Source: AASA, The School Superintendents Association
Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Recognizing the alarming lead levels in our drinking water, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is teaming up with a water testing company to address a critical issue that has an impact on a very high percentage of schools throughout the country.
Based in Dallas, Texas, Tap Water Watch specializes in identifying water fixtures in schools, daycares and homes that are exposing drinking water with lead contamination. The company has a nationwide presence with trained water samplers and laboratories in every state.
Congress banned the use of lead pipes in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1986. Any school built before 1986 is at the highest risk level for lead in drinking water.
“Millions of American homes and schools continue to supply drinking water through old lead pipes,” said Chuck Woodruff, chief operating officer, AASA. “Lead gets into drinking water after it leaves a city water treatment plant in the lead service lines, plumbing, solder and water fixtures. We are pleased that Tap Water Watch is an AASA School Solutions partner to help school districts come up with solutions so more students can have access to safe drinking water.”
Based on EPA data, last year 18 million Americans were served water by systems that failed the Lead and Copper Rule, a U.S. federal regulation which limits the concentration of lead and copper allowed in public drinking water.
“Odds are there are water fountains within every school that have elevated levels of lead,” said Scott Nelson, founder, Tap Water Watch. “As pressure mounts from state legislators, the media and concerned parents, school districts have a choice to either proactively test and fix any issues on their own or be forced to reactively test while under the media spotlight.”
Tap Water Watch is offering lead and copper management solutions to AASA member school districts, including providing on-site trained water samplers and water quality monitoring. Districts are encouraged to watch a video the company produced discussing the high levels of lead in drinking water throughout the country and how to register to have their water fixtures tested.
The Unpopular Truth
Friday, October 6, 2017
Senator Warren to Wells Fargo CEO: "You should be fired."
Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- At the Senate Banking Committee hearing, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) asked Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan about his record at the company, including his actions as CFO during the fake accounts scandal. She also pressed him on his plans to cut $4 billion in expenses over the next several years, and whether those cuts would result in the firing of thousands of frontline Wells Fargo employees.
Senator Warren questioned Mr. Sloan, a Wells Fargo employee for thirty years, about his ability to reorient the company in the wake of the fake accounts scandal. Mr. Sloan served as CFO during a portion of the scandal, during which he aggressively promoted Wells Fargo's ability to open up new accounts for existing customers, according to transcripts from investor calls.
During her questioning, Senator Warren noted a 2013 article detailing the relentless pressure imposed on Wells Fargo employees to open new accounts. At the time, Mr. Sloan said he was "not aware" of any problem, and did not launch an investigation into the matter. Wells Fargo's own report noted that he was aware of the issues with sales practices at the time of the interview. The Senator also highlighted a 2016 interview during which Mr. Sloan, then the COO, was asked whether the bank had pushed sales goals and cross-selling too far and he responded "No" and "the fundamental strategy that we have is not going to change."
"You knew there was a problem and when you were asked about it, you lied. This is about personal responsibility. Wells Fargo cheated millions of people for years. The Federal Reserve should remove all of the current board members who served during the fake accounts scam. And Mr. Sloan, you say you've been making changes at Wells Fargo for thirty years, but you enabled this fake account scam, you got rich off it, and then you tried to cover it up," said Senator Warren. "At best you were incompetent, at worst you were complicit. Either way, you should be fired. Wells Fargo needs to start over and that won't happen until the bank rids itself of people like you, who led it into this crisis."
During a second round of questioning, Senator Warren pressed Mr. Sloan on the bank's new financial plan, which calls for $4 billion in cuts over the next several years. Senator Warren ran through the numbers, noting that in order to make the 8% reduction in non-interest expenses, Wells Fargo would likely have to fire as many as 20,000 of its 270,000 employees, whose compensation and benefits account for 60% of the bank's expenses.
"Given your statements about how much you value your employees, can you tell us today that you will not be firing any employees as part of this $4 billion cut?" asked Senator Warren. "I cannot," replied Mr. Sloan.
Senator Warren also noted that Mr. Sloan was calling for a $4 billion cut in expenses - and potentially firing thousands of employees - while simultaneously committing to spend $11.5 billion over the next year on stock buybacks.
"Now that the fake accounts scandal has tanked Wells Fargo's reputation, your way of pumping up the bottom line and keeping Wall Street investors happy is to slash costs by firing low level employees," said Senator Warren. "In these corporate scandals, it is almost always the frontline workers who pay the price - not the executives. The only way we're ever going to stop these scandals is to hold executives personally accountable - to fire the people who are responsible and, when they break the law, to march some of them out of the building in handcuffs. Until we do that, these scandals are going to continue, and working people are going to continue to take the brunt of it."
Watch video of Senator Warren's questioning of Mr. Sloan's record here. Watch the exchange over employee cuts here.
Senator Warren questioned Mr. Sloan, a Wells Fargo employee for thirty years, about his ability to reorient the company in the wake of the fake accounts scandal. Mr. Sloan served as CFO during a portion of the scandal, during which he aggressively promoted Wells Fargo's ability to open up new accounts for existing customers, according to transcripts from investor calls.
During her questioning, Senator Warren noted a 2013 article detailing the relentless pressure imposed on Wells Fargo employees to open new accounts. At the time, Mr. Sloan said he was "not aware" of any problem, and did not launch an investigation into the matter. Wells Fargo's own report noted that he was aware of the issues with sales practices at the time of the interview. The Senator also highlighted a 2016 interview during which Mr. Sloan, then the COO, was asked whether the bank had pushed sales goals and cross-selling too far and he responded "No" and "the fundamental strategy that we have is not going to change."
"You knew there was a problem and when you were asked about it, you lied. This is about personal responsibility. Wells Fargo cheated millions of people for years. The Federal Reserve should remove all of the current board members who served during the fake accounts scam. And Mr. Sloan, you say you've been making changes at Wells Fargo for thirty years, but you enabled this fake account scam, you got rich off it, and then you tried to cover it up," said Senator Warren. "At best you were incompetent, at worst you were complicit. Either way, you should be fired. Wells Fargo needs to start over and that won't happen until the bank rids itself of people like you, who led it into this crisis."
During a second round of questioning, Senator Warren pressed Mr. Sloan on the bank's new financial plan, which calls for $4 billion in cuts over the next several years. Senator Warren ran through the numbers, noting that in order to make the 8% reduction in non-interest expenses, Wells Fargo would likely have to fire as many as 20,000 of its 270,000 employees, whose compensation and benefits account for 60% of the bank's expenses.
"Given your statements about how much you value your employees, can you tell us today that you will not be firing any employees as part of this $4 billion cut?" asked Senator Warren. "I cannot," replied Mr. Sloan.
Senator Warren also noted that Mr. Sloan was calling for a $4 billion cut in expenses - and potentially firing thousands of employees - while simultaneously committing to spend $11.5 billion over the next year on stock buybacks.
"Now that the fake accounts scandal has tanked Wells Fargo's reputation, your way of pumping up the bottom line and keeping Wall Street investors happy is to slash costs by firing low level employees," said Senator Warren. "In these corporate scandals, it is almost always the frontline workers who pay the price - not the executives. The only way we're ever going to stop these scandals is to hold executives personally accountable - to fire the people who are responsible and, when they break the law, to march some of them out of the building in handcuffs. Until we do that, these scandals are going to continue, and working people are going to continue to take the brunt of it."
Watch video of Senator Warren's questioning of Mr. Sloan's record here. Watch the exchange over employee cuts here.
Warner, Scott Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Diabetes Supplies
Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the Protecting Access to Diabetes Supplies Act of 2017 to strengthen patient protections included in the Medicare National Mail Order program for Diabetic Testing Supplies (DTS). The legislation reinforces existing protections that ensure Medicare beneficiaries are able to continue accessing familiar diabetes supplies and test systems through DTS.
The legislation directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish new surveillance programs and requirements for mail order suppliers to better guard consumer access.
“We want to ensure seniors can access the life-saving supplies and technologies that work best for them,” said Sen. Warner. “This bill will allow Medicare to continue employing innovative, cost-saving payment models while also guaranteeing patients’ access to necessary medical supplies. This legislation builds on existing consumer protections and aims to strengthen these safeguards in a pointed and data-driven manner.”
“About a quarter of all Medicare beneficiaries suffer from diabetes, and we should be finding ways to ensure they are able to use medical supplies that provide life-saving results,” said Sen. Scott. “I am glad to work with my colleague Senator Warner on this bipartisan, no-cost legislation to help make sure Medicare beneficiaries living with diabetes have the ability to access state-of-the-art diabetes testing supplies.”
Under the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) for Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies, suppliers are paid the same amount by Medicare for DTS regardless of what they supply to a beneficiary. To ensure that beneficiaries continue to have access to familiar test systems, Congress enacted the 50 Percent Rule, which required that mail order suppliers make available at least 50 percent of all types of diabetes test supplies on the market before implementation of the CBP. However, feedback data has indicated these protections may not be adequate.
This legislation seeks to strengthen the 50 Percent Rule protection by establishing a surveillance program and additional safeguards to ensure suppliers are compliant. CMS also established the Anti-Switching Rule to protect beneficiary and physician choice of glucose meters. This rule requires suppliers to furnish the test system requested by the beneficiary, and prohibits suppliers from influencing beneficiaries to switch their current glucose monitor and testing supplies brand to another brand. Recent reports show this rule may not be adequately protecting beneficiaries. This legislation would strengthen the Anti-Switching Rule by both codifying the rule and requiring suppliers to provide beneficiaries with an explanation of the beneficiary’s rights.
The Protecting Access to Diabetes Supplies Act of 2017 has been endorsed by The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
The legislation directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish new surveillance programs and requirements for mail order suppliers to better guard consumer access.
“We want to ensure seniors can access the life-saving supplies and technologies that work best for them,” said Sen. Warner. “This bill will allow Medicare to continue employing innovative, cost-saving payment models while also guaranteeing patients’ access to necessary medical supplies. This legislation builds on existing consumer protections and aims to strengthen these safeguards in a pointed and data-driven manner.”
“About a quarter of all Medicare beneficiaries suffer from diabetes, and we should be finding ways to ensure they are able to use medical supplies that provide life-saving results,” said Sen. Scott. “I am glad to work with my colleague Senator Warner on this bipartisan, no-cost legislation to help make sure Medicare beneficiaries living with diabetes have the ability to access state-of-the-art diabetes testing supplies.”
Under the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) for Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies, suppliers are paid the same amount by Medicare for DTS regardless of what they supply to a beneficiary. To ensure that beneficiaries continue to have access to familiar test systems, Congress enacted the 50 Percent Rule, which required that mail order suppliers make available at least 50 percent of all types of diabetes test supplies on the market before implementation of the CBP. However, feedback data has indicated these protections may not be adequate.
This legislation seeks to strengthen the 50 Percent Rule protection by establishing a surveillance program and additional safeguards to ensure suppliers are compliant. CMS also established the Anti-Switching Rule to protect beneficiary and physician choice of glucose meters. This rule requires suppliers to furnish the test system requested by the beneficiary, and prohibits suppliers from influencing beneficiaries to switch their current glucose monitor and testing supplies brand to another brand. Recent reports show this rule may not be adequately protecting beneficiaries. This legislation would strengthen the Anti-Switching Rule by both codifying the rule and requiring suppliers to provide beneficiaries with an explanation of the beneficiary’s rights.
The Protecting Access to Diabetes Supplies Act of 2017 has been endorsed by The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Udall Statement on BLM Proposal to Suspend or Delay Waste Prevention Rule
Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall responded to the announcement by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that it is proposing to suspend or delay some requirements of the BLM’s 2016 natural gas waste prevention rule. Leaking, venting and flaring from natural gas operations wastes $100 million in taxpayer-owned natural gas resources a year, and NASA scientists say it has created a methane hotspot the size of Delaware over the Four Corners region. Udall led the successful fight in the Senate to protect the rule from Republicans’ attempt to roll it back using the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
“The BLM’s proposal to roll back the natural gas waste prevention rule would hurt taxpayers, school children, New Mexico’s economy, and our environment. This rule takes common-sense and cost-effective steps to limit the waste of taxpayer-owned natural gas, providing badly needed revenue to cash-strapped states like New Mexico for public education and other essential services. Prior to this rule, $100 million in taxpayer-owned natural gas was wasted each year from oil and gas wells operating on public lands in New Mexico. The new standard also creates jobs in a new and growing field of methane capture technology. And, the rule is helping to reduce dangerous pollution across the West and in New Mexico, where a methane cloud the size of Delaware is hanging over the Four Corners region. This rule is simply good policy – good for taxpayers, good for the economy, and good for the environment.
“The arguments against this rule from the current administration do not hold water. Since the rule came into effect in November 2016, employment data shows no evidence of any jobs lost, and the number of drilling rigs in operation has increased significantly. Everyone should agree that preventing the waste of taxpayer-owned resources should not only be a goal – it’s our obligation. That’s why senators from both parties came together to save this common-sense rule in May.
“The BLM’s process includes the opportunity for public comment, and the administration is required by law to take those into account and act in a deliberate and transparent way. I encourage every New Mexican and every American to speak out forcefully to defend this rule – and to defend their tax dollars, new jobs, and the air they breathe.”
“The BLM’s proposal to roll back the natural gas waste prevention rule would hurt taxpayers, school children, New Mexico’s economy, and our environment. This rule takes common-sense and cost-effective steps to limit the waste of taxpayer-owned natural gas, providing badly needed revenue to cash-strapped states like New Mexico for public education and other essential services. Prior to this rule, $100 million in taxpayer-owned natural gas was wasted each year from oil and gas wells operating on public lands in New Mexico. The new standard also creates jobs in a new and growing field of methane capture technology. And, the rule is helping to reduce dangerous pollution across the West and in New Mexico, where a methane cloud the size of Delaware is hanging over the Four Corners region. This rule is simply good policy – good for taxpayers, good for the economy, and good for the environment.
“The arguments against this rule from the current administration do not hold water. Since the rule came into effect in November 2016, employment data shows no evidence of any jobs lost, and the number of drilling rigs in operation has increased significantly. Everyone should agree that preventing the waste of taxpayer-owned resources should not only be a goal – it’s our obligation. That’s why senators from both parties came together to save this common-sense rule in May.
“The BLM’s process includes the opportunity for public comment, and the administration is required by law to take those into account and act in a deliberate and transparent way. I encourage every New Mexican and every American to speak out forcefully to defend this rule – and to defend their tax dollars, new jobs, and the air they breathe.”
Thune and Noem Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Expand Sodsaver Initiative
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Reps. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and Tim Walz (D-Minn.), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, today introduced companion versions of the bipartisan American Prairie Conservation Act (S. 1913 and H.R. 3939). This new sodsaver legislation, which, according the Congressional Budget Office, would save more than $50 million over ten years, would disincentivize the conversion of native sod to cropland by closing a crop insurance yield substitution loophole in all 50 states. Thune first authored sodsaver initiatives in the 2008 and 2014 farm bills for nationwide implementation.
Sodsaver, which has only been implemented in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, and Nebraska, is a cost-saving initiative that disincentivizes, but does not prevent, farmers from converting native sod to cropland. Farmers who choose to break up native sod and convert it to cropland face a reduction in crop insurance premium subsidy assistance and a reduction in guaranteed yields of insured crops.
“By closing loopholes and applying these more effective sodsaver provisions nationwide, we can save taxpayers money, eliminate an unintended crop insurance incentive to break native sod, and protect America’s diminishing prairie grasslands that are so important to our grazing livestock producers,” said Thune. “Not only is this an example of a good-government solution, but the savings achieved by our bill could be used elsewhere in an already cash-strapped farm bill.”
“The sodsaver provision we implemented in six Midwestern states as part of the 2014 Farm Bill has successfully reduced the conversion of native sod, saved taxpayer dollars, and encouraged wildlife habitat,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation would extend this small, commonsense change to the crop insurance program and boost conservation efforts and savings nationwide.”
“As an avid hunter and a lifelong farmer, I truly appreciate that in South Dakota our hunting tradition is just as strong as our commitment to agriculture,” said Noem. “With the Protect Our Prairies language included, the 2014 Farm Bill has helped strike a healthier balance between production and conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region. With proven results and the prospect of additional savings for taxpayers, now is the time to expand the program nationwide.”
“I am proud to re-introduce this legislation that will conserve critical wildlife habitat while allowing farmers to manage their lands as they see fit,” said Walz. “By working together and promoting common sense conservation practices we can protect critical wildlife habitat, support our farmers, and support the hunting and fishing industry that is an integral part of our state’s economy.”
The American Prairie Conservation Act would:
Apply sodsaver’s prohibition to substitute crop insurance yields on native sod that is converted to cropland nationwide;
By requiring crop insurance premium subsidies and yield guarantees be reduced for a total of four cumulative years for any crop, close an existing loophole that allows certain noninsured crops to be planted four consecutive years with no reduction in crop insurance assistance for succeeding insured crops;
Make crop insurance assistance more reflective of production capabilities on all native sod that is converted to cropland nationwide;
Require producers who convert native sod to cropland to certify to the Farm Service Agency the number and location of acres of native sod that are converted in an existing automated crop certification system so the converted acres would be accurately tracked;
Apply to both crop insurance and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
A loophole in existing sodsaver statute allows producers to plant non-insurable crops on newly converted native sod for four successive years. After the four successive-year window, producers could then plant insurable crops, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, without any reduction in crop insurance assistance. The American Prairie Conservation Act requires four cumulative years of crop insurance assistance reductions before insurable crops planted on native sod that are converted to cropland are no longer subject to sodsaver provisions.
U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) are cosponsors of the American Prairie Conservation Act.
Sodsaver, which has only been implemented in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, and Nebraska, is a cost-saving initiative that disincentivizes, but does not prevent, farmers from converting native sod to cropland. Farmers who choose to break up native sod and convert it to cropland face a reduction in crop insurance premium subsidy assistance and a reduction in guaranteed yields of insured crops.
“By closing loopholes and applying these more effective sodsaver provisions nationwide, we can save taxpayers money, eliminate an unintended crop insurance incentive to break native sod, and protect America’s diminishing prairie grasslands that are so important to our grazing livestock producers,” said Thune. “Not only is this an example of a good-government solution, but the savings achieved by our bill could be used elsewhere in an already cash-strapped farm bill.”
“The sodsaver provision we implemented in six Midwestern states as part of the 2014 Farm Bill has successfully reduced the conversion of native sod, saved taxpayer dollars, and encouraged wildlife habitat,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation would extend this small, commonsense change to the crop insurance program and boost conservation efforts and savings nationwide.”
“As an avid hunter and a lifelong farmer, I truly appreciate that in South Dakota our hunting tradition is just as strong as our commitment to agriculture,” said Noem. “With the Protect Our Prairies language included, the 2014 Farm Bill has helped strike a healthier balance between production and conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region. With proven results and the prospect of additional savings for taxpayers, now is the time to expand the program nationwide.”
“I am proud to re-introduce this legislation that will conserve critical wildlife habitat while allowing farmers to manage their lands as they see fit,” said Walz. “By working together and promoting common sense conservation practices we can protect critical wildlife habitat, support our farmers, and support the hunting and fishing industry that is an integral part of our state’s economy.”
The American Prairie Conservation Act would:
By requiring crop insurance premium subsidies and yield guarantees be reduced for a total of four cumulative years for any crop, close an existing loophole that allows certain noninsured crops to be planted four consecutive years with no reduction in crop insurance assistance for succeeding insured crops;
A loophole in existing sodsaver statute allows producers to plant non-insurable crops on newly converted native sod for four successive years. After the four successive-year window, producers could then plant insurable crops, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, without any reduction in crop insurance assistance. The American Prairie Conservation Act requires four cumulative years of crop insurance assistance reductions before insurable crops planted on native sod that are converted to cropland are no longer subject to sodsaver provisions.
U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) are cosponsors of the American Prairie Conservation Act.
Senate Passes Shaheen, Hassan Bipartisan Resolution to Designate National Community Policing Week
Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced the passage of their Senate Resolution designating the first week of October as “National Community Policing Week.” The bipartisan resolution recognizes the sacrifices of police officers and expresses support for building trust and mutual respect in communities through sustained and meaningful engagement between law enforcement and civilians. It encourages the people of the United States, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials to identify ways in which communities may improve public safety, strengthen relationships and build trust. Yesterday, during an event at the Derry Police Department, Shaheen and Hassan presented the resolution text to New Hampshire law enforcement leaders.
“Law enforcement officers take tremendous risks while in the line of duty and this bipartisan resolution honors their important work in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Senator Shaheen. “This resolution recognizes that community policing efforts have been key in improving the relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. In New Hampshire, the efforts of our police departments to establish ties, build trust and collaborate with citizens and civic groups have played a leading role in addressing the opioid epidemic at its roots. We should always be thankful for the incredible sacrifices police officers make every day to keep our communities safe.”
“Our communities are stronger when police officers and citizens have good communications and partnerships. I am proud of New Hampshire’s longstanding tradition of community policing, and proud to co-sponsor a bipartisan resolution to recognize community policing,” Senator Hassan said. “I am deeply grateful for the commitment that these officers have shown to building the trust of the individuals they serve and protect, and I will continue to highlight the positive impact that community policing has on our people.”
As the lead Democrat on the Commerce, Justice & Science Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen helps secure funding for the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs.
Full text of the resolution is available here.
“Law enforcement officers take tremendous risks while in the line of duty and this bipartisan resolution honors their important work in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Senator Shaheen. “This resolution recognizes that community policing efforts have been key in improving the relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. In New Hampshire, the efforts of our police departments to establish ties, build trust and collaborate with citizens and civic groups have played a leading role in addressing the opioid epidemic at its roots. We should always be thankful for the incredible sacrifices police officers make every day to keep our communities safe.”
“Our communities are stronger when police officers and citizens have good communications and partnerships. I am proud of New Hampshire’s longstanding tradition of community policing, and proud to co-sponsor a bipartisan resolution to recognize community policing,” Senator Hassan said. “I am deeply grateful for the commitment that these officers have shown to building the trust of the individuals they serve and protect, and I will continue to highlight the positive impact that community policing has on our people.”
As the lead Democrat on the Commerce, Justice & Science Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen helps secure funding for the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs.
Full text of the resolution is available here.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
NAZI-ERA GUARD CURRENTLY LIVING IN QUEENS MUST BE DEPORTED IMMEDIATELY
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged the State Department to immediately deport a Nazi-era guard, Jakiw Palij, currently living in Queens. Mr. Palij was allowed to enter the United States because he concealed his prior service to the Nazi regime. After determining that he had lied in order to enter the country, Mr. Palij’s American citizenship was stripped and it was ordered that he be deported. However, since then, his deportation case has stalled because Germany, Poland and Ukraine refuse to accept him. Schumer and Gillibrand sent a letter, along with the entire New York bipartisan delegation, to Secretary Tillerson asking that he pay personal attention to this issue, prioritize it and take decisive action to complete this already-ordered deportation.
“Removing Mr. Palij from American soil will send a message not only to the citizens of New York, but to the entire world. It will make clear that the United States does not condone hatred and will not shelter those who have committed atrocities against innocents. For Holocaust survivors, Mr. Palij’s deportation will confirm that the heinous crimes committed against them during the Nazi era will never be forgotten,” the lawmakers said.
A copy of the lawmakers’ letter is below:
The Honorable Rex Wayne Tillerson
Secretary of State
2201 C St, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Last month, many of us reached out to you regarding the stalled deportation of Jakiw Palij, a Nazi-era guard who was stripped of U.S. citizenship but is still currently residing in Queens, New York. A response from the Bureau of Legislative Affairs described the State Department’s efforts to urge the governments of Germany, Poland, and Ukraine to accept Mr. Palij and enable his deportation. As this has been going on for more than a decade, we write as bipartisan, bicameral representatives of the people of New York to ask that you personally step in to settle this long-standing injustice and ensure Mr. Palij is removed from the United States.
In 2004, after finding that Mr. Palij was allowed to enter the United States by concealing his prior service to the Nazi regime, he was stripped of his citizenship and it was ordered that he be deported. However, because no country has agreed to accept him, Mr. Palij has not yet been made to leave the U.S. despite these rulings. Mr. Palij must be deported immediately. It has been 13 years since Mr. Palij lost his right to remain here, and it has taken far too long for these court orders to be carried out.
Removing Mr. Palij from American soil will send a message not only to the citizens of New York, but to the entire world. It will make clear that the United States does not condone hatred and will not shelter those who have committed atrocities against innocents. For Holocaust survivors, Mr. Palij’s deportation will confirm that the heinous crimes committed against them during the Nazi era will never be forgotten. We ask that you act now, and show decisively that the United States stands firmly against anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred in all forms.
We appreciate your personal attention to this matter and we look forward to your swift action. This man, and the hatred he represents, should no longer be allowed to enjoy the freedoms that America provides – freedoms that Mr. Palij has been enjoying for decades under false pretenses.
Sincerely,
Senator Charles E. Schumer
“Removing Mr. Palij from American soil will send a message not only to the citizens of New York, but to the entire world. It will make clear that the United States does not condone hatred and will not shelter those who have committed atrocities against innocents. For Holocaust survivors, Mr. Palij’s deportation will confirm that the heinous crimes committed against them during the Nazi era will never be forgotten,” the lawmakers said.
A copy of the lawmakers’ letter is below:
The Honorable Rex Wayne Tillerson
Secretary of State
2201 C St, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Last month, many of us reached out to you regarding the stalled deportation of Jakiw Palij, a Nazi-era guard who was stripped of U.S. citizenship but is still currently residing in Queens, New York. A response from the Bureau of Legislative Affairs described the State Department’s efforts to urge the governments of Germany, Poland, and Ukraine to accept Mr. Palij and enable his deportation. As this has been going on for more than a decade, we write as bipartisan, bicameral representatives of the people of New York to ask that you personally step in to settle this long-standing injustice and ensure Mr. Palij is removed from the United States.
In 2004, after finding that Mr. Palij was allowed to enter the United States by concealing his prior service to the Nazi regime, he was stripped of his citizenship and it was ordered that he be deported. However, because no country has agreed to accept him, Mr. Palij has not yet been made to leave the U.S. despite these rulings. Mr. Palij must be deported immediately. It has been 13 years since Mr. Palij lost his right to remain here, and it has taken far too long for these court orders to be carried out.
Removing Mr. Palij from American soil will send a message not only to the citizens of New York, but to the entire world. It will make clear that the United States does not condone hatred and will not shelter those who have committed atrocities against innocents. For Holocaust survivors, Mr. Palij’s deportation will confirm that the heinous crimes committed against them during the Nazi era will never be forgotten. We ask that you act now, and show decisively that the United States stands firmly against anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred in all forms.
We appreciate your personal attention to this matter and we look forward to your swift action. This man, and the hatred he represents, should no longer be allowed to enjoy the freedoms that America provides – freedoms that Mr. Palij has been enjoying for decades under false pretenses.
Sincerely,
Senator Charles E. Schumer
Sens. Schatz, Paul and Rep. Cohen Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Expand Responsible Use of Police Body Cameras
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) introduced the Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available (Police CAMERA) Act of 2017. This legislation would create a pilot grant program to assist state and local law enforcement agencies develop safe and effective body-worn camera programs that also protect civilians’ privacy rights.
“We can’t restore trust between our communities and law enforcement without transparency and accountability. Body cameras alone won’t repair that relationship, but they have proven to be effective and can do a great deal to keep both police officers and community members safe and accountable,” said Senator Schatz
“Body cameras will benefit the brave men and women who serve in our police force and the people they protect,” said Senator Paul. “The use of body cameras helps officers collect and preserve evidence to solve crimes, while also decreasing the number of complaints against police. The Police CAMERA Act will help state and local police departments access this new tool, while ensuring that the privacy rights of every civilian are respected.”
“Justice is supposed to be blind, but it is not supposed to be blind to the facts. Police body cameras can help provide evidence and restore some much-needed trust between police and the communities they serve,” said Congressman Cohen. “The cameras could show the officer’s actions for what they were, proving both lawful and unlawful activity. The vast majority of police are well meaning, dedicated public servants, and we depend upon them to keep us safe from criminals. But the fact remains some officers go beyond the law in a callous disregard for due process. Their actions damage the public trust that is essential for good police to be able to serve and protect our communities. Police body cameras, alone, will not solve this problem, but they are an important step in the right direction. I would like to thank Senators Schatz and Paul for their leadership on this issue and for partnering with me on this legislation.”
The Police CAMERA Act of 2017 would establish a pilot grant program using existing funding to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with the purchasing or leasing of body-worn cameras. It would also authorize an impact-study after two years. The study would assess the impact body-worn cameras have on reducing the use of excessive force by police, its effects on officer safety and public safety, and procedures to protect the privacy of individuals who are recorded.
“The resulting benefits of the body-worn cameras after almost two years of usage have greatly exceeded my expectations,” said Darryl D. Perry, Chief of Police of the Kauai Police Department. “Not only have our officers embraced this technology wholeheartedly, but our community has commended KPD for being open and transparent.”
Original cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
“We can’t restore trust between our communities and law enforcement without transparency and accountability. Body cameras alone won’t repair that relationship, but they have proven to be effective and can do a great deal to keep both police officers and community members safe and accountable,” said Senator Schatz
“Body cameras will benefit the brave men and women who serve in our police force and the people they protect,” said Senator Paul. “The use of body cameras helps officers collect and preserve evidence to solve crimes, while also decreasing the number of complaints against police. The Police CAMERA Act will help state and local police departments access this new tool, while ensuring that the privacy rights of every civilian are respected.”
“Justice is supposed to be blind, but it is not supposed to be blind to the facts. Police body cameras can help provide evidence and restore some much-needed trust between police and the communities they serve,” said Congressman Cohen. “The cameras could show the officer’s actions for what they were, proving both lawful and unlawful activity. The vast majority of police are well meaning, dedicated public servants, and we depend upon them to keep us safe from criminals. But the fact remains some officers go beyond the law in a callous disregard for due process. Their actions damage the public trust that is essential for good police to be able to serve and protect our communities. Police body cameras, alone, will not solve this problem, but they are an important step in the right direction. I would like to thank Senators Schatz and Paul for their leadership on this issue and for partnering with me on this legislation.”
The Police CAMERA Act of 2017 would establish a pilot grant program using existing funding to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with the purchasing or leasing of body-worn cameras. It would also authorize an impact-study after two years. The study would assess the impact body-worn cameras have on reducing the use of excessive force by police, its effects on officer safety and public safety, and procedures to protect the privacy of individuals who are recorded.
“The resulting benefits of the body-worn cameras after almost two years of usage have greatly exceeded my expectations,” said Darryl D. Perry, Chief of Police of the Kauai Police Department. “Not only have our officers embraced this technology wholeheartedly, but our community has commended KPD for being open and transparent.”
Original cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
Russia Stole NSA Classified Information
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding reports that Russia stole highly classified information from the National Security Agency regarding American offensive and defensive cybersecurity measures.
“It’s a lot harder to beat your opponent when they’re reading your playbook, and it’s even worse when someone on your team gives it to them. If these reports are true, Russia has pulled that off. The men and women of the U.S. Intelligence Community are patriots; but, the NSA needs to get its head out of the sand and solve its contractor problem. Russia is a clear adversary in cyberspace and we can’t afford these self-inflicted injuries.”
“It’s a lot harder to beat your opponent when they’re reading your playbook, and it’s even worse when someone on your team gives it to them. If these reports are true, Russia has pulled that off. The men and women of the U.S. Intelligence Community are patriots; but, the NSA needs to get its head out of the sand and solve its contractor problem. Russia is a clear adversary in cyberspace and we can’t afford these self-inflicted injuries.”
Rubio, Nelson Introduce Legislation to Extend Caribbean Trade Program
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) have introduced the Caribbean Basin Economy Recovery Act, legislation that would strengthen U.S. interests and economic ties with Caribbean nations such as Haiti, Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and St. Lucia.
“Extending these targeted trade preferences helps boost key American exports and solidifies fragile economies, like Haiti’s, in a crucial region for U.S. security,” said Rubio. “This bill will help reaffirm the U.S. commitment to developing deeper economic relationships with our regional allies, and supporting stable and democratic political institutions in the Caribbean.”
“These trade programs are a lifeline for some of our closest allies, which also happen to be some of the poorest countries in the Caribbean.” said Nelson. “Extending this trade program not only helps provide stability in the region, it also helps the Florida businesses that rely on international trade.”
The bill extends the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), which was established in 2000 to allow certain Caribbean countries to export goods made with U.S. yarns, fabrics and threads into the U.S. duty-free.
Under current law, CBPTA’s preferential trade treatment for these Caribbean countries is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2020. This legislation would extend the program through Sept. 30, 2030.
To be eligible for preferential trade treatment under CBTPA, participant countries are required to uphold strict labor standards and help further other various U.S. interests in the region, including countering narcotics trafficking and ending government corruption.
U.S. Representatives Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the companion bill in the House.
“Extending these targeted trade preferences helps boost key American exports and solidifies fragile economies, like Haiti’s, in a crucial region for U.S. security,” said Rubio. “This bill will help reaffirm the U.S. commitment to developing deeper economic relationships with our regional allies, and supporting stable and democratic political institutions in the Caribbean.”
“These trade programs are a lifeline for some of our closest allies, which also happen to be some of the poorest countries in the Caribbean.” said Nelson. “Extending this trade program not only helps provide stability in the region, it also helps the Florida businesses that rely on international trade.”
The bill extends the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), which was established in 2000 to allow certain Caribbean countries to export goods made with U.S. yarns, fabrics and threads into the U.S. duty-free.
Under current law, CBPTA’s preferential trade treatment for these Caribbean countries is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2020. This legislation would extend the program through Sept. 30, 2030.
To be eligible for preferential trade treatment under CBTPA, participant countries are required to uphold strict labor standards and help further other various U.S. interests in the region, including countering narcotics trafficking and ending government corruption.
U.S. Representatives Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the companion bill in the House.
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