Fetal Tissue Research, PPE, Churches, Insurance, Paycheck Protection, Race, Hydroxycloroquine, Navy Secretary, ICE, China, Defense Production Act, Testing, First Responders, Prisons

DeGette calls on HHS to lift restrictions on human fetal tissue research
Source: U.S. Representative Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
April 6, 2020
In June 2019, the Trump administration banned all research using human fetal tissue within the National Institutes of Health and placed new restrictions on such research at independent labs. As a result, scientists at NIH and labs across the country have been unable to pursue promising biomedical research into conditions and diseases that affect millions – including coronavirus – because it involves the use of human fetal tissue.
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Cassidy Pushes for More Protective Equipment for First Responders
Source: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
April 7, 2020
“[We] urge you to continue exploring every possible avenue to increase the supply of PPE to put more of this critical equipment into the hands of those who need it most, including first responders,” wrote the senators. “Specifically, this requires utilizing your authorities under the Defense Production Act to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity by incentivizing private firms to produce PPE, including respirators, gloves, gowns, and eye protection, and to allocate some of these resources to first responders.
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Cheney: We Need To Help Americans Who Are Hurting
Source: U.S Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming at large)
April 7, 2020
“The spread of the coronavirus has created economic uncertainty for many across the country, and the Paycheck Protection Program is an important resource that allows small businesses to keep their employees on payroll, providing crucial economic relief during this unprecedented crisis."
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CARES ACT INFORMATION FOR ALLIANCE CHURCHES
Source: Christian and Missionary Alliance
April 7, 2020
“Access to this form of government funding for churches is largely unprecedented. For many reasons familiar to church leaders, the United States has a long history of church autonomy and the avoidance of any government financial entanglement with the church."
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Cicilline Calls on Car Insurance Companies to Provide Partial Rebate of Premiums
Source: U.S Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
April 7, 2020
“Allstate Corporation and American Family Mutual Insurance Company have agreed to pay it forward by refunding hundreds of millions of dollars in refund checks to their policy holders, and I applaud them for taking action on this issue,” Cicilline wrote in an open letter to the auto insurance industry. “I urge you to follow their lead, review your data, and reach out to the appropriate state insurance regulators to determine how to best implement a system that refunds excess premium charges to consumers.”
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Cicilline Calls on Car Insurance Companies to Provide Partial Rebate of Premiums
Source: U.S Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
April 7, 2020
“Allstate Corporation and American Family Mutual Insurance Company have agreed to pay it forward by refunding hundreds of millions of dollars in refund checks to their policy holders, and I applaud them for taking action on this issue,” Cicilline wrote in an open letter to the auto insurance industry. “I urge you to follow their lead, review your data, and reach out to the appropriate state insurance regulators to determine how to best implement a system that refunds excess premium charges to consumers.”
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Cole Statement on Additional Funding for Paycheck Protection Program
Source: U.S Representative Tom Cole (R-OK, 4th)
April 7, 2020
“As Americans hunker down in their homes and wait for this coronavirus crisis to pass, many families and businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Small businesses and their dedicated workers are some of the hardest hit and by no fault of their own. While I am encouraged that the Paycheck Protection Program will provide some desperately needed help for small businesses trying to maintain their workforce, it is critical that Congress and the Trump Administration ensure the program remains fully funded and able to deliver the promised aid to those who need it.”
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Congressman Anthony Brown Highlights Racial Disparities in Coronavirus Outbreak, Requests Additional Data
Source: U.S. Representative Anthony Brown (D-MD, 4th)
April 8, 2020
“We must have more information to confront this pandemic, not less. The lack of information will only exacerbate the existing health disparities—both in terms of care and treatment—and hinder our efforts to contain the spread of the virus in communities that may be at the highest risk,” wrote Congressman Brown. “We need this data to ensure we can address the implications of these disparities as we expand testing and treatment around our state.”
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COLLINS SECURES 200,000 DOSES OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE FOR GEORGIA
Source: U.S Representative Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th)
April 7, 2020
“On behalf of the people of Georgia, I want to thank Amneal Pharmaceuticals for this incredible donation,” said Collins. “This medication could be pivotal in Georgia’s fight against COVID—19 and could potentially save thousands of lives across our state. Acts of generosity like this remind us of the remarkable ways in which our country has rallied together to support one another in the face of this crisis, and I’m humbled to have worked with Amneal and Georgia’s Department of Public Health to help secure this donation on behalf of our state. We will beat this virus, and our nation will emerge stronger than ever before.”
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Report: Repeal #NeverNeeded Regulations to Help COVID-19 Response
Source: Competitive Enterprise Institute
April 7, 2020
“Lawmakers should prioritize policies that mitigate the effects of the pandemic on everyday life,” said Kent Lassman, CEI president. “We need flexibility to solve problems without rigid regulations that make economic recovery more difficult.”
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Chairman Courtney Statement On Reports That Acting Secretary Of The Navy Thomas Modly Has Submitted Letter Of Resignation
Source: U.S Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
“Today’s decision by former Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly to resign was a necessary step to restore the confidence of every sailor and member of the US Navy that its leadership is committed to their wellbeing,” said Chairman Courtney. “Our nation asks a lot of the men and women who wear its uniform, especially during a time of pandemic when their enduring mission becomes even more perilous. The ordeal of the USS Roosevelt was bad enough for its crew without the uncalled-for scapegoating of Captain Brett Crozier. Mr. Modly did the right thing in stepping aside. Hopefully it will allow the Navy to focus on caring for the crew and their families, as well as for a fresh review of the Captain Crozier’s punishment, which simple fairness demands.”
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Congresswoman Angie Craig Introduces Legislation Investing in Small Towns
Source: U.S Representative Angie Craig (D-MN, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig introduced the Small Cities and Towns Investment Act to provide small cities, towns and townships with a new grant program that would allow them to invest in their communities and stimulate their economies following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Advocates Sound the Alarm: Deaths in ICE Detention are Imminent
Source: Detention Watch Network
April 7, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases in ICE facilities is rising rapidly. The evidence is clear: if ICE continues to keep people locked up, we know that a COVID-19 related death of a person in immigration detention is imminent. ICE will cause preventable deaths if they don’t act now by releasing all people from detention.
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Rep. Jim Banks Calls on United States to Bring Case Against China to International Court of Justice
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
Rep. Banks says, “If China’s leaders hadn’t become embarrassed by the outbreak and tried to cover up its spread, the world may have had a better chance to prepare for this or even contain it in Wuhan or China. Instead, we have a pandemic. China shoulders most of that blame. Rather than succumb to the propaganda and spin of Chinese officials, the world must hold them accountable for mishandling this outbreak. If the United Nations cannot even do that, it has completely lost its purpose.”
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Transparency Is Critical for the Defense Production Act to Be Effective and for Allocation of Supplies
Source: Bipartisan Policy Center
April 8, 2020
“The Bipartisan Policy Center appreciates the work of the administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency in working with states to ensure the right critical medical material and personal protective equipment get to the right areas at the right time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government has the unique ability and visibility to ensure coordination, provide logistical support, and direct manufacturing of material and equipment all of which are crucial in the response to this public health emergency.”
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Congresswoman Beatty Cosponsors Bill Directing $250 Billion to Local Communities Combating the Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
“Cities and townships across Ohio’s Third Congressional District—wholly contained in Franklin County—are struggling with the impacts of this public health crisis,” Beatty said. “That includes funding and maintaining emergency operations, public awareness and outreach, and much more, all while facing a depleted income tax revenue base required to financially sustain these critical services.” Beatty continued, “I urge my Democratic and Republican colleagues to support this important piece of legislation because the coronavirus is affecting all of us—whether we live in small towns, large metropolitan areas, or anywhere in between.”
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Bera Urges Administration to Develop National Testing Strategy
Source: U.S. Representative Ami Bera (D-CA, 7th)
April 8, 2020
“As a doctor, I strongly urge the Administration to prioritize the creation of a national testing strategy, including the rapid and widespread deployment of serologic and diagnostic testing, ” said Rep. Bera “Only with a national testing strategy will we be able to help states and communities identify who is infected and who may be immune, which will allow our country to soon get back on a road to economic recovery. An effective national testing strategy will also require a trained and dedicated personnel to implement it. I encourage the Administration to establish a public health workforce that would be used to conduct widespread contact tracing and to administer vaccines when available.”
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Bergman Supports Federal Tax Holiday For Front Line Responders
Source: U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI, 1st)
April 8, 2020
Rep. Jack Bergman cosponsored the HEROES Act, which was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Bill Huizenga. This legislation will give a four-month federal tax holiday to law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, doctors, hospital and licensed medical facility support staff, and senior care facility staff.
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Beyer Highlights Food Security Resources To Prevent Hunger Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th)
April 8, 2020
Even in these hard times there are community supports in place which should ensure that no one goes hungry. We can help each other by sharing information, looking out for those who need assistance, and for those of us who have the ability, donating food and goods to these organizations.
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Booker, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Help State, Local Prisons Test, Treat COVID-19
Source: Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
April 8, 2020
The bill would also incentivize states to reduce the number of people behind bars by curtailing arrests and in-facility processing for technical parole or probation violations and implementing “cite and release” procedures for individuals who do not pose a violent threat to the community.
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Hartzler Supports FEMA’s Move to Help Churches Struck by Disaster

By Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th)



Harrisonville, MO - January 5, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) praised the announcement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that it would no longer exclude houses of worship from receiving federal disaster aid.

“This action corrects an egregious injustice inflicted by the Obama Administration,” Hartzler said. “It’s unthinkable that FEMA used churches for staging areas and then denied the very same institution aid for its buildings. Discrimination for any reason is wrong—including religious discrimination. Churches are a central part of our communities, and I am pleased that they will now have equal access to the funding that other private foundations do in the wake of natural disasters. I look forward to working on a permanent legislative fix for this issue in the near future.”

FEMA’s previous policy prevented houses of worship from receiving disaster aid, although it allowed similar private nonprofits to receive such help. In October, Congresswoman Hartzler joined her colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump asking him to change this policy, stating that it was discriminatory and violated the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. Rep. Hartzler also co-sponsored H.R. 2405, the Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2017, which would amend current law to include tax-exempt houses of worship as "private nonprofit facilities" for purposes of disaster relief and emergency assistance eligibility. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, three Texas churches damaged by the storm also sued FEMA over its policy, stating that it was discriminatory.

On Tuesday, January 2, 2018 FEMA announced that it would allow churches to apply for hurricane disaster aid. The change applies to private nonprofit organizations that were damaged on or after August 23 or that had applications pending before FEMA as of that date.

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Governor Abbott And AG Paxton Announce Approval Of Request To Authorize FEMA Assistance For Houses Of Worship Affected By Harvey

Source: Texas Governor's Office



Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved their request to allow churches and religious organizations to receive the same public assistance available to other nonprofits aiding in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, which was revised during the Obama era, previously only offered assistance to private non-profit organizations, including zoos, performing arts centers and museums, and until now excluded facilities established or primarily used for religious activities.

Read more about this from the Texas Governor

Churches ask appeals court for equal treatment from FEMA for Christmas

By Becket Fund for Religious Liberty

Washington, D.C. - December 11, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Minutes before midnight last night, Hi-Way Tabernacle and two other Texas churches filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit asking for the right to apply for disaster relief like other devastated non-profits. The emergency appeal in Harvest Family Church v. FEMA came hours after a lower federal court refused to stop FEMA’s policy that discriminates against houses of worship. FEMA already conceded in court that its discriminatory policy is unlikely to survive the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer. Yet since the devastation by Hurricane Harvey in late August, FEMA has resolutely refused to give houses of worship equal access to federal disaster aid grants while distributing over $500 million to other kinds of non-profits and grant recipients, like stamp clubs and botanical gardens. 

FEMA’s delay has left Texas churches in limbo, forcing them to miss expedited grant deadlines and permanently jeopardizing their ability to access FEMA’s grant program. Despite this discrimination, houses of worship across Texas—including Hi-Way Tabernacle, as shown in this new video—continue to help their communities recover. The churches are asking the Court of Appeals to grant them immediate emergency protection by Monday, December 11, and to provide more permanent relief by Christmas.

The following statement can be attributed to Eric Rassbach, deputy general counsel at Becket:

“FEMA is giving Scrooge a run for his money. FEMA already left these devastated churches in the cold for Thanksgiving, and now it’s trying to shut them out for Christmas. Enough is enough. A flooded building is a flooded building, whether it’s a theater, a church, or a synagogue, and they should all be treated equally, every one.”

Statement from Trump about Shooting in Sutherland, Texas Church

Source: The White House

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of today’s murderous attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas. This horrible act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of sacred worship. We cannot put into words the pain and grief we all feel, and we cannot begin to imagine the suffering of those who lost the ones they loved. Our hearts are broken.

But in dark times such as these, Americans do what we do best: we pull together. We join hands. We lock arms. And through the tears and the sadness, we stand strong.

My Administration is providing its full support to the state and local authorities investigating this horrible crime. I have spoken with Governor Abbott, and we offer our thanks to the first responders who ultimately stopped the suspect and rendered immediate and lifesaving aid to the victims of this shooting. I will continue to follow developments closely.

All of America is praying to God to help the wounded and the families – we will never leave their side."

- President Donald J. Trump, November 5, 2017

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Virginia Church Disinvites George Washington

Source: Institute on Religion and Democracy

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Washington, D.C. - November 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- A Virginia Episcopal parish in which George Washington regularly worshiped has announced that it will remove a plaque marking the former U.S. President.

Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia announced it is relocating out of the sanctuary two nearly 150-year-old marble plaques that memorialize its two most famous parishioners.

Washington as a parish vestryman facilitated Christ Church’s construction and was later a regular worshiper, also participating at Pohick Church near Mount Vernon, the Falls Church in Falls Church, Virginia and Truro Parish in Fairfax, Virginia. Robert E. Lee was a nearly lifelong parishioner at Christ Church, where he was baptized and confirmed in middle age after a personal religious rebirth. His daughter left the church a large endowment. Washington himself bequeathed the church a Bible.

In a statement, parish officials wrote that the plaques “make some in our presence feel unsafe or unwelcome”.

According to Episcopal Church statistics, Christ Church attendance has declined by approximately 25 percent in the past decade, while giving at the church has dropped by 20 percent.

IRD President Mark Tooley commented:

“Count me skeptical that Christ Church loses potential members over the plaques. Likelier the ties to Washington and Lee attract tourists and other visitors who wouldn’t otherwise attend.

“Washington’s faith almost certainly guided him toward opposition to slavery and emancipation for his own slaves. Christianity, based on the example of St. Paul, usually judges lives based on their trajectory and conclusion, not the sins of earlier life.

“Christ Church’s form of Episcopal liberalism invariably attracts a demographic that is nearly all middle and upper class, educated, socially liberal urban white people. Churches that stress their welcome-welcome-welcome message of inclusion over a firm orthodox theological message typically are, whether realizing it or not, actually welcoming some and discouraging others.

“In my visits to Christ Church I have noticed the well-dressed congregation is not very diverse. Removing the Washington and Lee plaques will not likely expand its demographic.”


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Sasse Questions FEMA's Denial of Relief to Churches

Source: Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. - September 11, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Ben Sasse sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long, demanding answers regarding FEMA's decision to deny disaster relief funding to three churches seeking to rebuild their communities in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

"This policy discriminates against people of faith," wrote Sasse. "It sends the message that communities of worship aren’t welcome to participate fully in public life.... It reduces the facilities and volunteer time, talent, and effort available to support the broader community. And it is inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s recent 7-2 ruling in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer.... In other words, it is unjust. It is unconstitutional. It is unreasonable. And it is impeding ongoing recovery efforts."

Full text of the letter can be found below:

September 08, 2017

Dear Administrator Long,

All across the country, Americans have been closely watching rescue and restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, amazed at the uncomplaining resilience of Texans. While our hearts break for the families who have lost lives and homes, they also swell with pride in the volunteers, neighbors, and first responders who sprang to action. That’s what America is about, and that’s why it is particularly disturbing to hear reports that FEMA has denied three churches disaster funds to help rebuild their communities.

As Congress works to mobilize resources for those affected by this disaster, one of our duties is to exercise our oversight authority to ensure that taxpayer money is being spent efficiently and effectively. In the wake of Harvey’s devastation and in anticipation of future times of need—especially in light of the potential for catastrophic damage from Hurricane Irma—there is no room for discriminatory policies that hinder the tasks of recovery and rebuilding. That is why I am disturbed to learn of FEMA’s refusal to allow religious Americans equal access to disaster aid.

When disasters strike, it’s our churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations that spring into action, offering crucial facilities, manpower, and numerous other forms of support to affected communities. For the victims of a disaster such as Harvey, so many of whom have lost their home or—worse yet—their loved ones, it’s these institutions that provide the helping hands to rebuild suddenly shattered lives.

Nevertheless, religious organizations are not themselves immune from the devastating effects of disasters. Indeed, some of the most inspiring stories we’ve heard in recent days involve communities of worship going the extra mile to help their neighbors even as they themselves have suffered catastrophic damage. But even as these communities inspire the nation by facing even the most difficult circumstances with a servant’s heart, FEMA categorically excludes institutions that use their facilities primarily for religious purposes from receiving recovery aid grants available to otherwise similarly situated non-profit organizations.[1] When facilities for stamp and coin collecting are eligible for aid,[2] but houses of worship aren’t, something has gone seriously wrong.

What are the consequences of this policy?

Obviously, this policy discriminates against people of faith. It sends the message that communities of worship aren’t welcome to participate fully in public life. It incentivizes these groups to focus their resources on the damage their own facilities sustained. It reduces the facilities and volunteer time, talent, and effort available to support the broader community. And it is inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s recent 7-2 ruling in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, in which the Court held that the exclusion of a religious organization “from a public benefit for which it is otherwise qualified, solely because it is a church, is odious to our Constitution . . . and cannot stand.”[3]

In other words, it is unjust. It is unconstitutional. It is unreasonable. And it is impeding ongoing recovery efforts.

In light of this troubling policy, please provide answers to the following questions:

1. How long has FEMA maintained a policy[4] that religious organizations are ineligible for disaster recovery aid? Please provide a copy of every policy on religious organizations’ eligibility since the enactment of the Stafford Act.[5]

2. In the months since the Supreme Court’s decision in Trinity Lutheran, has FEMA taken any steps to reexamine this policy to ensure its compliance with the Court’s holding?

3. Will you commit to using any and all expedited authorities at your disposal to suspend or limit the application of the policy to ongoing recovery efforts?

4. Will you commit to a full revision of the policy to correct the legal, moral, and practical problems with the policy identified above?

In light of the need for expedited action, please respond in writing in the next 30 days. If you have any questions, please contact my staff at (202) 224-4224. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

Ben Sasse
United States Senator


[1] Fed. Emergency Mgmt. Agency, Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, FP 104-009-2 at 12 (April 2017).

[2] Id. at 14.

[3] Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer, No. 15–577, slip op. at 15 (U.S. June 26, 2017).

[4] “Policy” here refers to the requirement that “[f]acilities established or primarily used for . . . religious . . . activities are not eligible” for financial assistance under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, supra note 1, at 12.

[5] Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Pub. L. No. 100-707, 102 Stat. 4689 (1988).

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