Saturday, March 28, 2020

Thanking our First Responders and Critical Care Workers...and MORE!



This current crisis has, more than ever, highlighted the dangers our First Responders and Critical Care Workers walk into, selflessly, every day. Many of us have close family and friends who go out every day to put themselves in harm's way to save strangers. Today, The Ponder would like to say "Thank You!" on behalf of ourselves, and our readers, and the nation that we love! Our constant prayers go with you!

As Number of First Responders with COVID-19 Continues to Rise, Rose Calls on Mayor to Utilize Federal Funding to Increase PPE
Source: U.S. Representative Max Rose (D-NY, 11th)
March 27, 2020
“In the scariest of times and darkest of days, our City’s Finest and Bravest continue to show up and put their lives on the line,” Rose said. “We need to do all that we can and then some to keep them and those in the community they serve safe and healthy. In times of emergency and disaster like we’re facing, there’s no excuse for not spending whatever is necessary to protect our cops, firefighters and first responders.”
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Rose Supports Relief Package, Calls Out Pork
Source: U.S. Representative John W. Rose (R-TN, 6th)
March 27, 2020
“For those in this Congress who have used this crisis to loot the public treasury and serve special interests above the common good,” Rose continued, “I trust that our people and history will judge you as harshly as you deserve.”
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Rep. Chip Roy released the following statement on the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act”
Source: U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX, 21st)
March 27, 2020
This bill provides needed relief for the many Central Texas small businesses – restaurants, hotels, music venues, bars, and others – suffering through the government-mandated “social distancing” period. I want to make sure workers in the 21st Congressional District of Texas have jobs to return to once we defeat coronavirus. And defeat it we will.
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Roe Supports the CARES Act to Help Struggling Americans
Source: U.S. Representative Phil Roe (R-TN, 1st)
March 27, 2020
"This pandemic is affecting Americans across the country in every way possible – emotionally, physically and financially. I strongly support the CARES Act to help Americans struggling because of the unprecedented response we are undertaking to stop the spread of this deadly virus. This is not a typical economic recovery package because never before has our country shut down our economy intentionally. I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership and the work of the brave men and women in our public health community working around the clock to keep Americans safe. East Tennesseans should know their government will take whatever actions are necessary to ensure we restart and rebuild our economy as quickly as possible. This package is a major step in that direction. I hope it gives everyone the peace of mind that they can afford to stay safe during this critical period of social distancing and isolation, and help us in our effort to defeat this terrible threat to public health.”
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Dr. Ruiz Applauds Passage of Historic Families & Workers-First Coronavirus Legislation and the Emergency Relief it Sends to California
Source: U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA, 36th)
March 27, 2020
“The CARES Act provides billions of dollars to assist health care workers, small business owners, workers, and families in our community to weather the storm,” said Dr. Ruiz. “It is an unprecedented amount of money for an unprecedented pandemic. I voted for it because we need the assistance NOW! I will continue to problem-solve and push the envelope to best prepare and protect our communities and advocate for more support.”
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Rep. Roybal-Allard Applauds Passage of Historic Families & Workers-First Coronavirus Legislation and Its Emergency Relief for California
Source: U.S. Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA, 40th)
March 27, 2020
“I am proud to support the CARES Act, a historic piece of legislation, as part of House Democrats’ ongoing effort to bring urgently needed relief to families, workers, and small businesses in our 40th District and across America,” said Rep. Roybal-Allard. “While this legislation is a crucial step in the right direction, more still needs to be done. As Americans nationwide face uncertainty about their physical and financial well-being, I will keep fighting for additional policies that save lives and support our nation’s families, workers, and small businesses. Congress must ensure all Americans have the comfort of knowing that the government is there for them. This requires a coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government response. I am pleased that thanks to the hard work of Congressional Democrats, including our amazing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Senate’s corporate-focused coronavirus bill was turned into a bipartisan bill that puts the needs of America’s workers ahead of corporations. I will keep fighting alongside my Democratic colleagues and across the aisle to put Families and Workers First, including immigrant families and workers who did not receive relief from this bill to stay healthy and make ends meet.
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Rep. Pressley, Massachusetts Lawmakers Urge USDA to Fully Reimburse School Districts and After-School Programs Providing Free Meals to Kids During COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA, 7th)
March 27, 2020
"Schools and communities are acting urgently and creatively to adapt to this unprecedented threat, and we ask you to support their efforts without delay," the lawmakers wrote. "We request that you immediately use (your) authority to empower meal providers to adapt to their local conditions and needs in this unique time, and to guarantee reimbursement to all providers who are working to meet the needs of hungry children during this crisis."
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RUPPERSBERGER SUPPORTS SWEEPING EMERGENCY CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE FOR MARYLANDERS
Source: U.S. Representative Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd)
March 27, 2020
“This package will save lives and livelihoods,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “It’s about addressing the immediate concerns of treating sick people and making sure our nation’s economy can bounce back when the pandemic is over. This is a family-first compromise bill that we can all be proud to support.”
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Rutherford Applauds House Passage of CARES Act
Source: U.S. Representative John Rutherford (R-FL, 4th)
March 27, 2020
“As the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across our country, Congress knew we would need to put aside partisan politics and come together to deliver prompt relief for the American people,” said Rep. Rutherford. “While the bipartisan legislation we passed today is not the bill I would have written, it is the best that could be negotiated. It will deliver immediate, critical assistance to health care heroes on the front lines and support individual workers and small businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus. America is resilient in times of crisis – today’s challenges are no exception. Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for getting this done.”
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Senator David Perdue Discusses Coronavirus Relief On Georgia Radio
Source: Senator David Perdue (R-GA)
March 27, 2020
U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) today joined Morning Talk With Martha Zoller on WDUN Radio to discuss the Senate’s action to stabilize the U.S. economy and support workers and employers during the coronavirus crisis.
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Dr. Rand Paul Sends Letter to President Trump Urging Support for Kentucky Disaster Declaration Request
Source: U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA, 7th)
March 26, 2020
“I respectfully urge you to promptly consider this request by Governor Beshear. Additionally, I ask that you work to expedite delivery of the 100,000 test kits and 5,000 swabs that have been requested by the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” he continued.
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MCMORRIS RODGERS JOINS LETTER TO ASK FOR SUPPORT FOR FARMERS DURING CORONAVIRUS
Source: U.S. Representative Cathy Rodgers McMorris (R-WA, 5th)
March 24, 2020
In the letter, Cathy and 26 other lawmakers said, “As you work to continue mitigating the impacts of this emergency on our nation’s agriculture industry, we ask that you include targeted relief for the specialty crop industry. Such relief will not only help producers who are facing significant financial challenges but also support efforts to provide food and nutrition assistance to the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
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Roe, Schrier Lead Introduction of Bipartisan Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020
Source: U.S. Representative Phil Roe (R-TN, 1st)
March 24, 2020
“Hospitals and health care providers in rural America already struggle to keep their doors open, and the COVID-19 crisis is only making that harder. During a pandemic, it is critical our rural hospitals remain open to ensure all Americans – no matter where they live – have access to quality health care. We must also ensure individual doctors and small group medical practices are able to weather the storm and reopen once this crisis ends. I am proud to introduce this legislation to provide immediate relief to rural health facilities and providers so they have the resources needed to care for patients during and after the COVID-19 crisis,” said Rep. Roe.
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Dr. Ruiz’s Bill Would Require Health Plans to Cover All COVID-19 Treatment
Source: U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA, 36th)
March 24, 2020
Dr. Ruiz announced the introduction of the Care for COVID-19 Act, which would require health plans to cover diagnostic and treatment services related to COVID-19, at no cost to the patient. The bill also would create a special enrollment period for individuals who are impacted by COVID-19 to ensure that patients who are eligible for marketplace health plans would be able to enroll. The bill was introduced alongside Rep. Malinowski (NJ-07)
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Senator David Perdue Salutes COVID-19 Critical Care Workers
Source: Senator David Perdue (R-GA)
March 23, 2020
“The best of America always comes out during moments of crisis,” said Senator Perdue. “It’s encouraging to see so many Georgians and Americans stepping up to help their neighbors, support their communities, and care for those in need. In these uncertain times, one thing rings true: no virus will ever break the American spirit.”
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Rep. Porter Introduces Bill to Help Older Adults During Coronavirus Emergency
Source: U.S. Representative Katie Porter (D-CA, 45th)
March 23, 2020
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults age 65 years and older are at higher risk for severe illness. Porter’s legislation would allocate an additional $300 million to fund service coordinators that assist seniors.
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Reps. Pressley & Tlaib Introduce Legislation to Protect Individuals Experiencing Homelessness During COVID-19 Public Health Crisis
Source: U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA, 7th)
March 23, 2020
“Housing is a critical determinant of public health, and that has never been more true than during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “We have a moral obligation to protect the health and safety of all people, particularly our most vulnerable. By investing $15.5 billion in emergency grants to state and local governments, the Public Health Emergency Shelter Act will ensure that frontline workers have the resources and support they need to protect the health and safety of the nearly 500,000 people across this country experiencing homelessness. In these unprecedented times, this bill boldly affirms that poverty is not a character flaw, and nobody deserves less because they can’t afford more.”
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Statement from Senator Rand Paul
Source: Senator Rand Paul (R - KY)
March 23, 2020
“I believe we need more testing immediately, even among those without symptoms. The nature of COVID-19 put me – and us all – in a Catch-22 situation. I didn’t fit the criteria for testing or quarantine. I had no symptoms and no specific encounter with a COVID-19 positive person. I had, however, traveled extensively in the U.S. and was required to continue doing so to vote in the Senate. That, together with the fact that I have a compromised lung, led me to seek testing. Despite my positive test result, I remain asymptomatic for COVID-19."
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Kvellix LLC Offering Free NUTSO™ to Help Maintain Our National Family Sanity
Source: PR.com
March 23, 2020
Kvellix LLC, the makers of NUTSO™, a family poker styled card game, wants to do its share in keeping every family entertained during these trying times. Feeling the need to do something to overcome social distancing; Kvellix wants to help families create a new normal by gathering around the kitchen table and play NUTSO. To do this, Kvellix has two “NUTSO” related announcements that will help bring back some needed family sanity.

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Rogers on Pelosi Putting Politics Ahead of American Families
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL, 3rd)
March 24, 2020
"Speaker Pelosi is more obsessed with putting her extreme liberal political wish list together than helping American families across our country who are struggling during this world crisis. She is making socialist demands that have nothing to do with stopping this deadly virus and stemming economic harm to families. All Americans should be extremely disappointed in Speaker Pelosi and her liberal allies for putting petty politics ahead of doing the job they were elected to do.
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Fighting Disinformation with Truth

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 27, 2020



Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Separating fact from fiction
Source: BBC
March 17, 2020
Although we don't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus - either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions - Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says, especially for vulnerable patients, "it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice".
Here, at The Ponder, we've been getting private messages from people who are forwarding the recording of the guy telling us frantically not to use Advil ibuprofen. As with most stuff that is forwarded like that, I use the opportunity to do some research on the subject. Here is one of the articles I found that I am posting for your information:
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Third coronavirus law passes
Source: U.S. Representative Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
March 27, 2020
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a third coronavirus bill and the President signed it into law. Although access to the House floor was limited to reduce risk of spreading the virus, I felt I had to be there to express the gratitude of the people of the Marianas for the help being provided to our families, schools, businesses, and the Commonwealth government. Your congressional office was hard at work all week for our islands and we know there is more work ahead. Read our summaries, below, of how the new law, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or “CARES,” Act, applies in the Marianas.
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Rounds USPHS Legislation Included in COVID-19 Relief Bill
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
March 27, 2020
“The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to create a Ready Reserve Corps within the United States Public Health Services (USPHS) so vital healthcare services remain available to our citizens when Commissioned Corps Officers are called away from their duty stations,” said Rounds. “Already, hundreds of officers have been deployed from their regular duty stations, such as an Indian Health Service facility, to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is leaving a gap in healthcare services in already-underserved communities. By creating a Ready Reserve Corps within USPHS, we will now be better equipped to fill these vital positions when the Commissioned Corps Officers need to respond to a national emergency.”
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Congressman Tim Ryan Responds to President Trump's Calls for GM to Produce Ventilators in Lordstown
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
March 27, 2020
“It seems the President has forgotten that GM no longer owns the plant in Lordstown. This is a time for leaders to lead. Instead of tweeting, President Trump should activate the Defense Production Act today and put the full force of American manufacturing to end our equipment shortage. Coronavirus is already taking a toll on our healthcare system, and if we don’t take bold steps to fix that now, many more American will sadly pass away because we couldn’t supply our hospitals with the equipment they so desperately need. The President should stop stalling and fully implement the Defense Production Act to ensure our healthcare workers have the supplies they need to save American lives. The only thing standing in President Trump’s way is himself.“
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Risch Votes Yes on CARES Act to Battle COVID-19
Source: Senator James E. Risch (R-ID)
March 26, 2020
“No one likes to spend this amount of money, but the crisis we find ourselves in compels us to take drastic and decisive measures to protect millions of American lives and livelihoods. The CARES Act provides a lifeline to our nation’s economy, business owners, workers, medical professionals and those on the front lines of the outbreak, and the people and families battling COVID-19."
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Rush, Carter Lead Successful Effort to Ensure Pathologists are Able to Address Critical Testing Needs During Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 26, 2020
Following a request led by U.S. Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that it would allow pathologists to perform their important testing capabilities remotely to help address the coronavirus pandemic.
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Rush Introduces Legislation to Protect Inmates and Their Families from Unjust Charges for Communications Services
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 26, 2020
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) introduced H.R. 6389, the Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act, which protects inmates from unjust and unreasonable charges related to the telephone services and advance communications they rely on during their term of imprisonment. In particular, the bill bans commissions received by prisons and other confinement facilities from communications providers, which is the primary cause of increased rates incurred by inmates and their families.
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U.S. REPS. ASK JUSTICE DEPT. TO REVIEW TRIAL PENALTIES IN CLEMENCY CONSIDERATIONS
Source: U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
March 25, 2020
"Trial penalties are the sentences issued for criminal defendants that are harsher than what had been offered in exchange for a guilty plea. As the letter states, "Instead of accepting a guilty plea, a criminal defendant decides to pursue their 6th Amendment right to a jury trial. The trial penalty results in a significantly longer prison sentence than those imposed on more culpable defendants who voluntarily waive their constitutional right to a jury trial."
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Rep. Harley Rouda Sends Letter to National Governors Association Requesting "Stay at Home" Orders Nationwide
Source: U.S. Representative Harley Rouda (D-CA, 48th)
March 25, 2020
“Without approved treatments and a vaccine, aggressive and enforced social distancing is our only weapon to fight COVID-19 and slow the spread of the disease," said Rouda. "In the past days and weeks governors, Republican and Democratic, have lead by instituting "stay at home" orders. While these orders affect about half of our nation’s population, mitigation is most effective with 100 percent participation.”
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Rush Urges Federal Bureau of Prisons to Release Elderly, Nonviolent Prisoners to Mitigate Coronavirus Risk to Inmates
Source: U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1st)
March 25, 2020
“The close quarters present in our nation’s jails and prisons present a clear and ongoing risk of infection in general, and with the coronavirus in particular,” said Rep. Rush. “This, coupled with the fact that prisoners across the country — including in my home state of Illinois — have tested positive for this virus, underscores the need for action.
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Coronavirus: What you need to know
Source: U.S. Representative Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
March 25, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the progression of the coronavirus and considers the virus to be a serious threat to public health. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
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Reed Helps Reach Bipartisan $2 Trillion Emergency Coronavirus Economic Rescue Agreement
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Reed (R-NY, 23rd)
March 25, 2020
Massive coronavirus relief package includes four months expanded unemployment benefits and direct payments, $367 billion to aid small business, $150 billion for state and local governments, $130 billion for hospitals & health centers, an employee retention tax credit to incentivize businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis, & much more
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Rosen Joins Bipartisan Call for FEMA to Help Individuals, States Handle COVID-19 Outbreak
Source: Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
March 25, 2020
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced she joined her colleagues Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to exercise authorities available in the wake of natural disasters to provide direct emergency assistance to individuals and families and waive local cost sharing in order to increase federal resources to states and communities responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
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Rounds Supports COVID-19 Relief Legislation
Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
March 25, 2020
As a nation, we’re all feeling the effects of this unprecedented crisis. I’m glad we were able to come together to provide immediate, direct relief to South Dakota families and businesses, while at the same time taking steps to stabilize our economy. It is not a perfect bill, but it gets resources to state and local governments, who know the needs of their communities better than anyone else. It also removes regulatory barriers so businesses can get people the help they need during this time of crisis.
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National Guard and Reserve Caucus Chairs Call on President to Mobilize US Airlift Assets
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
March 25, 2020
Representatives Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Steven Palazzo (R-Miss), Co-Chairs of the House National Guard and Reserve Caucus, today sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting for President Trump to immediately mobilize America's military airlift, including Reserve and National Guard assets as needed to repatriate Americans abroad.
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Public Advocate Asks Nation To Pray for Victory Over China Virus
Source: Public Advocate USA
March 24, 2020
Eugene Delgaudio, president of Public Advocate, is asking Americans and supporters of Public Advocate to pray for America's success against the China Virus and for President Donald Trump's success in leading the nation to Victory.
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Amata-Cosponsored Legislation Will Help Student Veterans During COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa Delegate)
March 24, 2020
“This bill is a collection of several of the best ideas to quickly help the thousands of Veterans in educational programs during the pandemic,” said Aumua Amata, Vice Ranking Member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “They can be assured of not losing eligibility or their place in a program while it is shut down, and their program’s support and benefits will be secure and available when studies start again. Thank you to Chairman Mark Takano and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe for leading this important effort so these student Veterans don’t need to worry about their ongoing education.”
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Trump’s Financial Conflicts of Interest Endanger Public Health
Source: Public Citizen
March 24, 2020
At a White House press conference Monday, President Donald Trump announced that he may soon roll back federal guidelines on social distancing that are intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus epidemic. The Washington Post has reported that Trump’s “private business has shut down six of its top seven revenue-producing clubs and hotels because of restrictions meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, potentially depriving Trump’s company of millions of dollars in revenue.”
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Public Knowledge Launches Tracking Report to Log Digital Platform Responses to Misinformation During the Pandemic
Source: Public Knowledge
March 24, 2020
Today, we’re happy to announce the launch of our newest tracking report to log digital platform responses to misinformation during this pandemic. The report monitors how major digital platforms like Twitter and Google respond to the crisis and analyzes their various approaches, helping policymakers, media, and the public to better explore what platforms are doing to combat the rising “infodemic” — a dangerous onslaught of misunderstandings, inaccurate data, and lies about the coronavirus spread rapidly online. Public Knowledge will update the tracking report weekly as the pandemic unfolds.
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Rep. Rice Sends Letter to Leadership
Source: U.S. Representative Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)
March 24, 2020
Congressman Rice urges Congressional Leadership to include $100 billion for tourism and small businesses in aid package.
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