefutable testimonies by Trump Administration officials make crystal clear, President Trump welcomed foreign interference in the 2020 Election, abused the power of the presidency, and tried to cover it all up."

Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th) also voted to impeach on those grounds.

Yet, no proof of this exists. Tax dollars have been spent trying to prove this, and other accusations against him, and through it all, the Democrats have found NOTHING except that he is hated enough to want impeached.

Thank God for some Republicans who stand up and call a spade a spade:

Congressman Vern Buchanan spoke on the House floor Wednesday against the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

“Madam Speaker, I will vote today against both articles of impeachment because they are without merit and set a dangerous precedent for our country. This political vendetta is an abuse of the impeachment process and would subvert the votes of 63 million Americans. Just because the President’s opponents are afraid he will win reelection is no excuse for weaponizing impeachment. No president in history has ever been impeached 10 months before an election. Elections are the heart of our democracy. Our founding fathers devised a simple way to remove a president that you disagree with — it’s called an election — and we have one coming up in less than a year. Let the people decide.”

On Thursday, December 19, 2019, Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL, 5th) and 8 conservative House colleagues sent a letter to United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging them to adopt the Federal Rules of Evidence for the Senate’s President Trump impeachment trial.

Also on Thursday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed in a bipartisan manner the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). that vote follows months of negotiations by House Democrats to secure improvements to the original USMCA negotiated by the Trump Administration.

“I’m pleased to see that House Democrats were able to secure important changes to the original USMCA draft,” said Ami Bera (D-CA, 7th). “The version of USMCA that passed (today) includes strong protections for American workers, important enforcement mechanisms to ensure all countries are compliant, and key environmental protections.

The revised version of USMCA is a win for the U.S. economy and American families, and will bring important jobs to California.”

I wonder if she will admit that the idea came from Trump?

Rob Bishop (R-UT, 1st) noted the irony of this in his statement:

“It is about time!

Despite USMCA’s bipartisan and bicameral support, Speaker Pelosi has refused to bring it to the floor in what can only be described as an attempt to deny President Trump any victories until she could impeach him.

I am pleased the House passed the trade deal with Canada and Mexico. This is a vast improvement over NAFTA. This bill is good for Utah and the country. It is just too bad it took so long for Democrat leadership to do the right thing.”

Passage of the USMCA is a win for every sector of our economy, including:

Agriculture: The USMCA reduces Canadian and Mexican tariffs on American agricultural goods and eliminates other unfair trading practices – helping our farmers and ranchers sell more of their goods abroad.

Autoworkers and Manufacturers: The USMCA creates new requirements for producing auto parts in North America and ensuring those parts are made in high-wage areas – supporting U.S. autoworkers and giving U.S. automakers an edge over foreign competitors.

Digital Trade: The agreement creates the strongest standard for digital trade in any international agreement to date. This chapter will provide certainty for our tech sector, protect our privacy, and encourage cross-border growth of digital transactions and e-commerce.

Small Businesses and Consumers: Both Canada and Mexico are increasing their de minimis thresholds, or the maximum value of a good shipped across the border before tariffs are applied. This will make it easier for consumers and small businesses to participate in cross-border trade.

Intellectual Property: The USMCA modernizes NAFTA’s IP chapter and creates new enforcement mechanisms to protect American innovators and investors.

“Due to the efforts of House Democrats in the House Trade Working Group, we were able to negotiate with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer a revised USMCA agreement. The revisions make enforcement more effective and fair by fixing loopholes that would have allowed Mexico and Canada to avoid accountability with regards to their trade obligations. This revised USMCA strengthens standards on protecting workers’ rights and introduces penalties on goods and services that are not produced in compliance with key labor standards," said Sanford D. Bishop, Jr (D-GA, 2nd).

“This was an unprecedented vote for an unprecedented trade agreement. This agreement got more Democratic votes than Republican votes, and we were able to thwart the efforts of big drug companies for the first time ever in a trade agreement. This should be a sign that the days of giving big pharma sweetheart deals are over. Protecting our workers and environment, addressing climate change, and putting people ahead of profit will be at the center of all new trade agreements as long as Democrats are in charge,” said Earl Blumenauer (D-OR, 3rd).

“With today’s vote, The House is delivering much-needed certainty to the nearly 70,000 Illinoisans whose jobs depend on fair and free trade with Canada and Mexico,” said Mike Bost (R-IL, 12th). “USMCA will strengthen exports for farmers across my district and is a bright spot in what has been one of the worst years in decades for agriculture. Despite a year of unnecessary delays, I’m glad that we are finally moving forward on this historic agreement.”

“Illinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Representative Bost’s vocal leadership for USCMA and for recognizing the value of expanded trade between the U.S. and its neighbors,” said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., who farms in the 12th District. “The largest export market for Illinois corn is Mexico. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to that vital market and opens up the Canadian market for more sales of dairy and wheat from the 12th District. Thanks to Rep. Bost’s leadership Illinois farmers can begin to reap the benefits of expanded trade under USMCA.”

“While we did not achieve all the environmental standards we had hoped for, we did successfully include language that will allow the Paris Climate agreement and other future international environmental agreements to be added by the parties at a later date. As a member of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, I will continue to work to address this issue,” said Julia Brownley (D-CA, 26th).

Now we know why the Democrats so overwhelmingly supported a Trump idea.

Once enacted, USMCA is expected to help create over 176,000 American jobs, $68 billion in new economic activity, and $2.2 billion in annual agriculture exports.

Also on Thursday, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Arizona State University Professor Sethuraman Panchanathan to serve as the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“President Trump has made an inspired choice with his nomination of Dr. Panchanathan—or “Panch,” as we all know him—to head the NSF. During his time at ASU, Panch was instrumental in turning Arizona’s largest institution of higher learning into one of the most innovative universities in the country. His passion for new and exciting ideas is infectious, and I am confident that he will bring this rejuvenating spirit to an organization that could benefit from fresh direction. As a Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I look forward to working with him on future projects,” said Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th).

On Friday, December 20, 2019, Congressman Anthony Brown (D-MD, 4th) celebrated the inclusion of language from his standalone legislation, the “Educators Expense Deduction Modernization Act,” in the “Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act.” The legislation passed the House of Representatives. The original provision doubled the teachers’ tax deduction for classroom expenses from $250 to $500. The deduction was increased to $1,000 on the floor.

Reportedly, more than 9 in 10 public-school teachers are not reimbursed for classroom expenses which can include everything from pens to books, crafts and science materials. Teachers in high-poverty schools spent nearly 40 percent more than their peers elsewhere, with one in 10 spending $1,000 or more. In Maryland, nearly 80,000 educators benefit from this deduction.

Black Colleges, Appropriations, Veterans, Trade, Cameroon

Today's News from the House of Representatives

Adams Leads Effort to Investigate the Administration’s Failure to Uphold Promise to HBCUs
Source: Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)
December 17, 2019
Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) unveiled a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report she commissioned to investigate whether the Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing adequate support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to help students become successful small business owners. The report raises several deficiencies in SBA’s efforts to work with HBCUs, despite President Trump’s 2017 Executive Order to promote engagement with HBCUs, strengthen HBCU participation in federal programs, and direct federal agencies to identify priorities for working with HBCUs.

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Allred Votes for Bipartisan Appropriations Bills Making Critical Investments in Health Care and Election Security
Source: Colin Allred (D-TX, 32)
December 17, 2019
“I am encouraged that leaders in both parties were able to come together and forge a bipartisan compromise to keep our government open and working for the American people.

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House Passes Amata-Cosponsored Veterans’ Bill To Report On Overcoming Barriers To Benefits
Source: Aumua Amata (R - American Samoa, At Large)
December 17, 2019
This Act requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a three-year study of disability and pension benefits provided to Veterans who served in special missions, including pilots and divers, and who served on reserve components of the Armed Forces while on active duty. This multi-year study will examine disability and pension data from 2008 to 2018 to identify any barriers that exist specific to these veterans. Next, the study will focus on possible ways to overcome these barriers.

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Amodei Statement on Government Funding Packages for Fiscal Year 2020
Source: Mark Amodei (R-NV, 2nd)
December 17, 2019
"Look at what we can actually accomplish when we make it a priority,” said Rep. Amodei. “In terms of the reforms, funding priorities, and responsible spending reductions included in these bills, Nevadans can certainly claim a number of victories. More specifically, these packages will increase funding for Department of Interior (DOI) operations including wildland fire management, Lake Tahoe restoration efforts, hazardous fuels reductions, watershed restoration, and the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program. The Interior portion of these bills also allocates $12 million for radium cleanup efforts, which the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) would be eligible to receive."

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ARRINGTON SENDS USMCA TO HOUSE FLOOR, APPLAUDS EFFORTS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN U.S. TRADE
Source: Mark Amodei (R-NV, 2nd)
December 17, 2019
"Look at what we can actually accomplish when we make it a priority,” said Rep. Amodei. “In terms of the reforms, funding priorities, and responsible spending reductions included in these bills, Nevadans can certainly claim a number of victories. More specifically, these packages will increase funding for Department of Interior (DOI) operations including wildland fire management, Lake Tahoe restoration efforts, hazardous fuels reductions, watershed restoration, and the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program. The Interior portion of these bills also allocates $12 million for radium cleanup efforts, which the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) would be eligible to receive."

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Axne Votes to Fund our Military, Increase Grants for Local Police, Invest in Cancer Research, and Protect our Elections
Source: Cynthia Axne (D-IA, 3rd)
December 17, 2019
The bill passed by the House today, H.R. 1158, provides funding for the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Commerce, and other key executive branch agencies tasked with protecting our nation and its citizens.

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Rep. Bass Statement on Kidnapped Candidates In Cameroon
Source: Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
December 17, 2019
“I am alarmed by the recent kidnapping of local official and parliamentary candidates by armed separatists. These actions are counterproductive and not conducive to solving the conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Those advocating for independence must understand that preying on innocent Cameroonians who simply want to exercise their civic duties will not help them get any closer to an independent state. I encourage separatists to commit to peacefully resolving the conflict in order for the country to have open and fair elections for all in 2020.”

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Social Workers, Guns, China, Energy, Biogenic Carbon Emissions, Epstein,

Today's News from the U.S. Senate

Murkowski, Sinema Bill Improves Workplace Safety for Social Workers and Health Professionals
Source: Senator Lisa Murkowski (R - AK)
November 19, 2019
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen workplace protections for social workers and behavioral and home health professionals. The Senators’ bipartisan Protecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act of 2019 establishes a grant program to fund workplace safety programs for social workers and health professionals, ensuring these public servants can continue doing their jobs safely.

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MURPHY, TOOMEY, MANCHIN IN USA TODAY: WE'RE READY TO RESUME BIPARTISAN GUN BACKGROUND CHECK TALKS WITH TRUMP ANYTIME
Source: Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT)
November 19, 2019
“We represented an unlikely trio of senators to be at the center of these deliberations. There aren’t many controversial issues upon which the three of us — a conservative Republican, a progressive Democrat and a conservative Democrat — could find agreement,” the senators wrote.

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In Stunning Admission, FBI Says It Should Have Addressed Chinese Talent Recruitment Programs Sooner
Source: Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
November 19, 2019
During a Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) bipartisan hearing entitled “Securing the U.S. Research Enterprise from China’s Talent Recruitment Plans” chaired by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Assistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) John Brown confirmed that the FBI should have taken more rapid and comprehensive action in addressing China’s strategic plan to acquire knowledge and intellectual property from researchers, scientists, and the U.S. private sector through their talent recruitment programs. The hearing focused on the new bipartisan report which documents how American taxpayers have been unwittingly funding the rise of China’s economy and military over the last two decades while federal agencies have done little to stop it

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Risch Energy Bills Advance to the Full Senate
Source: Senator James E. Risch (R-ID)
November 19, 2019
“Strengthening our cybersecurity technologies and nuclear energy hybrid systems are important components to ensuring U.S. energy leadership at home and abroad,” said Senator Risch. “I thank Chairman Murkowski for bringing these important bills before the committee and I look forward to seeing them advance to the full Senate for a vote.”

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Rounds and Thune Join Colleagues to Call on EPA to Provide Clarity on Biogenic Carbon Emissions
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
November 19, 2019
U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) joined a number of their colleagues to send a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler requesting clarity on the regulatory treatment of biogenic carbon emissions produced from feedstocks such as corn and soybeans. This clarity will remove an obstacle to investment in rural America.

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Sasse Statement on Arrests of Epstein's Guards
Source: Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
November 19, 2019
“These arrests are important, but they’re not the end of this: These guards aren’t the only ones who should stand trial - every one of Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirators should be spending the rest of their lives behind bars.”

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