Monday, June 1, 2020

Protests, Veterans and More at the Ponder News

Donna Shalala Statement on Protests and Civil Disobedience in Miami-Dade and Across the United States
Source: U.S. Representative Donna E. Shalala (D-FL, 27th)
June 1, 2020
“We must vigorously and loudly voice our grievances while peacefully and lovingly respecting the safety of our neighbors and communities.”
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Rep. Sewell Statement in Response to Birmingham Protests
Source: U.S. Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
May 29, 2020
“We must seek justice for George Floyd, but we must also examine the very nature of policing in America as an institution.  These deadly tragedies are a frequent and persistent symptom of the abdication of our responsibility to reform the system. The full implementation of the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 will provide the data necessary to implement the long overdue reform of policing in America and will honor the legacies of the countless lives lost to these injustices.”
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SCOTT STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF FORMER MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICER FOR THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD
Source: U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)
May 29, 2020
“We must seek justice for George Floyd, but we must also examine the very nature of policing in America as an institution.  These deadly tragedies are a frequent and persistent symptom of the abdication of our responsibility to reform the system. The full implementation of the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 will provide the data necessary to implement the long overdue reform of policing in America and will honor the legacies of the countless lives lost to these injustices.”
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Sarbanes Statement on Recent Killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd
Source: U.S. Representative John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
June 1, 2020
“I am anguished and outraged at the brutal killings of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and now, George Floyd in Minnesota. The sad, bitter truth is that our country continues to be betrayed by police who perpetrate racial violence and prosecutors that turn a blind eye. We must end this corruption of justice with transparency and unyielding accountability. The anger and frustration that is boiling in so many communities across the country is real – and it is warranted."
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SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON NATIONWIDE PROTESTS
Source: U.S. Representative Bradley Schneider (D IL, 10th)
June 1, 2020
“We all need to listen, and to make the reforms our justice system so desperately needs. We need leadership and empathy. Instead of uniting the country, the President’s rhetoric and actions seek to divide and dangerously escalate the situation. We cannot allow it."
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Sanders and Schumer Respond to CBO Estimate Pandemic May Cause $16 Trillion in Long-Term Economic Harm
Source: Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
June 1, 2020
“Last week we learned that over 40 million Americans lost their jobs as a result of this horrific pandemic. Today, the CBO tells us that if current trends continue, we will see a jaw-dropping $16 trillion reduction in economic growth over the next decade. How can Senator McConnell look at these catastrophic economic numbers and believe there is no ‘urgency’ to protect America’s working families? At a time of massive wealth and income inequality, how can President Trump believe that what this country needs is another huge tax break for the top one percent? In order to avoid the risk of another Great Depression, the Senate must act with a fierce sense of urgency to make sure that everyone in America has the income they need to feed their families and put a roof over their heads. The American people cannot afford to wait another month for the Senate to pass legislation. They need our help now.”
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Schakowsky Slams CMS For Failing To Publish Coronavirus Data From Nursing Homes
Source: U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
June 1, 2020
U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Co-Chair of the House Democrats’ Task Force on Aging and Families, released the following statement after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) failed to publish COVID-19 data that the agency has been collecting from U.S. nursing homes by May 31:
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Senate Passes Schatz-Blackburn-Coons-Murkowski Bill Honoring The More Than 100,000 Americans Lost To COVID-199
Source: Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)
June 1, 2020
“The nation must mark this dark moment with unity and clarity,” said Senator Schatz. “At this time of almost unimaginable pain, it is essential that we pause to honor every life lost, and that we grieve together.”
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Schiff Highlights Need for Nondiscriminatory Blood Donation Guidelines
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA, 28th)
June 1, 2020
Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Deb Haaland (D-NM), and Katherine Clark (D-MA) introduced a resolution underscoring the need for policies governing blood and blood product donation to be grounded in science and based on individual risk factors that do not unfairly single out any group of individuals so that all those who can safely donate are able to do so.
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FINAL RULE PROMOTES ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

Washington, D.C. - June 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement in support of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler's announcement of the agency's final rule on Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The final rule will help accelerate the construction of energy infrastructure projects across the nation:

“I applaud President Trump and EPA Administrator Wheeler for their final rule that will prevent further abuse and politicization of Clean Water Act Section 401 authorities. Some states have abused Section 401 authorities to block the construction of critical energy infrastructure projects for reasons completely unrelated to water quality. This new rule maintains strong standards for water quality, while also supporting the high-paying construction jobs needed to build pipelines, export terminals, and other critical energy projects. This important rule will provide common sense reforms to ensure our nation’s waterways are protected, while putting an end to the radical tactics some states are using to pursue their 'keep it in the ground' agenda."

EPA finalized this rule pursuant to the direction of Executive Order 13868, “Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth.” In this Executive Order, President Trump directed EPA to review Section 401 and EPA’s related regulations and guidance to determine whether the agency’s policies should be updated or clarified.

Section 401 of the Clean Water Act gives states the authority to review whether a federally permitted project will impact the water quality of navigable waters within state borders. While this authority is important in protecting water quality, Section 401 has been abused by some states to deny critical and legitimate energy infrastructure projects for reasons unrelated to water quality. The final rule limits reviews to water quality impacts and requires a final decision be made by states within one year. The final rule:

  • Specifies statutory and regulatory timelines for review and action on a Section 401 certification—requiring final action to be taken within one year of receiving a certification request.
  • Clarifies the scope of Section 401, including clarifying that 401 certification is triggered based on the potential for a project to result in a discharge from a point source into a water of the United States. When states look at issues other than the impact on water quality, they go beyond the scope of the Clean Water Act.
  • Explains EPA’s roles under Section 401.
  • Reaffirms the agency’s statutory responsibility to provide technical assistance to any party involved in a Section 401 water quality certification process.
  • Promotes early engagement and coordination among project proponents, certifying authorities and federal licensing and permitting agencies.

  • In October 2019, Scalise signed a letter in support of the EPA's proposed rule regarding Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

    House increases vets’ COLA

    Washington, D.C. - June 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 6168, the Veterans’ Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020 which would increase compensation rates for disability compensation, clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation benefits. Raising benefits help veterans, their families, and survivors meet the rising cost of goods and services and maintain quality of life. The amount would be the same as the cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients and take effect December 1, 2020. The bill now heads to the Senate for action.