Tahirih Files Lawsuit Challenging the Use of CBP to Conduct Credible Fear Interviews

by Tahirih Justice Center

Washington, D.C. - April 2, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The Tahirih Justice Center filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the use of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents to screen asylum seekers for their ‘credible fear’ of persecution. This policy change violates federal immigration law and was enacted by officials who did not have the authority to do so. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of women and children currently detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley. Tahirih has also sought information on this clandestine policy through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to compel the government to release records on this troubling practice.

“Credible fear interviews are supposed to be the non-adversarial, first step in the extensive asylum process, in which asylum seekers who have experienced severe violence recount intimate details of their persecution. For decades, these interviews have been conducted by asylum officers, specially trained to work with individuals who have experienced trauma,” said Julie Carpenter, Tahirih Senior Litigation Counsel. “Using Border Patrol—federal law enforcement officers whose mission is to capture and detain immigrants—to conduct these immediate interviews intentionally puts the fate of survivors of gender-based violence, and other asylum seekers, in the hands of agents who lack the necessary expertise in asylum law.”

Scott, Coons, Walker, Cleaver Call For April To Be National Month Of Prayer

Charleston, SC - April 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- With COVID-19 modeling showing April will be a potentially devastating month across the nation, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05) and Mark Walker (R-NC-06) are calling for our country to come together in non-denominational, private, and voluntary prayer at Noon every day.

“In April, we ask our nation to come together in prayer at Noon each day to help lift up those suffering from COVID-19, protect our health care professionals and first responders, and bring clarity and strength to the Coronavirus Task Force and state public health officials leading our response.

Be it after the shootings at Mother Emanuel church or the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001, in times of tragedy, our country often turns to faith and prayer to unite us in common resolve. With the projected death toll from coronavirus currently estimating at least 100,000 people, we can all do our part – from social distancing and washing our hands to keeping those on the frontlines of this battle in our prayers each day.”

Trump Jr Catches WHO Fumble

Bytes to Ponder - April 1, 2020

* After fighting for New Yorker's in the midst of this war on COVID-19, Chris Cuomo, New York's Governor, has tested positive for the virus.

* According to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, an employee from the State Department has died from COVID-19.

* Reports are coming out from all over that the Chinese mis-represented their numbers concerning the CORONAVIRUS COVID-19, and that a LOT more people were infected than they let on, and a lot more people died.

* As Taiwan battles the virus, China sent faulty equipment to help them.

* U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd) sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to include provisions in the House COVID-19 stimulus package to disentangle the United States’ medical supply chain from China.

“Difficult times like these require unity and responsible governance—but they also offer policymakers important lessons,” said Rep. Banks. “97% of antibiotics, and a large portion of pharmaceutical products used domestically are manufactured in China. Even if we discount the risk of hostile action from China, COVID-19 has destabilized global supply chains which could prevent Americans from accessing needed health care. We need immediate action to counteract the economic and health threats of COVID-19, but this stimulus package should also include long-term solutions to an underlying threat to the health of every American—our reliance on China for crucial medical products.”

* Trump says he will not allow Obamacare open enrollment to re-open for special operations. He is looking for alternative solutions.

*Bernie Sanders is calling for the government to give food away.

* A Louisiana Church was fined with misdemeanors, and the Pastor was arrested for holding church services in spite of social distancing measures. On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, they decided to do it again. A few protestors showed up, holding up signs that read, "God don't like Stupid!"

* Gun Sales are climbing upwards to 85% more sales in March than the same time last year. Considering the fact that low-level offenders with past violent crimes on their records are being released without bail in Texas, in spite of Governor Abbott's EO against it without paying bail, it is reasonable for local citizens to want one.

Thompson, 32 Members Ask CA Insurance Commissioner to Ensure Businesses Can Use Business Interruption Insurance

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======by Senator John Boozman (R-AR)

St. Helena, CA - April 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. U.S. Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA, 5th) joined 32 bipartisan Members of the California delegation in writing to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara asking him to use his authority to ensure insurance companies comply with their business interruption policies. After hearing that some businesses that had purchased this insurance were getting denied, Thompson and the other signers wrote the below letter to help the businesses get these claims filled so they can remain solvent throughout closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The letter was signed by Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-42), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Jim Costa (CA-16), Doris Matsui (CA-06), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Jackie, Speier (CA-14), Tom McClintock (CA-04), Judy Chu (CA-27), Ami Bera (CA-07), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Tony Cardenas (CA-29), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Nanette Diaz Barragan (CA-44), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Gilbert R. Cisneros, JR. (CA-39), TJ Cox (CA-21), Josh Harder (CA-10), Mike Levin (CA-49), Katie Porter (CA-45) and a copy is attached.

March 31, 2020

Commissioner Ricardo Lara
Insurance Commissioner
300 Capitol Mall, 17th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Commissioner Lara:

We urge you to exercise all authority to ensure the insurance companies comply with their business interruption policies. During this crisis, we must do everything possible to mitigate the devastating impact on small businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As you know, many businesses have in good faith purchased and paid for business interruption insurance to cover the loss of business income sustained due to a necessary suspension of the business operations. However some insurers are choosing to deny these business interruption claims and not uphold their responsibility to help cover these insured losses. Without immediate action to address the denial of business interruption insurance claims, many businesses like our local restaurants, hotels, bars, small tourist shops and countless other businesses that are staples of our local communities will simply never resume service. California in particular has been battered year after year by earthquakes and fires and small businesses have not fully recovered from those previous disasters.

The coronavirus poses significant challenges to many small businesses and we are urging you to exercise all authority to have insurance companies comply with their business interruption insurance to cover losses caused by a California statewide business shutdown ordered to prevent the spread of coronavirus. During this crisis, we must do what it takes to work together to help our small businesses survive and recover. We appreciate your strong support to help California small business owners remain solvent during the coronavirus pandemic and keep employees on payroll until things stabilize.

Thank you for your leadership attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to working with you until this crisis is resolved.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he chairs the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition.

Guns are Essential and MORE...

Information on Individual Payments in the CARES Act
Source: U.S. Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th)
March 30, 2020
The recently passed CARES Act includes provisions to provide direct financial assistance to millions of Americans across the country. These payments, or rebates, will come from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and for those who filed a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019, processing will be based on the payment and address information already on file. The payment for each adult is $1,200, or $2,400 for joint filers, and $500 for each qualifying under the age of 17.
Read more...

Smith Works Successfully with Families and State Department to Bring Home 17 Trapped in Peru
Source: U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ, 4th)
March 30, 2020
After more than a week of letters, phone calls and personal intervention to bring home Americans stuck in Peru, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) announced today that almost all those he championed are back on U.S. soil. The last of the 17 Americans seeking Smith’s assistance is in transit and expected back in the U.S. Monday.
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Spanberger Presses FDA to Cut Red Tape for Central Virginia Distilleries Producing Hand Sanitizer
Source: U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA, 7th)
March 30, 2020
In a letter sent to FDA Administrator Stephen Hahn, Spanberger and 86 of her colleagues requested that the agency update its guidance to recognize the use of undenatured alcohol in sanitizers. Undenatured alcohol—which distillers in Central Virginia and across the country have readily available—is compliant with the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) hand sanitizer formula and has the same effectiveness as denatured alcohol.
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STEFANIK COSPONSORS BILL ENSURING BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Source: U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY, 21st)
March 30, 2020
“During this time of crisis, while many are working and completing schoolwork from home, it is essential that they have reliable access to broadband,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This legislation supports our small operators to offer free or discounted service or broadband upgrades to households who are in urgent need of distance learning and other capabilities. In addition, many constituents in the North Country rely on telehealth services, especially during this health crisis. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to bring more connectivity to those who need it most during this unprecedented time, and I will continue to advocate for their needs in Congress.”
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Sasse Pushes Liability Shield for Coronavirus Doctors
Source: Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
March 30, 2020
“In ERs and ICUs across America, doctors and nurses are writing the playbook as they fight this virus one day at a time,” said Senator Sasse. “These heroes need a common-sense liability shield so that they don’t have to worry about lawsuits while they’re scrambling to save lives. This legislation gives emergency liability and patent protections to health care professionals who are innovating on the frontlines. America is going to beat this virus. Congress needs to make sure that phase four legislation protects our doctors and nurses from a plague of lawsuits.”
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Jennifer Garner & Amy Adams’ #SAVEWITHSTORIES Helping America’s Kids Learn, Get Nutritious Meals During Coronavirus School Closures
Source: Save the Children
March 30, 2020
With nearly 95 percent of America’s schools closed due to coronavirus concerns, actors Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams’s newly launched #SAVEWITHSTORIES initiative is gaining momentum and helping the country’s most vulnerable kids continue to learn and get the nutrition they need while they’re home from school. The actors are sharing their favorite books and stories on Instagram and Facebook – and asking their friends to do the same – to drive donations to Save the Children and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign’s coronavirus response efforts.
Read more...

As Farm Prices Slump Due to Coronavirus, U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce USDA Crop Insurance Flexibilities to Support Producers
Source: Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
March 30, 2020
“Minnesotans across the state are facing economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic and that includes our farmers,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “As the backbone of our state’s economy, farmers need our support during periods of uncertainty. This added flexibility from USDA will help ensure that the impacts from coronavirus will not jeopardize the crop insurance services farmers rely upon. I encourage farmers with questions to contact their local crop insurance agent.”
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Sanders Launches Inquiry into Postal Worker Protections Against Coronavirus
Source: Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
March 31, 2020
“It is not an exaggeration to say that our men and women in the Postal Service, who were already performing one of the most important jobs in America, are now literally putting their own lives on the line to deliver the food, medicine, and essential supplies that hundreds of millions of Americans depend on every single day during this pandemic,” said Sanders. “The Postal Service leadership must do everything in its power to protect these heroes by immediately distributing protective gear, implementing strong workplace safety policies, and making sick leave easily available,” Sanders said. “I will look forward to hearing from the Postal Service’s leadership on what progress they have made on this absolutely urgent matter.”
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott: America Needs to Take Action to End Coronavirus and Get Back to Our Normal Lives
Source: Senator Rick Scott (R-FL)
March 31, 2020
Now that Congress has acted to help the workers and small businesses that are suffering, we need to turn our focus to getting our country back to work. I laid out a 30-day plan to stem the spread of coronavirus and start to get American families back to their normal lives
Read more...

Scott Statement On Pelosi Fighting For Millionaires During Pandemic
Source: Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)
March 31, 2020
“After wasting four days trying to pass the Green New Deal as part of the last coronavirus relief package, now Speaker Pelosi wants to hand out billions of dollars to millionaires,” Scott said. “This is offensive to the American people, counterproductive to helping those most in need, and would never pass the Senate. Pandemic relief is supposed to help the American people, Speaker Pelosi, not serve as a grab bag for your liberal wish list.”
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Following Outreach from Shaheen & Hassan, Major Insurance Companies Announce Policy to Waive Cost-Sharing for COVID-19 Expenses, Including Testing and Treatment
Source: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
March 31, 2020
Under the bipartisan COVID-19 response packages, free testing is available if recommended by a doctor. However, due to a lack of available testing, it may not be possible for everyone who has contracted COVID-19 to get tested, which is why it is essential that insurance companies cover the costs for treatment and diagnostic services for both presumptive and confirmed COVID-19 cases.
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Stabenow Statement on President Trump’s Decision on Fuel Efficiency Standards
Source: Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
March 31, 2020
“The Administration has failed to bring people together and put forth a rule that is good for our auto industry, workers, consumers, and the environment. Instead, they are taking us backwards. This rule creates more uncertainty for our auto industry and makes it more difficult for us to compete in the global market. We need a strong, achievable, national standard that maintains an urgent focus on combatting the climate crisis and tackling fuel efficiency. This rule takes us in the wrong direction.”
Read more...

GROUPS SEEK SHOW CAUSE ORDER IN CAL GUN CASE
Source: Second Amendment Foundation
March 31, 2020
A coalition of gun rights groups including the Second Amendment Foundation is asking for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and an order to “show cause” in a motion for their federal case against California authorities who have ordered a shutdown of retail gun shops in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read more...

With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute Funds
Source: Small Business Association
March 31, 2020
“This unprecedented public-private partnership is going to assist small businesses with accessing capital quickly. Our goal is to position lenders as the single point-of-contact for small businesses – the application, loan processing, and disbursement of funds will all be administered at the community level,” said Administrator Carranza. “Speed is the operative word; applications for the emergency capital can begin as early as this week, with lenders using their own systems and processes to make these loans. We remain committed to supporting our nation’s more than 30 million small businesses and their employees, so that they can continue to be the fuel for our nation’s economic engine.”
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Somebody Cares Network Respond to COVID19 Crisis
Source: Somebody Cares America/International
March 31, 2020
In response to a plea from the White House for donations of supplies to hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers, Somebody Cares America/International has distributed over 40 thousand N95 masks, normally used by SCA for wildfires and relief efforts involving mold from flooding. Recipients include medical relief ministries in Texas and California; various medical practitioners and healthcare systems in Texas; a testing clinic in the Houston area; a military base quarantine site; law enforcement; and our Somebody Cares Baltimore chapter, which is working alongside the local police department and the National Guard to help with the crisis in their community.
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Amid COVID19, Non-Profit Works to Rescue Children from Public School
Source: Public School Exit
March 31, 2020
University professor Dr. Duke Pesta, who runs the online K-12 FreedomProject Academy, has years of experience delivering world-class education. "With the technology today, there are no more excuses for parents to send their children to public schools," said Pesta, a leading critic of Common Core.
Read more...

Colorado Man Arrested Over Social Media Post Containing Gun Pointed at Jewish Men Praying
Source: Stopantisemitism.org
March 31, 2020
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Kauffman posted a threatening image on a social media website on March 13, 2019. The image was a digitally-created image of Kauffman’s arm and hand aiming an AR-15 rifle at a congregation of praying Jewish men, gathered in what appears to be a synagogue.
Read more...

Congressman Donates May Salary to Charity

Source: Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)

Cincinnati, OH - March 30, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that he will donate his salary through the end of May to five regional organizations across the state of Ohio helping those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic: the Cleveland Foundation COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, the Columbus Foundation Emergency Response Fund, the United Way and Greater Cincinnati Foundation local nonprofit fund, the Southeast Ohio Food Bank, and the Greater Toledo Community Foundation Covid-19 Response. Portman released the following statement:

“Many Ohioans are hurting right now due to the coronavirus pandemic, struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet. Many individuals are seeing their paychecks disappear and small business owners throughout the state are making sacrifices as they struggle to keep their doors open. Our non-profits are also under tremendous pressure. I am donating to the following five organizations who are helping in every region of Ohio: the Cleveland Foundation COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, the Columbus Foundation Emergency Response Fund, the United Way and Greater Cincinnati Foundation COVID-19 local nonprofit fund, the Southeast Ohio Food Bank, and the Greater Toledo Community Foundation Covid-19 Response. These organizations are representative of so many great nonprofits and volunteers that are responding to the urgent needs of individuals, families, and small businesses across Ohio during this coronavirus crisis.”

Rob Portman is a United States Senator from the state of Ohio, a position he has held since he was first elected in 2010, running a campaign that focused on common-sense conservative ideas to help create jobs and get the deficit under control. Rob won with a margin of 57 to 39 percent, winning 82 of Ohio’s 88 counties. In 2016, he was re-elected, winning by an even larger margin of 58 to 37 percent and winning 84 out of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Meadows Resigns House Seat to become Trump's Chief of Staff

Washington, D.C. - March 30, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Mark Meadows has resigned his House Seat to become President Donald Trump's Chief of Staff.

Recently, he was notified that he may have come into contact with the COVID-19 virus, so he got tested. As a precaution, he self-quarantined himself, but continued fervently working from home as he continues to transition to Chief of Staff. He has since learned that he has tested negative for the virus.

In December, Meadows announced his transition by stating,

“For everything there is a season. After prayerful consideration and discussion with family, today I’m announcing that my time serving Western North Carolina in Congress will come to a close at the end of this term.

This was a decision I struggled with greatly. These last 8 years, I have been so blessed to serve the people of NC-11 and help give a voice to millions of Americans who feel Washington, DC has forgotten them. Since serving alongside President Trump, I have been a witness to historic economic prosperity, unemployment levels I only dreamed of when I took office, tax and regulatory reforms that are putting the American worker first, our Israeli embassy moved to Jerusalem, and trade deals that were once thought impossible. I have seen our law enforcement and first responders receive the support they deserve and our military once again put on a path to maintain its superiority. Through it all, I am so thankful to have been able to serve and give back to the great country I call home.

My work with President Trump and his administration is only beginning. This President has accomplished incredible results for the country in just 3 years, and I’m fully committed to staying in the fight with him and his team to build on those successes and deliver on his promises for the years to come. I’ve always said Congress is a temporary job, but the fight to return Washington, DC to its rightful owner, We The People, has only just begun.

To the people of Western North Carolina: it’s been my honor to be your Congressman. Thank you for your trust, faith, and support. God bless you.”

U.S. House Member Contracts COVID-19

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Washington, D.C. - March 30, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Today, U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY, 7th) tweeted that she has contracted the dreaded Coronavirus, COVID-19 by posting a statement on her feed:

On Twitter she stated:

I have been diagnosed with presumed coronavirus infection. My symptoms are mild. I am isolating myself at my home and following the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician.

Read it on Twitter
Check out more of her press releases

Indiana Attorney General Warns Hoosiers to Beware Fake Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tests

Source: U.S. Representative Brett S. Guthrie (R-KY, 2nd)

Indianapolis, IN - March 30, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Attorney General Curtis Hill is warning Hoosiers of scammers taking advantage of the scarcity of COVID-19 tests by falsely claiming to be able to provide testing.

“Consumers are at risk not only of losing money from these scams,” Attorney General Hill said, “but of getting dangerously false information about their infection status. We’re working to protect Indiana residents and ensure better outcomes.”

There are currently no tests that can be self-administered at home to find out whether someone has COVID-19.

The only tests currently available in Indiana require a doctor's order and specimen collection done by a medical professional. At this time, there is no FDA-approved blood test to determine whether someone has COVID-19.

Because conditions are constantly changing regarding the availability of testing and decisions about who qualifies, Hoosiers should keep up with the latest information by consulting credible sources.

The Indiana State Department of Health's COVID-19 Call Center can be reached 24/7 at 877-826-0011, and the agency regularly updates the coronavirus.in.gov website.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains online information about testing, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also provides in-depth information related to these topics.

As always, if you encounter suspected scams, you may report them online to the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. If you need additional information regarding the Office’s Consumer Protection Division, please call 1-800-382-5516.

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Best part of #coronavirus homeschooling? Being able to open the school day with prayer 🙏🏻🙏🏻 -- Mary Franson (Minnesota House of Representatives)
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