More House Statements about the Las Vegas Shooting

Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5th)

"I never thought I’d wake up this morning to the news of the deadliest shooting in U.S. history; but unfortunately, this devastation is all too familiar. I join the world in expressing my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families in last night's heartbreaking attack.

"Many have asked when is the time to discuss gun violence prevention. The answer is yesterday, today, and always. There is no doubt the absence of smart gun laws plays a leading role in these attacks. We can and must do better."

David G. Reichert (R-WA, 8th)

"My heart breaks for the families of the victims, the wounded, and all those impacted by last night’s tragic, senseless, and evil event and I continue to pray for those being treated in the hospital," said Rep. Reichert. "Targeting innocent individuals enjoying time with family and friends is beyond evil and cowardly. As this tragedy continues to be investigated, we must all be thankful for the incredible bravery and swift action of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, all first responders, as well as local trauma center personnel. We must remain resilient as one nation."

Phil Roe (R-TN, 1st)

“I am heartbroken by the senseless and horrific shooting in Las Vegas. I am praying for the innocent victims, their families and the city of Las Vegas. I’m grateful to the Las Vegas Police Department, first responders and local authorities who responded quickly – they are true heroes. Clarinda and I echo the sentiments expressed by President Trump this morning and join the nation in praying for the quick recovery of the injured, for unity and for peace.”

Jacky Rosen (D-NV, 3rd)

“There are no words to describe the devastation that our community has suffered and witnessed. I am heartbroken over the evil, horrific act of violence that has shaken Las Vegas and taken scores of innocent lives and injured hundreds more. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and with our community. I am grateful to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, our first responders, and all of the brave souls who risked their lives to save others. This unspeakable tragedy has left a dark stain on our history, but we will not let this painful moment define us. Las Vegas will always be a strong, vibrant city with an open heart and our lights will always keep on shining.”

Congressman David Price Issues Statement on Tragedy In Las Vegas, Nevada

On Monday, October 2, Congressman David Price (D-NC) issued the following statement regarding the horrific mass-shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Last night, our country witnessed yet another senseless and despicable act of gun violence, this time at a concert in Las Vegas. Lisa and I join the American people in grieving with the families and loved ones of the more than 50 people who lost their lives and more than 400 wounded survivors of what we now know is the largest mass shooting in our nation’s modern history. And yet we are well past the point where grieving is enough—we must summon the will and courage to take concrete action to prevent future tragedies. Anything short of that is a betrayal of the thousands of Americans who lose their lives each year to gun violence, and a betrayal of our values as a great nation.”

<B><I><Font Color="Red">Tougher laws do not prevent criminals from gaining access to guns. It only makes it harder for law-abiding citizens to own them.</Font></I></B>

Deadly Shooting Prompts Vigil

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Mayor Megan Barry, Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA and Butch Spyridon, President/CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp have released the following statement on the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas that has claimed the lives of more than 50 concert-goers and injured hundreds more:

“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the tragic event in Las Vegas, especially the victims, their families and friends, and the fans, artists and crews from our Country community in Vegas. This festival brought together people from all backgrounds united in enjoying life through music.

“Safety at all of our events is and will remain our top priority. We are constantly adjusting our event security measures year-round, partnering and consulting with experts at the federal, state and local levels through our full-time security team and the Metro Police Department. We will continue our efforts to provide the most comprehensive security possible.”

In an effort to offer Nashvillians an opportunity to show their love for the victims of this deadly shooting, a vigil is planned for Monday, October 2 at 6PM at Ascend Amphitheater. Free parking will be available at Nissan Stadium Lot R. Further details about the vigil will be announced later in the day.

Pingree Says "Enough is Enough" After Mass Shooting in Las Vegas

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on the mass shooting in Las Vegas that has claimed 58 lives and injured more than 500.

Today, America woke to the deadliest mass shooting in modern history. The fear, sadness, and heartbreak felt in Las Vegas reverberates in our communities and leaves us wondering how we could allow this to happen once again. The 58 dead and more than 500 injured deserve more than our sympathies and sentiments—they deserve to know their lives and losses prevented another tragedy.

Last June, in the wake of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, House Democrats demanded action on common-sense gun legislation. I sat with my Democratic colleagues on the floor of the U.S. House and said no one else should die at the hands of a reckless gunman because of Congressional inaction. Republicans blocked our effort and never allowed for debate on the bill. More than a year later, the nation is reeling from the most devastating mass shooting in modern history with no sign of a safer tomorrow.

Four out of five Americans support universal background checks, so why won't Congress listen to their constituents and pass a bill to prevent weapons from getting into the hands of irresponsible gun owners once again? Recently, House Republicans have pushed to take up bills that would reduce restrictions on silencers and allow greater access to armor piercing bullets. Not only are these bills completely out-of-touch, they would make it more difficult to know where gunshots are being fired and put law enforcement officers in danger.

Enough is enough.

Unless Congress stands on the side of public safety to pass common-sense gun legislation now, what happened in Las Vegas today could happen anywhere in America tomorrow. I urge Speaker Ryan to allow a vote on legislation that would help prevent future mass shootings immediately.

Pelosi Sends Letter to Speaker Ryan Calling For Immediate Creation of Select Committee on Gun Violence, Passage of King-Thompson Background Check Legislation

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to Speaker Ryan calling for the creation of a Select Committee on Gun Violence and to bring the King-Thompson Background Check Legislation to the House Floor for a vote following the attack in Las Vegas, the largest mass shooting in our history.

As Leader Pelosi writes, “I urge you to create a Select Committee on Gun Violence to study and report back common sense legislation to help end this crisis. The bipartisan committee would make recommendations to prevent unspeakable tragedies such as the mass shooting in Las Vegas and to restore confidence in the safety of our communities. Today is a day for prayer, mourning and love, but it must also be a day for action.”

Full text of the letter can be found below:

October 2, 2017

The Honorable Paul Ryan
Speaker of the House
H-232, United States Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Speaker:

The epidemic of gun violence in our country continues to challenge the conscience of our nation.

Today, our nation woke up to news of the worst mass shooting in our history, claiming the lives of at least 58 innocent men and women in Las Vegas. Nearly 12,000 Americans have been killed by guns in 273 mass shootings in 2017 – one for each day of the year. On average, more than 90 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every day, a daily toll of heartbreak and tragedy in communities across America.

Congress has a moral duty to address this horrific and heartbreaking epidemic. Charged with the solemn duty to protect and defend the American people, we must respond to these tragedies with courage, unity and decisive action.

First, Congress must pass the bipartisan King-Thompson legislation to strengthen the life-saving background checks that keep guns out of the wrong hands. But this is only a first step.

I urge you to create a Select Committee on Gun Violence to study and report back common sense legislation to help end this crisis. The bipartisan committee would make recommendations to prevent unspeakable tragedies such as the mass shooting in Las Vegas and to restore confidence in the safety of our communities.

Today is a day for prayer, mourning and love, but it must also be a day for action. As Members of Congress, our words of comfort to the families of the victims of the Las Vegas massacre will ring hollow unless we take long overdue action to ensure that no other family is forced to endure such an unimaginable tragedy.

Thank you for your solemn and swift consideration of this request.

best regards,

NANCY PELOSI
Democratic Leader

From what I understand, a machine gun was used. Am I wrong in remembering that machine guns are against the law already? Your laws did not prevent the killer from using it. What good is it going to do to put more regulations on law-abiding Americans?

Pocan Statement on Mass Shooting in Las Vegas

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) has released the following statement regarding the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. According to early news reports, the shooting claimed the lives of at least 50 people, surpassing the 2016 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida and making it the deadliest mass shooting in American history.

“My thoughts are with the victims of this senseless tragedy, their friends and families, and the City of Las Vegas. Much like the shooting in Orlando, these innocent Americans were doing something many of us have done, attend a concert. This attack was an act of terror and no one should have to experience a tragedy like the one that unfolded in Las Vegas.

“Members of Congress have the power to do something and we must do more than hold a moment of silence. We said never again after the shootings in Newtown, Charleston, San Bernardino, Orlando, and so many others. These events have become far too common and we can’t stay silent when thousands of Americans die from firearms every single year.

“As long as Congress fails to act, it is complicit in the deaths of innocent Americans. We must take commonsense actions like reinstating the assault weapons ban, ending the sale of high-capacity magazines, and closing loopholes in the background check system. For too long, Congress has rolled over when confronted by the NRA and the gun lobby and it’s time to finally take a stand. Congress must act now.”

Man Shoots Kansas IRS Agent

Source: American Federation of Teachers

Washington, D.C. - September 22, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Statement by Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers; Lisa Ochs, president of the Kansas Organization of State Employees and president of AFT-Kansas; and Robert Choromanski, executive director of the Kansas Organization of State Employees, on the shooting of Kansas Department of Revenue agent Cortney Holloway allegedly by a man facing a warrant for unpaid taxes:

“Every employee has a right to work in a safe, secure environment. Some public employees experience an almost constant sense of vulnerability and fear, such as those entrusted with collecting unpaid taxes and seizing property to pay a tax lien. Kansas state agencies are housed in both public and privately owned buildings, and security or other protective measures vary from building to building. And public employees who work in the field can be especially vulnerable. Employees’ fears turned into reality this week when tax agent Cortney Holloway was shot multiple times in his office, allegedly by a disgruntled man facing a warrant for nearly $200,000 in unpaid taxes. Adequate security measures, not currently used in the privately owned building housing the Department of Revenue, might have prevented this tragedy.

“We call on the state to immediately prepare a vulnerability review/threat assessment for every state government building—public or privately owned—and fieldwork environment to ensure that all employees and others are properly protected. This ultimately could provide a uniform set of security policies that include installation of metal detectors and having armed security guards. A possible model would be the review process for identifying and assessing the safety, security and preparedness of Kansas school buildings and grounds. We also request on-site active shooter training for all public employees.

“KOSE members have complained to management that they fear for their safety, but nothing was done. Something must be done. Our goal is to ensure there is adequate security and protection for state employees and everyone who visits state facilities. We send our thoughts and prayers for Cortney Holloway’s full recovery and for the people who witnessed the unspeakable violence in their workplace.”

ACLU RESPONDS TO BROKEN POLICE CULTURE THAT RESULTED IN KILLING OF MAGDIEL SANCHEZ

Source: American Civil Liberties Union

Washington, D.C. - September 22, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- In response to the news that the Oklahoma City Police Department has killed a deaf man who did not respond to officer commands, the ACLU of Oklahoma released the following statement:

The following is attributable to Allie Shinn, Director of External Affairs:

“We are incredibly saddened and disturbed by the news that an Oklahoma City police officer shot and killed Magdiel Sanchez, a deaf man confronted on his own porch.

“Police have an obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide reasonable modifications in their interactions with people with disabilities. The neighbors put the police on notice that they were dealing with someone who had a disability.

“Merely failing to follow commands is an unacceptable defense for the use of lethal force. We have allowed a dangerous culture of 'us vs. them' to fester among our law enforcement professionals. This killing speaks directly to a warrior culture in which the very people police officers are sworn to protect come to be viewed as the enemy. This culture assumes that an officer’s command, regardless of validity, is more important and more valuable than a human life.

“We as a society must consider whether or not our officers are truly equipped and qualified to serve as a protective force. Evidence is mounting daily that too often many of our officers are more interested in power than in protection.

“Magdiel Sanchez was shot at his own home, without having committed any crime, and in front of neighbors who knew he was deaf trying to communicate to the police that what they were about to do was wrong. Magdiel Sanchez should be alive today.”

Steve Scalise discharged a month after shooting

New York Post

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise – who was critically wounded in a shooting at a baseball practice last month – has been discharged from a Washington hospital.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center says the six-term Louisiana Republican was released from the hospital on Tuesday and is beginning “intensive inpatient rehabilitation.”

It isn’t identifying the facility.

The hospital says in a statement that Scalise (skuh-LEES’) was in good spirits and looking forward to returning to work once he completes his rehabilitation.

Read more...

IMF, UN, VA, Shooting, Anesthesiology, Disabled Children

IMF Decides not to Disburse Funds for Another Greek Bailout
Bill Hulzinga (R-MI, 2nd)
June 15, 2017
“While I am pleased the IMF will not be disbursing additional loans to Greece at this time, it is imperative the IMF bases its lending practices on principled and sound decision-making. A failure to do so will continue to leave the IMF open to future exploitation as a junior partner to the Eurozone’s bailout fund. The damage that European shareholders have inflicted on the IMF’s reputation is real, and this will inform the direction the U.S. takes in its governance of the Fund.”
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Human Rights Panel Urges U.S. Remain Engaged on UN Human Rights Council
Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)
June 16, 2017
In the letter the Co-Chairs recognize the Council has been inconsistent in its promotion of human rights, but emphasize that the United States can best defend universal rights by working to strengthen the Council from within instead of disengaging. Engagement on the Council remains the best path forward to safeguarding human rights, peace, and security for both American citizens and those across the globe.
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House Sends VA Reform Bill To President’s Desk
Darrell Issa (R-CA, 49th)
June 13, 2017
The bipartisan bill will increase accountability at the VA by allowing the Secretary to dismiss poorly-performing employees and those who engage in misconduct while strengthening protections for whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing.
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Jayapal Condemns Shooting at Congressional Baseball Practice
Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th)
June 14, 2017
“There is no place for hate and violence in our communities. We can always disagree and fight for our core beliefs nonviolently – without demagoguery or demonization. Last week, I was joined by colleagues and human rights leaders in denouncing a national anti-Muslim campaign and the rise in violent hate crimes more broadly. Today, joined by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I again condemn acts of hate and violence in any form and in the strongest possible terms.
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JOHNSON STATEMENT ON SHOOTING AT CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL PRACTICE

Rep. Hollingsworth's Statement About Shooting at Congressional Baseball Practice

HUDSON STATEMENT ON SHOOTING IN ALEXANDRIA, VA

REPS. JENKINS AND CLEAVER INTRODUCE BILL TO EXPAND ACCESS TO RURAL ANESTHESIOLOGY CARE
Lynn Jenkins (R-KS, 2nd)
June 13, 2017
“For many years, rural hospitals and clinics have suffered from a shortage of anesthesiologists to care for their patients. Attracting physicians to live and work in a rural setting is a unique challenge these critical access hospitals face,” said Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins. “The Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act remedies this problem by allowing certain rural hospitals to use Medicare Part A funds on a ‘pass-through’ basis. This legislation will make it easier for critical access hospitals to attract and retain physician anesthesiologists to serve their rural communities. I look forward to working with Rep. Cleaver on this bipartisan legislation to better serve our rural hospitals and rural communities.”
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Reps. Huffman, McKinley, Walz, Reichert, Schrader, & Katko Introduce Bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act
Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd)
June 15, 2017
In 1975, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), with the goal of guaranteeing that every child with disabilities would have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. At that time, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. Unfortunately, that pledge has never been met: current federal funding makes up just 15.7 percent. The bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular increases in IDEA spending to finally meet the federal commitment to America’s children and schools, relieve the burden on states and local school districts, and ensure educational opportunities for all students with disabilities.
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Veterans, Carbon Tax, Organ Harvesting, Printing, Shooting

On June 7, 2016, Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN, 1st) introduced the Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act, legislation to require clinicians practicing at the VA to report directly to state licensing boards whenever they witness unacceptable behavior from other VA clinicians. Currently, it takes at least 100 days for the VA to decide whether or not a complaint of substandard health care practices reported to the VA should be referred to the state licensing board.

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The Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016, passed the House of Representatives on June 8, 2016. This legislation would extend the implementation deadlines for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) costly ozone standards. Studies by the EPA have shown ozone levels have dramatically declined since 1980.

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H.Res. 343, Expressing concern regarding persistent and credible reports of systematic, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from non-consenting prisoners of conscience in the People's Republic of China, including from large numbers of Falun Gong practitioners and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups – passed by voice vote, in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Congressman Steve Russell’s (OK-5) amendment, also known as Federal Register Printing Savings Act, was adopted in the House by a voice vote, and was included in the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act which was passed Friday morning. Russell’s amendment curtails the printing and distribution of unnecessary copies of the Federal Register that is distributed to each Congressional and House Committee office daily. Since the Federal Register is available online, any office that needs the information can find it digitally; therefore, almost all of the printed copies are discarded. Of course, if a member of Congress, or other federal official, wishes to receive the printed copies of the Federal Register they may still register to do so. The annual savings of hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars could then be put to better use.

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About the Orlando Shooting: (for those who want to make the issue about guns) I think a gun that can shoot one bullet to kill one human being is just as dangerous in the wrong hands as one that can shoot 700 rounds. I also believe that if anyone takes away my right to own either is putting me into danger when face to face with a criminal who obtained his weapon illegally. Whether he got the weapon legal or not, not having the option of owning a gun with the same firepower diminishes my ability to defend myself.

And, if you think you are going to make such weapons disappear completely so they can't be obtained illegally, you are dreaming.