Source: House Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On Wednesday, the Ways and Means Committee passed legislation by Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Devin Nunes (R-CA) extending support for rural ambulance providers and increasing the accuracy of ambulance reimbursements. H.R. 3729, the Comprehensive Operations, Sustainability, and Transport (COST) Act, passed the committee by voice vote.
Watch Rep. Terri Sewell’s remarks in the Ways and Means Committee.
“Rural America is facing a health crisis, and in Congress, I am working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to improve health care access and outcomes,” said Rep. Sewell. “In Alabama’s rural Black Belt, hospitals and sufficient health care providers often do not exist, and ambulance services can be the only provider of emergency medical services. For my constituents, reliable ambulance services are a matter of life and death. All ambulance providers in Alabama rely on the add-on payments which our bill extends for five years. By extending this support for ambulance providers, today’s bill helps to make sure that no American loses access to emergency care.”
In August, John Paul Jones Hospital in Camden announced it will be closing as an acute care hospital if additional resources are not obtained. John Paul Jones is one of at least three rural hospitals in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District in danger of closing operations in the near future.
The Unpopular Truth
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Legislation Providing Regulatory Relief From FCC Rules for Small Businesses
Source: House Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR, 5th)
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressmen Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Bob Latta (R-OH) have authored bipartisan legislation, the Small Entity Regulatory Relief Opportunity Act (SERRO), to provide regulatory relief for small businesses and entities under the jurisdiction of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules. Any entity that qualifies as a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration would be able to seek this regulatory relief.
SERRO seeks to reduce the regulatory burden for these entities in a few different ways.
The bill directs the FCC to establish streamlined procedures for small businesses seeking relief through petition waivers.
The legislation also would provide a one-year grace period before new regulations apply to small entities after they become effective for larger businesses, except in certain cases where statute specifically bans deferment or to protect public safety.
SERRO would also direct the FCC to review all existing regulations applicable to operations of service providers to determine whether there is a good cause for relief to be granted to smaller entities.
“As a former small business owner, I know how burdensome many rules and regulations from Washington, D.C. can be to a small business’s ability to grow and innovate,” said Rep. Schrader. “By establishing streamlined procedures for obtaining waivers from regulations that are often unnecessary and not designed for small entities, we are providing relief for our small telecommunications providers while creating greater certainty and efficiency to help them continue to provide vital services to many of our smaller and often rural communities. I’ve always said DC should be in the business of producing outcomes, not micromanaging, and our bill will help to do just that.”
“Small businesses are the engines of our economy — creating two out of every three new jobs,” said Latta. “We also know small businesses are the most susceptible to burdensome regulations that harm their ability to grow, expand, and hire new employees. In the telecommunications sector, smaller entities often do not require the same level of regulatory oversight as large entities — as both Congress and the FCC have recognized. While the FCC has provided regulatory relief on a case-by-case basis, small businesses and their customers would benefit from greater certainty, fewer costs, and more administrative efficiency that this legislation would provide.”
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressmen Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Bob Latta (R-OH) have authored bipartisan legislation, the Small Entity Regulatory Relief Opportunity Act (SERRO), to provide regulatory relief for small businesses and entities under the jurisdiction of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules. Any entity that qualifies as a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration would be able to seek this regulatory relief.
SERRO seeks to reduce the regulatory burden for these entities in a few different ways.
“As a former small business owner, I know how burdensome many rules and regulations from Washington, D.C. can be to a small business’s ability to grow and innovate,” said Rep. Schrader. “By establishing streamlined procedures for obtaining waivers from regulations that are often unnecessary and not designed for small entities, we are providing relief for our small telecommunications providers while creating greater certainty and efficiency to help them continue to provide vital services to many of our smaller and often rural communities. I’ve always said DC should be in the business of producing outcomes, not micromanaging, and our bill will help to do just that.”
“Small businesses are the engines of our economy — creating two out of every three new jobs,” said Latta. “We also know small businesses are the most susceptible to burdensome regulations that harm their ability to grow, expand, and hire new employees. In the telecommunications sector, smaller entities often do not require the same level of regulatory oversight as large entities — as both Congress and the FCC have recognized. While the FCC has provided regulatory relief on a case-by-case basis, small businesses and their customers would benefit from greater certainty, fewer costs, and more administrative efficiency that this legislation would provide.”
Schakowsky & Pallone: New DOT Automated Vehicle Guidance is a Step Backwards
Source: House Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement today on new federal guidance for Automated Driving Systems released by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
“After waiting months for the Trump Administration to release its vision for self-driving cars, AV Guidance 2.0 is a step backwards. Instead of focusing on safety and ensuring car makers are properly testing these vehicles, the Administration chose to cave to industry and pressure states into not acting. Since the Trump Administration is not providing any leadership, Congress must move forward with bipartisan legislation that puts safety first through mandatory safety assessment certifications, a framework for updating safety standards, plans for privacy and cybersecurity, and general improvements in vehicle safety.”
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement today on new federal guidance for Automated Driving Systems released by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
“After waiting months for the Trump Administration to release its vision for self-driving cars, AV Guidance 2.0 is a step backwards. Instead of focusing on safety and ensuring car makers are properly testing these vehicles, the Administration chose to cave to industry and pressure states into not acting. Since the Trump Administration is not providing any leadership, Congress must move forward with bipartisan legislation that puts safety first through mandatory safety assessment certifications, a framework for updating safety standards, plans for privacy and cybersecurity, and general improvements in vehicle safety.”
Baltimore Drops Charges in Freddie Gray Case
Source: House Representative John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman John Sarbanes joined U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Elijah E. Cummings and Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-MD) in issuing the following statement after reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will not bring federal charges against the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray:
“We are disappointed by reports that DOJ will not seek justice for Freddie Gray, but we are not surprised. We must now focus on ensuring that BPD has the resources it needs to implement the court-ordered consent decree and repair the sacred trust between police officers and the people they are sworn to protect.
“In order to improve BPD and reduce the violence in our city, Baltimore will need the support of the Trump Administration and DOJ. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has repeatedly stood in the way of our City’s progress by attempting to impede the implementation of the consent decree and holding hostage federal resources to reduce violent crime.
“In light of this reported decision, we are once again calling on DOJ to actively support — not undermine — the consent decree and to provide Baltimore with all federal resources available to improve our police force. Doing anything less would be unconscionable.”
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman John Sarbanes joined U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Elijah E. Cummings and Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-MD) in issuing the following statement after reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will not bring federal charges against the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray:
“We are disappointed by reports that DOJ will not seek justice for Freddie Gray, but we are not surprised. We must now focus on ensuring that BPD has the resources it needs to implement the court-ordered consent decree and repair the sacred trust between police officers and the people they are sworn to protect.
“In order to improve BPD and reduce the violence in our city, Baltimore will need the support of the Trump Administration and DOJ. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has repeatedly stood in the way of our City’s progress by attempting to impede the implementation of the consent decree and holding hostage federal resources to reduce violent crime.
“In light of this reported decision, we are once again calling on DOJ to actively support — not undermine — the consent decree and to provide Baltimore with all federal resources available to improve our police force. Doing anything less would be unconscionable.”
Legislation Introduced to Raise the Wages of Working Families
Source: House Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) joined Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) to introduce legislation in the House that would give working families a much-deserved wage boost to compensate for 40 years of wage stagnation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Sherrod Brown. The Grow American Incomes Now (GAIN) Act would greatly expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) so that more working families and childless workers are eligible to receive it. The bill comes at a time when the Trump Administration and Republicans are supporting devastating budget cuts to programs that help working families in exchange for tax breaks for the very wealthy and big corporations.
The GAIN Act roughly doubles the EITC for working families and increases the credit for childless workers almost six-fold. Under the proposal, the maximum tax credit available increases to $12,131 for families with three or more qualifying children; $10,783 with two qualifying children; $6,528 with one qualifying child; and $3,000 with no qualifying children. Currently, a family of three can receive a maximum credit of $6,318 and someone with no children can receive at most a $510 tax credit.
The proposed EITC expansion would also be phased out at higher income levels and remain fully refundable. It would allow for a worker with no children who makes up to $37,113 annually to still be eligible to receive the tax credit and covers a family with three or more children making up to $75,940 a year to receive the EITC. The current maximum qualifying income to receive the EITC is $15,010 for childless workers and $48,340 for families with three or more children.
“America is the richest nation in the history of the world, and yet still too many hardworking families are living paycheck to paycheck. Wages for low-income and middle-class families haven’t gone up in over 30 years, while massive amounts of wealth have gone to the top one percent. This trend is not sustainable, and will not allow long-term economic success for the United States. It is about time we make sure American workers are given a fair wage for a fair days work. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the GAIN Act, which would provide for a $1 trillion expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This would put an extra $12 thousand dollars in the pockets of hardworking families making $75 thousand a year. This bill will give Americans the raise they deserve,” said Rep.Tim Ryan
“The EITC is already proven at lifting people out of poverty. By strengthening it to reach more families and individuals, it can have a lasting impact on our economy,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “In today's age of automation and globalization, where work is sometimes seasonal and hours are often curtailed, this bill provides every hard-working American with a fair income for their labor.”
The bill also recognizes many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and includes a provision that would provide an Early Refund EITC as an alternative to payday loans and other predatory lending products. EITC advances would be capped at $500 each taxable year and would be subtracted from the recipient’s total credit when they file their annual tax return. Instead of receiving the lump sum once a year, this early refund makes it easier for working families and individuals to pay their monthly bills and provide financial security. The bill also lowers the qualifying age for the EITC from 25 years old to 21 years old.
Who Benefits from the EITC
More than 26 million working families and individuals in every state received the EITC in 2015 according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Under the bill, it is estimated that nearly half of American households will pay no federal individual income tax in 2017, up from the 44 percent under current law.
Current Maximum Credits vs. the Brown-Khanna GAIN Act
Type of household Current maximum amount of credit (2017 Tax Year)
Maximum amount of credit under Brown-Khanna
Three or more qualifying children $6,318 / $12,131
Two qualifying children $5,616 / $10,783
One qualifying child $3,400 / $6,528
No qualifying children $510 / $3,000
Legislation and cosponsors
House cosponsors (as of 9/11/17): Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Don Beyer (D-VA), Robert Brady (D-PA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), George Kenneth Butterfield (D-NC), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), John Conyers (D-MI), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), John K. Delaney (D-MD), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), John Garamendi (D-CA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL), Colleen Hanabusa (DHI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Gwen Moore (DWI), Jerrold Nadler (D-NJ), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DWA), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (DIL), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Jose E. Serrano (D-NY), Darren Soto (D-FL), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Maxine Waters (DCA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Frederica Wilson (D-FL)
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) joined Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) to introduce legislation in the House that would give working families a much-deserved wage boost to compensate for 40 years of wage stagnation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Sherrod Brown. The Grow American Incomes Now (GAIN) Act would greatly expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) so that more working families and childless workers are eligible to receive it. The bill comes at a time when the Trump Administration and Republicans are supporting devastating budget cuts to programs that help working families in exchange for tax breaks for the very wealthy and big corporations.
The GAIN Act roughly doubles the EITC for working families and increases the credit for childless workers almost six-fold. Under the proposal, the maximum tax credit available increases to $12,131 for families with three or more qualifying children; $10,783 with two qualifying children; $6,528 with one qualifying child; and $3,000 with no qualifying children. Currently, a family of three can receive a maximum credit of $6,318 and someone with no children can receive at most a $510 tax credit.
The proposed EITC expansion would also be phased out at higher income levels and remain fully refundable. It would allow for a worker with no children who makes up to $37,113 annually to still be eligible to receive the tax credit and covers a family with three or more children making up to $75,940 a year to receive the EITC. The current maximum qualifying income to receive the EITC is $15,010 for childless workers and $48,340 for families with three or more children.
“America is the richest nation in the history of the world, and yet still too many hardworking families are living paycheck to paycheck. Wages for low-income and middle-class families haven’t gone up in over 30 years, while massive amounts of wealth have gone to the top one percent. This trend is not sustainable, and will not allow long-term economic success for the United States. It is about time we make sure American workers are given a fair wage for a fair days work. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the GAIN Act, which would provide for a $1 trillion expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This would put an extra $12 thousand dollars in the pockets of hardworking families making $75 thousand a year. This bill will give Americans the raise they deserve,” said Rep.Tim Ryan
“The EITC is already proven at lifting people out of poverty. By strengthening it to reach more families and individuals, it can have a lasting impact on our economy,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “In today's age of automation and globalization, where work is sometimes seasonal and hours are often curtailed, this bill provides every hard-working American with a fair income for their labor.”
The bill also recognizes many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and includes a provision that would provide an Early Refund EITC as an alternative to payday loans and other predatory lending products. EITC advances would be capped at $500 each taxable year and would be subtracted from the recipient’s total credit when they file their annual tax return. Instead of receiving the lump sum once a year, this early refund makes it easier for working families and individuals to pay their monthly bills and provide financial security. The bill also lowers the qualifying age for the EITC from 25 years old to 21 years old.
Who Benefits from the EITC
More than 26 million working families and individuals in every state received the EITC in 2015 according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Under the bill, it is estimated that nearly half of American households will pay no federal individual income tax in 2017, up from the 44 percent under current law.
Current Maximum Credits vs. the Brown-Khanna GAIN Act
Type of household Current maximum amount of credit (2017 Tax Year)
Maximum amount of credit under Brown-Khanna
Three or more qualifying children $6,318 / $12,131
Two qualifying children $5,616 / $10,783
One qualifying child $3,400 / $6,528
No qualifying children $510 / $3,000
Legislation and cosponsors
House cosponsors (as of 9/11/17): Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Don Beyer (D-VA), Robert Brady (D-PA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), George Kenneth Butterfield (D-NC), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), John Conyers (D-MI), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), John K. Delaney (D-MD), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), John Garamendi (D-CA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL), Colleen Hanabusa (DHI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Gwen Moore (DWI), Jerrold Nadler (D-NJ), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DWA), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (DIL), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Jose E. Serrano (D-NY), Darren Soto (D-FL), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Maxine Waters (DCA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Frederica Wilson (D-FL)
Bill Introduced to Curb Theft of Firearms
Source: House Representative Steve Russell (R-OK, 5th)
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) introduced the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2017, a bill to enhance penalties for theft of a firearm from certain federal firearms licensees (FFLs), and to criminalize the theft of a firearm from a gun range or shooting club.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reports that FFLs nationwide have seen a 48 percent increase in firearms burglaries over the past five years. Firearms robberies have increased by 175 percent during that same period. Roughly 7,758 firearms were stolen from FFLs in burglaries and robberies in 2016. The ATF and the firearms industry are rightly concerned by these statistics.
In order to curb this alarming trend, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2017 would strengthen criminal penalties for theft of firearms from FFLs and impose mandatory minimum sentences for these crimes. This legislation would send a strong message to criminals to think twice before attempting to burglarize or rob FFLs. The theft of firearms is a serious threat to public safety. Deterrence of firearm theft will prevent firearms from falling into criminal hands.
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) introduced the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2017, a bill to enhance penalties for theft of a firearm from certain federal firearms licensees (FFLs), and to criminalize the theft of a firearm from a gun range or shooting club.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reports that FFLs nationwide have seen a 48 percent increase in firearms burglaries over the past five years. Firearms robberies have increased by 175 percent during that same period. Roughly 7,758 firearms were stolen from FFLs in burglaries and robberies in 2016. The ATF and the firearms industry are rightly concerned by these statistics.
In order to curb this alarming trend, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2017 would strengthen criminal penalties for theft of firearms from FFLs and impose mandatory minimum sentences for these crimes. This legislation would send a strong message to criminals to think twice before attempting to burglarize or rob FFLs. The theft of firearms is a serious threat to public safety. Deterrence of firearm theft will prevent firearms from falling into criminal hands.
Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act Passes House
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act has passed the House. Keith Rothfus (R-PA, 12th) had this to say:
He added: “The time for the Senate to act is now. Waiting until the continuing resolution runs out in December is irresponsible and dangerous for our country.”
Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, on Tuesday condemned the decision by House Majority leadership to block an amendment to H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act. The amendment, offered by Representatives Ruppersberger, Serrano, Khanna, Grisham, Jeffries, and Meng, would have offered $10 million in supplemental funding to state and local governments to dismantle and fight domestic white supremacist organizations.
“It’s unbelievable that House leadership refused to even consider our common sense measure that would empower local police to identify and dismantle radical hate groups across the nation,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “In the last year, we’ve seen the resurgence of white supremacists and other hate groups in the public sphere who have hate in their hearts and the goal of hurting innocent Americans. The events in Charlottesville demonstrated the tragedy that can come at the hands of these well-organized and well-armed white supremacy groups. It’s unfortunate and beyond disappointing that my colleagues are unwilling to recognize this threat to our American values.”
U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) released the following statement:
“For the past several months, the House has been working around the clock to craft common-sense spending policies that secure our borders, provide for the common defense, invest in our country’s infrastructure, and spur economic growth,” said Rep. Scott. “While this legislation is certainly a step in the right direction in reining in and cutting wasteful government spending, I will not stop pushing for continued efforts and reforms.”
Included in passage of H.R. 3354 is an amendment authored by Rep. Scott supporting multi-national efforts to reduce the flow of drugs from Central and South America into the U.S. by providing training and technical assistance to partners in the hemisphere to enhance regional security capabilities. Rep. Scott commented:
“As it is here in the U.S., local law enforcement often serves as the foundation for interdiction and counter-drug operations in Central American and Caribbean countries,” said Rep. Scott. “By increasing funding for training and assistance activities conducted by Colombian police and military forces, we enable Colombia to train even more regional police forces to function independently and efficiently, addressing the threats transnational criminal organizations pose on our country and bolstering our successful partnerships to tackle the narcotics issue and save the lives of countless Americans.”
Ahead of a vote on his amendment last week, Rep. Scott spoke on the House Floor urging his colleagues to support the measure. Click here to watch his remarks.
This legislation included Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations bills for several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of the Treasury, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Social Security Administration, and Department of Transportation Housing and Urban Development, among others.
U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, released the following statement after supporting the passage of all 12 appropriations bills:
“Under Republican leadership in the House, we have effectively held the line on spending while responsibly funding the government. Today the House once again upheld our constitutional duty by passing all 12 spending bills. I strongly supported this package because it includes important conservative policies that override years of destructive Obama-era regulations. From cutting the EPA to below 2006 funding levels, to stopping the enforcement of the Department of Labor’s harmful and misguided Fiduciary Rule, to reining in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to putting an end to the IRS’ previous practices of targeting conservative groups, these are just a few of the ways this bill rights the many wrongs of the past eight years. Additionally, in light of the recent catastrophic hurricanes in my home state of Texas and in the south, this bill also ensures that FEMA has the resources they need to continue addressing the many needs of these devastated communities.
“I applaud Chairman Frelinghuysen and his entire team’s diligence and hard work throughout this process. I believe he produced a sound product that was bolstered by the 468 amendments that we made in order at the Rules Committee. While I understand the Senate moves at a slower pace than we do, I sincerely hope that they can move this critical package so we can implement these conservative policies and get our country back on track.”
To learn more about H.R. 3354, Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, click here.
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act has passed the House. Keith Rothfus (R-PA, 12th) had this to say:
“This is the first time the House has passed all 12 appropriations bills with open input from its members before the September 30th deadline since 2004. This is an objective that I have long supported,” said Congressman Rothfus. “This year’s spending bills include many important provisions such as protections for the sanctity of life, increased funding for our military, and significant reforms to our financial services sector. The bills also provide funding for our veterans, programs to combat the opioid epidemic, and cancer research.”
He added: “The time for the Senate to act is now. Waiting until the continuing resolution runs out in December is irresponsible and dangerous for our country.”
Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, on Tuesday condemned the decision by House Majority leadership to block an amendment to H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act. The amendment, offered by Representatives Ruppersberger, Serrano, Khanna, Grisham, Jeffries, and Meng, would have offered $10 million in supplemental funding to state and local governments to dismantle and fight domestic white supremacist organizations.
“It’s unbelievable that House leadership refused to even consider our common sense measure that would empower local police to identify and dismantle radical hate groups across the nation,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “In the last year, we’ve seen the resurgence of white supremacists and other hate groups in the public sphere who have hate in their hearts and the goal of hurting innocent Americans. The events in Charlottesville demonstrated the tragedy that can come at the hands of these well-organized and well-armed white supremacy groups. It’s unfortunate and beyond disappointing that my colleagues are unwilling to recognize this threat to our American values.”
U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) released the following statement:
“For the past several months, the House has been working around the clock to craft common-sense spending policies that secure our borders, provide for the common defense, invest in our country’s infrastructure, and spur economic growth,” said Rep. Scott. “While this legislation is certainly a step in the right direction in reining in and cutting wasteful government spending, I will not stop pushing for continued efforts and reforms.”
Included in passage of H.R. 3354 is an amendment authored by Rep. Scott supporting multi-national efforts to reduce the flow of drugs from Central and South America into the U.S. by providing training and technical assistance to partners in the hemisphere to enhance regional security capabilities. Rep. Scott commented:
“As it is here in the U.S., local law enforcement often serves as the foundation for interdiction and counter-drug operations in Central American and Caribbean countries,” said Rep. Scott. “By increasing funding for training and assistance activities conducted by Colombian police and military forces, we enable Colombia to train even more regional police forces to function independently and efficiently, addressing the threats transnational criminal organizations pose on our country and bolstering our successful partnerships to tackle the narcotics issue and save the lives of countless Americans.”
Ahead of a vote on his amendment last week, Rep. Scott spoke on the House Floor urging his colleagues to support the measure. Click here to watch his remarks.
This legislation included Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations bills for several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of the Treasury, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Social Security Administration, and Department of Transportation Housing and Urban Development, among others.
U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, released the following statement after supporting the passage of all 12 appropriations bills:
“Under Republican leadership in the House, we have effectively held the line on spending while responsibly funding the government. Today the House once again upheld our constitutional duty by passing all 12 spending bills. I strongly supported this package because it includes important conservative policies that override years of destructive Obama-era regulations. From cutting the EPA to below 2006 funding levels, to stopping the enforcement of the Department of Labor’s harmful and misguided Fiduciary Rule, to reining in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to putting an end to the IRS’ previous practices of targeting conservative groups, these are just a few of the ways this bill rights the many wrongs of the past eight years. Additionally, in light of the recent catastrophic hurricanes in my home state of Texas and in the south, this bill also ensures that FEMA has the resources they need to continue addressing the many needs of these devastated communities.
“I applaud Chairman Frelinghuysen and his entire team’s diligence and hard work throughout this process. I believe he produced a sound product that was bolstered by the 468 amendments that we made in order at the Rules Committee. While I understand the Senate moves at a slower pace than we do, I sincerely hope that they can move this critical package so we can implement these conservative policies and get our country back on track.”
To learn more about H.R. 3354, Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, click here.
Rep. Royce Circulates Draft Bill to Modernize Anti-Money Laundering Laws
Source: House Representative Ed Royce (R-CA, 39th)
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA), circulated draft legislation, the Anti-Money Laundering Modernization Act, which strengthens the United States anti-money laundering (AML) and countering terrorism financing (CTF) system. Rep. Royce is seeking comments from stakeholders and bipartisan support to move this bill forward.
“Our nation’s anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing regime has been a 40-year work in progress and there is increasing recognition that it needs to be modernized,” said Rep. Royce. “The guiding principle of our anti-money laundering regime must be to protect the national security of the United States and our allies, as well as the integrity of the international financial system. In order to accomplish this end, our regulatory infrastructure must keep pace with the times. Criminal syndicates, rogue nations and terrorist networks are not sitting idly by, and neither can we.”
In July, Representatives Royce and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary with several recommendations for improving the U.S. AML regime. Several of their recommendations are contained in this draft legislation, including adjusting for inflation the thresholds for filing suspicious activity reports (SARs) and currency transaction reports (CTRs) which haven’t been updated since 1996 and 1972, respectively. Doing so would reduce the number of filings which now total over 55,000 per day and allow FinCEN to prioritize those of the highest law enforcement and national security consequence. The draft bill furthermore would expand the ability of financial institutions to share suspicious activity reports within their organization to improve enterprise-wide risk management and require the Treasury Department to improve qualitative feedback for financial institutions and Federal financial regulators on their AML/CTF efforts. Lastly, the legislation would improve FinCEN’s administrative rulings process and require Treasury to explore the potential for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other technologies to help detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA), circulated draft legislation, the Anti-Money Laundering Modernization Act, which strengthens the United States anti-money laundering (AML) and countering terrorism financing (CTF) system. Rep. Royce is seeking comments from stakeholders and bipartisan support to move this bill forward.
“Our nation’s anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing regime has been a 40-year work in progress and there is increasing recognition that it needs to be modernized,” said Rep. Royce. “The guiding principle of our anti-money laundering regime must be to protect the national security of the United States and our allies, as well as the integrity of the international financial system. In order to accomplish this end, our regulatory infrastructure must keep pace with the times. Criminal syndicates, rogue nations and terrorist networks are not sitting idly by, and neither can we.”
In July, Representatives Royce and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary with several recommendations for improving the U.S. AML regime. Several of their recommendations are contained in this draft legislation, including adjusting for inflation the thresholds for filing suspicious activity reports (SARs) and currency transaction reports (CTRs) which haven’t been updated since 1996 and 1972, respectively. Doing so would reduce the number of filings which now total over 55,000 per day and allow FinCEN to prioritize those of the highest law enforcement and national security consequence. The draft bill furthermore would expand the ability of financial institutions to share suspicious activity reports within their organization to improve enterprise-wide risk management and require the Treasury Department to improve qualitative feedback for financial institutions and Federal financial regulators on their AML/CTF efforts. Lastly, the legislation would improve FinCEN’s administrative rulings process and require Treasury to explore the potential for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other technologies to help detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Rogers Votes for Bill to Improve Firefighter Health
Source: House Representative Harold Rogers (R-KY, 5th)
Washington, D.C. - September 13, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds the House of Representatives for passing the bipartisan Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2017, (H.R. 931), by a unanimous voice vote.
The bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a "Firefighter Registry" to track cancer rates among firefighters. The information will be collected on a voluntary basis to help the CDC learn more about smoke inhalation and other factors impacting the health of our volunteer and career firefighters.
"Most of the men and women who respond to fire emergencies in southern and eastern Kentucky voluntarily risk their lives to save others and protect local homes and businesses as volunteer firefighters," said Rogers, who cosponsored the bill. "This registry is a step in the right direction to help protect their health, while also providing medical experts with more information about cancer."
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Click here to read the bill.
Washington, D.C. - September 13, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds the House of Representatives for passing the bipartisan Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2017, (H.R. 931), by a unanimous voice vote.
The bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a "Firefighter Registry" to track cancer rates among firefighters. The information will be collected on a voluntary basis to help the CDC learn more about smoke inhalation and other factors impacting the health of our volunteer and career firefighters.
"Most of the men and women who respond to fire emergencies in southern and eastern Kentucky voluntarily risk their lives to save others and protect local homes and businesses as volunteer firefighters," said Rogers, who cosponsored the bill. "This registry is a step in the right direction to help protect their health, while also providing medical experts with more information about cancer."
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Click here to read the bill.
Rogers on Passage of The Homeland Threat Assessment Act
Source: House Representative Mike (AL) Rogers (R-AL, 3rd)
Washington, D.C. - September 13, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the House passage of his legislation, H.R. 2470, The Homeland Threat Assessment Act yesterday.
“The 9/11 Commission revealed that a “failure of imagination” contributed to our country’s inability to identify the emerging threat posed by al Qaeda. As a result, we were blind to the approaching tragedy.
“Sixteen years later, our ability to accurately identify and evaluate threats to the Homeland remains stunted. Though talented professionals across federal agencies and at the State and local level are hard at work gathering and analyzing threat information, there is not a formalized process that evaluates homeland threats in a meaningful, comprehensive way.
“H.R. 2470 closes this gap by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release an annual, comprehensive homeland security threat assessment. This will provide a common threat picture across DHS and for Federal, State and local partners. I believe the best way to honor the memory of those who lost their lives that day and since in the fight against terrorism is to hold our government to a high standard.”
Washington, D.C. - September 13, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the House passage of his legislation, H.R. 2470, The Homeland Threat Assessment Act yesterday.
“The 9/11 Commission revealed that a “failure of imagination” contributed to our country’s inability to identify the emerging threat posed by al Qaeda. As a result, we were blind to the approaching tragedy.
“Sixteen years later, our ability to accurately identify and evaluate threats to the Homeland remains stunted. Though talented professionals across federal agencies and at the State and local level are hard at work gathering and analyzing threat information, there is not a formalized process that evaluates homeland threats in a meaningful, comprehensive way.
“H.R. 2470 closes this gap by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release an annual, comprehensive homeland security threat assessment. This will provide a common threat picture across DHS and for Federal, State and local partners. I believe the best way to honor the memory of those who lost their lives that day and since in the fight against terrorism is to hold our government to a high standard.”
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