Small Business, Health Worker Shortage, Education Loans, Cattle Market, Immigration, Educator Pay, Pharmacy, Police

NFIB Statement on President Biden’s Small Business Roundtable
Source: National Federation of Independent Business
April 28, 2022
“Small businesses continue to face numerous challenges including historic inflation, high gas prices, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and threats of significant tax hikes,” said Kevin Kuhlman, NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations. “These challenges are dragging down small business optimism and outlook, as expectations of better business conditions is at a 48-year low, according to NFIB’s Research Center. The administration, along with Congress, should focus on solutions to promote and accelerate the fragile small business recovery and reject any legislation, such as the Build Back Better Act, that increases taxes and imposes unaffordable mandates and penalties on Main Street, which threaten to worsen the small business challenges.”
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States Collaborate To Combat Health Worker Shortage
National Governor’s Association
April 28, 2022
“Every state is facing health workforce challenges, and the pandemic has revealed how quickly the challenge can become a crisis when the system is strained – especially for rural communities,” said Timothy Blute, director of the NGA Center. “Governors are leading on this critical issue, and we look forward to working with states to develop and share creative solutions.”
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Advocates Applaud ED Approval of $238M Discharge for Marinello School of Beauty Borrowers
Source: National Consumer Law Center
April 28, 2022
“Today’s actions could be a turning point in how the Department of Education provides relief to borrowers who were scammed by their schools. For the first time in over five years, ED has finally deployed its group discharge authority to provide loan cancellation to defrauded borrowers without requiring them all to submit borrower defense applications. This shift is long overdue.
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NCBA President Urges Congress to Adopt Broadly Supported Cattle Market Policies
Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
April 28, 2022
“The only people who know exactly how cattle producers should navigate these uncertain times are the individuals who work around the clock, day in and day out, to raise the safest and highest quality beef in the world—in other words: cattle producers,” said Schiefelbein.
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Speakers Call for Consensus on Border, Immigration
Source: National Immigration Forum
April 27, 2022
“Without question, we need border-management and immigration solutions,” said Laurence Benenson, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the National Immigration Forum. “With the release of the Department of Homeland Security’s border plan on Tuesday, the Biden administration has added some important detail to its post-Title 42 strategy. But the need for legislative reform is stronger than ever. Members of Congress should come together in good faith and reach agreement on immigration reforms.”
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NEA Unveils New Nationwide Data on Educator Pay and School Funding
Source: National Education Association
April 26, 2022
“For decades, America’s educators have been chronically underappreciated and shamefully underpaid,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Throughout this persistent and ongoing pandemic, they have demonstrated their commitment to all students, no matter their ZIP code, the language they speak, or the gender with which they identify. After persevering through the hardest school years in recent memory, our educators are exhausted and feeling less and less optimistic about their futures.
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NCPA, State Pharmacy Groups Comment on NAIC’s Rutledge v. PCMA Analysis
Source: National Community Pharmacists Association
April 25, 2022
The National Community Pharmacists Association and 41 state pharmacy associations are providing input to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on educational material it is developing regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s December 2020 decision in Rutledge v. PCMA. In this case the Court unanimously found that federal law does not preclude states from enforcing reimbursement and pricing regulations against pharmacy benefit managers, giving states greater authority to protect their local businesses and patients from PBM overreach.
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Traffic Stops: Understanding and Addressing Citizens’ Concerns
Source: National District Attorneys Association
April 25, 2022
Across the United States, police departments and policing as a whole are in the spotlight. The horrific event in Minneapolis nearly two years ago has served as the example for many to illustrate systemic issues of racism and violence within the law enforcement profession. This perception of the law enforcement profession sparked discussion about defunding the police and some communities actually implemented this concept. How one views this spotlight on a law enforcement agency depends on one’s perspective. Some law enforcement agencies have become defensive, hoping the winds of change will pass them by or, like a vast majority of law enforcement agencies, view this challenge as an opportunity to bring even greater professionalism and better practices to a profession to which most officers are deeply dedicated.
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Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act

End Citizens United // Let America Vote Praises Passage of Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act
Source: End Citizens United
April 27, 2022
“This bill will require federal judges, including members of the U.S. Supreme Court, to report all stock trades above $1,000 within 45 days and make all financial disclosure reports publicly available online, putting them in line with other federal officials. Knowing this public information will help ensure that every American who steps foot in a federal courtroom gets a fair and equal trial and that judges are held accountable when overseeing a case where they or their immediate family have significant financial interest.”
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House sends bill requiring online publication of judges’ financial disclosures to Biden
Source: The Hill
April 27, 2022
If signed into law by Biden, the legislation would amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 by requiring that financial disclosure reports submitted by federal judges be published to an online, searchable database that is available to the public.
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Orwellian Truth Ministry after Musk Buys Twitter

Biden DHS creates new board to police ‘disinformation’
Source: American Military News
April 27, 2022
On Wednesday, Politico first reported the DHS was establishing an office, called the Disinformation Governance Board. Politico reported the new board will focus specifically on misinformation and disinformation about “irregular migration and Russia.”
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We all know it doesn't stop there. What happens when the war is over and the "board" gets bored? This is only the beginning. George Orwell, eat your heart out!

President Biden has decided the federal government will launch a Disinformation Governance Board under the authority of the Homeland Security Department Did you just think they would let you have free speech back?
--Jack Posobiec (Host of "Human Events Daily"

The "shadowban" has been lifted at Twitter:

It is both amazing and suspicious how many of us suddenly have tens of thousands more followers.
--Janice Dean (Sr Fox News Meteorologist)

Rep. Adam Schiff says he is 'concerned' that Elon Musk's 'personal views will stop the fight against disinformation on social media'
Source: Blaze Media
April 27, 2022
"Here's my take on the world’s richest man buying Twitter: He makes a great car and rocket. But I’m concerned his personal views will stop the fight against disinformation on social media. The problem on Twitter hasn't been too much content moderation – it's too much hate," Schiff tweeted.
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DHS Disinformation’ Unit Headed by Woman Who Said Hunter Biden Laptop Story Was Disinformation
Source: Summit News
April 27, 2022
“I shudder to think about if free speech absolutists were taking over more platforms, what that would look like for the marginalized communities, which are already shouldering disproportionate amounts of this abuse,” she tweeted in response to Musk’s Twitter takeover.
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Pres Biden is forming a taxpayer funded disinformation governance board It’s so ridiculous it ought to fall by it’s own weight It’s a threat to free speech & political expression
--Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

Will Joe Biden’s “disinformation” czar investigate the President’s claim that gas prices are high because of Russia?
--U.S. Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)

Out of the Horse's Mouths April 26, 2022

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act resulted in more than $2,000 in tax cuts for the average family of four.

Biden's inflation crisis wiped that out, and added an additional $3,000 in higher costs.

Inflation is a hidden tax on Americans who can least afford it.
-- U.S. Representative Bob Gibbs (R-OH, 7th)

While wages increased in 2021, inflation outstripped wage growth, which means many American workers saw a de facto pay cut. They can thank Democrats’ reckless spending.
---Senator John Thune (R - SD)

Fauci will probably ask the CDC to block Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter due to #COVID concerns.
--U.S. Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)

One billionaire—whose estimated net worth has gotten about 10 times larger since the start of the pandemic—is about to have the power to decide how millions of people can communicate with each other. It’s dangerous for our democracy to have so much power in so few hands.
--Senator Elizabeth Warren (D - MA)

By “free speech”, I simply mean that which matches the law. I am against censorship that goes far beyond the law. If people want less free speech, they will ask government to pass laws to that effect. Therefore, going beyond the law is contrary to the will of the people.
--Elon Musk

U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, Workers, Sexual Harassment in the Military, Labor Violation at Dollar Stores, Home Sales

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to April 26, 2022

Sens. Moran, Daines Statements on Secretary Blinken’s Announcement to Reopen the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv
Source: Senator Jerry Moran- (R - KS)
April 25, 2022
“America’s presence and leadership in Ukraine matters,” said Sen. Moran. “Secretary Blinken’s statement to reopen the embassy in Kyiv is a move I called for and support, and I will continue to urge the Biden administration to get this done as quickly as possible. Our European allies have resumed embassy operations in Kyiv, and it is past time for America to do the same and show our full support for a Ukraine whole and free.”
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Mrvan Testifies Before ITC in Support of U.S. Workers
Source: U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN, 1st)
April 25, 2022
Congressman Frank J. Mrvan testified before the International Trade Commission (ITC) during their hearing last week entitled, “Distributional Effects of Trade and Trade Policy on U.S. Workers.”
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Mullin Co-Leads Bill to Remove Sexual Harassment from the Military Chain of Command on Anniversary of SPC Vanessa Guillén’s Murder
Source: U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK, 2nd)
April 22, 2022
This legislation will remove sexual harassment from the military chain of command to a new special trial counsel created by the National Defense Authorization Act of (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2022, as well as require that new, independent sexual harassment investigators created by the FY22 NDAA are outside the chain of command of the victim and are trained in investigating sexual harassment.
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Senator Murray Pushes to Protect Workers at Dollar Store Chains, After Reports of Egregious Labor Violations
Source: Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
April 22, 2022
Dollar General and Dollar Tree have engaged in unacceptable labor practices that have shortchanged workers, created unsafe working conditions, and in some cases, violated federal law—even as the companies have experienced explosive growth in recent years. These companies collectively operate more locations than Walmart, Starbucks, and McDonald’s combined, and continue to expand at a significant pace. In 2020, median annual pay for Dollar General and Dollar Tree workers was just $16,688 and $15,816, respectively, while the companies’ CEOs make 986 and 715 times as much. The dollar store chains have routinely expected employees to work long hours while misclassifying them as managers to avoid paying overtime and have engaged in a host of other shameful practices, like denying employees breaks and discouraging unionization.
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Existing-Home Sales Slip 2.7% in March
Source: National Association of Realtors
April 20, 2022
Existing-home sales decreased in March, marking two consecutive months of declines, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Month-over-month, sales in March waned in three of the four major U.S. regions while holding steady in the West. Sales were down across each region year-over-year.
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Sanctioned by Russia and more...

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to April 16, 2022

Miller-Meeks Statement on Being Sanctioned by Russia
Source: U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IO, 2nd)
April 15, 2022
“I will not bow down to the thugs in Moscow. The invasion of Ukraine violates international law and cannot go unpunished. I am proud to stand with the people of Ukraine and I am inspired by their bravery and will to fight for their country. I will continue to work with all of my colleagues to hold Russia, Putin, and his cronies accountable for their war crimes against the people of Ukraine.”
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MOORE, WARREN, BOOKER INTRODUCE MAMAS FIRST ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI, 4th)
April 15, 2022
“Medicaid covers 40 percent of all births and 65 percent of Black mothers’ births. As Black mothers continue to bear the burden of our maternal health crisis, dying at 3-5 times the rate of white mothers, making these investments will have an immediate impact on the most vulnerable mothers. Mothers who have access to doulas and midwives are more likely to have healthier outcomes and deliveries free of complications for them and their babies.
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Moolenaar: "It's a Badge of Honor" to Be Sanctioned By Russia
Source: U.S. Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI, 4th)
April 14, 2022
"Being sanctioned by Vladimir Putin’s corrupt government is a badge of honor. I refuse to stand idly by while his government commits genocide, and I have voted to help Ukraine defend itself against the Russian invasion. These new sanctions will not deter me from continuing to support the courageous people of Ukraine as they fight for their lives and the country they love,” said Moolenaar.
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Out of the Horse's Mouth

Oil profits are funding Putin’s reckless invasion of Ukraine. That's why I supported bipartisan legislation, that has passed the House and Senate, to ban the United States from importing Russian crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, LNG, and coal.
-- U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)

A 54-year (jobless) low does not happen by accident. This is the result of actions taken by Congress and @POTUS when we enacted the American Rescue Plan.
-- U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)

The FBI and DOJ need a complete and total cleansing. It must be one of our top priorities. All the rot must be removed and these agencies must be restored. Setting up people, like in the Whitmer alleged kidnapping plot, doesn’t appear to be a solo event.
-- U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA, 14)

Under Biden, U.S. oil reserves have dropped by 40 percent. Our reserves are at their lowest level since 1984. Biden is not supposed to use this supply to bail out his failed policies.
-- U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)

People like Elon Musk want more free speech online. Democrats like President Obama want more censorship. What side are you on?
-- U.S. Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)

Migrants, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Fossil Fuels, Moscow

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to April 8, 2022

Meijer, Guest, Katko Introduce Legislation to Alert Localities of Migrant Releases as Immigration Surge Looms
Source: U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI, 3rd)

“As we continue to experience historic levels of migrants and deadly narcotics crossing the border, Congress must continue to engage and promote policies that are in the best interest of the American people,” said Rep. Meijer. “Last year’s immigration surge placed a huge strain on local communities and public resources. If President Biden is going to do away with Title 42 and refuse to immediately deport people who cross our border illegally, the least his administration can do is notify local authorities of an impending release of these migrants into their jurisdictions. Doing so ensures that communities can prepare for and respond to the migrants, who would otherwise be left stranded in an unknown city. No such requirement is currently in place, but I hope our bill resolves this quickly.”
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MENENDEZ STATEMENT ON CONFIRMATION OF KETANJI BROWN JACKSON TO THE SUPREME COURT
Source: Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

“As only the second Supreme Court Justice ever to have served at all three levels of our federal judiciary, I have no doubt that, given her impeccable credentials and lived experiences, Justice Jackson will faithfully carry out the duties entrusted to her by the Constitution. Her extensive knowledge about what the law can do, what it can limit, and what it can unlock make her an outstanding Justice who will usher the highest court of the land to a new era — more clearly reflecting who we are as a nation and what we stand for as a fair, just, and hopeful people.
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Rep. Meeks Statement on the Confirmed Nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
Source: U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY, 5th)

"I am pleased that the Senate confirmed the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Judge Jackson’s firm belief in justice and impartiality coupled with her vast and diverse experiences in public service makes her an excellent addition to the Supreme Court. Furthermore, her distinct background cultivated through her time as a public defender will provide the Court with a unique perspective rooted in our criminal justice system. As I look towards the future of the Supreme Court, I cannot help but think about the profound impact that Judge Jackson will have on Black women across America. To realize a more perfect union, our democratic institutions must reflect the diversity of our Nation. Her unprecedented achievement is a testament to the tenacity and contributions of Black women to our society. I congratulate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her historic nomination and look forward to her swearing in," said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
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BIDEN’S WAR ON FOSSIL FUELS CAUSING GAS PRICES TO SPIKE
Source: U.S. Representative David McKinley (R-WV, 1st)

The House Financial Services Committee held a hearing with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. During the hearing, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) and Committee Republicans discussed the state of the international financial system and held the Biden Administration accountable for the Treasury Department’s international activities, specifically those at the international financial institutions.
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McHenry to Yellen: We Must Exert Maximum Pressure on Moscow
Source: U.S. Representative Patrick T. McHenry (R-NC, 10th)

“President Biden and House Democrats continue to blame Putin and U.S. oil companies for rising gas prices, when in fact it is their own anti-American energy policies driven by far-left environmental activists that have caused prices to spike,” said Rep. McKinley. “Restoring American energy production is the best option for reducing gas prices that are crushing American families.”
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FULL SPEECH: Former President Donald Trump speaks at 'Save America' rally in Conroe, Texas in January

Behavioral Health, Financial Literacy, Inflation, Defense Budget, Wildfires

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to April 6, 2022

Rep. McClintock and Rep. LaMalfa Introduce Legislation Requiring the U.S. Forest Service to Immediately Suppress Wildfires
Source: U.S. Representative Tom McClintock (R-CA, 4th)
April 2, 2022
“This ‘let burn’ policy of federal land managers began in 1972, during the height of the radical environmental movement,” McClintock said. “Essentially, it holds that ‘fire is our friend.’ It stems from the premise that fire is nature’s way of cleaning up forests, and that active suppression of fires leads to a build-up of excess fuels. As we have tragically witnessed firsthand, it is dangerous nonsense to ‘monitor’ incipient fires in today’s forest tinderbox. The U.S. Forest Service was formed to remove excess growth before it can burn and to preserve our forests in a healthy condition from generation to generation. It’s time they did.”
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Two McBath Bills Approved by House Committee
Source: U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA, 6th)
April 5, 2022
Two pieces of legislation led by U.S. Representative Lucy McBath were amended and approved by the House Committee on Education and Labor. The Protecting America’s Retirement Security Act (PARSA), H.R.7310, and the Training Retention and Investment Now for a Better America (TRAIN for a Better America) Act, H.R.7385, were marked up and advanced out of the Committee. PARSA will help Americans plan and save for retirement by improving protections for retirement plans, increasing awareness of potential fees, and supporting financial literacy with measures that will benefit workers, families, and employers. TRAIN for a Better America will help build a competitive American workforce, provides educational opportunities and creates better careers, and prepares hard-working Americans for new, good-paying jobs.
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Democrats’ Inflation Disproportionately Hurts the Vulnerable
Source: Senator Mitch McConnell (R- KY)
April 5, 2022
“It was clear from the start that the Biden Administration’s war on affordable energy would punish American consumers. And even liberal economists warned that flooding our economy with partisan spending could trigger broad inflation. “Sure enough, American families have now endured nine straight months of inflation above a 5% annual pace. “And the worst effects are being felt in the most vulnerable pockets of our society.
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Rep. McClain Addresses Inadequate Funding in FY23 Defense Budget
Source: U.S. Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI, 10th)
April 5, 2022
During the hearing, Rep. McClain referenced a drop in procurement of the Abrams tank, pushing General Milley for the rationale behind the drop of this critical combat vehicle from the budget. General Milley suggested that a war with China would predominantly be fought with air and Maritime forces. Their exchange led Rep. McClain to highlight that the Air Force is the oldest, smallest and least ready in its’s entire history. Rep. McClain then questioned the rationale for not procuring the 72 fighter aircraft the Air Force needs to maintain their current average age.
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MATSUI & MULLIN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO HEALTH IT FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS
Source: U.S. Representative Doris O. Matsui (D-CA, 6th)
April 6, 2022
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have become an essential part of our modern healthcare system. However, mental health and substance use disorder providers have been historically left out of previous federal funding efforts to promote the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records and supporting technology. The BHIT Now Act seeks to deliver long overdue targeted funding that will ensure psychologists, clinical and social workers, as well as Community Mental Health Centers, psychiatric hospitals, and residential treatment centers can invest in the technology needed to support integrated, whole-person care.
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