Thursday, January 11, 2018

Federal judges rule North Carolina congressional map unconstitutional

A panel of federal judges threw out North Carolina's congressional map on Tuesday, ruling the Republican-drawn map an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander and ordering the General Assembly to redraw the districts before the U.S. House elections.

Read more about this from The Washington Examiner



Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)

“This ruling is a victory for democracy. The Republican-controlled General Assembly has deprived North Carolina voters of constitutional districts for nearly a decade in order to maintain their control in state and federal government. I urge the General Assembly to swiftly comply with the Court’s order and I will continue to closely monitor this case for additional updates.”

President Trump Signs Young, Donnelly Bill to Improve Mental Health Services for Law Enforcement

By Senator Todd Young (R - IN)



Washington, D.C. - January 11, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- President Trump signed into law U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Joe Donnelly’s (D-Ind.) Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act. Donnelly and Young introduced the bill in the Senate in early April and it passed unanimously in May. U.S. Representatives Susan Brooks (IN-05) and Val Demings (FL-10) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives in late April, and it passed the House in November and cleared the Senate on December 21.

Senator Young said, “Our law enforcement officers put their lives at risk every day in order to keep us safe, and they can face significant stress and trauma. The President signing our bipartisan bill into law means that these brave men and women will have greater access to mental health services when they need them.”

Senator Donnelly said, “Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve and protect our communities, and it’s important we ensure they have access to mental health services. I’m proud President Trump has signed our bipartisan legislation into law because it will provide tools for law enforcement agencies to help support the mental health and wellness of these brave men and women.”

Representative Brooks said, “I’m grateful that the President signed into law an important bill I led in the House to support law enforcement. Our hardworking men and women in law enforcement deserve better access to mental health services that will allow them to safely cope with the stress and trauma they experience on the job. We place so much emphasis and attention on our police officers’ physical fitness, but we need to do more to ensure they are mentally healthy as well. This law makes grants available to initiate peer mentoring pilot programs, develops training for mental health providers specific to law enforcement mental health needs, and supports law enforcement officers by studying the effectiveness of crisis hotlines and annual mental health checks. It directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to share best practices used by the military to help soldiers with PTSD and other mental health challenges with local law enforcement agencies to better address mental health challenges faced by officers. Ensuring the safety of the law enforcement community in Indiana and across the country is critically important. I am proud to have led this bipartisan effort to support our nation’s police officers with my colleagues in the House, specifically Representatives Demings, Collins, Pascrell and Reichert as well as fellow Hoosiers in the Senate, Senators Donnelly and Young.”

Bryan Roach, Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, said, “The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is excited that legislation to assist and support Law Enforcement Wellness and Mental Health has passed the necessary review and rigor to be incorporated into law. The value of our officers’ mental health and wellness to the individual officer, the Department and the citizens they serve is meaningful. We strive to provide the best opportunities to succeed in our noble profession, and appreciate efforts of everyone involved with the creation and advocacy of this bill.”

Marion County Sheriff John Layton said, “With each passing year, law enforcement agencies across the country are strengthening their embrace and understanding of the role that mental health care plays in the communities that they serve. Critical Intervention Training - special training that helps law enforcement officers recognize and respond to individuals with mental health needs - is now a common component of training for new officers. Still, placing the needs of their communities above their own, a gap has occurred in mental health and wellness services for these heroic men and women who face dangerous, and even deadly, situations on a daily basis. The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act goes a long way to close that gap. It is imperative that we provide robust mental health and wellness care to our law enforcement officers, so they can continue to serve each of their communities at their best. I am so pleased with the passage of this bill, and I’m grateful to Senator Joe Donnelly and Senator Todd Young, and all of Indiana’s representatives in Congress for their support.”

Rick Snyder, Indianapolis FOP President, said, “This is a significant step forward for our law enforcement profession in addressing the mental trauma officers suffer due to acute and repeated exposure to violence, threats of violence and traumatic events. This legislation will allow our communities to better understand these challenges so proper support may be made available to those on the front lines in our cities and towns across America. This legislation is also a great example of bipartisan work within Congress. We value and appreciate the leadership of Senator Donnelley, Senator Young, Congresswoman Brooks and Congresswoman Demings. We are collectively grateful to President Trump for signing this legislation into law and once again demonstrating his support for law enforcement nationwide.

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the FOP, said, “Our officers wear protective clothing and other equipment to keep themselves safe from physical harm, but they also face challenges to their mental health and well-being. It is time we take care of those who watch over and protect us. The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act is now law and will help better support the men and women behind the badge. The FOP has been a leader on mental health for law enforcement officers, and we have been proud to work with Senators Donnelly and Young on this effort. The passion Senators Donnelly and Young show for the mental health and wellness of our law enforcement officers should be the standard for every member of Congress.”

Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations, said, “State and local law enforcement officers are our nation’s first responders. They respond to our country’s greatest tragedies as well as violent and abhorrent crimes that unfortunately occur with some frequency in our communities. They have seen and experienced horrors that they cannot forget, yet they still put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our communities. The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act recognizes the stress and strain of the job and gives officers the support and resources they need to address their emotional and mental wellbeing. The enactment of this vital legislation is a victory for officers across the nation and we offer our sincere appreciation to Senators Donnelly and Young for their leadership on this issue and their commitment to ensuring officers have access to the best mental health services available.

William Owensby, President of the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, said, “Senator Donnelly’s support of Indiana law enforcement reached new heights as legislation authored by him was signed into law. The Senator was approached by the Fraternal Order of Police about helping to provide assistance to law enforcement who suffer from the effects of the stresses of their jobs and he immediately rose to the occasion. With strong bipartisan support from Indiana, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act was made a reality. Many thanks for the unwavering support Senator Donnelly!"

The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act authorizes grants to initiate peer mentoring pilot programs, directs the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to develop resources for mental health providers based on the specific mental health challenges faced by law enforcement, and supports law enforcement officers by studying the effectiveness of crisis hotlines and annual mental health checks.

It also directs the Departments of Defense (DoD), Justice, and Veterans Affairs (VA) to confer about existing DoD and VA mental health practices and services that could be adopted by law enforcement agencies.

The legislation had the support of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Officers (NAPO), the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association.

Recognizing the stress and trauma that law enforcement officers experience and in an effort to support officers, IMPD created initiatives through the Office of Professional Development and Officer Wellness and started a peer mentoring program. These efforts by IMPD helped inspire Donnelly’s and Young’s bill.



See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Thune Bills to Combat Human Trafficking Signed Into Law

By: Senator John Thune (R - SD)



Washington, D.C. - January 11, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the president signed his bipartisan legislation to combat human trafficking, the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act (S. 1532), and the Combatting Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act (S. 1536), of which he was a cosponsor.

“Now that the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act and the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act have been signed into law, they will aid in the ongoing battle against human trafficking,” said Thune.

S. 1532 and S. 1536 would (respectively):

  • Disqualify individuals from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for their lifetime if they used a CMV to commit a felony involving human trafficking.
  • Designate a human trafficking prevention coordinator at the U.S. Department of Transportation and would increase outreach, education, and reporting efforts at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.


    See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
  • JANUARY IS NATIONAL SLAVERY & HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH

    By Senator John McCain - (R - AZ)



    Washington, D.C. - January 11, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement in recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month:

    “In recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we must reaffirm our commitment to eliminating all forms of modern day slavery and human trafficking. These are horrific crimes that undermine the most basic human rights, and target the most vulnerable and at-risk individuals in our society.

    “I commend the Senate’s work to combat modern day slavery and human trafficking, including through the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, which I am proud to cosponsor. I’m also proud of my wife Cindy’s longstanding effort to help victims of human trafficking and drive change both in Arizona and around the world.

    “We have a long way to go to end this tragedy and restore the freedom of those exploited through these crimes. Let this month serve as a reminder that it is our duty to not only raise awareness, but to stop the victimization of all men, women and children.”


    See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

    Wednesday, January 10, 2018

    News to Ponder 20180111

    These are the headlines today at The Ponder News
    http://thepondernews.com

    SULLIVAN APPLAUDS ORDER TO EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS AND CARE FOR VETERANS
    Senator Dan Sullivan  -  (R - Ak)
    January 10, 2018
    “As an officer in the Marine Corps Reserve, I’ve personally witnessed the struggles – at times tragic – that some of our servicemen and women undergo as they search for care,” said Senator Sullivan. “It’s our obligation to pursue all of the causes and all of the factors that contribute to the scourge of veteran suicide, and bring it to an end. I am encouraged by President Trump’s announcement and decision to focus efforts on a particularly vulnerable group of servicemembers as they transition from military service to civilian life.”  
    Read More...

    Shaheen Statement on Federal Judge’s Ruling to Block Administration’s Actions on DACA
    Senator Jeanne Shaheen  (D - NH)
    January 10, 2018
    “I’m relieved by the judge’s ruling to temporarily protect DACA recipients,” said Senator Shaheen. “However, this ruling should not diminish the urgency of reaching a long-term bipartisan solution to protect Dreamers who are terrified that their lives could soon be upended. It’s been very disappointing to see an agreement held hostage in order to extract concessions for the President’s expensive, and likely ineffective, border wall. It’s imperative that President Trump and Congressional Republicans engage in good faith discussions to allow Dreamers to live without fear of deportation.”
    Read More...

    DACA RULING AGAINST TRUMP SHOWS JUDGES ARE BIGGEST OPPONENT TO IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWNS
    Newsweek
    January 10, 2018
    A year into his first term, nearly every one of President Donald Trump's major actions on immigration policy has been battled in court, and a judge's ruling this week against his Deferred Action and Childhood Protection (DACA) withdrawal is just the latest legal blow to his promises for extreme reform.
    Read More...

    In Response to Senators’ Questions, CDC Reveals Politically Charged List of “Words To Avoid”
    The Ponder News
    January 10, 2018
    In response to a letter led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and co-signed by U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) that called for answers regarding reports of banned words used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the upcoming budget process, CDC acknowledged that it provides guidance on words to avoid using and suggests alternative terms. For instance, in an excerpt from an official document, CDC recommends the use of the colloquial term “Obamacare” over “ACA” or “The Affordable Care Act,” the official name for the law. Schatz and the co-authors of the letter slammed the use of such guidance, which favors more politically charged language. 
    Read More...

    Sanders Slams Trump's Border Wall Demand, Says We Must Protect Dreamers and Working Families
    Senator Bernard Sanders (I - VT)
    January 10, 2018
    U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) questioned Sunday why President Donald Trump wants to shut down the government over an $18 billion border wall that the American people do not want and called on Congress to immediately fix the crisis the president precipitated when he ended protections for Dreamers in September.
    Read More...

    Rubio Presses State Department on Response to Attacks on U.S. Diplomats in Cuba
    Senator Marco Rubio - (R - FL)
    January 10, 2018
    U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations’ Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues,  chaired a hearing entitled “Attacks on U.S. Diplomats in Cuba: Response and Oversight.” The goal of the hearing was to establish the facts surrounding the attacks on U.S. diplomats in Cuba, and conduct oversight over the State Department’s handling of the attacks.
    Read More...

    ​President Trump Pledges to Work with Chairman Roberts for an On-Time Farm Bill
    Senator Pat Roberts- (R - KS)
    January 10, 2018
    After multiple meetings with President Donald J. Trump on issues of importance to rural America, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today joined the President onstage at the American Farm Bureau’s 99th annual convention in Nashville, Tenn.
    Read More...

    Bipartisan, Bicameral Small Business Committee Leaders Introduce Legislation Protecting Integrity of 7(a) Loan Program
    Senator James E. Risch - (R - ID)
    January 10, 2018
    Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID), House Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) and respective Ranking Members Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) joined together to introduce the Small Business 7(a) Lending Oversight and Reform Act of 2018. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will increase the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) oversight authority over the 7(a) loan program. 
    Read More...

    Senators Urge SEC, DOJ to Investigate Intel CEO’s Stock Sales Despite Chip Vulnerabilities Knowledge
    Senator Jack Reed - (D - RI)
    January 10, 2018
    U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and John Kennedy (R-LA) have asked the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate the sale of millions of stock and options by Intel Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich while the company was handling concerns about security vulnerabilities in its chips, but before the information was made public.  According to the Wall Street Journal: “The trade took place on Nov. 29, nearly six months after Intel was informed about the vulnerabilities, which could enable hackers to access user data in chips made by Intel and others. Mr. Krzanich sold shares and exercised stock options worth a total of $39 million, netting him nearly $25 million, according to regulatory filings made at the time.”
    Read More...

    ​Updated: Reactions to Trump Administration’s Plan to Open Coasts to Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
    The Ponder News
    January 10, 2018
    Lots of people reacted to Trump's decision to expand offshore drilling:
    Read More...

    Nelson vows to fight Trump administration's offshore oil drilling plan
    Senator Bill Nelson- (D - FL)
    January 10, 2018
    “This plan is an assault on Florida’s economy, our national security, the will of the public and the environment. This proposal defies all common sense and I will do everything I can to defeat it.”
    Read More...

    KAINE JOINS BILL TO PROTECT TPS RECIPIENTS, INCLUDING SALVADORANS TARGETED BY TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THIS WEEK
    Senator Tim Kaine - (D - VA)
    January 10, 2018
    In the wake of the Trump Administration’s decision yesterday, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine co-sponsored the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and in Emergency (SECURE) Act to protect people who were displaced by dangerous conditions in their home country and came to live in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Kaine spoke out this week against the Trump Administration’s decision to end TPS for Salvadoran immigrants displaced by natural disasters, including thousands in Virginia. The SECURE Act would allow qualified TPS recipients to apply for legal permanent residency.
    Read More...

    Trump Signs EO to Expand Broadband to Rural Communities
    The Ponder News
    January 10, 2018
    After speaking at the Farmer's Convention on Monday, the President signed an executive order to expand broadband to rural communities. This executive order directs federal agencies to remove obstacles to broadband deployment and reduce barriers to investment in broadband infrastructure. Specifically, the executive order directs agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of the application process to build out broadband infrastructure on federal property and ultimately streamline and expedite the review of these requests.
    Read More...

    Reactions on Bi-partisan Immigration Meeting
    The Ponder News
    January 10, 2018
    Trump held a meeting with members of Congress concerning the wall, and DACA, among other issues about immigration. Below are some of the reactions from Congress:
    Read More...

    Afghanistan Watchdog Releases Grassley-requested Audit of Defense Department Spending
    Senator Chuck Grassley - (R - IA)
    January 10, 2018
    U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, received the results of an audit he requested in 2016, along with then-Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), from the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). The audit is the result of conscientious oversight efforts conducted by Grassley over several years of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), specifically Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO).
    Read More...

    ​Focus on Farmers
    The Ponder News
    January 10, 2018
    President Trump gave a speech on Monday at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Nashville. The main-stream media wanted to focus on just one thing he said, (I'm sure you have all seen it on the news, about flags and the national anthem). They refused to focus on all the other stuff he said, even though the speech was nearly 40 minutes in length. What he said about the flag and the National Anthem only occurred ONCE, in a 5 second comment. That is why I refuse to give credence to the news on television. Here at The Ponder, I think it is right that we show you what you miss by watching the news on TV, and not getting your information from the sources on the internet. 
    Read More...

    In Response to Senators’ Questions, CDC Reveals Politically Charged List of “Words To Avoid”

    By Senator Brian Schatz (D - HI)



    Washington, D.C. - January 10, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- In response to a letter led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and co-signed by U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) that called for answers regarding reports of banned words used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the upcoming budget process, CDC acknowledged that it provides guidance on words to avoid using and suggests alternative terms. For instance, in an excerpt from an official document, CDC recommends the use of the colloquial term “Obamacare” over “ACA” or “The Affordable Care Act,” the official name for the law. Schatz and the co-authors of the letter slammed the use of such guidance, which favors more politically charged language.

    “This is Orwellian anti-science partisanship that has no place in a government agency,” said Senator Schatz. “HHS and the CDC have an obligation to carry out the law and protect public health. They should not be engaging in partisan politics that undermine scientific progress and public faith in our government.”

    “The Trump administration is turning our federal agencies into a flat earth society, encouraging staff to avoid vital words like diversity and vulnerable,” said Senator Markey. “These so-called alternative terms are as harmful as alternative facts, and we owe it to our health and science professionals to provide them with the best in policy guidance, not political rhetoric.”

    “The CDC’s attempt to hide the Trump Administration’s politicization of science behind grammatical correctness is offensive,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Let us be clear: there is no reasonable explanation, linguistic or otherwise, for avoiding terms like “diversity” or “vulnerable.” To call these words overused would be laughable if the implications of avoiding their use weren’t so stunning.”

    In a response to the senators’ letter, CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald provided a style guide which directed staff to “avoid” certain words including “vulnerable,” “diversity,” and “entitlement.”

    To view the CDC’s response to the senators’ letter, click here.


    See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

    Trump Signs EO to Expand Broadband to Rural Communities



    Washington, D.C. - January 10, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- After speaking at the Farmer's Convention on Monday, the President signed an executive order to expand broadband to rural communities. This executive order directs federal agencies to remove obstacles to broadband deployment and reduce barriers to investment in broadband infrastructure. Specifically, the executive order directs agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of the application process to build out broadband infrastructure on federal property and ultimately streamline and expedite the review of these requests.

    The President’s executive order directs federal agencies to remove obstacles to broadband deployment and reduce barriers to investment in broadband infrastructure. Specifically, the executive order directs agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of the application process to build out broadband infrastructure on federal property and ultimately streamline and expedite the review of these requests.

    Below are reactions to the action:

    Senator, Joe Manchin, III - (D - WV)

    “I commend President Trump for doing what he can through executive action to cut the red tape that serves as a roadblock to broadband buildout in our rural communities, but more needs to be done. Last June, I was proud to introduce the Rural Broadband Deployment Streamlining Act that makes these changes permanent because West Virginia businesses and communities need reliable broadband access to compete in the 21st century economy. I will continue to work with President Trump and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure every West Virginian has the resources they need to succeed.”

    Senator Dean Heller (R - NV)

    “As a strong advocate of ensuring Nevada’s rural communities have access to high-speed Internet, I am encouraged by the President’s executive action aimed at increasing access to broadband and improving connectivity in rural areas. Expanding broadband in Nevada presents unique challenges, particularly because nearly 85 percent of Nevada is owned by the federal government. That is why I welcome the President’s push to cut Washington red tape that serves as a significant barrier to broadband buildout and rural connectivity and why I introduced legislation to do exactly that. In order to compete in today’s global economy, our rural areas need quality, high-speed Internet access, so I will continue to work with the White House, the Administration, and my colleagues to promote policies that will improve broadband accessibility throughout the state.”

    Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)

    “In today’s world, broadband is not a luxury, but rather a necessity for folks to compete. Every time I travel the district, Georgians tell me why they need accessible and affordable rural broadband in their homes, schools, and businesses. Since elected, I have been working tirelessly with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to get more broadband to Georgia-12. Many of my constituents reside in rural areas and have major concerns about the lack of access to broadband. Farms, businesses, and families are suffering due to lack of connectivity not only in my district, but across this nation.”

    “Thanks to yesterday’s executive order, we are one step closer to reliable, affordable broadband internet service for all Americans. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Perdue for their continued support of rural communities, and I look forward to further addressing this issue in the upcoming Farm Bill.”

    Reactions are still coming in, check back for updates!

    Previously at The Ponder News:

    Trump Signs Executive Order to Expand Broadband to Rural Communities

    Reactions on Bi-partisan Immigration Meeting



    Trump held a meeting with members of Congress concerning the wall, and DACA, among other issues about immigration. Below are some of the reactions from Congress:

    Senator Heidi Heitkamp - (D - ND)

    “I always appreciate the opportunity to have bipartisan discussions at the White House to highlight North Dakota’s priorities, and today’s conversation was a forum to talk about the need to implement a strong border security strategy covering all of our borders and ports-of-entry – and a long-term solution for DACA recipients [DREAMers]. Border security is not just about the Southwest Border, and I’ve continued to reinforce my concerns about the need to secure the Northern Border and the role North Dakota can play in enhancing and strengthening security along all of our borders by using the innovative Unmanned Aircraft Systems technologies being developed in our state. It’s critical that we consider the needs of the Northern and maritime borders – and our airports – when developing any border security solutions.

    “We must fix our country’s immigration system, and there is bipartisan agreement that those who were brought here as children should not shoulder the blame for inaction in Washington. DREAMers work in our businesses and are active members of our communities – and they help fill needed jobs and boost our local economies. Bipartisan talks have been underway for some time that I believe would provide strong border security measures while putting DREAMers on a more secure path forward in this country. ”

    Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)

    “Today we had a productive meeting where we discussed the parameters of a bipartisan immigration deal, and thanks to this meeting I expect the pace of negotiations will increase. 

    “The President bringing Democrats and Republicans from the House and Senate together was an important step and I look forward to getting back to work with my colleagues to negotiate a bipartisan pathway forward.”

    Senator Lindsey Graham  - (R - SC)

    “This was the most fascinating meeting I’ve been involved with in twenty plus years in politics.  I very much appreciate President Trump’s attitude, demeanor, and desire to get something done that will make our nation more secure – while being fair to the Dreamers.

    “President Trump has the right attitude.  Now it is up to all of us in Congress to come up with a proposal that gets the job done.

    “The American people overwhelmingly want better border security, a more modern immigration system, and to allow the Dreamers a new and better life.  All we have to do is listen to the American people and enact their wishes.  I hope and pray we can get that done.”

    Senator Richard J. Durbin  - (D - IL) 

    The President and every member of Congress in that room agreed on the urgent need to fix this DACA crisis now. Republicans laid out their four priorities, and Democrats laid out ours: the Dream Act. The next step is for bipartisan negotiators, who have already been working for months, to immediately reach an agreement that can pass both chambers and be signed into law by January 19th

    Senator David Perdue (R-GA)

    “President Trump, being an outsider and business guy, is driving consensus between Republicans and Democrats to fix our legal immigration system. Today’s White House meeting was to define the scope of this negotiation to include four items: solving the DACA situation, addressing border security, ending chain migration, and eliminating the outdated visa lottery. President Trump is trying to instill a sense of urgency to get something done on immigration, but this topic should not be part of funding the federal government. My personal focus continues to be on how we eliminate chain migration, which is a fundamental flaw in our current immigration policy. If any conversation about DACA is being held without that consideration, it is not going to go anywhere in the United States Senate. The first thing a DACA recipient will do if given permanent status is use chain migration laws to sponsor those who violated the law originally. Ending chain migration and eliminating the outdated visa lottery program is in our national security and economic interest. President Trump has done a great job making sure this remains a top priority in any immigration discussion.”

    Reactions are still coming in, check back for updates!

    Tuesday, January 9, 2018

    Donnelly Calls on Senate to Act on Medical Device Tax Repeal, CHIP, Community Health Centers Funding, Opioid Crisis

    By Senator Joe Donnely - (D - IN)

    Washington, D.C. - January 9, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly spoke on the floor of the Senate calling for bipartisan action to address a number of pressing health care issues, including repealing the Medical Device Tax, reauthorization for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), funding for the Community Health Center Fund, and the need for more funds to combat opioid abuse and to address the shortage of treatment providers.



    Donnelly said in his speech, “I strongly urge my colleagues to work with me to quickly and meaningfully address the medical device tax…

    “We must reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program – also known as CHIP – that expired in September. I have long supported the CHIP program. It provides health coverage for millions of kids, including nearly 115,000 children from Indiana…

    “Like the CHIP Program, Community Health Centers have enjoyed long bipartisan support for the high-quality care that they provide our families. Also like the CHIP program, the funding for the Community Health Center expired on September 30, leaving many health centers across Indiana worried if they will have the resources they need to continue to serve Hoosiers…

    “Finally, we have demonstrated a common desire to address the needs of the opioid and drug abuse crisis. It is a scourge. It took the lives of 63,000 people just in 2016… We can show our commitment to increasing access to treatment by reauthorizing the National Health Service Corps program, that expired in September.”

    See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site


    SAFER Act Signed into Law

    By Senator John Cornyn- (R - TX)



    Washington, D.C. - January 9, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after President Trump signed his Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act into law. The SAFER Act reauthorizes, strengthens, and extends the Sexual Assault Forensic Reporting program to help fight the nationwide rape kit backlog.

    “Victims of sexual assault shouldn’t have to live in fear while evidence that could bring their attackers to justice goes untested,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will assist in the efforts of our state and local law enforcement agencies to reduce the backlog of untested rape kits so survivors can get the justice and closure they deserve.”

    The SAFER Act was introduced by Senators Cornyn, Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dean Heller (R-NV), and Michael Bennet (D-CO). Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Rob Portman (R-OH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) were cosponsors of the legislation. The SAFER Act also ensures pediatric forensic nurses are eligible for training, which addresses the need for pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners in responding to children suffering from abuse. A one-page summary of the bill is available here.

    Sens. Cornyn and Bennet were the authors of the Sexual Assault Forensic Reporting Act, a 2013 law creating the SAFER Program which has helped law enforcement reduce the rape kit backlog through existing funds under the Debbie Smith Act. The legislation increased the amount of these funds spent on untested kits by 35 percent and allowed 5-7 percent to be used on SAFER program audits. It helps state and local law enforcement agencies address both the laboratory and storage backlogs by providing funding to conduct one-year audits of untested sexual assault evidence, which has uncovered tens of thousands of untested rape kits on shelves and in labs across the nation.


    See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site