Thursday, March 2, 2017

House News: Congressional Address, Obamacare, Welfare, Domestic Violence, Immigration, WOTUS, Anti-semitism, Small business, Jeff Sessions

REP. RATCLIFFE ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

Reed Fights for Choice in ACA Changes

Reichert Statement on President Trump's Joint Address to Congress

Renacci Introduces Bill to Help Ohioans Move from Welfare to Work

Reps. Rice & Demings to Demand ICE End Courthouse Detentions for Victims of Domestic Violence

Roby Statement on President Trump’s Address

Roe Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address

Rogers on Trump’s Address before Joint Session of Congress

Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Trump's Executive Action

ROKITA REACTS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

Rooney Statement on WOTUS Executive Order

Members Relaunch the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Anti-Semitism

Roskam Statement on President’s Joint Address

Ross Votes to Limit Outdated, Burdensome Regulations on Small Businesses and Families

Rouzer statement on POTUS speech

Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on Presidential Address

Royce Statement on Joint Session of Congress

Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Communication with Russians

Rush Calls for Civil Rights Cold Cases to Be Declassified to Bring Justice and Closure to Families


“Trump’s Speech Was… Campaign Promises on Steroids” and, Chicago Needs Solutions Not Rhetoric


Congressman Tim Ryan Calls for AG Jeff Sessions’ Immediate Resignation and Independent Commission Investigation

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Trump Poll

KSLA (Channel 12 News) put out a poll this morning about the reaction to Trump's speech last night. Of the 17,000 viewers, 15,000 had a favorable reaction. NOT BAD

More from the House: Congressional Address, Anti-semitism, Obamacare, Marijuana, Border Security, Foreign Language Education

Pallone Statement on President Trump’s Budget Outline

Rep. Pascrell Urges Action on Rise in Anti-Semitism


Paulsen Statement on the President's Joint Address to Congress


Payne, Jr. Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Speech to Congress

PEARCE VOTES TO RETURN POWER TO STATES


Pelosi Statement on Republican Vote to Keep Trump’s Tax Returns Secret


Perlmutter Statement on Possible Federal Enforcement against Recreational Marijuana


Rep. Peters Responds to Trump Address to Congress

Peterson Calls on Border Security Agency to Update Technology

Statement on President Trump's first address to Congress

PLASKETT FIGHTS REPUBLICAN EFFORT TO UNDERMINE FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Pocan Statement on the President’s Joint Address to Congress

POE ANNOUNCES BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL COALITION TO STOP GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE AND HACKING

REP. POLIQUIN’S STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S FIRST ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

PRICE INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Polis statement on Trump administration’s stance on recreational marijuana

PANETTA STATEMENT ON THE RECENT IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN SANTA CRUZ

From the House: Trump Business Interests, Pensions, Wotus, Congressional Address,

House, Senate Bill Would Require Trump to Disclose Foreign Business Interests Before Taking Trade Actions


NOEM: Trump Action, a Step toward Ditching WOTUS Rule


Nolan Invites Pension Leader to Trump’s First Address, Launches Pension Protection for Working Americans Caucus

Newhouse Response to President Trump’s First Joint Address to Congress

Olson Praises Trump Action to Dismantle WOTUS

REP. TOM O’HALLERAN: THE TIME TO ACT FOR HARDWORKING ARIZONA FAMILIES IS NOW






Thursday, February 16, 2017

Planned Parenthood, Foster Children, Law Enforcement, Copyright Office, Department of Education, Central America, Pre-Existing Conditions, OIRA, Postal Employees, regulations, Obamacare, ALS, EPA, and Medicare

Legislation was passed on Thursday (February 16) that eliminates an Obama Administration rule prohibiting the redirecting of Title X funding away from Planned Parenthood to health care centers that don’t provide abortions. The bill, H.J. Res. 43, uses the Congressional Review Act to eliminate the ‘midnight rule’ from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was finalized just two days before the end of President Obama’s second term. That regulation blocks states from diverting Title X family planning grants away from Planned Parenthood to community health centers, county health departments, or other providers. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and steadfast pro-choice advocate, claimed it would restrict a woman’s access to abortion.

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Congresswoman Lawrence introduced H.R. 1069, “The Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act”, with five original cosponsors. This bill would require mental health screenings for all children entering foster care. The legislation calls for an initial mental health assessment to take place within 30 days of a child entering foster care with a comprehensive follow-up assessment if deemed necessary.

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On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Jacksonville City Council voted to amend the city’s human rights ordinances to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination.

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After The Hill reported that the White House Transition Team has proposed a budget blueprint, which would eliminate the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Representative Sean Patrick Maloney joined local civic and law enforcement officials to call on President Donald Trump to keep his campaign promise to support our law enforcement community and refrain from eliminating the federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. In addition, Rep. Maloney wrote a letter to the President asking him to protect the program. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) COPS program provides investments to allow state and local police departments to hire police officers, test new strategies, and acquire cutting-edge technology.

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The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 387, The Email Privacy Act. This bill requires the federal government to acquire warrants before accessing an individual’s digital content.

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Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) reintroduced (H.R. 890) the Copyright Office for the Digital Economy Act or the CODE Act. The CODE Act makes several improvements to the copyright office that reflect a consensus across various industries and public interest groups.

These improvements include:

  • Housing the Copyright Office in the Legislative Branch
  • Requiring ongoing technology studies to ensure the office remains current with technology to be more user friendly which includes improving upon the searchable database
  • Establishing an advisory board representing a variety of interests and views tasked with providing the office with candid feedback on the current field of copyright to ensure neutrality and objectivity
  • Technical provisions to ensure a more seamless transition away from the Library of Congress


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    Representative Thomas Massie introduced H.R. 899, a bill to abolish the federal Department of Education. The bill, which is one sentence long, states, “The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2018.”

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    Reps. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and John R. Moolenaar (R-MI), Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), and Albio Sires (D-NJ), introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to reaffirm the United States Congress’s commitment to fighting corruption in Central America.

    The resolution states that efforts to fight corruption must remain at the center of U.S. policy in Central America, that the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) are important contributions to these efforts, and that the governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador should cooperate with MACCIH and CICIG and the Attorneys General of the region.

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    The Bill, Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017, was introduced in the House today.

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    Representative Paul Mitchell (MI-10) introduced the OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act (H.R. 1009) to strengthen congressional insight and accountability over the regulatory process by putting the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) into statute.

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    Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) introduced H.R. 942, the Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendments Act to expand U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals rights to mid-level U.S. Postal Service Management. Under current law, approximately 7,500 USPS employees do not have this protection.

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    U.S. Representative Martha McSally introduced legislation to mandate federal agencies report to Congress about regulations that did not comply with the Congressional Review Act (CRA). According to the text of the CRA, regulations that did not comply with mandated reporting requirements may be subject to overrule by Congress with majorities in both chambers.

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    Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Mark Sanford’s (R-SC) created an Obamacare replacement plan—endorsed by the House Freedom Caucus.

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    Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Peter King (R-NY) re-introduced The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, bipartisan legislation they spearheaded to ensure that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients are provided vital support and benefits in a more timely manner. The legislation would waive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) five-month waiting period for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

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    Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) introduced H.J.Res. 59, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution that blocks the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs under the Clean Air Act Rule (RMP rule).

    The Congressional Review Act, passed in 1996, allows Congress to vote to overturn any regulation during a period of 60 days after the regulation was created. Regulations created at the end of the Obama Administration are subject to be overturned, so long as it is within the 60-day “in-session” period of Congress.

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    Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) statute and clarify its application to the Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) program.

    The Secondary Payer Advancement, Rationalization, and Clarification (SPARC) Act, replaces ambiguous and uncertain Part D MSP requirements with a simplified, commonsense approach that provides beneficiaries with improved access to the care. The legislation also allows Part D Prescription Drug Plans to recover prescription drug cost deficits more quickly from primary payers.

    Thursday, February 9, 2017

    Legal Council for Illegals ...and more.

    Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th) is introducing her first bill, the Access to Counsel Act, to make certain that those held or detained while attempting to enter the United States are guaranteed access to legal counsel.

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    Congressman Pete King (R-NY, 2nd) is warning constituents to be on the lookout for debt relief service scams targeting consumers with credit card debt by falsely promising to negotiate with their creditors to settle or otherwise reduce consumers' repayment obligations.

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    U.S. Representatives Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN, 2nd) this week reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) access treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill, H.R. 927, makes MST survivors eligible for benefits to cover expenses when they need to travel long distances to receive treatment.

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    Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) took to the House floor to address the recent announcement made by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai revoking Lifeline Broadband Provider status to nine companies that provide broadband access to low-income households.

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    Rep. Raul R. Labrador (R-ID, 1st), has introduced a constitutional amendment imposing term limits in the House and Senate.

    Labrador’s H.J. Res. 50 was introduced in the House and has 12 original cosponsors. The resolution would amend the Constitution to limit service to six two-year House terms and two six-year Senate terms.

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    The House passed H.J. Res. 40, Providing for Congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act.

    In December of 2016, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a rule that finalizes the criteria for sending the names of certain beneficiaries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). An individual’s name can be sent to the NICS if they receive disability insurance based on having a mental condition, are between the age 18 and the age of full retirement, and if the SSA determines that the individual needs a representative payee to manage their benefits. Once an individual’s name is added to the NICS list, there is no adequate due process for these individuals to have their name removed. This Joint Resolution will repeal this rule, and prevent a serious breach of Second Amendment and due process rights.

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    Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd) introduced the Buy American Improvement Act of 2017 to create American jobs, promote the domestic manufacturing industry, increase transparency and accountability in government procurement, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the U.S. whenever practicable.

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    Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure no veteran seeking in-patient psychiatric care at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is ever denied such care again. Last year, Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, a veteran from Davenport, Iowa, was turned away from a VA facility after seeking psychiatric help. After being denied care, he tragically took his own life. Sgt. Ketchum’s tragic death reinforces the need for a change at the VA to ensure any veteran who is suffering from a mental health issue gets the treatment they need and deserve. Simply put, under the Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act, if a veteran asks for mental health care from the VA, they will get it.

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    H.R. 861, a bill to close down the Environmental Protection Agency, has been introduced, and if implemented, would go into effect on December 31, 2018.

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    By signing the Executive Order directing financial regulators to review the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, the President has taken a bold step toward achieving the priority of faster economic growth and job creation, and expanded economic opportunity for hard-working Utahns. Moreover, by directing the Department of Labor to review and delay a rule that would make it harder and more expensive for average Americans to receive advice about their retirement savings, the Administration is helping to ensure that all of us can better plan for a secure financial future.

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    Jeff Sessions has been confirmed as Attorney General.

    Friday, February 3, 2017

    Immigration ban, Stream Buffer Zones, Medicare, Supreme Court, Obamacare

    Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees has introduced H.R. 735, the Universal Security of American Values Act of 2017 (USA Values Act), which will "invalidate the discriminatory Executive Order issued by the President banning visitors and refugees from certain countries from entering the United States simply because they exercise their right to religious liberty by adherence to the Muslim faith."

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    The House voted 228-194 to pass H.J. Res 38, a joint resolution of congressional disapproval to stop the stream buffer zone rule. The resolution now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If Congress votes to overturn the rule, it cannot be introduced again unless first authorized by Congress.

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    Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) introduced legislation (H.R. 741) to prevent Medicare’s enforcement of unreasonable and inflexible direct supervision rules for outpatient therapy services at Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other small, rural hospitals. An annual extension bill has been passed into law since 2014.

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    I applaud President Trump’s nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch has an excellent constitutional background, and was confirmed without any opposition to a seat on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2006. Few judges in the United States are as qualified as Judge Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court and occupy the seat once held by Justice Scalia. I hope the Senate quickly approves this nomination. Bill Johnson (R-OH, 6th)

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    Reps. Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) released the following statement calling on Republican leaders to bring H.R. 3762, which repealed the Affordable Care Act through budget reconciliation in 2016, to the floor for a vote:

    “Health care will be better and more affordable once Obamacare is repealed. We committed to the American people to repeal every tax, every mandate, the regulations, and to defund Planned Parenthood. That’s what the American people expect us to do – and they expect us to do it quickly. Therefore we strongly encourage Republican leadership on Capitol Hill to take up the Affordable Care Act repeal bill that already passed the House, the Senate, and went to President Obama’s desk in early 2016. There’s no reason we should put anything less on President Trump’s desk than we put on President Obama’s now that we know it will be signed into law. We strongly encourage that this bill be brought to the floor for consideration as soon as possible so we can begin undoing this law that is hurting American families.”

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    Thursday, February 2, 2017

    Travel Ban, Obamacare, Federal Hiring Freeze, Immigration, Fishery, Free Speech, 2nd Amendment, Rules

    Will Hurd (R-TX, 23rd) said, concerning Trump's travel ban, that a target has been placed on our military men's and women's backs by increasing tensions in an already volatile region. These men and women are fighting alongside citizens of those countries in order to keep Islamic Extremists on the run and off our shores.

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    U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MS, 3rd) introduced H.R. 633, the Patient Fairness and Relief Act of 2017, which allows individuals to maintain the health insurance policies they had before passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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    Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, on Tuesday sent a letter to President Trump urging prompt clarification of his memorandum implementing a federal hiring freeze as it pertains to Department of Defense (DOD) civilian personnel and support for complete staffing of DOD contracting personnel.

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    Upon returning to the nation’s capital, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) added his support to three bills that prevent President Trump’s harmful executive order from being administered by the United States government.

    If passed, the Statue of Liberty Values Act (SOLVe Act) would prevent the executive order from having any force of law and prohibit any federal funds or fees from being used to carry it out. The Freedom of Religion Act states that the United States could not bar foreigners from coming to the United States on the basis of their religious beliefs. The No Religious Registration Act would stop the government from creating or using a database of religious affiliation for the purpose of surveillance or of classifying U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and visa seekers.

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    “President Trump made clear that keeping America safe is a top priority for his Administration, and it is refreshing to see that he is willing to take swift and decisive action to achieve that goal. And, while the rollout of his executive action could have gone more smoothly, I believe most Americans, and particularly the East Texans I represent, would agree that it’s just common sense to take a closer look at people trying to enter the U.S. from nations with broad terrorist networks." Jeb Hensarling (R-TX, 5th)

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    The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler’s bipartisan bill to permanently extend a decades old fishery management agreement that has been vital to Washington state’s Dungeness crab fishery. The bill passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 388-0.

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    Congressmen Jody Hice (GA-10) and Steve Scalise (LA-01) introduced H.R. 781, the Free Speech Fairness Act, which would amend the U.S. tax code to restore free speech for 501(c)(3) organizations including churches, nonprofits, and educational institutions, so long as they are (1) made in the ordinary course of the organization’s regular and customary activities in carrying out its tax-exempt purpose, and (2) any expenditure related to this are de minimis. A companion bill, S.264, was introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in the Senate.

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    The House passed H.J.Res. 40, a resolution to disapprove of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rule to share information with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) on individuals who receive Disability Insurance benefits. Following passage of the resolution, Congressman French Hill (R-AR, 2nd) released the following statement:

    “Having a disability and seeking help through the federal government should not be a factor in considering whether or not someone is mentally capable of owning or purchasing a firearm. This rule from SSA serves no real purpose other than to limit the Second Amendment rights of the American people, and I am confident the administration and Congress will be able to reverse this ill-conceived rule. I will always fight to uphold Arkansans right to bear arms.”

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    U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), author of bipartisan legislation that passed the House with a veto-proof majority and aimed to strengthen vetting of Syrian and Iraqi refugees, released the following statement on President Trump's exceutive order on refugees:

    "At a time of grave security threats, President Trump is right to pause the flow of refugees from countries where terrorism is rampant until we can properly vet them and implement additional screening for individuals traveling to and from these countries. The facts are President Obama's own intel official told us ISIS is trying to infiltrate the refugee program and his Homeland Security Secretary and FBI Director told us we can't properly vet all of these refugees. I do have concerns that the executive order has caused confusion for those with green cards and will work with my colleagues and the administration to clarify it."

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    Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) sent a letter to President Trump today urging him to rescind the “one in, two out” executive order on federal rules issued earlier this week and an earlier memorandum instituting a regulatory freeze. These two actions have the combined effect of preventing the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) from opening or closing commercial and recreational fishing seasons in federal waters; making in-season adjustments to conservation and management measures; or implementing new or revised fishery management plans without first seeking a waiver from the Trump administration.

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    Capital Markets Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House passed House Joint Resolution 41, Rep Huizenga's legislation to reform a burdensome provision of Dodd-Frank and require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to rethink their approach to rulemaking:

    "Last night's vote helps reset the regulatory process," said Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga. "For too long, regulators have saddled U.S. companies with burdensome regulations putting them at a competitive disadvantage on the global stage. By sending the SEC back to the drawing board, Congress is demonstrating that it is serious about strengthening the economy, boosting private sector job creation, and helping American workers."

    During the debate on H.J. Res. 41, Congressman Huizenga explained the core mission of the SEC and refuted false claims made about his legislation. To watch Rep Huizenga's speech, click play on the video below.

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    Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump in support of the request by Secretary of Defense James Mattis to exempt Iraqis who served alongside our military. The letter expands on the need for a special review process for those who directly supported American personnel overseas.

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    Friday, January 27, 2017

    Immigrants, Pipeline, 911, Voter Fraud, Wall, Fishing, Palestine, Import Taxes, March for Life

    Kari’s Law of 2017, first introduced by Louie Gohmert (R-TX, 1st) in 2015, and now reintroduced, will ensure that anyone who dials 9-1-1 can reach emergency personnel even if the phone typically requires that user to dial a prefix such as “9” or “7” to get an outside line.

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    Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the following statement in support of the 44th annual March for Life held in Washington, D.C.:

    “It is truly awe inspiring every year to see so many Americans make their way to Washington, D.C. to march in support of the most innocent Americans who have no voice – the unborn.

    “I’ve been fighting for the rights of the unborn for years, but we have a unique opportunity now to enact laws to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.

    “I look forward to working with President Trump to end the federal government’s support for groups that promote abortion practices, and to further protect the unborn.

    “The work already done by the House of Representatives and the White House is a message to those who march in Washington that the U.S. government has not forgotten about your respect for life, and the need to protect millions of unborn children.”

    Background: Earlier this week, the House passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 7), and President Trump signed an Executive Order banning international nonprofit groups from receiving federal money to provide abortion services.

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    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced that beginning on February 1, 2017, the ½ mile backwater no-wake restriction for Lake Havasu that was designated in May 2015 will be lifted.

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    The Obama Administration, in its final hours, defied a Congressional hold placed on $221 million for the Palestinian territories and released the money to Palestine without approval.

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    Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order advancing the Keystone XL Pipeline:

    “I applaud President Trump for advancing the Keystone XL Pipeline, which Republicans in Congress pushed the Obama administration to approve for years. Construction of the pipeline will support more than 40,000 jobs and add billions of dollars to our economy. It was subject to five safety and environmental reviews by the State Department, and is even supported by labor unions. This action will make a real difference to all of the Americans who will have the opportunity to work and support their families as a result of this pipeline.”

    According to the State Department, construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline will support approximately 42,100 jobs and roughly $2 billion in earnings throughout the country.

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    President Trump called for a “major investigation” into allegations of widespread voter fraud during the 2016 election.

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    President Trump announced that the United States would pay for a border wall through a tax on all imports from Mexico.

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    Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th) announced that he has reintroduced legislation to establish a Joint Ad Hoc Congressional Committee on Trade Responsibilities, which would be tasked with developing a plan to move to the legislative branch the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This would be in accordance with Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution, which establishes that Congress shall have power “To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises…” and “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations…”

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    Trump is expected to sign an executive order in the coming days ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program which has protected more than 750,000 young illegal immigrants.