Source: House Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th)
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Gerry Connolly issued the following statement on DACA and the contributions of DREAMers to Virginia in response to troubling reports that President Trump may end the DACA program:
“Since its creation in 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has given nearly 800,000 DREAMers the opportunity to work and attend school. In Virginia, we have more than 12,000 DREAMers and they have contributed more than $711.4 million to our annual GDP. These young, hardworking DREAMers are contributing to our communities, creating jobs, serving our military, teaching our children, and caring for our family members. Ending DACA is a moral outrage and we must protect this program. That is why I am offering an amendment to protect these DREAMers from deportation by prohibiting DHS from using information submitted through the DACA program to initiate removal proceedings.”
The Unpopular Truth
Friday, September 1, 2017
Ban on Venezuelan Oil Imports
Source: House Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO, 6th):
Aurora, CO - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- At the Colorado State Capitol, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) announced that he will introduce the ‘Protecting Against Tyranny and Responsible Imports Act (PATRIA) of 2017’ which would impose a ban on the importation of petroleum and refined petroleum products from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In light of the recent actions taken by the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to solidify his authoritarian regime, Coffman plans to introduce the ‘PATRIA Act’ on September 5th.
Earlier this year, the Venezuelan Supreme Court, who is led by Maduro loyalists, stripped the country’s National Assembly, their democratically elected legislative body, of its authority. Recently, Maduro ordered the formation of a ‘Constituent Assembly’ which has the authority to rewrite the country’s constitution, dismiss officials, and eliminate existing institutions. This will allow Maduro to consolidate his dictatorship, perpetuate the humanitarian crisis, and imprison democratically-elected officials in Venezuela.
Coffman’s legislation would require that President Maduro reinstate the freely and fairly elected National Assembly of 2015 before the oil ban is lifted. Restoring the National Assembly would provide Venezuela with a democratically-elected legislative body that their people have been protesting and dying for in recent months.
“Although I am pleased that President Trump authorized additional sanctions against Venezuela, I believe that we must take stronger action to get Maduro to reinstate the National Assembly”.
If enacted, the ‘PATRIA ACT’ will have an estimated $10 billion impact in lost income to the Venezuelan government and will deny the authoritarian Maduro government the ability to use these funds to pay the regime’s security forces who have been oppressing the growing opposition and prolonging an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“Venezuela, once the richest country of Latin America, is now a poor country without a respect for the rule of law or human rights,” said Coffman. “No doubt, this could make economic conditions even tougher for the Venezuelan people but it will also deliver a devastating blow to Maduro’s ability to stay in power without restoring the democratically-elected National Assembly,” Coffman continued.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have recently floated the possibility of U.S. military intervention to stop Venezuela from sliding into an authoritarian Cuban-style dictatorship while not discussing a ban on imported oil that supports the Maduro government.
“The price of the blood that could be shed by our own military has a greater value to me than any increase in the price at the pump caused by a ban on the sale of Venezuelan oil in the United States,” said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran.
On June 17, 2017, Congressman Coffman authored a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that called on the State Department to impose more severe sanctions on “individuals and corporations within Venezuela that actively contribute to the ongoing crisis in that country...” Coffman continued, “I believe that, without a robust and wide ranging sanctions regime, the Maduro government will never consider democratic reforms…or stop its heinous pattern of human rights abuse.”
A preliminary CBO score reflects this legislation would result in a revenue loss of about $8 million dollars per year to the United States.
Aurora, CO - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- At the Colorado State Capitol, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) announced that he will introduce the ‘Protecting Against Tyranny and Responsible Imports Act (PATRIA) of 2017’ which would impose a ban on the importation of petroleum and refined petroleum products from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In light of the recent actions taken by the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to solidify his authoritarian regime, Coffman plans to introduce the ‘PATRIA Act’ on September 5th.
Earlier this year, the Venezuelan Supreme Court, who is led by Maduro loyalists, stripped the country’s National Assembly, their democratically elected legislative body, of its authority. Recently, Maduro ordered the formation of a ‘Constituent Assembly’ which has the authority to rewrite the country’s constitution, dismiss officials, and eliminate existing institutions. This will allow Maduro to consolidate his dictatorship, perpetuate the humanitarian crisis, and imprison democratically-elected officials in Venezuela.
Coffman’s legislation would require that President Maduro reinstate the freely and fairly elected National Assembly of 2015 before the oil ban is lifted. Restoring the National Assembly would provide Venezuela with a democratically-elected legislative body that their people have been protesting and dying for in recent months.
“Although I am pleased that President Trump authorized additional sanctions against Venezuela, I believe that we must take stronger action to get Maduro to reinstate the National Assembly”.
If enacted, the ‘PATRIA ACT’ will have an estimated $10 billion impact in lost income to the Venezuelan government and will deny the authoritarian Maduro government the ability to use these funds to pay the regime’s security forces who have been oppressing the growing opposition and prolonging an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“Venezuela, once the richest country of Latin America, is now a poor country without a respect for the rule of law or human rights,” said Coffman. “No doubt, this could make economic conditions even tougher for the Venezuelan people but it will also deliver a devastating blow to Maduro’s ability to stay in power without restoring the democratically-elected National Assembly,” Coffman continued.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have recently floated the possibility of U.S. military intervention to stop Venezuela from sliding into an authoritarian Cuban-style dictatorship while not discussing a ban on imported oil that supports the Maduro government.
“The price of the blood that could be shed by our own military has a greater value to me than any increase in the price at the pump caused by a ban on the sale of Venezuelan oil in the United States,” said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran.
On June 17, 2017, Congressman Coffman authored a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that called on the State Department to impose more severe sanctions on “individuals and corporations within Venezuela that actively contribute to the ongoing crisis in that country...” Coffman continued, “I believe that, without a robust and wide ranging sanctions regime, the Maduro government will never consider democratic reforms…or stop its heinous pattern of human rights abuse.”
A preliminary CBO score reflects this legislation would result in a revenue loss of about $8 million dollars per year to the United States.
Congressman Cleaver’s Statement Regarding DACA
Source: House Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement in regards to President Trump’s plans to effectively end the DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, program.
“Because I am an ordained United Methodist clergy, I cannot resist saying that Ezekiel 18 is clear, each individual is responsible for his/her own sins. Listen to the text:
Who are we to punish young Americans for their parents’ decision? Come on, opponents of that which is right, get with it or get out of the way!”
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement in regards to President Trump’s plans to effectively end the DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, program.
“Because I am an ordained United Methodist clergy, I cannot resist saying that Ezekiel 18 is clear, each individual is responsible for his/her own sins. Listen to the text:
Ezekiel 18:19
“The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.”
Who are we to punish young Americans for their parents’ decision? Come on, opponents of that which is right, get with it or get out of the way!”
Castro Statement on Texas Voter ID Ruling
Source: House Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th)
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), first vice chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, issued the following statement after a federal court granted a preliminary injunction halting Senate Bill 4 from taking effect:
“This preliminary injunction is a relief, but not a surprise – SB 4 is discriminatory and unconstitutional. No one living in or visiting Texas should fear that they will be asked to prove their citizenship just because of their skin color or accent.
“SB 4 would make our communities less safe and drive away businesses. Even local law enforcement chiefs from across the state oppose the law and say it will make it harder for them to protect Texans. Yet, Republican state leaders will continue to challenge today’s ruling. I’m confident that ultimately, this unjust measure will be deemed unlawful.”
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), first vice chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, issued the following statement after a federal court granted a preliminary injunction halting Senate Bill 4 from taking effect:
“This preliminary injunction is a relief, but not a surprise – SB 4 is discriminatory and unconstitutional. No one living in or visiting Texas should fear that they will be asked to prove their citizenship just because of their skin color or accent.
“SB 4 would make our communities less safe and drive away businesses. Even local law enforcement chiefs from across the state oppose the law and say it will make it harder for them to protect Texans. Yet, Republican state leaders will continue to challenge today’s ruling. I’m confident that ultimately, this unjust measure will be deemed unlawful.”
Carter Statement on President Trump's Tax Reform Speech
Source: House Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA, 1st)
Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (GA-01) released the following statement in response to President Trump's speech on tax reform:
"I have always said that I believe our antiquated and burdensome tax code is the greatest threat to economic opportunity in this country. I believe Americans need and deserve tax relief so strongly that I made sure my first act as a Member of Congress was to cosponsor the Fair Tax in an attempt to deliver relief and build a stronger economy. Today, President Trump reaffirmed he shares these concerns and is ready for action on pro-American tax reform. We stand united in this effort and together we will deliver a tax code that will empower all Americans to achieve the American dream."
Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (GA-01) released the following statement in response to President Trump's speech on tax reform:
"I have always said that I believe our antiquated and burdensome tax code is the greatest threat to economic opportunity in this country. I believe Americans need and deserve tax relief so strongly that I made sure my first act as a Member of Congress was to cosponsor the Fair Tax in an attempt to deliver relief and build a stronger economy. Today, President Trump reaffirmed he shares these concerns and is ready for action on pro-American tax reform. We stand united in this effort and together we will deliver a tax code that will empower all Americans to achieve the American dream."
President Trump To Pledge $1 Million Of His $3.5 Billion Fortune For Hurricane Harvey Relief
Source: The New York Post
I move that we make President Trump an Honorary Texan!
The White House says President Donald Trump is pledging $1 million in personal funds to Harvey storm relief efforts.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders made the announcement at a briefing Thursday.
And she says he’s calling on reporters to help decide which specific organization he will give to.
I move that we make President Trump an Honorary Texan!
The White House says President Donald Trump is pledging $1 million in personal funds to Harvey storm relief efforts.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders made the announcement at a briefing Thursday.
And she says he’s calling on reporters to help decide which specific organization he will give to.
Read more...
Budd Statement On President Trump’s Tax Reform Plan
Source: House Representative Ted Budd (R-NC, 13th)
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ted Budd (NC-13) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s speech discussing his tax reform plan:
“President Trump’s speech today laid out an optimistic vision of what our country can accomplish when we put more money back in the pockets of American families. Over the past few years, North Carolina has seen first hand what is possible when you lower rates and simplify the tax code. I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver on the promise of cutting taxes for the American people”.
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ted Budd (NC-13) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s speech discussing his tax reform plan:
“President Trump’s speech today laid out an optimistic vision of what our country can accomplish when we put more money back in the pockets of American families. Over the past few years, North Carolina has seen first hand what is possible when you lower rates and simplify the tax code. I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver on the promise of cutting taxes for the American people”.
Buchanan Offers Amendments to Stop Horse Slaughter, Protect Endangered Species and Fight Red Tide
Source: House Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL, 16th)
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan today announced that he will be offering amendments to prohibit horse slaughter, combat red tide and protect endangered species as part of a government funding bill to be considered by Congress next week.
Buchanan submitted the three amendments to the House Rules Committee, which will decide Tuesday whether to allow the measures to be brought to the House floor for a vote.
“Banning the slaughter of horses, curbing harmful red tide and funding the Endangered Species Act are important issues to the people in my district and the rest of Florida,” Buchanan said. “It's time for Congress to end partisan gridlock and pass common-sense policies.”
Specifically, Buchanan offered the following amendments to H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018:
Buchanan Horse Slaughter Amendment – Prevents the reopening of horse slaughter facilities in the United States by prohibiting federal funding for health and safety inspections which is required by law at all meat processing plants. Buchanan is also the sponsor of the SAFE Act to permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the U.S. as well as the export of live horses to Mexican and Canadian Slaughterhouses.
Buchanan Red Tide Amendment – Increases funding for NOAA’s National Ocean Service by $8 million to detect, respond to and develop new and innovative technologies to mitigate the impacts of red tide. Red tide, caused by Karenia brevis algae, is a toxic bacteria that has lingered along Suncoast shores on and off for several months now, killing thousands of fish and discouraging potential visitors from taking in some of the country’s best beaches.
Buchanan Endangered Species Amendment – Restores $3,393,000 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for new species listings under the Endangered Species Act. The FWS is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving and protecting fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats. Two of Florida's most iconic animals, the panther (endangered) and the manatee (threatened), have been listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1976.
Buchanan, the co-chair of Florida's congressional delegation, has long placed a priority on combating red tide and cracking down on animal cruelty. He has successfully fought for red tide research and was recently honored as the U.S. Humane Society's Legislator of the Year for his leadership on animal welfare issues.
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan today announced that he will be offering amendments to prohibit horse slaughter, combat red tide and protect endangered species as part of a government funding bill to be considered by Congress next week.
Buchanan submitted the three amendments to the House Rules Committee, which will decide Tuesday whether to allow the measures to be brought to the House floor for a vote.
“Banning the slaughter of horses, curbing harmful red tide and funding the Endangered Species Act are important issues to the people in my district and the rest of Florida,” Buchanan said. “It's time for Congress to end partisan gridlock and pass common-sense policies.”
Specifically, Buchanan offered the following amendments to H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018:
Buchanan, the co-chair of Florida's congressional delegation, has long placed a priority on combating red tide and cracking down on animal cruelty. He has successfully fought for red tide research and was recently honored as the U.S. Humane Society's Legislator of the Year for his leadership on animal welfare issues.
Rep. Black Statement on Tax Reform
Source: House Representative Diane Black (R-TN, 6th)
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Diane Black (R-TN-06), Chairman of the House Budget Committee and member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement in support of President Trump’s remarks on tax reform:
“I applaud President Trump’s commitment to tackling tax reform and bringing relief to Tennessee families suffering under the heavy hand of government. In order for our free-market economy to thrive, we must get the government out of the way and create a tax code that works for all Americans, and our budget does just that,” said Congressman Diane Black. “Passing our budget resolution is the first step to finally delivering on our promise to provide a tax code built for growth—growth of paychecks, American business, and our economy. We have an ambitious game plan, and we're ready to work with the Trump Administration to score a victory for the American people.”
Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Diane Black (R-TN-06), Chairman of the House Budget Committee and member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement in support of President Trump’s remarks on tax reform:
“I applaud President Trump’s commitment to tackling tax reform and bringing relief to Tennessee families suffering under the heavy hand of government. In order for our free-market economy to thrive, we must get the government out of the way and create a tax code that works for all Americans, and our budget does just that,” said Congressman Diane Black. “Passing our budget resolution is the first step to finally delivering on our promise to provide a tax code built for growth—growth of paychecks, American business, and our economy. We have an ambitious game plan, and we're ready to work with the Trump Administration to score a victory for the American people.”
Texas Proud in Face of Disaster (Commentary by Shonda Ponder)
The mayor of Houston is going to have a lot to answer for. Two days before hurricane Harvey hit the coast of Texas governor Greg Abbott already knew the hurricane was coming. In order to get ready for it, he requested that Trump declare a National Emergency for Texas. Coast Guard was routed to the scene, as Trump signed the Declaration the day before Harvey hit. National Guard was also dispatched. I believe that my Governor and my President both did an exemplary job in the preparation for Hurricane Harvey.
The governor warned all of Texas that the hurricane was on its way and to prepare for it by following the directions of their local authorities. The mayor of Houston, however, decided that there wasn't anything really to worry about. After all no one knows what the weather is really going to be like, right? He told the people of Houston not to panic and to stay in their homes. Therefore, the City of Houston was fully unprepared for what happened.
I hope that the people of Houston have learned their lesson, and when election year comes around again they vote this mayor out. I am wholly surprised if that's the least they do to him.
Two oil refineries in Houston were shut down, and one of them blew up, causing a gas Panic throughout Texas. On Thursday, a lot of gas stations in Dallas have run out of gas, and gas stations in the Northern parts of Texas were bracing for the worst as lines of cars decided to stock up on their gas while there was still time.
The nation of Israel also donated money towards the Harvey clean up.
Finally, the people of Houston and throughout Texas have shown heroic strength of character. Some of them in the midst of losing everything themselves, were seen out on the waters in boats helping with the rescue mission. Everyone was helping one another. It was a sight to behold, and I am proud of the example that the people of the State of Texas set for the nation.
In the meantime, the mainstream media and the Democrats are relentless in their attacks of Trump throughout all of this. You would think that they could find something better to do, or to focus on, in the midst of all the turmoil. Instead of helping they are standing on the sidelines booing everyone who's trying to do something productive. One can only hope that when election year comes around again the people speak with their votes about how unappreciated and inappropriate this is.
On the heels of hurricane Harvey, hurricane Irma makes its way towards the coast. With one disaster after another I doubt Houstonians or any of the coastal Texas cities can be any more prepared than they are now. Let's keep them all in prayer.
In the northeastern part of Texas where I live, we rarely ever see the devastating effects of hurricanes that hit the coast. However, we feel the pain of our fellow Texans as we hustle about seeking what we can donate to help the cause. The problems that the southern part of Texas is facing is a problem for the whole state and we are acting accordingly.
In Texas there is only one skin color: Texan. You either are, or you ain't. And, if you ain't, we don't want your divisive philosophy here.
Our hearts go out to all who are affected. This is what makes me proud to be a Texan. We're a big state with big hearts!
Sam Houston is known to have said, when Texas became part of the United States, “Texas doesn't need the United States. But, the United States needs Texas.” With the spirit that has been alive during the past week, I venture to say that Texas has shown the United States what unity and pride is all about.
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