Wednesday, October 11, 2017

RNC Statement on Pelosi's Shutdown Threat

Washington, D.C. - October 11, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement in response to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s threat to shut down the government:

"Pelosi and her Democrat colleagues’ shutdown threats show they care more about appeasing their rabid far-left base than protecting our borders and fighting for American workers," said Chairwoman McDaniel. "The American people overwhelmingly support President Trump’s plan to put American workers first while securing our borders and Democrats should stop obstructing on issues that have broad support from the American people. The president is offering common sense solutions to fix our broken immigration system and it’s time for Democrats to end their blindly-partisan opposition."

Statements on the EPA’s Proposed Rule to Withdraw from the Obama Clean Power Plan

Source: Republican National Committee (RNC)

Below are statements on on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt’s decision to sign a proposed rule withdrawing from the Obama Clean Power Plan:

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel

"I applaud the EPA’s proposal to rescind the Obama Clean Power Plan," said Chairwoman McDaniel. "This plan was nothing but a power grab by the EPA to impose more regulations that would ultimately devastate America’s electricity industry, raise prices on consumers, and wreak havoc on our economy. This is a positive first step towards restoring the EPA to its’ traditional scope of authority while returning decision-making power back to the states."

U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu

“We are disappointed in the Administration’s decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan and would urge them to rethink their position. The Clean Power Plan would have set the first-ever federal limits on carbon pollution from power plants, which are the largest single source and are responsible for approximately 40 percent of the carbon pollution in the United States. The Clean Power Plan would have also encouraged the development of cleaner, safer energy, creating jobs and spurring economic growth.”

“We acknowledge the detrimental impact that climate change already has, and will continue to have on our communities and our planet. Mayors will continue to lead the way and we will work with the private sector to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in order to remain economically competitive and energy independent.”

“Despite this setback and just like we did when the Administration pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, the nation’s mayors will continue to stand for what’s right. We will redouble our efforts and broaden our partnerships with the business community to fill the leadership void as we work to effectively mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

House Representative Nanette Barragan (D-CA, 44th)

Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt took steps today to repeal the Clean Power Plan:

"Scott Pruitt's decision to undo the Clean Power Plan is a step backward for public health and the environment.

By rolling back these regulations, the administration will ensure our air is more polluted and greenhouse gases continue to pile up in the atmosphere. America’s future needs to be clean, renewable energy and the jobs those new technologies are creating.

We count on the EPA to protect our air and water. Administrator Pruitt appears more interested in doing the bidding of the fossil fuel industry than in upholding the mission of the agency he swore to lead. Pruitt’s decision is regressive and will disproportionately hurt low-income and communities of color. Vulnerable communities, including those in my district, tend to breath the unhealthiest air and bear the brunt of the worst effects of climate change.

Simply put, Scott Pruitt's misguided actions threaten the health of American families.”

House Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th)

“The White House’s short-sighted, dangerous decision to dismantle the Clean Power Plan is a direct assault on the health of our nation’s children. Yet again, the Trump Administration is showing its disregard for the health and security of the American people, and is demonstrating its failure of leadership to combat the surging storms, devastating wildfires and other catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis.

“From the start, this Administration has furiously fought to roll back all climate protections, without any concern for the impact on the jobs and health of hard-working Americans. From pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord to pushing an EPA budget purpose-built to gut protections for the American people to openly denying the scientific reality of the climate crisis, the White House has made clear its complete disinterest in advancing a healthier, stronger clean energy economy that creates the good-paying jobs of the future.

“The Trump Administration and this Congress have a sacred obligation to preserve the beauty of God’s creation for future generations. Democrats will continue to fight for real, bold action to safeguard the future of our climate and children.”

Read more about this:

Coal industry supporters celebrate EPA repeal of Clean Power Plan


Public Advocate, Other Ministries Attacked By Southern Poverty Law Center AGAIN

Source: Public Advocate

Washington, D.C. - October 11, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Public Advocate president Eugene Delgaudio said "The Southern Poverty Law Center is filled with scummy low life practioners of the art of slander and backstabbing falsehoods that seeks to drive Christianity and moral values from the public debate in America.

The SPLC is the destructive arm of the Homosexual Lobby and will fail in their attempts to promote wreckless acts, potential murder attempts on me and other Christians and they will also fail with their other wrongful libels and hysterical mistruths about our peaceful programs."

And yet another group was attacked at the same time:

"Leftist Agenda Attacks Christian Ministry's Online Donations"

- Secularists have used several tactics to attack Christian bakeries, filmmakers, and more. Now they have a universal weapon against Christian businesses: online payment providers. Most recently, biblical worldview ministry American Vision, Inc. reports being targeted.

This week American Vision's (www.AmericanVision.org) president, Dr. Joel McDurmon, reported "a major online payment service, Stripe Payments, refuses to allow American Vision to use its services for donations due to an alleged violation of its Terms of Service. This constitutes a major setback to our recurring donations and future finances."

McDurmon continues: "This is now the FIFTH major company or service to terminate with us for the same reason. It began with Amazon Smile, which rejected us from its charitable services program because American Vision is listed on the Southern Poverty Law Center's ridiculous and notoriously biased 'hate group' list which is used to target conservative Christian organizations who dare to stand up for truth, liberty, and justice."

Then PayPal followed.

The most recent attacks came after CNN promoted the SPLC's list, which includes American Vision. Almost coincidentally, Apple Pay refused service. Briefly afterward, Stripe refused as well. Then Facebook removed their store which is powered by Stripe.

Each of the services' letters of notice allege only a vague, unspecified infraction. When asked for explanation, all communication stops. Were the infractions legitimate, the only way a client could fix them would be if they were specified. The refusal to communicate suggests there are ulterior motives.

McDurmon states, "THEY WANT TO SHUT US DOWN BY REFUSING PAYMENT SERVICES TO US. They control the pipeline, and they wish to cut off our supply of funds."

"The supply of funds is of course the lifeline for any ministry. What they've done to American Vision they could do to any ministry they disagree with. Is there any recourse? "says McDurmon.

Save-A-Suit and Raytheon Partner to Gift Suits to Veterans Nationwide

Source: Sav-A-Suit

Many military veterans face barriers when transitioning to civilian life. In particular, finding a civilian career after they finish their service can be a challenge. Looking the part and dressing professionally is essential to feeling confident in any job interview. Studies have shown making a good first impression depends a lot on appearance. After wearing the same military uniform for several years, veterans need assistance with looking the part so that they may interview with confidence.

Save-A-Suit, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Bethel, CT, has made it their mission to give men and women veterans the resources they need to succeed in the workforce by outfitting them with professional business clothing. The charity was founded by Air Force veteran, Scott Sokolowski in 2010.

Despite serving over 3,000 people since 2011, the charity receives thousands of new requests from veterans across the country.

Save-A-Suit has partnered with Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems Business, a major U.S. defense contractor, to launch their "Ship-A-Suit" program to serve the needs of veterans nationwide. Raytheon recently awarded the organization a $10,000 grant to support the program. "We receive so many requests, but the lack of funds make it a challenge to serve all the veterans who need our services," says Jessica Ewud, Executive Director and Founding Partner of Save-A-Suit. "Shipping suits is costly and the generous gift from Raytheon will help us get on the right track to fulfilling these requests in a timely a manner."

The suits will also ship with key interview and resume building tips from Raytheon. "When veterans complete their military service, we want to help provide the confidence they need to obtain valuable careers. The work Save-A-Suit is doing in the community supports that mission and we are excited to be part of it," says Samantha Sullivan, head of Community Relations at Raytheon.

Save-A-Suit hosts events quarterly as well as ships suits to veterans nationally. The charity is looking for additional support for their national shipping program. This includes companies who are interested in donating funding or hosting suit drives. Interested corporations or individuals can visit their website www.saveasuit.org.

FRC: President Trump to Address 12th Annual Values Voter Summit

Source: Family Research Council

Washington, D.C. - October 11, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On Friday, October 13, President Donald Trump will address the 12th annual Values Voter Summit taking place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. President Trump will be the first sitting president to address the Values Voter Summit. This will be Donald Trump's third trip to the Summit, including last year when he attended VVS as the Republican presidential nominee.

"Values voters have waited eight years for a leader who puts America's mission first and respects the values that made America into a great nation," said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins.

"Values voters are coming to our nation's capital thankful to hear from a president who is fulfilling the promises that he campaigned on. Since the early days of the campaign, President Trump allied himself with values voters, promising to put an end to the 8 years of relentless assault on the First Amendment," added Perkins.

"President Trump's executive order on religious liberty and the follow up actions last week by HHS and DOJ, demonstrate that he is committed to undoing the anti-faith policies of the previous administration and restoring true religious freedom," concluded Perkins.

Thousands of grassroots activists from around the country will gather in the nation's capital to hear from President Trump and other confirmed speakers which include House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), RSC Chairman Mark Walker (R-N.C.), Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Dr. Bill Bennett, Laura Ingraham, Dana Loesch, "Duck Dynasty's" Phil Robertson, Todd Starnes, Steve Bannon, Judge Roy Moore, Sebastian Gorka, Lt. Col. Oliver North, and more.

FRC Action's Values Voter Summit is co-sponsored by AFA Action, American Values, Christian Healthcare Ministries, Association of Mature American Citizens, The D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, The Heritage Foundation, United in Purpose, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and Family Research Council. An exhibit hall, book signings, radio row, media row, and much more will be packed into this three-day conference.

For a schedule and more information on this year's Values Voter Summit, please click HERE