Coronavirus

Washington, D.C. -March 8, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) members will have access to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and prescribed by health providers. Effective immediately, BCBSTX will not require preauthorization and will not apply members' co-pays or deductibles for testing to diagnose COVID-19 when medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidelines.

The CDC recommends these actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick;

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;

Stay home when you are sick;

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe; and

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

At noon on Tuesday, March 3 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 60 cases of COVID-19 from 12 states. Twenty-two of these cases are travel-related; 11 are believed to be person-to-person spread; and for the remaining 27 the source of exposure is still under investigation.

Labels, Coronavirus, USDA

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 7, 2020

Kinzinger & Schrader Introduce Accurate Labels Act
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL, 16th)
March 2, 2020
Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) introduced H.R. 6044, the Accurate Labels Act, to provide clear, accurate, and meaningful nutrition information to consumers across America. This bipartisan legislation would also prevent the companies from issuing inaccurate labels that mislead consumers and drive up prices.
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Statement on Minnesota Case of Coronavirus
Source: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
March 6, 2020
I have talked to Governor Walz regarding the isolated travel-related case of coronavirus in Minnesota. The state has been preparing for potential cases of coronavirus, and yesterday in the Senate I voted for emergency funding legislation that will deliver at least $10 million in federal resources to Minnesota to combat this virus. Every Minnesotan should follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health to prevent the spread of this disease.
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Kuster, Fudge Lead Letter Calling on Agriculture Department to Step Up Civil Rights Enforcement
Source: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
March 6, 2020
Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Marcia Fudge (OH-11) led a group of 20 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Devon Westhill. The Members urged Westhill, who assumed office on Monday, to improve USDA civil rights enforcement and protect the rights of USDA workers and program applicants to the full extent and letter of law.
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Sanctity of Life Act of 2020

Washington, D.C. -March 7, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve King announces that he has introduced HR 6042, the “Sanctity of Life Act of 2020.” This important Pro-Life legislation recognizes the scientific fact that human life begins at conception. Because of this fact, the legislation declares that “human life shall be deemed to exist from fertilization, without regard to race, sex, age, health, defect, or condition of dependency” and it defines the word “person” to mean “all human life as defined herein.” The legislation also recognizes that “each state has a compelling interest in protecting the lives of those within the State’s jurisdiction whom the State rationally regards as human beings,” a provision which will strengthen a State’s ability to protect life by enacting laws to prevent abortion. Importantly, the King bill also removes the threat of an adverse Supreme Court ruling on life, by removing the ability of that Court to hear cases arising out of statutes that “protect the rights of human persons between conception and birth.”

“As the author of the Heartbeat Bill, I have regularly said that ‘if a Heartbeat is detected, the baby is protected,’” said King. “Science tells us, however, that life truly begins at conception and that this date is the accurate point at which the law should act to protect human life from the tragedy of abortion. My ‘Sanctity of Life Act’ ensures that all human life can be protected from the moment of conception, and it contains an additional safeguard which would prevent the United States Supreme Court from attempting to strike down any law that seeks to protect a human person between conception and birth. We should pass this law. All human life is a sacred gift from God, and the law should recognize it as such and protect life while it is in its most innocent form.”

Congressman King is a nationally recognized leader on Pro-Life issues. He is the author of the federal Heartbeat Protection Act (HR 490), which currently has 101 cosponsors. In addition, a modified version of King’s Heartbeat legislation was enacted into law in Iowa. In 2018, King earned the “Phyllis Schlafly Award for Leadership” for his work on the Heartbeat legislation.

King recently received the highest possible score of “A” from Susan B. Anthony List, one of the nation’s leading Pro-Life advocacy organizations. In addition, King recently received the Family Research Council’s (FRC) “True Blue” award for compiling a perfect 100% voting record on issues tracked by the FRC in 2019, including votes on numerous issues of importance to the Pro-Life community.

King’s legislation may be seen at this link.

Amendment to Address Mental Health, Suicide Issues with Law Enforcement Passed

Washington, D.C. -March 6, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The House of Representatives unanimously passed an amendment to H.R. 1140, the Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act. The amendment would address widely reported mental health and violence issues by Federal Air Marshals by ensuring the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) works with the Federal Air Marshal Service to provide solutions.

Congressman Kim’s speech in support of this amendment can be found by clicking here.

“Our law enforcement officers who work every day to keep thousands of airline passengers and crew safe are in a state of emergency, and it’s up to us to find solutions,” said Congressman Kim. “This amendment will give our Federal Air Marshals the help they need at this critical time. The cost of inaction is too high. It’s time for us to work together to save lives and honor the work these men and women do every day.”

The Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act would strengthen the security operations of the TSA by providing TSA officers additional workplace rights and protections. The bill has been endorsed by the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) and the American Federation of Government of Employees (AFGE).

Congressman Seeks to Protect Journalists Who Endanger our Country by Publishing Classified Information

Washington, D.C. -March 6, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th) introduced legislation to amend the Espionage Act of 1917 to better protect journalists and whistleblowers, which he says is under attack in the modern era. Rep. Khanna’s legislation says First Amendment protections for journalists who publish classified information should be in effect, in addition to ensuring whistleblowers can safely come forward to report waste, fraud and abuse to Congress. Senator Ron Wyden (OR) will introduce the companion bill in the Senate.

“The Espionage Act was written over 100 years ago to protect our country against spies, not journalists,” said Rep. Ro Khanna, who obviously doesn't understand that publishing classified information is giving away secrets that are kept for the protection of the American People -- which commits the same crime that spying does. “The Trump Administration has manipulated it to crack down on reporters," he said. As well Trump should. He goes on to say, "My bill with Senator Wyden will protect journalists from being prosecuted under the Espionage Act and make it easier for members of Congress, as well as federal agencies, to conduct proper oversight over any privacy abuses. Our nation’s strength rests on the freedom of the press, transparency, and a functioning system of checks and balances. This bill is a step toward ensuring those same principles apply to intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.”

“As the son of an investigative reporter I believe it is un-American to prosecute journalists for what they write – especially when it comes to how the government may be weaponizing the intelligence agencies for political gain,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (OR). “The Espionage Act currently provides sweeping powers for a rogue attorney general like Bill Barr or unscrupulous president like Donald Trump to target journalists and whistleblowers who reveal information they’d rather keep secret. This bill ensures only personnel with security clearances can be prosecuted for improperly revealing classified information.”

Weaponizing the intelligence agencies for political gain? It seems to me that Americans SHOULD vote for someone who wants to keep top secret information out of the wrong hands, which CANNOT be accomplished if a journalist tells the whole world what that secret is! We do NOT need enemy countries to know our every move!

The Espionage Act Reform Act Ensures:

Journalists who solicit, obtain, or publish government secrets are safe from prosecution.

Every member of Congress is equally able to receive classified information, specifically from whistleblowers. Current law criminalizes the disclosure of classified information related to signals intelligence to any member of Congress, unless it is in response to a “lawful demand” from a committee. This change puts members in the minority party and those not chairing any committee at a significant disadvantage toward conducting effective oversight.

Federal courts, inspector generals, the FCC, Federal Trade Commission, and Privacy & Civil Liberties Oversight Board can conduct oversight into privacy abuses.

Cybersecurity experts who discover classified government backdoors in encryption algorithms and communications apps used by the public can publish their research without the risk of criminal penalties. The bill correctly places the burden on governments to hide their surveillance backdoors; academic researchers and other experts should not face legal risks for discovering them.

You can read the full bill text here.

So, basically, what this bill does is says that the government has NO right to keep information from our enemies.

Leaders Urge Common Sense Approach to Corona Virus

Washington, D.C. -March 6, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH, 9th), senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in support of H.R. 6074, an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to address the coronavirus outbreak:

“For weeks, Americans in every corner of the country have felt a great sense of concern regarding the new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19,” said Rep. Kaptur. “The reports coming out of China, Italy, and now even some of our own communities are alarming. My heart goes out to the families of Americans and people around the world who have lost loved ones or seen their lives turned upside down since the discovery of the virus.”

“It is evident that COVID-19 is not just a common flu, but something that requires a measured, coordinated, and whole of government response. I have found the mixed, and at times even competing, messages coming out of the Administration, specifically the White House, to be deeply problematic.

“We can right the course if we work together. Today, I joined my House colleagues in voting to pass bipartisan legislation approving $8.3 billion in emergency funding, including $950 million for state and local health departments, to respond to COVID-19 and save lives.

“Our government’s ability to research and develop breakthrough cures and respond to community outbreaks is second to none. That’s why this legislation includes robust funding to equip our forces at the center of the interagency effort, including CDC, NIH, and BARDA, with the necessary funds to successfully combat coronavirus on our shores. What’s more, it is critical that cost not be a prohibitor for Americans seeking testing or treatment for COVID-19.

“Emergency preparedness during a public health threat is paramount. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of panic. I urge the public to take commonsense precautions to prevent infection: wash your hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, and avoid touching your face. We can all do our part to strengthen public health.

“I urge swift, bipartisan action in the Senate.”

U.S. Representative John Katko (R-NY, 24th) spoke to his constituents along similiar lines: “I urge all Central New Yorkers to take preventative measures to limit the spread of disease. I will remain engaged on this issue and will continue my work in Congress to promote the public health and safety of families in Central New York.”

The $8.3 billion emergency supplemental is entirely new funding—not funding stolen from other critical public health priorities—to combat the coronavirus, including:

More than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics;

$2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness, and response, $950 million of which is to support state & local health agencies;

Nearly $1 billion for procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, to support healthcare preparedness and Community Health Centers, and to improve medical surge capacity;

$61 million to facilitate the development and review of medical countermeasures, devices, therapies, and vaccines, and to help mitigate potential supply chain interruptions;

$1.25 billion to address the coronavirus abroad to help keep Americans safe here at home;

Allows for an estimated $7 billion in low-interest loans to affected small businesses, to help cushion the economic blow of this public health emergency;

Provides $300 million so the government can purchase vaccines at a fair and reasonable price;

Allows seniors to access telemedicine services for coronavirus treatment;

Requires the Trump administration to reimburse health accounts that were previously raided to pay for the coronavirus response;

Ensures state and local governments are reimbursed for costs incurred while assisting the federal response.

Last week, the Trump Administration requested $2.5 billion to combat the coronavirus. However, health experts said that more resources are needed to combat the growing health epidemic. Additionally, $1.25 billion of the administration’s proposal would be transferred from funding already allocated to fighting other infectious diseases, including Ebola virus, as well as stealing money from the National Cancer Institute and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The CDC has produced a fact sheet with frequently asked questions about the coronavirus here.

A summary of the package is available here.

$7.8 Billion Coronavirus Response Legislation Passed

Washington, D.C. - March 6, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued a statement after the Senate approved a bipartisan emergency funding bill to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) on a 96-1 vote:

“We are pleased that Congress quickly passed this important coronavirus response package on a bipartisan basis, and with sufficient funding to meet the threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak. While the Trump Administration's initial $1.25 billion request fell far short of what state and federal agencies need to combat the spread of coronavirus, this $7.8 billion package will immediately direct needed resources to Virginia and other states – including funding for diagnostic testing, vaccine development, and additional resources for state and local responders who are on the front lines of a potential pandemic,” said the Senators. “This legislation is about making sure costs don't get in the way of a strong response to the threat posed by the coronavirus. Once it is signed into law, the Commonwealth will immediately receive $13.3 million in federal funding to help cover the costs of preparations for this public health emergency.”

“With the President's signature, state and local agencies in Virginia will be able to apply for further federal funds to reimburse for the costs of detecting, tracking and controlling the spread of the virus. While Virginia is fortunate that we have not experienced an outbreak, this bill sets aside $350 million that will be available to local authorities if our region does get hit. It also provides $500 million for masks, medication, protective equipment, and other much-needed medical supplies that can be distributed directly to hospitals and local health care providers. We are committed to working with federal, state and local health officials to make sure the Commonwealth is getting the federal support it needs to prepare for coronavirus, and we encourage all Virginians to follow the guidance of public health professionals to protect against its spread,” concluded the Senators.

The legislation also includes language based on Sen. Warner’s CONNECT for Health Act of 2019, which reduces restrictions on the use of telehealth for public health emergency response, as well as $500 million to facilitate its implementation.

Earlier today, the Sens. Warner and Kaine wrote to the leadership of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce encouraging the organization's member businesses to commit that workers will not be penalized for following recommended health procedures to protect the public from further spread of the coronavirus. Sen. Warner also led a group of 14 Senators in urging major U.S. employers to make the same commitment.

In a letter sent yesterday, the Senators urged health insurers and federal and state officials to eliminate cost burdens that could disincentivize people with coronavirus symptoms from seeking testing and treatment for the contagious illness. In a separate letter, the Senators called on the Trump Administration to end efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act that could jeopardize America's coronavirus response.

These letters represent the latest in a series of efforts by the Senators to push for a robust response to the threat of coronavirus. In January, Sens. Warner and Kaine asked the Administration to redirect available public health funds to combat the virus and to inform Congress of any additional resources needed to respond to the coronavirus. Earlier this week, in a letter to Vice President Mike Pence – who has been tasked with coordinating the federal government’s coronavirus response – Sen. Warner expressed concern over how the U.S. government has mobilized to combat the outbreak of coronavirus and urged the Vice President to devote the resources, expertise, and manpower needed to prevent this virus from spreading while also improving the government’s communication with Congress and the American public. This week, Sen. Kaine joined letters calling on Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia to provide details on their Departments’ plans for preparedness and response efforts to protect the safety and health of students, teachers, school staff, and workers in light of the emerging threat of the novel coronavirus.

The House of Representatives passed this coronavirus response package Wednesday by a 415-2 vote. With Senate approval, the bill now heads to the President's desk, and President Trump has announced he intends to sign it into law.

Suicide Prevention Advocates to Gather in Lansing

Lansing, MI - March 2, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and in Michigan. On Thursday, March 5, advocates from the Michigan Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will meet with lawmakers to urge their support of HB 5482, which would require the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) to be printed on all middle and high school student identification cards and encourage middle and high schools to clearly post suicide prevention and mental health informational materials within the school building and on their website. Advocates will also urge lawmakers to further strengthen existing school suicide prevention laws by requiring related training for teachers, education for students, and adoption of school policies and procedures.

"As a survivor of suicide loss, I advocate for policy change because thousands of people in our state are affected by this health crisis each year. I advocate so that we all may become smarter about mental health. It is imperative that we fight for legislation that is both preventative and in support of those who struggle. We have this hope for change because suicide is preventable with effective policies and legislation in place. Together with our elected officials, we will save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide," said Lisa Matway, AFSP Michigan Chapter Board Member.

The AFSP Michigan Capitol Day is a special day for all who have a connection with or a personal story around the topic of suicide. Attendees will meet with their legislators to share their stories about why they participate in this advocacy effort, giving a human face to this important public health problem and helping lawmakers understand that investments in mental health and suicide prevention can save lives.

AFSP Michigan Chapter advocates are part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates who will visit state capitols across the United States in 2020 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to legislators and their staff. To learn more about AFSP's advocacy efforts, visit here: https://afsp.org/our-work/advocacy/.

On average, 132 Americans died by suicide each day in 2018, and upwards of 90% of those individuals had a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death. AFSP volunteers will urge state lawmakers to be the voice for the thousands of residents across the state affected by mental health conditions and suicide each year.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C. AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia with programs and events nationwide.

SOTU, Anti-Lynching, Hillary's Emails, Netanyahu

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 24, 2020

Congressman Bill Johnson after The State of the Union:
"I don’t know what scheme the Democrats have up their sleeves next to try and stop President Trump and the progress he is making, but make no mistake, they have one. The Russian Hoax failed. Impeachment failed. Maybe Speaker Pelosi thought she was accomplishing that next step when she ripped up the President’s speech on national television, taking disrespect to a whole new level. But, whatever it is, the next one will fail too – because, the American people are interested in results, and the President continues to deliver."

Hoyer, Nadler, Rush, and Bass Announce House Vote on Historic Antilynching Legislation
Source: Judiciary Committee
February 21, 2020
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL), and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-CA) announced thatthe House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 35, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, on Wednesday, February 26. The legislation, introduced by Congressman Rush, would designate lynching as a hate crime under federal law.
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Strzok Email – Hillary Clinton Apologized to FBI Over Emails – But Apology Was ‘Not In’ FBI 302 Documenting Her Interview
Source: Judicial Watch
February 21, 2020
The FBI is only processing the records at a rate of 500 pages per month and has refused to process text messages. At this rate, the production of these communications won’t be completed until late 2021.
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JOHNSON MEETS WITH NETANYAHU IN JERUSALEM
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA, 4th)
February 19, 2020
U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the prime minister's official residence in Jerusalem. The discussion, which also included U.S. Representative Jim Jordan (OH-04), centered upon the "Peace to Prosperity" plan proposed by the Trump administration and the extraordinary achievements that have been made possible in Israel over the past three years by the close cooperation between the two governments.
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Religious Liberty, Right to Work, C-Band, Iraq, Child Asylum Seekers, ERA

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 19, 2020

Are Teachers Ministers?
Source: God Inspires News
February 19, 2020
Erin M. Hawley, Senior Legal Fellow at Independent Women’s Law Center, issued the following statement: “The ‘ministerial exception’ protects a religious group’s right to shape its own faith and mission through hiring practices and bars federal and state courts from interfering with the hiring and retention policies and practices of religious employers. Teachers at religious schools play a critical role in transmitting the faith to the next generation and are, therefore, properly categorized as ‘ministers’ within the exception outline by the U.S. Supreme Court.”
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Christian Mail Carrier Discharged for Not Delivering Packages on Sunday Asks Federal Court for Judgment
Source: God Inspires News
February 19, 2020
On Friday, February 14, a United States Postal Service (USPS) mailman filed a Motion for Summary Judgement before a federal district judge asking the court to find that the USPS violated his rights when it failed to accommodate his religious beliefs regarding work on Sundays.
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IAM Urges Congress to Protect DOD Workers
Source: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
February 18, 2020
“President Trump’s goal to take away union representation has been coming since the day he took office,” said Martinez. “His attack on workers that include the longest federal shutdown in history and the signing of Executive Orders are an assault that will eventually carry over to the private sector. Using the coverage of ‘National Security’ insults workers who have given their lives working for the DOD.”
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INCOMPAS Joins Letter Urging FCC to Adopt Spectrum Aggregation Limits in the C-Band
Source: INCOMPAS
February 18, 2020
The undersigned associations commend the Commission on its plans to reallocate the Cband for terrestrial wireless services and assign it through a public auction. The Commission is well aware of the C-band’s importance and the role it will play in the deployment of 5G and future innovative terrestrial wireless services. Mid-band spectrum is vital for the deployment of 5G services, and the C-band represents a significant opportunity for communications providers to acquire mid-band spectrum.
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Inhofe Leads Delegation to Iraq
Source: Senator James M. Inhofe (R - OK)
February 17, 2020
On Friday, February 14, a United States Postal Service (USPS) mailman filed a Motion for Summary Judgement before a federal district judge asking the court to find that the USPS violated his rights when it failed to accommodate his religious beliefs regarding work on Sundays.
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New Ruling Allowing Child Asylum Seekers to Challenge Return to Mexico While Awaiting Court Hearings Vital to Protecting Thousands of Immigrant Youth
Source: Immigrant Legal Resources Center
February 14, 2020
In a case challenging the dangerous Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP)’s application to children, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal district courts have jurisdiction to hear claims from asylum-seeking youth arising under the Flores Settlement Agreement. This decision provides children seeking asylum at the southern border the opportunity to challenge their return under MPP to potentially life-threatening situations in Mexico before their hearing in immigration court.
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INDEPENDENT WOMEN'S VOICE LEAD COALITION LETTER TO CONGRESS OPPOSES THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
Source: Independent Women's Voice
February 12, 2020
The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment already guarantees equality of the sexes. The ERA would go much further, requiring that the government treat men and women the same—regardless of actual differences recognized under current law upon which women presently rely. The amendment will, therefore, replace equality under the law with interchangeability or sameness with men in all situations. While we are equal, we are not the same.
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