Friday, February 8, 2019

Serrano Introduces Legislation to Require Public Inspectors’ Evaluation of Local Transportation Projects




Washington, D.C. - February 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jose E. Serrano (D-NY, 15th) has introduced legislation to guarantee that local transportation projects are evaluated by public inspectors rather than private companies. The Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability in Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act of 2019 would require public employees who are members of the community to perform inspections and other related essential public functions on all state and local transportation projects. The bill is intended to promote public safety, prevent the waste of transportation funds, and guarantee that projects are delivered in a timely manner. This legislation seeks to ensure that the public has someone who is working on their behalf, rather than companies who are more concerned about their bottom line. The bill is being cosponsored by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman André Carson, and Congressman Stephen Lynch.

“This legislation is necessary to ensure the public’s safety in the construction of local transportation projects. Community residents and the public, in general, need a representative to make sure that private transportation construction contractors are acting in a safe, responsible manner. Using private companies to oversee the work of other private companies creates potential conflicts of interest that undermine worker and public safety, increase costs, and delay project completion. This bill prevents these problems by requiring a government employee to oversee all state and local transportation projects to ensure safety and accountability,” said Congressman Serrano.

Radical "Green New Deal" Is Bad Deal for Working Families




Washington, D.C. - February 8, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA, 1st) released the following statement after Democrats released their plan for a “Green New Deal”:

“Democrats just unveiled a laughable plan to make air travel obsolete, force household electricity rates to skyrocket, and guarantee taxpayer-funded welfare to everyone 'unwilling to work,' all within 10 years. But after 10 years of Speaker Pelosi's 'Green Dream,' all we would have left to show for it is massive unemployment, lower wages, skyrocketing costs on everything from electricity to medical devices, and weakened national security.

“Pelosi and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's ‘Green New Deal’ is a bad deal for working families, and America's seniors and middle-class would be left footing the bill. If Democrats abolish fossil fuels, electricity and transportation costs will skyrocket. If Democrats abolish cattle farming, food costs will skyrocket. The list of devastation goes on. Democrats call climate change ‘our World War II,’ but this plan reads more like a war on American families and American jobs.

“Instead of this ‘Green Dream’ we should continue pursuing our all-of-the-above American energy strategy that's rebuilding our economy and allowing us to help our friends around the world. In 2017, America had the greatest reduction in carbon emissions of any nation in the world. The Democrats ‘Green Dream’ would just ship millions of high-paying American jobs, like the ones in energy-producing states like my home state of Louisiana, to countries like China, who emit carbon at a much higher rate than us.”

See Also:
POLITICS CLIMATE CHANGE THE 'GREEN NEW DEAL' IS POPULAR. NOW BACKERS NEED TO DECIDE WHAT IT IS, EXACTLY

Thursday, February 7, 2019

NRA, Social Security, 2nd Amendment, Internet, Veterans, Government Shutdown


More of Today's News from the Lawmakers






Republican Social Security Leader Tom Reed Highlights How Social Security Reform Must be Bipartisan

Tom Reed (R-NY, 23rd)
February 6, 2019
“Not once in Social Security’s nearly 100-year history have changes been made to its solvency that didn’t have Republicans and Democrats support in the House,” Republican Leader of the Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady said. “Going it alone, forcing one party, solutions will certainly fail.”

Read more...



RASKIN, WHITEHOUSE DEMAND ANSWERS FROM NRA ON ALLEGED CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW VIOLATIONS
Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
February 7, 2019
The NRA is named in four pending complaints to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) alleging campaign finance law violations. In their letter to NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, the Members seek information regarding the NRA’s relationship with media consulting firms that also worked for the Trump Campaign and other Republican candidates.

Read more...




Reschenthaler Defends Second Amendment During House Judiciary Committee Hearing
Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA, 14th)
February 7, 2019
“As a lifelong resident of southwestern Pennsylvania and a gun owner myself, I know that the overwhelming majority of American gun owners are hardworking, law-abiding citizens looking to protect their families, hunt with their kids, or just put food on the table,” Reschenthaler said. “I am strongly opposed to H.R. 8 and other legislation that does nothing to address the root causes of gun violence like mental health, and instead limits law-abiding citizens’ ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

Read more...



MCMORRIS RODGERS INTRODUCES PROMOTING INTERNET FREEDOM AND INNOVATION ACT
Cathy Rodgers McMorris (R-WA, 5th)
February 7, 2019
At the hearing, Cathy said, “My bill is based on the Washington State law and would codify the “bright line rules” of Net Neutrality, specifically: no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization… The Internet is vital to our future, and the opportunity that it provides is vital to the economic potential of hardworking men and women in the 21st century. I want to once and for all resolve this manufactured political debate and provide certainty to the internet ecosystem so that we can make that opportunity a reality for every single American.”

Read more...



House Passes Rose Amendment to Expand Childcare Coverage to Veterans Seeking Addiction Treatment
Max Rose (D-NY, 11th)
February 7, 2019
As one of the few post-9/11 combat veterans who are serving right now in this body, I’ve seen the courage of my fellow former-soldiers who seek the help they so desperately need. I’ve seen that substance abuse counseling at our VA facilities can save lives, save families. And I’ve seen what happens when my brothers and sisters who served do not get the treatment they need, and I’m here to tell my colleagues that I refuse to watch that happen again.

Read more...



===

===

RUPPERSBERGER INTRODUCES BILL TO REIMBURSE FEDERAL WORKERS AFTER SHUTDOWN – WITH INTEREST
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd)
February 7, 2019
While federal employees impacted by the most recent, 35-day government shutdown will receive compensation for lost wages, many workers were forced to incur additional costs, including fees for late payments on bills and loans. The Back Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 1051) would provide federal workers back-pay with interest matched to the Treasury Prompt Payment policy, the same interest rate federal agencies pay on late payments to vendors and contractors.

Read more...





Internet, Military, Female Genital Mutilation, Green New Deal, Prescription Drugs, Great Lakes


Today's News from the Lawmakers





FULL MILITARY HONORS ACT INTRODUCED
Jimmy Panetta (D-CA, 20th)
February 6, 2019
"This legislation provides Medal of Honor and Prisoners Of War heroes the recognition they deserve for their unwavering service to our country. Full military honors ceremonies remind us of the service and valor demonstrated by those who have defended, protected, and sacrificed for freedom and democracy. I am humbled and honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my servicemember and veteran colleagues"

Read more...




Perry Offers Bipartisan Legislation to End Female Genital Mutilation in US

Scott Perry (R-PA, 4th)
February 6, 2019
“Now’s the time to stand up for the voiceless and criminalize the horrific practice of Female Genital Mutilation. FGM has absolutely no place in America - or any other place in this world. FGM is an unconscionable, systematic form of abuse perpetuated against the youngest and most vulnerable among us and serves no medical purpose. The recent federal court ruling in Michigan has, once again, brought this issue to the forefront. As our society becomes more transient and diverse, renewed efforts to prevent this atrocity are necessary. In no uncertain terms, FGM must end immediately and those who perpetrate it will be brought to swift justice in the United States,” said Perry.

Read more...



QUIGLEY REINTRODUCES BIPARTISAN "GREAT LAKES FISHERY RESEARCH AUTHORIZATION ACT"
Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5th)
February 6, 2019
“It is no surprise that the Great Lakes fishery industry, which generates $7 billion in economic activity and supports 1.5 million jobs, requires cutting-edge research and adequate funding for proper maintenance and preservation,” said Rep. Quigley. “By reintroducing the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act, we are working to protect the waterways that play an invaluable role in our economies, our ecosystems, and our communities—whether it be providing clean drinking water or recreational activities. We must ensure that the USGS Great Lakes Science Center has the tools, resources, and authority it needs to fulfill its vital work.”

Read more...



===

===

DURING HEARING, O'HALLERAN CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF FREE AND OPEN INTERNET
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
February 7, 2019
“In this highly connected, fast-paced world, the quality and accessibility of internet is critical to the lasting success of small businesses – especially in rural America,” O’Halleran said. “We have a responsibility to support our communities and grow our economy. We can do that by protecting and strengthening net neutrality rules that prevent Internet Service Providers from throttling access and give consumers the privacy and security they deserve. There is bipartisan support in Congress to do this, and I stand ready to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to deliver results for American businesses and consumers.”

Read more...



Reps. Peters and Davis Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Rising Student Loan Debt
Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)
February 7, 2019
“I relied on student loans to get through college when the cost of higher education was much lower than it is today. Now, the collective debt among people in the U.S. is more than $1.5 trillion dollars, which hurts economic growth,” said Rep. Peters. “Many employers have successfully helped their employees pay down their debt, and encouraging similar programs across the country can move us closer to solving the student debt crisis. Our economy benefits, too, when young Americans begin making investments like buying a home, starting a family, or saving for retirement. I appreciate Rep. Davis’s commitment to tackling this important issue.”

Read more...



Tester, Murkowski, Pingree Reintroduce Bill to Support Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
February 7, 2019
Their Servicemember and Veterans’ Empowerment and Support Act expands the definition of MST to ensure servicemembers and veterans who experience online sexual harassment can access VA counseling and benefits. It also codifies a lower burden of proof so more survivors are eligible for trauma and mental health care related to MST, even if they didn’t feel comfortable reporting the event to their chain of command while in service.

Read more...



Pingree Statement on Introduction of Green New Deal Resolution
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
February 7, 2019
“The Green New Deal sets a bold vision for dealing with the climate change crisis, which will soon escalate into a full-blown disaster if we don’t make the kinds of changes outlined in this plan. There are many good ideas in this resolution, but this is just the first step in the process,” said Pingree. "There is a lot of work to be done in the days ahead to iron out the details, like opportunities to work with farmers to trap more carbon in the soil. But I’m confident that we can pass something in the House and send it to the Senate, because the American people have demanded action.”

Read more...



Pocan, Kaptur Introduce Legislation to Protect Americans from Prescription Drug Price Gouging
Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)
February 7, 2019
“Despite President Trump claiming victory on declining prescription drug prices, the costs of many drugs are still skyrocketing and becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Americans,” said Pocan. “The Stop Price Gouging Act will hold corporations accountable and protect consumers from egregious year-after-year price spikes that are far too common. While American families struggle over whether to pay an electric bill or buy life-saving medications, drug manufacturers and CEOs should not be making excessive profits. Members of Congress should immediately support this legislation and deliver results for the American people who are being hit with outrageous drug prices daily.”

Read more...



===

===


Wednesday, February 6, 2019

State of the Union


After listening to the President's SOTU Speech, We at The Ponder News found it inspiring and hopeful. We are America. We are Great. And, We are Proud!



JOYCE STATEMENT ON STATE OF THE UNION

Bill Johnson Reacts to President Trump’s Inspiring State of the Union

Congresswoman Johnson Responds to President’s State of the Union Address

Rep. Kaptur Statement on State of the Union

Kelly applauds bold vision outlined in State of the Union address, stands with President Trump in choosing greatness

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Your State of the Union Recap from Congresswoman Robin Kelly

Rep. Ron Kind Responds to the State of the Union

Kinzinger Reacts to 2019 State of the Union Address

REP. KUSTOFF REMARKS ON STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

LaHood Statement on the President’s State of the Union Address

Larson Statement on the State of the Union

Representative Mike Levin Statement in Response to the State of the Union Address

LaMalfa Statement on State of the Union Address

Congressman Lamborn's Statement on the 2019 State of the Union

Langevin Statement on President Trump’s 2019 State of the Union Address

Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on President Trump’s 2019 State of the Union Address

Representative Mike Levin Statement in Response to the State of the Union Address

REP. MALINOWSKI STATEMENT ON STATE OF THE UNION

LONG’S REACTION TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

LOWEY STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Luetkemeyer Reacts to State of the Union Address

LUJÁN STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Mucarsel-Powell Statement Following the State of The Union

REP. MALINOWSKI STATEMENT ON STATE OF THE UNION

Rep. Maloney Response to the State of the Union

Maloney Responds to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

MARCHANT STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

REP. MARSHALL RESPONSE TO 2019 STATE OF THE UNION

Congressman McCarthy's Statement on State of the Union

McCaul on President’s State of the Union Address

MCCOLLUM STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S 2019 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

McHenry on President Trump's State of the Union

McKinley Statement on the State of the Union

Meng Responds to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Moolenaar Statement on the State of the Union

Mullin Reacts to the State of the Union

Murphy Responds to President’s State of the Union Address


Congressman Joe Neguse Responds to the State of the Union

Norcross: Trump Is All Talk, Bad Actions

Olson Reaction To Trump State Of The Union Address

O'HALLERAN CALLS FOR ACTION FOLLOWING STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Palazzo Responds to State of the Union Address

Pallone Statement on State of the Union

Palmer Applauds President's Call for Unity in State of the Union Address

Rep. Payne, Jr. Responds to the 2019 State of the Union

Peterson statement on the 2019 State of the Union

Perlmutter Statement on State of the Union


Pingree Statement on State of the Union


Rep. Posey’s Statement on the State of the Union Address

Congressman Price Issues Statement on Hollow and Divisive State of the Union Address

Amata Responds to President’s State of the Union Message

Rep. Ratcliffe statement on Trump’s State of the Union address

Rep. Rice Applauds President Trump’s State of the Union Address

ROBY STATEMENT ON STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Roe Statement on State of the Union Address


Congressman Rooney Statement on the State of the Union Address


Report from Washington: Choosing Greatness in the State of Our Union

Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Trump's State of the Union Address

Rose Statement Following State of the Union

Rep. Harley Rouda Statement on State of the Union Address

Rouzer Statement on State of the Union Address

Congressman Tim Ryan Response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on State of the Union

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

BILL TO PROTECT WATER CUSTOMERS FROM TRIAL LAWYERS




Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Duncan Hunter today introduced legislation to reform the federal Clean Water Act, limiting the amount of fees and penalties trial lawyers can seek in cases brought about through the citizen suit provision. While current law allows for citizen suits to compel compliance with the law, trial lawyers have exploited the provision for their own gain, trying to charge excessive legal fees for minor violations and even in instances where the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already taken corrective action to resolve water issues.

“Citizen lawsuits were included in the Clean Water Act to empower individuals with the opportunity to help bring about accountability,” said Congressman Hunter. “Unfortunately, trial lawyers have turned this provision into a process for their own benefit and use the “sue and settle” practice to shakedown local water districts and us as their ratepayers. When simple problems arise and easy resolution solutions are available, or in cases where the EPA has already corrected a problem, trial lawyers still jump on with unnecessary legal action forcing water agencies to pass off millions of dollars in needless legal fees to their customers. We here in California are already dealing with increased water rates because of extreme environmental regulation and poor management by the State California. Forcing water customers to pay for unnecessary legal fees is simply too much.”

Congressman Hunter’s bill protects ratepayers by making a couple of simple technical changes to the Clean Water Act by limiting the amount of litigation charges that can be incurred, prohibiting legal action where the EPA has already taken action to rectify a problem and making regulations consistent with other areas of federal law. This measure is the fifth bill Congressman Hunter has introduced in the new 116th Congress and is part of his “First 100-Day Initiative,” a proactive legislative plan to bring about common sense reforms.

Rep. Hill Fighting for Release of American Held in Syria




Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman French Hill (AR-02) submitted a letter to the president requesting his support in bringing Majd Kamalmaz safely home from Syria. Mr. Kamalmaz is an American being unjustly held by the government of Syrian dictator, Bashar al-Assad.

After submitting the letter, Rep. Hill delivered the following remarks on the House floor:

"I rise today to bring attention to Majd Kamalmaz, an American being held by Syria’s dictator, Bashar al-Assad. In February 2017, Majd was detained by Syrian police while visiting the country for the funeral of his father-in-law. When I spoke to Majd’s children last week they told me they had tried to convince him not to go to Syria, but their father has always put others before himself.

"Majd’s personal motto is 'be in peace,' and that motto has been on display throughout his life with his work to help disaster victims in places like Kosovo, Indonesia, Lebanon, and the Southern U.S. after Hurricane Katrina. Majd’s children have not seen or heard from their father for nearly two years. I echo their call and plea with President Trump to do what he can to ensure their father is safely returned home."


Background:

The full text of the letter submitted to the president can be found HERE.



HIGGINS JOINS BROWNLEY IN INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO EXPAND CHILD CARE PROGRAM TO IMPROVE VETERANS’ ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE




Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) in introducing the Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act, legislation which would make permanent the VA’s Child Care Pilot Program and expand it so that veterans across the nation who are primary caretakers have a convenient, cost-free option for child care when they have VA medical appointments.

“Treating our veterans right means removing barriers to quality care,” said Congressman Higgins. “This bill gives parents and grandparents, who have severed this nation, access to child care during their health and mental health appointments. We’ve seen the success of this model in Western New York since 2011 and I am proud to work with Congresswoman Brownley to extend this service on a permanent basis to all of our veterans.”

“The lack of affordable and convenient child care should never be a barrier for veterans trying to access the VA healthcare they’ve earned and deserve,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “This is especially important for the growing population of women veterans, who are more often taking care of young children. I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Higgins and all of our colleagues to see this important program finally become permanent and nationwide.”

In 2011, Congress created a pilot program to provide free child care for qualified veterans using VA healthcare services at a limited number of participating sites around the country. Since then, over 10,000 children have used the program, which has been very popular with the veteran community. Women veterans used the service at a rate four times their population among the veteran community at large, indicating the program is working for the growing population of women veterans and their families. According to a VA Satisfaction Survey of veterans who have used the pilot program, a majority responded that, without the available child care, they would have brought their children to their appointment or cancelled their appointment altogether.

Congress has reauthorized this popular and successful program four times, and unless Congress acts again, it will expire on October 1, 2019. The Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act would make the pilot program permanent and expand it to include every VA facility in the nation.

Western New York is home to one of the pilot sites, opening the Kids Korner childcare center at the Buffalo VA Hospital in 2011.

This legislation is supported by Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, Easterseals, and the Fleet Reserve Association.

“Shutdown To End All Shutdowns (SEAS) Act”




Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- In a press conference today, Reps. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Dean Phillips (MN-03) and Colin Allred (TX-32) led a group of more than 20 freshman lawmakers in introducing the Shutdown to End All Shutdowns (SEAS) Act, a bill aimed at protecting federal employees from being used as pawns in future political negotiations by transferring the financial hardship of shutdowns to the Executive Branch and Members of Congress.

In addition to shifting the hardship caused by a federal government shutdown to those responsible for it, the SEAS Act would allow government to continue operating under an automatic continuing resolution for as long as Congress and the President fail to agree on an appropriations measure.

“We represent a growing chorus of Americans demanding an end to shutdowns,” said Phillips. “They are the worst negotiation tactic practiced by our government. They’re irresponsible and ineffective, and the human toll is inexcusable. The only people who should suffer financial hardship when elected leaders can’t govern are the elected leaders themselves.”

“If Congress and the President can’t agree on spending, the burden shouldn’t fall on federal workers and their families -- it should fall on leaders in Washington. As a former federal worker for 14 years, I’m proud to be introducing a bill that ensures federal workers aren’t held hostage by stalled negotiations, and puts real skin in the game for Members of Congress and the President if they can’t do their jobs,” said Slotkin.

“Intentionally shutting the government down to negotiate policy differences is irresponsible and failed policy,” said Houlahan. “As we recently saw, millions of American families are adversely affected when our government fails to do its most basic responsibilities. We cannot let this happen again and this bill will appropriately put the pain in situations like these on the Executive and Legislative branches rather than on the people that we serve.”

“Back home in Texas I heard from all kinds of people and the message was the same — enough is enough,” said Allred. “Shutdown politics are nothing more than petty brinkmanship and serve only to take us backward. The Freshman class was sworn in during a shutdown and we want to make sure this never happens again. We were sent here to clean up and reform Washington and this legislation does just that.”

Specifically, the SEAS Act would prohibit the use of federal funds for Member travel and require daily quorum calls for the duration of a federal government shutdown. The legislation would also suspend Member pay and not hold it in escrow, as it is under current law.

The SEAS Act hits the president with equally stiff penalties, prohibiting the use of federal funds for Executive Branch and Cabinet, except by waiver in cases of national security, natural disaster or national emergency. Under the new law, the use of federal funds would also be prohibited for Executive Branch bonuses, receptions, entertainment, exercise facilities and golf courses during a shutdown.

Read more about the SEAS Act here.

Additional freshmen co-sponsors echoed the need to end the practice of using shutdowns as a negotiation tactic:

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03): “There are no winners when the government shuts down. Federal workers suffer, the economy slows down, government services grind to a halt and taxpayers are left holding the bag. When I worked in national security, we’d check our politics at the door and lock ourselves in a room until we figured it out. The Shutdown to End All Shutdowns Act would take a similar approach by continuing to fund the government at the previous year’s levels while politicians are forced to stay in DC and work it out - without getting paid. I’m proud to join as a cosponsor of this commonsense legislation.”

Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02): “Today I joined 20 of my fellow freshman to put an end to the practice of using destructive shutdowns as a negotiating tool, making sure that no party can ever put politics over people again. This bill shifts the pressure of a shutdown to where it should be: on the legislative and executive branches, not the millions of Americans who rely on government services and those who receive steady paychecks.”

Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03): “This is my first week in Congress with a fully-open federal government and the effects of the Nation’s longest shutdown in history will be felt for years. As freshmen, we inherited a shutdown that forced federal workers to go on food stamps, take temporary jobs, miss rent payments, and so much more. This was politically motivated and it was wrong. So our Freshmen Class decided to do something about it by introducing The Shutdown to End All Shutdowns (SEAS) Act. This act will force those responsible for creating shutdowns to shoulder the burden.”

Rep. Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26): “The dysfunctionality that we’ve seen in DC needs to stop. We cannot continue to hold people’s paychecks hostage over policy differences. This bill will ensure that all decision makers are forced to come to an agreement so that this never happens again.”

Rep. Ben McAdams (UT-04):
“I ran for Congress to get things done for Utah families. Nothing is more basic than keeping government operations running and providing services. A shutdown should never happen. This bill prevents future shutdowns and would hold Congress and the White House accountable for funding the government in a responsible manner.”

Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-39): “I’ve seen the pain and hardship the Trump shut down caused the thousands of federal workers in my district and across the country. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting legislation that will ensure that federal workers are protected from being furloughed, that they have a paycheck, and shifts the financial hardship of shut down to the President and Congress. We should not be using federal workers as a negotiating tactic, and with this bill we will protect our public servants and keep our government functioning as intended.”

Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03): “It has become all too common for Washington politicians to use the threat of a government shutdown to advance political or policy agendas. During this past shutdown, our federal workers, our farmers and our communities were suffering while lawmakers went home for the holidays. This is an unacceptable way to govern. Our legislation says if lawmakers can’t agree on a budget, lawmakers don’t get paid. It’s time to stop punishing everyday Iowans for Washington dysfunction.”

Rep. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01): “Today we are here to a send a message to working families, the Congress and all future Congresses. Shutdowns are unacceptable, they are dangerous, and they are irresponsible. This is a new day in Washington. We are here to put chaos and dysfunction aside. We are here to do our jobs and we are here to get back to work.”

Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03): “I have made it very clear that using the threat of a government shutdown and the suffering of thousands of federal workers as leverage in a policy disagreement is unacceptable. We have an obligation to protect hard working men and women and their families from being used as pawns in future policy negotiations. Any hardship created as a result of dysfunction here in Washington should be felt by the people who are responsible, not the federal employees who work hard every day to serve the American people.”

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11): “The shutdown hurt families in my district, and illustrated the need for new ideas as to how to fix our political institutions. This bill takes an important step in putting responsibility on Members of Congress to come together, resolve policy differences, and pass appropriations bills without using hardworking Americans as leverage.”

Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01): “It is unacceptable that the livelihood of hardworking Americans becomes collateral damage every time the White House and Congress have a disagreement. The American people sent us here with the clear message that this kind of business as usual must be changed. I will continue working with anyone willing to put an end to destructive shutdown politics and ensure our government is working in the best interest of the people.”

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Ranching Industry Praises Department of Interior After Agency Reissues Hammond Ranches' Grazing Permit



Washington, D.C. - January 29, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Public Lands Council (PLC) President Bob Skinner and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President Kevin Kester today issued the following statement in response to the reissuance of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grazing permits to Hammond Ranches:

"In light of a full and unconditional presidential pardon, the reissuance of the Hammond Ranches' grazing permits is the final step in righting the egregious injustices the Hammonds faced. This is the culmination of years of effort on behalf of this industry to restore a family's livelihood. We speak on behalf of the livestock producers nationwide in saying thank you to Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and his team who worked to correct the hardships this family faced."

Additionally, Ethan Lane, Senior Executive Director of PLC and NCBA Federal Lands, issued the following statement on behalf of Hammond Ranches:

"The Hammonds have asked me to convey their appreciation to Acting Secretary Bernhardt and the Bureau of Land Management for reissuing their grazing permits. They are looking forward to digging into the specifics of the reinstatement and, finally, getting back to the business of ranching."

Background:

In 2012, Oregon ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond were convicted of felony arson and sentenced to five years imprisonment under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. This conviction was the result of two routine, back-burn fires started on their private property spreading to small parcels of adjacent federal land. On July 10, 2018, President Trump signed Executive Grants of Clemency for both men. However, the initial conviction resulted in the loss of Hammond Ranches' BLM grazing permits. Today, the Department of the Interior notified Hammond Ranches that their grazing permits had been reinstated.