Saturday, August 26, 2017

President Trump Pardons Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Washington, D.C. - August 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- President Donald Trump has issued Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio a full Presidential Pardon. The White house stated:

"Today, President Donald J. Trump granted a Presidential pardon to Joe Arpaio, former Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. Arpaio’s life and career, which began at the age of 18 when he enlisted in the military after the outbreak of the Korean War, exemplify selfless public service. After serving in the Army, Arpaio became a police officer in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas, NV and later served as a Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), formerly the Bureau of Narcotics. After 25 years of admirable service, Arpaio went on to lead the DEA’s branch in Arizona.

In 1992, the problems facing his community pulled Arpaio out of retirement to return to law enforcement. He ran and won a campaign to become Sheriff of Maricopa County. Throughout his time as Sheriff, Arpaio continued his life’s work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration. Sheriff Joe Arpaio is now eighty-five years old, and after more than fifty years of admirable service to our Nation, he is worthy candidate for a Presidential pardon."

Just minutes before Hurricane Harvey touched the Texas coast, Donald Trump issued the pardon, then tweeted:

I am pleased to inform you that I have just granted a full Pardon to 85 year old American patriot Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He kept Arizona safe!

Last week, House Representative Trent Franks (R-AR, 8th) issued the following statement:

“Sheriff Arpaio has been a long-respected member of the law enforcement community who has dedicated his life to keeping Arizona communities safe. He has no prior convictions, no criminal record, no record of wrongs. In his twilight years, he deserves to retire peacefully and enjoy the satisfaction of a hard-earned and honorable retirement.

“Let us have an honest moment – this has been a political prosecution from the beginning. The real reason Arpaio is in legal trouble right now is because a Clinton-appointed judge decided to issue a judgment that contradicted every single witness that testified in the case.

“Pardoning Sheriff Arpaio would be celebrated by Arizonans that appreciate and respect a man who has accomplished so much for law and order in our state. It would absolutely be the right thing for President Trump to pardon Sheriff Joe.”

Now, after the pardon, Franks took to Twitter with:

The president did the right thing -- Joe Arpaio lived an honorable life serving our country, and he deserves an honorable retirement.

Senator John McCain (R - AZ) however, was not happy about the pardon. He stated:

“No one is above the law and the individuals entrusted with the privilege of being sworn law officers should always seek to be beyond reproach in their commitment to fairly enforcing the laws they swore to uphold. Mr. Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt for continuing to illegally profile Latinos living in Arizona based on their perceived immigration status in violation of a judge’s orders. The President has the authority to make this pardon, but doing so at this time undermines his claim for the respect of rule of law as Mr. Arpaio has shown no remorse for his actions.”

Senator Senator Al Franken (D - MN) tweeted,

"Presidential pardons should not be rewards for bad behavior and discrimination. Granting a pardon to Joe Arpaio is shameful and appalling."

Arpaio, however, is very grateful. He responded to the pardon with:

I am humbled and incredibly grateful to President Trump. I look fwd to putting this chapter behind me and helping to #MAGA

Senator Jack Reed (D - RI) stated:

“All Americans should be outraged by the way President Trump pardoned Mr. Arpaio.

“Mr. Arpaio abused his power as a law officer, even after the courts ordered him to stop because his actions were unconstitutional.

“This is another example of President Trump endorsing discrimination. The President may have the authority to pardon, but the American people have the ultimate power to hold him accountable.”

House Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th) issued the following statement on President Trump's decision to pardon former Sheriff Joe Arpaio who was convicted of criminal contempt of court:

"Last night, President Trump once again proved he is willing to give a rubber stamp of approval to racism and bigotry when he pardoned Joe Arpaio. Arpaio repeatedly targeted, tormented, and harassed Latinos based on their race, routinely violating the 4th Amendment. By ignoring the court's ruling and abusing his power to pardon one of his early supporters, the President has shown a complete disrespect for the rule of law and elevated a man who sought to sow fear and distrust across the country.

Rather than working to unite the nation, this action follows in the President's pattern of divisiveness and goes against the core values of our nation. I condemn his actions and will continue to stand against racism, bigotry, and hatred in all its forms."

House Representative Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th) said:

“President Trump's pardon of Sheriff Arpaio is an affront to the rule of law and a deeply disturbing use of Presidential Power to sanction discrimination. As Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arpaio flagrantly ignored clear Federal immigration enforcement guidelines and aggressively pursued policies of racial profiling. His continued violation of civil rights led to a conviction in a court of law for his unlawful immigration practices. Trump's pardon is an endorsement of the bigoted and racists actions that led to Sheriff Arpaio's conviction, and undermines the pursuit of justice that our system of government is built on.”

House Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL, 23rd):

"After drawing kudos from racists for his response to a fatal white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Donald Trump chooses now, of all times, to pardon former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. This shameful act – done under cover of a Friday night rollout – is just another ugly, brazen pander to his nativist base. With a notorious reputation for ethnic profiling, Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt related to his refusal to stop imprisoning suspected illegal immigrants after being ordered by a federal judge to stop. This pardon will only sew more discord and division within our nation, and maintain the steady stream of shame that Trump heaps upon his sacred office nearly every day."

Senator Elizabeth Warren- (D - MA):

"Speaking of making America less safe, President Trump and Sheriff Joe Arpaio are two of a kind: both believe the law doesn't apply to them and have used their office to create a platform for racism and bigotry. No one - not Trump and not Arpaio - is above the law."

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse- (D - RI):

“Sheriff Arpaio systemically discriminated against Arizona Latinos in defiance of our Constitution and ignored our courts. He does not deserve a pardon. Now is a time to bind the wounds left by‎ white nationalists’ repugnant attacks in Charlottesville. Instead, President Trump has again doubled down on the side of ignorance, bigotry, intolerance, and hate."

House Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th):

"As a member of the Arizona Congressional delegation, I applaud President Trump for pardoning Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The President brought justice to a situation where the Obama administration had attempted to destroy a political opponent.

“Sheriff Joe Arpaio made many enemies in the judicial system, the media, and the left because he enforced laws that the federal government ignored. He did right by the law – even as the political consequences continued to mount. America owes Sheriff Arpaio a debt of gratitude and not the injustice of a political witch hunt.

“I am very happy for Sheriff Joe Arpaio and hope that he will be able to live out his days in peace and comfort, knowing that his President and country are grateful for his service to this nation. I look forward to seeing how the Sheriff plans to serve this country in the next chapter of his life.”

House Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th):

“President Trump used the power of the presidency to pardon a bigot today. Sheriff Arpaio is a stain on law enforcement. He directed the targeting of individuals based on their race, and continued the illegal, discriminatory practice after a judge ordered him to stop.

“The President's decision to pardon Sheriff Arpaio in the wake of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville will embolden racist factions of our society. This callous announcement deepens divisions between Americans and hinders the healing our nation needs.”

House Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th):

“President Trump's pardoning of Joe Arpaio isn't just bad, it's dangerous. The President continues to show a callous disregard for the independence of our federal judiciary,” said Congressman Cohen. “Even worse, he did so in defense of a man who had been criminally convicted of failing to follow a court order in connection with a lawsuit involving racial profiling. This was not only a terrible decision, but if reports are accurate that he did not consult the Department of Justice, it was also done incredibly irresponsibly. Presidents have a duty to consult professionals and experts before taking action. Authoritarianism always starts with attacks on the press and the judiciary. We must guard against these kind of attacks against democracy. The rule of law is one of our basic precepts. We fought a revolution to place the law above men. By pardoning the former sheriff, the President has once again abused his authority and divided our nation. I will be reviewing the President’s action with my Judiciary Committee colleagues to determine how best to address it.”

House Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY, 14th):

“President Trump has once again chosen to appease the most anti-immigrant voices in his party. Pardoning one of the country’s most notorious anti-immigrant crusaders sends a chilling message to hardworking immigrants and their families throughout the country. And waving away the crimes of someone who is currently facing jail time for refusing to stop racially profiling immigrants sadly only confirms President Trump’s inability to stand up to those who spread hate.”

House Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD, 7th):

“The President claims that he wants to unite the country and fight against racism, yet his own words and actions show the opposite. He followed up his abhorrent statements about Charlottesville—that some white supremacists are 'very fine people'—by pardoning a racist cop for his crimes against minorities. Over and over again, President Trump has promoted what Speaker Ryan once called ‘textbook racism’ while exhibiting contempt for the rule of law. President Trump is sending a message with these words and his actions, and it is one of hate and divisiveness rather than hope and unity.”

House Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN, 5th):

“Trump's pardon of Joe Arpaio proves what the world already knows: that the President thinks criminal law-breaking is okay, as long as it only harms certain people.

“Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was one of our country’s most notorious racists who racially profiled Latinos and tortured and humiliated inmates. He was lawfully convicted for refusing to comply with a court order to stop violating people’s constitutional rights.

“Pardons are used when those convicted of crimes show a willingness to reform and become better citizens. Joe Arpaio has not done either. He has not apologized, shown remorse for his crimes or a willingness to repair the damage he’s done to his community.

“Yet, Donald Trump believes that a man who used race as a way to abuse and oppress people is an ‘American patriot’.

“This pardon comes just hours after it was reported that the Trump Administration may end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and signed a directive to ban transgender military recruits - all while a Category 4 Hurricane was making landfall in Texas and putting millions of lives at risk.

“And let’s not forget, just two weeks ago, Trump said that some white supremacists and neo-Nazis were 'fine people'.

“It's clear. President Trump is giving cover to white supremacy.”

House Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th):

“It isn’t easy to find a convicted, notorious racist, but Trump found him and pardoned him. Sheriff Arpaio chose to ignore the law and judgements by federal courts. He chose to use race and ethnicity as a pretext to deprive people of their rights. He shredded the Constitution and became a celebrity for Fox News, white supremacists and the President.

“Nobody believed the President when he said he would be the ‘Law and Order’ President and he has proven us all right. Joe Arpaio should serve a very, very long time for his crimes, but in him, Trump finds a kindred spirit. Both men are not ashamed to use overt appeals to racism to glorify themselves and both are not ashamed of abusing public office if it enhances their personal brand. This is a sad chapter even by the standards of the tragic saga of Trump.”

Friday, August 25, 2017

News about: Nazi Deportation, Charlottesville, Censure, Monuments, Prisons, Racial Profiling, Right to Work, Pardon, Praying

  • Camping World CEO has told Trump supporters that they can take their business elsewhere, he doesn't want it. Doesn't he realize that Trump supporters are people who hunt and fish the most? Click HERE to read more about it...

  • Members of the New York Congressional Delegation wrote a letter urging Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to personally seek the deportation of a Nazi prison guard living in Queens. Led by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY), and Congressman Dan Donovan (R-NY), the lawmakers asked Secretary Tillerson to use his influence to ensure that Jakiw Palij—a convicted Nazi guard—is deported, so New Yorkers and Americans are not forced to live besides “a painful reminder for Americans who fought against the Nazis or lost loved ones in the Holocaust.” Read more about it by clicking here...

  • The following Members have signed on as cosponsors of H.Res.496 censuring President Trump for his Charlottesville comments:

    Alma Adams (D-NC)
    Nannette Barragan (D-CA)
    Ami Bera (D-CA)
    Karen Bass (D-CA)
    Don Beyer (D-VA)
    Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
    Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
    Anthony Brown (D-MD)
    Julia Brownley (D-CA)
    Michael Capuano (D-MA)
    Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
    Tony Cardenas (D-CA)
    David Cicilline (D-RI)
    Katherine Clark (D-MA)
    Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
    William Lacy Clay (D-MO)
    Steve Cohen (D-TN)
    Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA)
    John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)
    Joe Courtney (D-CT)
    Joe Crowley (D-NY)
    Elijah Cummings (D-MD)
    Diana DeGette (D-CO)
    Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
    Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)
    Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
    Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
    Eliot Engel (D-NY)
    Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
    Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
    Elizabeth Esty (D-CT)
    Dwight Evans (D-PA)
    Bill Foster (D-IL)
    Lois Frankel (D-FL)
    Marcia Fudge (D-OH)
    John Garamendi (D-CA)
    Jimmy Gomez (D-CA)
    Al Green (D-TX)
    Raul Grijalva (D-AZ)
    Luis Gutierrez (D-IL)
    Denny Heck (D-WA)
    Brian Higgins (D-NY)
    Jim Himes (D-CT)
    Jared Huffman (D-CA)
    Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX)
    Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
    Hank Johnson (D-GA)
    Robin Kelly (D-IL)
    Joe Kennedy (D-MA)
    Rohit Khanna (D-CA)
    Ruben Kihuen (D-NV)
    Dan Kildee (D-MI)
    Derek Kilmer (D-WA)
    Ann Kuster (D-NH)
    James Langevin (D-RI)
    Rick Larsen (D-WA)
    John Larson (D-CT)
    Brenda Lawrence (D-MI)
    Al Lawson (D-FL)
    Barbara Lee (D-CA)
    Sander Levin (D-MI)
    Ted Lieu (D-CA)
    Dan Lipinski (D-IL)
    David Loebsack (D-IA)
    Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
    Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)
    Nita Lowey (D-NY)
    Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM)
    Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM)
    Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
    Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
    Doris Matsui (D-CA)
    Betty McCollum (D-MN)
    Donald McEachin (D-VA)
    Jim McGovern (D-MA)
    Greg Meeks (D-NY)
    Grace Meng (D-NY)
    Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
    Richard Neal (D-MA)
    Donald Norcross (D-NJ)
    Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
    Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ)
    Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ)
    Scott Peters (D-CA)
    Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
    Mark Pocan (D-WI)
    Jared Polis (D-CO)
    David Price (D-NC)
    Mike Quigley (D-IL)
    Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
    Cedric Richmond (D-LA)
    Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    Linda Sanchez (D-CA)
    Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
    Brad Schneider (D-IL)
    David A. Scott (D-GA)
    Jose Serrano (D-NY)
    Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
    Brad Sherman (D-CA)
    Albio Sires (D-NJ)
    Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
    Adam Smith (D-WA)
    Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
    Mark Takano (D-CA)
    Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
    Paul Tonko (D-NY)
    Norma Torres (D-CA)
    Nydia Velazquez (D-NY)
    Tim Walz (D-MN)
    Maxine Waters (D-CA)
    Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
    Peter Welch (D-VT)

    Is it any surprise that all of them are Democrats?

  • Rep. Grace F. Napolitano slammed the U.S. Department of Interior for lack of transparency after releasing only a summary of the report on the Trump Administration’s review of certain National Monuments, including the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, issuing the following statement:

    “This administration and Secretary Zinke have shut out the voices of the public, turning a review of some of our precious monuments into one of the least transparent and most complicated federal processes. The review was announced on April 26 of this year through an Executive Order by President Trump, yet we in the San Gabriel Valley have still not heard from the Secretary. I placed several requests to Secretary Zinke’s office, inviting him to come to California, visit our monument, and to speak with local residents, businesses, and city officials. I never received a response. I additionally sent a detailed letter describing the history and importance of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to our community. If the Secretary is not taking the time to meet with nearby locals nor sharing details of proposed changes to these monuments, then who really controls this process? How can the Secretary make a decision behind closed doors in Washington, DC without stepping foot in Southern California? It looks as though no monuments will be fully eliminated as a result of this review, but we sincerely hope Secretary Zinke publicly releases his recommendations and changes to existing monuments he sent to the White House today. The public, including 2.4 million Americans who submitted comments on the process, has every right to know. As we await details relating to the future of our national monuments, I will continue to fight to protect our limited green space in Los Angeles County and across the country."

    Typical Democrat: pretending to care about monuments while destroying them.

    However, the Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association were encouraged by the Department of the Interior’s report on National Monuments released today. The final report comes after an extensive review of Antiquities Act designations, ordered by President Trump, which included listening sessions in the field and a public comment period.

    Ethan Lane, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council, stated:

    “It is clear Presidents have repeatedly abused their authority under the Antiquities Act locking up over 250 million acres of land and water without local input or economic analysis. We are grateful to Secretary Zinke and his team for soliciting feedback from those most affected by executive land-grabs, and look forward to swift action from the White House in response to the recommendations that aligns with the original intent of the Antiquities Act.”

  • Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) filed an amendment to the fiscal year 2018 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill to prohibit the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) from carrying out the law that requires individuals in halfway houses and on home confinement to pay a subsistence fee to offset the cost of being housed or supervised. Currently, BOP charges residents at BOP halfway houses a subsistence fee of 25 percent of their gross income, but in August 2016 stopped charging any fee for home confinement. Norton has taken special interest in eliminating BOP-imposed subsistence fees because District of Columbia Code felons are the only local felons housed by BOP and are subject to the fee when in halfway houses. Norton introduced a stand-alone bill to eliminate the subsistence fees and wrote BOP Acting Director Thomas R. Kane calling on BOP to eliminate or significantly reduce subsistence fees. She states:

    “Imposing costly subsistence fees on those living at federal halfway houses puts a heavy financial burden on returning citizens who are trying to save money and prepare to make the already difficult transition back to society. Eliminating these counterproductive subsistence fees would help returning citizens meet their financial obligations and secure employment and housing.”

  • Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) also filed an amendment to the fiscal year 2018 Transportation, Housing And Urban Development Appropriations bill to prohibit states that receive federal transportation funding from engaging in unconstitutional profiling based on physical characteristics. Norton said the Supreme Court has stated that racial profiling violates both equal protection and title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and therefore her amendment states that none of the funds in the transportation title could be used in contravention of the Fifth or Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Norton’s amendment previously unanimously passed by voice vote on the House floor and was included in the fiscal year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill, which was signed into law in December 2014. She states:

    “Despite heightened awareness of racial profiling throughout the country, we continue to see disproportionate stops of African Americans and other people of color by law enforcement officials. My amendment is a straightforward attempt to reduce racial profiling by local law enforcement by holding them accountable and putting their federal funding on the line if they engage in unconstitutional profiling.”

  • A Chicago worker, assisted by National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys, has appealed the dismissal of federal unfair labor practice charges against the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and UWUA Local 18007. Gerald Howard is employed by Peoples Gas in Chicago, Illinois. UWUA Local 18007 union officials have a monopoly bargaining contract in place with Peoples Gas that includes a requirement that workers can be fired for refusing to pay dues or fees to the union.

    Under federal law, no worker can be forced to formally join a union. However, because Illinois is not a Right to Work state, workers can be forced to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. Under the National Right to Work Foundation-won Supreme Court case Communication Workers v. Beck, nonmember workers cannot be legally compelled to pay union dues used for union politics and member-only activities. Workers can also demand a breakdown of the dues and fees paid to see which fees are used for which purpose.

    In a letter sent to UWUA Local 18007 on February 18, Howard formally resigned his membership in the UWUA and objected to paying full dues, as is his right under the Beck precedent, but UWUA Local 18007 union officials failed to acknowledge his resignation. A month later on March 15, Howard sent another letter, this time to officials at the UWUA International headquarters in Washington, DC.

    In a letter dated April 3, Washington-based UWUA officials finally acknowledged Howard’s resignation and objection to paying full dues as of his February 18 letter. The UWUA official’s letter also claimed that Howard would be required to pay 90% of full union dues, but did not provide any explanation for how it arrived at that figure.

    Although the UWUA later provided Howard a breakdown attempting to justify that non-chargeable activities like union political and lobbying activities only make up ten percent of full dues, further evidence suggests the figure is not accurate. In required disclosure reports filed with the U.S. Department of Labor under threat of perjury, UWUA officials do not categorize political spending but their report shows multiple examples of political spending that contradict the figures in the breakdown provided to Howard after he filed his unfair labor practice charges.

    “UWUA union bosses are ignoring clear Supreme Court precedent, compelling payment for union political and lobbying activities and violating the rights of a worker they claim to ‘represent’ in their grab for more forced union dues,” said Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Foundation. “This type of disregard for the rights of rank-and-file workers highlights why Illinois desperately needs a Right to Work law making union affiliation and dues payments strictly voluntary.”

  • The National Urban League has condemned the pardoning of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Click HERE to read about it.

  • A Washington state high school football coach who was punished for taking a knee at the 50-yard line for a post-game prayer violated the U.S. Constitution, according to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Read about it...

  • And, Finally, according to Truthfeed,

    "A federal judge has denied Democratic Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) from casting any senate votes until his case is closed. Menendez has been indicted on corruption charges and will heading to court next month."

    Read more about it by clicking here

  • Maxine Waters:

    "I'm afraid if North Korea nukes us, that man is gonna get us into a war!"

    and

    "If you come after me...I'm coming after you!"

    And she says the President doesn't make any sense...??????????
  • Thursday, August 24, 2017

    After Charlottesville Attack, 22 Democrat Senators Press DHS on Trump Administration’s De-emphasis of Domestic Terrorism Efforts

    Newark, NJ - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In the wake of the deadly attack stemming from a far-right demonstration in Charlottesville, Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and a group of 22 other lawmakers are pressing the Department of Homeland Security on questions arising from the Trump Administration’s alleged de-emphasis on protecting Americans from domestic terrorism, especially the Administration’s alleged decision to de-emphasize combating far-right extremism.

    The Senators, led by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), questioned DHS Acting Secretary Elaine Duke about the department’s apparent shift in focus.

    “The alleged attack that killed one innocent person and injured at least nineteen others in Charlottesville, Virginia, last weekend was seemingly not just an ugly display of racist violence, it was likely also an incident of domestic terrorism,” the senators wrote. “Yet as our nation confronts the problem of growing racial, religious and even political hatred, we are concerned that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may not be adequately addressing one of the most significant threats of domestic terrorism.”
    The senators noted that the Trump Administration revoked DHS funding to Life After Hate, an organization devoted to the rehabilitation of former neo-Nazis and other extremists.

    “Several new grantees were added, but it now appears the focus on far-right extremism has been significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated,” the senators continued. They asked DHS to explain its decision, and to clarify reports that Trump transition team aide Katharine Gorka “may have played a role in the decisions about which groups would and would not receive [Countering Violent Extremism] grants.”

    The senators expressed concern that “troubling indications of this Administration’s priorities are not limited to these developments. President Trump kept silent after the August 5, 2017, bombing of the Dar Al-Farooq mosque in Bloomington, Minnesota. And the President faced two days of mounting pressure before finally denouncing far-right groups after the Charlottesville attack, while declaring the next day that ‘I think there’s blame on both sides.’ Far-right extremist groups, including neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, white supremacists, and other groups motivated by racial and ethnic hatred, present a significant risk of violence and domestic terrorism. It is critical that the Administration’s policies and priorities reflect this risk, and protect all Americans from violence and domestic terrorism.”

    Senators joining Menendez, Booker and Leahy in signing the letter are: Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis), Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

    A full copy of the letter can be found here.

    STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN URGING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE LETHAL DEFENSIVE ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE

    Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement ahead of Secretary Mattis’s trip to Kiev tomorrow, urging the Trump administration to provide lethal defensive assistance to Ukraine:

    “Secretary Mattis's visit to Kiev provides yet another opportunity for the United States to correct its policy toward Ukraine and provide the lethal defensive assistance the country needs to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Earlier this week, President Trump took a step forward when he changed course and departed from his predecessor's failed policy in Afghanistan. The President now has the same opportunity with regard to Ukraine.

    “It is long past time for the United States to provide Ukraine the defensive lethal assistance it needs to deter and defend against further Russian aggression. Raising the cost of aggression may help to change Vladimir Putin's calculus, pressure Russia to fully comply with the Minsk agreements, and, ultimately, create more stable security conditions on the ground that are essential for peace. In other words, providing defensive lethal assistance to Ukraine is not opposed to a peaceful resolution of this conflict – it is essential to achieving it. As long as the status quo remains, Russia has no reason to change its behavior, and we should only expect more violence and more death.

    “Several weeks ago, the President took the first significant step toward imposing costs on Russian aggression when he signed into law new sanctions passed by Congress. Changing U.S. policy to provide lethal defensive assistance to Ukraine would be another step in the right direction – sending a strong signal that the United States will stand by the sovereign right of its allies and partners to choose their own future.”

    Senator Markey Leads Call for Ban on Menthol Cigarettes

    Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today led a group of U.S. Senators in calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban menthol cigarettes. In 2011, the FDA conducted a scientific review that concluded “that menthol cigarettes pose a public health risk above that seen with non-menthol cigarettes.” Despite this finding and other supporting data, the FDA has yet to take action to address the risk of menthol in cigarettes. Recently, the agency indicated it would open another public comment period on menthol, an activity that will serve to further delay any action to protect public health from the dangers of menthol cigarettes. In their letter to FDA, the Senators point to one model that found that because of the availability of menthol cigarettes, nine million individuals would initiate smoking between 2010 and 2050. Another model showed that hundreds of thousands of deaths would be averted by removing menthol. The FDA’s own scientific assessment also found that menthol cigarettes frequently serve as a starter product for youth, are associated with increased nicotine dependence in young smokers, and make it more difficult to quit smoking.

    “As Senators committed to the FDA’s mission to protect public health, we believe it is time for the FDA to act on the substantial scientific data and use the authority provided by the Tobacco Control Act to remove menthol cigarettes from the marketplace,” write the Senators in the letter to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. “Continued delay on this issue will only further worsen this public health crisis, as a new generation of smokers are initiated and become addicted to menthol cigarettes.”

    A copy of the letter to the FDA can be found HERE.

    Also signing the letter are Senator Patty Murray (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

    President Signs Manchin, Ernst Bipartisan Effort to Authorize Global War on Terrorism War Memorial

    Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Last week, bipartisan legislation championed by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), known as the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act, was signed into law by the President. The legislation authorizes the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, a private foundation, to begin the process of pursuing the construction of a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The memorial will honor our men and women in uniform, the fallen servicemembers, their families, and all those who are impacted by our nation’s longest war.

    “The President’s recent announcement of increased troop levels in Afghanistan is a somber reminder that there are Americans serving in harm’s way. For the thousands of Americans who perished protecting our freedom, and the million more who were wounded or fought in the global war on terror, this memorial will forever honor their sacrifice to our great country,” Senator Manchin said. “I’m proud of the work done by my colleagues in approving the first step towards building a memorial that commemorates our sons and daughters who answered the call to fight. I thank the President for seeing to it that this memorial was quickly approved. In the coming weeks, there will be much debate on the President’s plans for Afghanistan; however, there is no debate that we have the greatest military in the world and we are indebted to their service.”

    “I am thrilled the President has signed into law this important legislation authorizing the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation to begin creating a place of remembrance for those who served, their loved ones, and all impacted by this war,” said Senator Ernst, a combat veteran. “I am thankful this years-long process can now begin so the veterans of this war may have the opportunity to visit the tribute to their selfless service.”

    This authorization is the first step in a process that will culminate with the design and construction of a Global War on Terror Memorial on the National Mall without using any federal funds.

    The bill, sponsored by Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Seth Moulton (D-MA), is a companion measure to S. 926 which Manchin and Ernst introduced in April. Additionally, this legislation has received support from The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US (VFW), Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America (IAVA), Wounded Warrior Project, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Veterans (AMVETS), American Goldstar Mothers, Student Veterans of America, The Green Beret Foundation, Team Rubicon, The Mission Continues, Team Red White and Blue, Travis Manion Foundation, Got Your Six, Warrior Expeditions, Union Veteran Council of the AFL-CIO, and Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS).

    I wonder how long it will be before the "peaceful" Islamists start tearing this one down...

    Trump's Border Visit

    Below are a few statements offered about Trump's border visit in Yuma, Arizona. Keep checking back as this page will be updated over time:

    Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released the following statement on President Trump’s visit to Yuma, Arizona to review operations of the U.S. Border Patrol:

    “The President’s visit to Yuma, Arizona will be a critical step in highlighting the needs of our border patrol operations and evaluating the challenges they face in keeping our country safe. I applaud President Trump for his leadership on this issue and for his relentless commitment to keeping a promise that was central to his campaign. Congress would do well to join the President and follow through on our own promises by including funding for a border wall in upcoming spending bills--anything less will show that we are not serious about keeping our word to the American people.”

    Mast Unveils Bill to Create First Federal Action Plan to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms in Greater Everglades Region

    Stuart, FL - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today announced the introduction of the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act. The bill will amend existing federal law aimed at combatting harmful algal blooms to require the first-ever specific federal assessment and action plan to reduce harmful algal blooms in the Greater Everglades region.

    “Considering the massive damage algal blooms have caused in our community, it’s ridiculous that a federal program specifically designed to combat algal blooms has never done an Everglades-specific analysis,” Rep. Mast said. “This bill is a critical first step to developing a comprehensive plan that forces the state and federal government to work together to keep our water clean.”

    The bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act to require an assessment and action plan for reducing harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in the Greater Everglades region. Under the direction of this existing federal law, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science have developed numerous reports over the last two decades researching harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River and nationally. However, there has never been an Everglades-specific report.

    The South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act directs the task force to complete an assessment that examines the causes, consequences and potential approaches to reduce harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in the Greater Everglades region, including how ongoing South Florida ecosystem restoration efforts are impacting the distribution of algal blooms. Based on the assessment, the task force is then directed to submit a plan to Congress for reducing, mitigating and controlling harmful algal blooms in the Greater Everglades region.

    Maloney Introduces First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act to Help Families Invest in First Home

    Middletown, NY - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Amid a national rental affordability crisis, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced his introduction of the bipartisan First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act. The bill will allow Americans to withdraw up to $25,000 from their IRA for the purchase of their first home without being penalized when they file their taxes. Experts agree that homeownership is one of the best ways for middle class Americans to save for retirement.

    “Rental costs are out of control and housing isn’t getting any cheaper,” said Rep. Maloney. “It doesn’t make any sense for the government to penalize people who want to make a smart investment in their first home, and my bill would fix that.”

    “I support this bill wholeheartedly because I have three grown children, and they’re about to look for a permanent place to live,” said Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. “I’m hoping this legislation will pass quickly in Washington – I don’t think anybody could oppose it.”

    “Being allowed to invest up to $25,000 is just investing in yourself and your future,” said Orange County Legislator Mike Paduch.“I’m very proud to support it.”

    “Homeownership is the American Dream,” said Wallkill Town Councilman Eric Johnson. “At the local level, it builds communities that we need, it builds a tax base, it builds a foundation that makes a safe place to grow up and for families to live.”

    “I am thrilled to see Rep. Maloney’s continued and consistent efforts to help residents in the Hudson Valley,” said New York State Association of Realtors Vice President for the Lower Hudson Valley Katheryn DeClerck. “I hope the word gets out to people all around the country to support this bill. Homeownership matters to everybody, it contributes to strong communities, people who purchase a home buy furniture and landscaping and invest in their communities.”

    “Homeownership is the foundation of our community,” said Executive Director of the Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation Faith Moore. “This provision will be an opportunity to add another tool to our assistance.”

    "We strongly support Congressman Maloney's First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act,” said Connie Fagan, Director of the Putnam County Housing Corporation. “Putnam County Housing Corporation's Housing Needs Assessment (January 2014) prepared by the Center for Housing Solutions, Pattern for Progress revealed, Eighty-eight percent (88%) of owners and renters in Putnam county, regardless of income level, are living in Unaffordable and Severely Cost Burdened Housing.' This bill would assist more young individuals and families in realizing the dream of owning a home in their community."

    High rents and high housing costs are making it increasingly difficult for first-time homebuyers to save money and invest in a home. Experts agree that home ownership is one of the best ways for middle-income families to achieve retirement security. Yet, first-time homebuyers make up only 32% of all buyers, which is the lowest rate since 1987. Additionally, the number of renters dedicating at least half of their income toward housing hit a record high of 11 million people in 2014, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

    In 1997, Congress passed legislation allowing first time homebuyers to withdraw up to $10,000 from their IRA without incurring a penalty. Under current law, individuals who withdraw more than $10,000 from their IRA before age 59.5 incur a 10% tax in addition to having the withdrawal subject to income taxes. Rep. Maloney’s First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act would increase the limit to $25,000 and index it to account for inflation.

    Rep. Maloney Reaffirms US Commitment to Denuclearized Korean Peninsula during official Congressional Delegation Visit to Seoul

    Washington, D.C. - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), who is currently on a Congressional Delegation trip led by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), the senior Democrat on the U.S. Foreign Relations Committee’s East Asia Subcommittee, released the following statement after meetings with U.S. military personnel and leaders of South Korea’s government and military.

    “During this Congressional trip, we have been briefed by senior U.S. military officials and leaders of South Korea’s government and military. It is clear that our alliance is stronger than ever and our shared commitment to regional security is unwavering. The U.S. and our allies remain united in condemning North Korean actions and rhetoric that threaten its neighbors and in seeking effective diplomatic approaches to ensure stability in the region.

    “It is imperative that we denuclearize the Korean peninsula as quickly as possible. In a world with so much disagreement, all of us – Republicans and Democrats and our partners in countries around the world – agree on this objective. Especially today, that is saying a lot.

    “We will continue to work closely with countries in this region and the United Nations to hold North Korea accountable for any breaches of international sanctions and use every tool at our disposal to get the regime to de-escalate tensions.”

    Along with Senator Markey, Rep. Maloney was joined by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and U.S. Representative Ann Wagner (MO-02) to Korea, Japan and China. The lawmakers are meeting with elected leaders, military and government officials, and energy and technology companies, and many others to discuss the threat from North Korea to the region, security issues, diplomatic partnerships and economic development opportunities amongst the countries. The delegation is also visiting the China-North Korea border and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).