Friday, June 30, 2017

Sanctuary Cities, MOTION Act, Immigration, Seniors, GPS Tracking, Terrorist, Human Rights

Rep. Austin Scott Lauds House Passage of Bills that ‘Crack Down’ on Sanctuary Cities
Austin Scott (R-GA, 8th)
June 29, 2017

“For too many years, a lack of immigration enforcement and the spread of ‘sanctuary cities’ has failed the America people and cost innocent lives,” said Rep. Scott. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues today in passing legislation that not only strengthens our immigration policies by cracking down on ‘sanctuary cities’, but also enhances deterrents for criminal aliens who seek to reenter the United States and those states and cities who ignore our immigration laws.”
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Congressman Sensenbrenner Reintroduces MOTION Act in the House of Representatives
James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI, 5th)
June 29, 2017

The MOTION Act would allow railroad employees to remain on duty and continue working in excess of federal hours of service limits to ensure their trains are not blocking crossings when they have reached their hour allotments.
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Congressman Serrano Votes Against Anti-Immigrant Bills
Jose E. Serrano (D-NY, 15th)
June 29, 2017

“These bills are just two more pieces of President Trump’s anti-immigrant mass deportation agenda. The reality is that these bills, if they become law, will actually undermine local law enforcement and our national security. By requiring cities and states to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities or otherwise lose federal funding for important law enforcement and homeland security programs, H.R. 3003 coerces local authorities to become an immigration enforcement arm of the federal government. That bill also greatly expands the federal government’s capacity to detain immigrants indefinitely during removal proceedings. H.R. 3004 would broadly attempt to further criminalize and stigmatize all undocumented immigrants, even allowing for the prosecution of someone who is seeking asylum. By expanding federal authorities reach and prohibiting policies to build trust, local immigrant residents will be less likely to cooperate with the authorities, making our communities less safe. These bills demonize immigrants and undermine public safety. That is why I opposed them in the House, and ask that my colleagues in the Senate do the same.”
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Sessions Supports Bills to Protect American Families
Pete Sessions (R-TX, 32nd)
June 29, 2017

"I proudly joined my colleagues in the House in passing two important measures that will roll back lawless sanctuary policies across the nation by enhancing penalties for deported felons and ensure local officials cooperate and coordinate with federal officials. It is time that we stop putting politics above the safety and security of American families and start upholding our nation’s rule of law."
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Smith Votes to Strengthen Immigration Law

Rep. Sewell Sponsors Bill to Improve Medicare Advantage for Chronically Ill Seniors
Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
June 29, 2017

“Many benefits necessary to improving health outcomes and quality of life for our seniors affected by chronic illness are not traditionally covered by Medicare Advantage,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “For the 363,000 Alabamians enrolled in Medicare Advantage who suffer from one or more chronic illnesses, our bipartisan bill will enable better care coordination so they can access the benefits that meet their needs, including transportation services, nutrition programs, in-home support services, and more. Protecting our seniors’ health should not be a partisan issue, and I’m proud to have worked across the aisle to introduce bipartisan legislation to help seniors living with chronic conditions, like so many in Alabama.”
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Shea-Porter Seeks to Stop Employers from GPS Tracking Off-Duty Workers
Carol Shea Porter (D NH, 1st)
June 29, 2017

The so-called ‘Employee Privacy and Protection Act’ was one of three anti-worker bills considered during today’s markup, that would further tilt the playing field against workers seeking to bargain for better wages and working conditions. Since Republicans took control of the House in 2011, they have convened 28 hearings and markups in the Committee on Education and the Workforce aimed at undermining workers’ rights to bargain for a better life, replacing the once bipartisan recognition of the central role of workers in the American economy and democracy with relentless partisan attacks.
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Sinema, Budd Introduce Legislation to Combat Terrorist Financing
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ, 9th)
June 29, 2017

“Terrorist organizations pose a serious threat to our national security, and it is critical that we cut off the funding that supports these groups,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “I regularly hear from Arizonans who are concerned about the safety of their families and fellow Americans. This legislation is a commonsense solution that ensures the United States denies funding to terrorists and protects America and our allies.”
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Smith, Pelosi Resolution to Help Human Rights Giant Liu Xiaobo Passes House
Chris Smith (R-NJ, 4th)
June 29, 2017

The resolution, introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-Chairman of the Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC), and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, also urges the Administration to assist in gaining Liu Xiaobo and his wife humanitarian transfer so that they can get treatments in the United States if they desire. Liu Xia has been detained under “house arrest” since 2010 and has been hospitalized for a heart condition.
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