Legislation would bar TikTok from U.S. app stores if it does not cut ties with China-based parent company ByteDance

Washington, D.C. - March 17, 2024 - (The Ponder News) -- On Wednesday, The House voted on the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, legislation that would require TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company ByteDance if it is to continue operating in the United States. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 352 to 65. The bill would prevent app store availability in the U.S. for ByteDance-controlled applications, including TikTok, unless the applications sever ties to entities like ByteDance that are subject to the control of China, a foreign adversary.

“TikTok is a massive social media platform, with hundreds of millions of users in the United States,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “That is why it is even more concerning that one of the United States most prominent adversaries, China, has control over the app. The app could be used to spy on Americans or to manufacture public opinion. That is dangerous for our national security and to our democracy. I voted in support of this legislation, to ensure that no foreign adversary is given license to spy on Americans and manipulate their opinions," said U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd) after voting in favor of passing the bill.

Trump Allowed on Colorado Ballot

Washington, D.C. - March 6, 2024 - (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling on Monday, in Trump v. Anderson, that Congress, rather than states, is responsible for enforcing the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution when it comes to federal offices.

The ruling means Donald Trump is still eligible to appear on the Colorado ballot. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, Senator Ted Cruz (R - TX) said, “I was proud to lead 179 Members of Congress in an amicus brief to the Supreme Court supporting President Trump and arguing that states do not have the power to remove the leading presidential candidate from the ballot. I am glad that the Supreme Court agreed with our argument and unanimously overturned Colorado’s disastrous decision. I predicted that the decision would be unanimous, and the fact that the Court came together 9-0 was good for the Court and good for America. This decision is a major win for democracy and for the rule of law.”

McConnel to Step Down as Senate Majority Leader

Washington, D.C. - March 4, 2024 - (The Ponder News) -- Senator Mitch McConnell (R- KY) delivered the following remarks Wednesday on the Senate floor:

“As some of you may know, this has been a particularly difficult time for my family. We tragically lost Elaine’s youngest sister, Angela a few weeks ago. When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there is a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process.

“Perhaps it is God’s way of reminding you of your own life’s journey to reprioritize the impact on the world that we will all inevitably leave behind.

“I turned 82 last week. The end of my contributions are closer than I’d prefer.

“My career in the United States Senate began amidst the Reagan Revolution. The truth is, when I got here, I was just happy if anybody remembered my name.

“President Reagan called me ‘Mitch O’Donnell’. Close enough, I thought.

“My wife Elaine and I got married on President Reagan’s birthday, February 6th. It’s probably not the most romantic thing to admit, but Reagan meant a great deal to both of us.

“For thirty-one years Elaine has been the love of my life and I am eternally grateful to have her by my side.

“I think back to my first days in the Senate with a deep appreciation for the time that helped shape my view of the world. I am unconflicted about the good within our country and the irreplaceable role we play as the leader of the free world.

“It is why I worked so hard to get the national security package passed earlier this month. Believe me, I know the politics within my party at this particular moment in time. I have many faults, misunderstanding politics is not one of them.

“That said, I believe more strongly than ever that America’s global leadership is essential to preserving the shining city on a hill that Ronald Reagan discussed.

“For as long as I am drawing breath on this earth I will defend American exceptionalism.

“So, as I have been thinking about when I would deliver some news to the Senate, I always imagined a moment when I had total clarity and peace about the sunset of my work. A moment when I am certain I have helped preserve the ideals I so strongly believe. It arrived today.

“My goals when I was narrowly elected to the Senate in 1984 were fairly modest – do a good job for the people of Kentucky and convince them by doing so to rehire me for a second term! That was it. That was the plan.

“If you would have told me forty years later that I would stand before you as the longest serving Senate leader in history - I would have thought you’d lost your mind.

“I have the honor of representing Kentucky in the Senate longer than anyone else in our history.

“I just never could have imagined that happening when I arrived here in 1984. I am filled with heartfelt gratitude and humility for the opportunity.

“But now it’s 2024. As I said, I am now 82.

“As Ecclesiastes tells us, ‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven.’

“To serve Kentucky in the Senate has been the honor of my life. To lead my Republican colleagues has been my highest privilege.

“But one of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter.

“So, I stand before you today, Mr. President and my colleagues, to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.

“I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, however. I will complete the job my colleagues have given me until we select a new Leader in November and they take the helm next January.

“I will finish the job the people of Kentucky hired me to do as well - albeit from a different seat in the chamber. I am looking forward to that.

“So it’s time for me to think about another season.

“I love the Senate. It has been my life. There may be more distinguished members of this body throughout our history, but I doubt there are any with more admiration for it.

“After all this time, I still get a thrill walking into the Capitol and especially on this venerable floor knowing that we – each of us – have the honor to represent our states and do the important work of our country.

“But Father Time remains undefeated.

“I am no longer the young man sitting in the back, hoping colleagues would remember my name. It is time for the next generation of leadership.

“As Henry Clay said in this very body in 1850, ‘The Constitution of the United States was not made merely for the generation that then existed but for posterity – unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity.’

“So time rolls on. There will be a new custodian of this great institution. Next year, I intend to turn this job over to a Republican Majority Leader. I have full confidence in my conference to choose my replacement and lead our country forward.

“There will be other times to reminisce. I’m immensely proud of the accomplishments I have played some role in obtaining for the American people.

“Today is not the day to discuss all of that because, as I said earlier, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.

“There are many challenges we must meet to deliver for the American people and each will have my full effort and attention.

“I still have enough gas in the tank to thoroughly disappoint my critics and I intend to do so with all the enthusiasm which they have become accustomed.

“To my colleagues, thank you for entrusting me with our success. It has been an honor to work with each of you. There will be plenty of time to express my gratitude in greater detail as I sprint towards the finish line, which is now in sight.

“Mr. President, I yield the floor.”

“Today, we congratulate and thank one of Alabama’s greatest native sons. We’re incredibly grateful for Leader McConnell’s decades of service and leadership for our country. His legacy is unparalleled in the Senate’s history and will long outlast his tenure as Leader. He has always been a consummate statesman and stalwart champion of this venerable institution. I think Leader McConnell said it best—it’s time to make sure our next leader will be the majority leader, so we can preserve the American Dream for generations to come,” Senator Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL) said.

Congressman Introduces House Resolution Urging VP & Cabinet to Invoke the 25th Amendment Removing Biden

Washington, D.C. - March 4, 2024 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ken Buck (R-CO, 4th) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives last Monday, calling on Vice President Harris and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment:

“The Hur report officially addressed what many Americans have long witnessed with their own eyes - that President Biden is no longer fit to successfully discharge the critical duties of his office. Numerous instances were articulated in the report, and have played out in full public view, showing President Biden’s apparent cognitive decline and lack of mental stamina. “The societal challenges and security threats our country faces are innumerable and require a chief executive with both strong mental and physical faculties. The time has come for the vice president and the Cabinet to put our country first and move forward on invoking the 25th Amendment.”

Read the full resolution HERE.

Read Special Council Hur's Report on President Biden HERE.

Nuclear Energy, Shrinking Products, Apprenticeship, Border, Murder Suspect, Veterans, Farmers, Nato

Today's News for February 28, 2024

HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION ADVANCING NUCLEAR ENERGY PRODUCTION
Source: U.S. Representative Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
February 28, 2024
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 6544, the bipartisan Atomic Energy Advancement Act, which aims to incentivize and advance nuclear energy production in the United States. Included in H.R. 6544 is legislation Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) sponsored—the Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act, which would improve the licensing review process for future nuclear projects by establishing updated procedures and timelines for reviewing nuclear licensing applications.
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Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Big Corporations Shrinking Products Without Reducing Prices
Source: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D - WI)
February 28, 2024
For example, food products like name-brand cereals, chips, and crackers shrank the sizes of some of their products, while keeping the price stable. In the case of Cocoa Puffs, General Mills reduced its “Family Size” from 19.3 ounces to 18.1 ounces of cereal while charging the same price. Frito-Lay also reduced the size of a bag of Doritos from 9.75 ounces to 9.25 ounces, while their profits increased 9 percent from 2021 to 2022. Meanwhile, Mondelez International shrunk a family size box of Wheat Thins from 16 ounces to 14 ounces, but kept the price the same.
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ABC Survey: Biden’s Proposed Apprenticeship Rule Will Strongly Discourage Construction Apprenticeship Program Participation
Source: Associated Builders and Contractors Association
February 27, 2024
According to the results of a new survey of ABC contractor members and chapters published today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s controversial, 180,000-plus word proposed rule overhauling regulations related to government-registered apprenticeship programs—or GRAPs—will discourage apprentices, contractors and ABC chapter apprenticeship program providers from participating in the government-registered apprenticeship system.
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Barrasso: Biden and Democrats Have Taken A Wrecking Ball to America’s Strength
Source: Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)
February 28, 2024
“There's a confluence of crisis all around the world from El Paso, Texas, to Jerusalem, Israel. These terrible crises did not emerge overnight…Joe Biden has failed fundamentally what should be the goal of any president, which is to make America stronger, safer, more secure. As the Commander in Chief, President Biden bears full responsibility for the continuity of the crisis that he has created.”
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BERGMAN CALLS ON SENATE TO PASS HOUSE BORDER BILL
Source: U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI, 1st)
February 27, 2024
“It’s long past time the Senate take up H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, to secure our southern border and end this crisis. Our porous border is teetering on the verge of major catastrophe with the rampant rise of crime, fentanyl overdoses, and illegal crossings. Passing a so-called border bill which only allocates a mere 17% of a $118 billion total to securing our border is not the answer. Instead, we need the national security-bolstering measures in H.R. 2 – from its provisions that would restart construction of a border wall to its elimination of catch-and-release."
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Blackburn, Graham, Senate Judiciary GOP to Secretary Mayorkas: Release Files On Migrant Murder Suspect’s Immigration Parole Status
Source: Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
February 28, 2024
By law, immigration parole is only to be granted at the discretion of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on a case-by-case basis, in instances of “urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit.” Ibarra is the suspect charged in the murder of Augusta University student Laken Riley.
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Blumenthal & Murphy Praise VA Expansion of Health Care for All Toxic-Exposed Veterans
Source: Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
February 27, 2024
Millions of veterans exposed to burn pits & toxins during their service will be eligible for health care starting March 5; Historic expansion accelerates progress of PACT Act, makes health care available to all affected veterans
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Booker, Cardin, Meeks, Jacobs Welcome Announcement of High-Level Special Envoy for Sudan
Source: Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
February 27, 2024
“Having served as Special Envoy for the Great Lakes during the Obama Administration, former Congressman Tom Perriello has a strong track record of diligently working to find solutions to intractable conflicts in Africa, and we look forward to working with him to develop a sustainable path toward peace for the people of Sudan.”
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Ranking Member Boozman to USDA at Oversight Hearing: Help Us Ease Worries, Make Things Right for Farmers and Rural Communities
Source: Senator John Boozman (R-AR)
February 28, 2024
The lede from a February 15th story in Agri-Pulse, reporting on a presentation made by USDA’s Chief Economist at the Ag Outlook Forum, read: “USDA is forecasting lower prices for most major crops this year as input costs remain elevated and farmers face growing export competition”. A week earlier USDA forecasted that net farm income would decrease by 27.1 percent, or $43.1 billion, when adjusted for inflation over the last year. When you consider that since 2022 inflation-adjusted net farm income has dropped by $80 billon, this will be the largest two-year decline in net farm income of all time.
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BOYLE STATEMENT ON SWEDEN CLEARING FINAL HURDLE TO JOIN NATO
Source:U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 2nd)
February 26, 2024
“With today’s vote by the Hungarian Parliament, Sweden will become the 32nd NATO ally, dealing a profound geopolitical blow to Vladimir Putin. Today’s outcome is yet another clear example of the world unifying around Ukraine and Europe, and against Vladimir Putin as he continues his brutal and unprovoked invasion of a sovereign nation. Sweden's inclusion exponentially enhances NATO's collective strength and safety.”
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SNAP, Electric Vehicles, SOTU, Illegal Alien

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 27, 2024

Welch Introduces New Bills to Bolster SNAP Benefits for Social Security Recipients and Student Loan Borrowers
Source: Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
February 27, 2024
U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today introduced the COLAs Don’t Count Act, and the Student Loan Deduction Act of 2024, bills that would exempt annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and student loan payments from impacting the benefits of the families and individuals who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance. This would help ensure participants of SNAP are not losing benefits to the added costs of inflation and can more accurately report their available income after the expense of student loans is paid.
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MISS. LAWMAKERS URGE BIDEN TO END COSTLY & HASTY TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Source: Senator Roger F. Wicker (R - MS)
February 26, 2024
The lawmakers argue that the EPA rule should be rejected because it “is contradictory to all conventional predictions about where the automobile industry is headed in the coming years, including this administration’s own Department of Energy.”
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ICYMI — Dallas Morning News: “Rep. Colin Allred invites Dallas doctor who fled state for abortion to State of the Union”
Source: U.S. Representative Colin Allred (D-TX, 32)
February 26, 2024
The Dallas Morning News reported that Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) will host Dr. Austin Dennard as his guest at the State of the Union on March 7. Dr. Dennard is a Texas OBGYN and mom who had to flee the state to get an abortion.
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ALLEN ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE APPREHENSION OF ILLEGAL ALIEN AS THE SUSPECT IN THE DEATH OF LAKEN RILEY
Source: U.S. Representative Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
February 24, 2024
"President Biden and his administration’s complete disregard for the law and blatant refusal to secure the border undoubtedly led to this unfathomable tragedy and they must reverse course. Robin and I join our fellow Georgians and the nation in praying for Laken’s family and loved ones. She will not be forgotten."
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