Monday, October 30, 2017

Perry Supports Presidential Emergency Declaration on Opioids

Source: Scott Perry (R-PA, 4th)




Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Scott Perry offered the following statement in the wake of President Trump’s declaration regarding the opioid crisis:

“I thank President Trump for declaring the opioid crisis a public health emergency. His action today allows federal officials to redirect existing health resources and reduce bureaucratic delays that slow our efforts to fight this battle. 175 people die from a drug overdose every day - causing heartache and pain for countless American families. The people battling addiction are our family, friends and neighbors – they’re not just statistics and numbers.

This is one issue where Republicans and Democrats stand together. In recent years, Congress has passed bills like the Comprehensive Recovery and Addiction Act and the 21st Century Cures Act to provide hundreds of millions of new funding and other tools to help our communities; I was proud to support these efforts. Pennsylvania recently received more than $26 million to increase access to treatment, reduce unmet treatment need, and other prevention and recovery activities. We have much more work to do, but I’m glad we’re working together with President Trump to continue the fight.”

Perlmutter, Thompson Introduce Legislation to Keep Communities Safe, Help Prevent Future Gun Violence Tragedies

Source: Ed Perlmutter (D-CO, 7th)

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressmen Mike Thompson (CA-05), Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), Vice-Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, introduced H.R. 4142, the Safer Communities Act of 2017, legislation aimed at reducing and preventing gun violence by keeping guns away from people who should not have them. The legislation closes the gaps in current federal gun policy by clarifying and expanding existing federal prohibitors related to mental health, substance abuse, history of violence, and other risk factors; provides states with the tools needed to strengthen and enforce gun violence prevention laws; provides resources for mental health crisis intervention services; and improves records reporting into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

“After nearly every gun violence tragedy, we’ve heard many say that guns are not the problem, mental health is. The Safer Communities Act we’ve introduced today would address that problem and keep guns out of the hands of the dangerously mentally ill,” said Rep. Thompson. “While those suffering from mental illness are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violent crimes, we recognize that improving our mental health system, and keeping firearms from those with other risk factors such as a history of substance abuse disorders and violence, can help prevent gun violence. And by improving intervention services, boosting evidence-based research, and giving law enforcement more tools to get guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger to themselves or others, we can make our country safer and get people the help they need, while also respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.”

“This is a common sense proposal to reduce the likelihood of individuals suffering from mental illness from accessing firearms. It’s important to keep guns away from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others and instead provide them with the mental health services they need,” said Rep. Perlmutter. “We’ve seen far too many tragedies in our communities and we must take steps to prevent future tragedies by making gun violence less easy, less frequent and less deadly.”

The Safer Communities Act of 2017 clarifies and expands existing federal prohibitors to help keep guns away from those who are determined to pose a danger to themselves or others. Specifically, the legislation prohibits the purchase or possession of a firearm by individuals subject to involuntary outpatient commitment if a court finds they pose a significant and dangerous threat to themselves or others. Current federal law has been interpreted to apply only to inpatient commitments.

Recognizing that states play an important role in preventing gun violence and ensuring safe communities, the legislation provides states with the tools needed to strengthen and enforce gun violence prevention laws. Specifically, it further supports federal and state partnerships by providing grants to states to strengthen gun violence prevention laws that prohibit individuals with certain risk factors such as a history of dangerous mental illness, substance abuse, and violence from possessing firearms. For example, states could:

·         Create laws that enable law enforcement to petition for a warrant to temporarily remove firearms when there is probable cause to believe that an individual poses an imminent risk of harm to self or others. The process by which a warrant is obtained and a gun is removed must be consistent with due process; and

·         Create laws that temporarily prohibit the purchase and possession of a gun after an involuntary hospitalization on an emergency basis due to serious mental illness;

The legislation also requires the FBI to expand its current alert system so state and local law enforcement can pursue cases where prohibited persons try to purchase guns – particularly those prohibited due to serious mental illness.

Thompson and Perlmutter’s bill also provides resources for mental health crisis intervention services, boosts mental health research, enhances information sharing and research on gun violence, and improves the submission of mental health records into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the database used to determine whether or not a prospective buyer is eligible to buy a firearm.

The bill changes the outdated and stigmatizing “mental defective” terminology currently used in federal firearms statute and replaces it with “ineligible due to disqualifying mental status.”

Finally, Safer Communities Act of 2017 establishes a minimum restoration standard, ensuring a fair restoration process of firearm ownership rights that balances public safety with individuals’ rights. One year after an individual’s involuntary commitment ends, they may petition the court to have their rights restored. The application must be accompanied by a clinical opinion of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed mental health professional. After considering a variety of factors, the judge would determine if restoring gun ownership rights is compatible with the public interest.

PEARCE INTRODUCES VETERANS’ LIFE INSURANCE BILL

Source: Steve Pearce (R-NM, 2nd)

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Pearce today introduced H.R. 4146, the Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance Act of 2017, to provide needed improvements to the service-disabled veterans’ life insurance program (S-DVI). Disabled veterans have a challenging time receiving life insurance through the civilian sector due to their physical or mental injuries incurred during their time in service. This bill will update the nation’s current S-DVI premiums and disability provisions which are based on mortality and annuity tables from 1941.

“Veterans injured in combat face many challenges as they return home and adjust back into civilian life. What makes it even more challenging for veterans and their families is having to accept an antiquated insurance system that does little to provide the quality care and services they deserve. For over 70 years, the S-DVI program has been basing their costs off the assumption that veterans only live to an average age of about 62 years old. The legislation I’m introducing will modernize this program to lower premium costs for veterans and provide increased funds to the families of deceased veterans.

Our nation’s veterans sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and liberties, and we must honor our commitments to them. This legislation reforms the S-DVI program to provide protection and certainty for service-disabled veterans and their families, breaking down the barriers that affects the livelihoods of veterans across the nation. It is beyond time to enhance the S-DVI program, and I will continue working with my colleagues and veterans in New Mexico to stand by my promise to the men and women who bravely stepped up to serve and protect our nation,” stated Rep. Pearce.

H.R. 4146 amends Title 38 of the United States Code to adjust the S-DVI cap based on the 2017 inflation rate, increasing the current cap from $10,000 to $95,000, and will create a process for adjusting the cap based on inflation each year. This bill will increase the filling and enrollment limitation from 2 years to 10 years, and includes enrollment waiver options.

Current premium rates charged for S-DVI coverage are based on Annuity and Mortality Tables from 1941. Under this new legislation, S-DVI premium rates will be determined using current industry standard tables, and will be updated every 5 years after that.

The Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance Act of 2017 is supported by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW):

“DAV strongly supports Rep. Pearce's legislation to update and strengthen VA's Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) program which will make a real difference for many disabled veterans, their families and survivors. The S-DVI program was designed to provide affordable life insurance coverage to disabled veterans unable to purchase private insurance due to their service connected disabilities, however its cost and benefits have been seriously eroded over the past 50 years. Rep. Pearce's legislation will modernize the S-DVI program by using current actuarial data to lower premiums as well as adjusting for inflation to significantly increase the benefit payout,” stated Garry Augustine, DAV Washington Executive Director.

“The Fleet Reserve Association is in complete support of this bill and looks forward to seeing it passed in the House,” stated John Davis, FRA Director of Legislative Programs.

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars strongly supports, H.R.4146, the Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance Act of 2017. This important piece of legislation would remedy many of the issues that currently exist with the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance program, such as updating the antiquated mortality and annuity tables, increasing the maximum benefit cap, and extending the enrollment eligibility to 10 years,” stated John Towles, VFW Deputy Director.

H.R. 4146 is also supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

Rep. Scott Peters Supports Crack Down on Iran Ballistic Missiles

Source: Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) followed through on his promise to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its destabilizing activities in the Middle East, and pursuit of ballistic missiles by voting to support the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act.  

Congressman Peters strongly supports condemning and curbing Iran’s conventional weapons program and sponsorship of terror through strict sanctions. The Iran Ballistic Missile and International Sanctions Enforcement Act directly targets those activities by giving the President the authority he needs to stop the supply, manufacture, and financing of such harmful weapons. In addition, it does not undermine the internationally negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), passed by the United States along with Russia, China, our European Allies, and Iran, which significantly restricted the path to a nuclear-armed Iran. Today’s action goes after Iran for its ballistic missile development. 

“The Iranian regime continues to foment instability across much of the Middle East,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “From the beginning, I have maintained that while the Iran Deal is the best way to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon for many years, the United States and our allies must continue to hold their feet to the fire for their ongoing human rights abuses, support of terror activities, and ballistic missile program. The recent test of ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons goes directly against the calls of the United Nations Security Council presented under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and passage of enhanced sanctions for this activity is an important step toward holding the regime accountable.”

Rep. Peters continued, “These sanctions are part of a smart, tough strategy determined to stop Iran from maintaining its current path. This proposal not only cracks down on the development of dangerous weapons, but also targets those individuals at the heart of the foreign and domestic supply chains. This bipartisan approach is exactly the type of action we need to counter threats around the world and keep Americans safe.”

House Passes Iran & Hizballah Sanctions Bills

Source: Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) voted for the passage of three bills to take on the growing global threat of the Iranian missile program and the Hizballah terrorist organization. Rep. Pascrell was co-sponsor of all three bills, H.R.1698, H.R.3329, and H.Res.359 (details below).

“We must continue sending a strong signal that the United States is serious about combating the growing threat Iran poses in the region," Rep. Pascrell said. "By clamping down on the financial support terrorist groups receive and additional sanctions targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program, we can pressure Iran to change course and take steps to reduce threats in the region. We cannot do this alone, so I hope our allies will join us in designating Hizballah as a terrorist organization and increase pressure on it and its members to cease and desist. These concrete steps will allow us to work towards a safer region and a safer world."

BACKGROUND

H.R.1698 - Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act

This bill expands sanctions against Iran with respect to the ballistic missiles program of Iran. This bill would use targeted sanctions to try and halt Iran’s ballistic missile program. This bill would require the President to identify and sanction individuals and entities contributing to Iran’s ballistic missile program. In addition, the bill would require the executive branch to determine if Iran’s ballistic missile tests violate UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which “calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons,” and to determine whether responsible parties should be subject to sanctions
H.R.3329 - Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017                             

The Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act would impose new sanctions against foreign individuals and companies that knowingly assist, sponsor, or provide significant financial, material, or technological support to entities known to fundraise or recruit on behalf of the agents and affiliates of Hizballah. This legislation also requires the president to report to Congress whether the foreign financial institutions of Iran and other state sponsors of terrorism are facilitating transactions on behalf of Hizballah, and therefore should have additional sanctions imposed against them pursuant to U.S. law. In addition, the legislation would impose blocking sanctions against Hizballah for conducting narcotics trafficking and other significant transnational criminal activities, and strengthen reporting requirements on Hizballah’s racketeering activities and efforts by foreign governments to disrupt Hizballah’s global logistics networks and fundraising, financing and money laundering activities. To further expose the foreign terrorist organization’s rampant corruption, it also requires a report on the estimated net worth of senior Hizballah members and any individuals determined by the president to be senior foreign political figures of Hizballah.
H.Res.359

Urges the European Union to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization and increase pressure on it and its members.

FRC Praises Trump Administration's Plan to Directly Address Needs of Christians in Middle East

Source: Family Research Council

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- The Trump administration announced this week that it would address the needs of the Middle East’s Christian community by providing assistance directly, bypassing UN aid programs which have been largely ineffective in helping displaced Christians affected by ISIS.

The announcement came as Vice President Pence spoke to a gathering addressing persecution of Christians:

“Our fellow Christians and all who are persecuted in the Middle East should not have to rely on multinational institutions when America can help them directly. And tonight, it is my privilege to announce that President Trump has ordered the State Department to stop funding ineffective relief efforts at the United Nations. And from this day forward, America will provide support directly to persecuted communities through USAID.”

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins remarked:

“The Trump administration announcement is welcomed news to families and individuals in the Middle East who have lost their homes, their jobs and even friends and family at the hands of ISIS. I commend the president for following through on his promise to protect religious freedom by ensuring that the vulnerable among us are not targeted because of their religion, and are able to rebuild their lives and freely live out their faith in their ancestral homelands. I look forward to seeing the needs of these communities met on the ground, and stand ready to assist the president in making this happen. In the Middle East and elsewhere, America must do more to ensure that the human right of freedom of religion is cherished the world over,” noted Perkins.

Travis Weber, Family Research Council’s Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, also commented on the Trump administration’s plan:

“While our attention has been riveted by stories of ISIS’s defeat, the Christian communities left devastated in its wake will still need to rebuild and attempt to move on with their lives. For too long, the persecuted Christians of the Middle East—lacking political power and overlooked in the eyes of the world—have not received proper assistance in returning to their ancestral lands, the same lands the first Christians walked nearly 2,000 years ago. Meanwhile, Iran and other power players are trying to come in and ply their influence in the vacuum created by ISIS’s defeat. It is in these situations that protecting the freedom of religion—and inculcating society with a true understanding of this right—is most critical,” observed Weber.

ERLC President Russell Moore, Tennessee Christian Leaders Denounce ‘White Lives Matter’ Rallies

Source: Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

Nashville, TN - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Russell Moore, president of The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and Christian leaders across Tennessee joined together in denouncing the “White Lives Matter” rallies scheduled for Oct. 28 in Middle Tennessee.

In a joint statement, Moore and others agreed, “As Christian leaders in Tennessee, we declare ourselves in resolute opposition to this expression of racism and white supremacy. We denounce and repudiate white supremacy as a work of the devil, designed to dehumanize and divide.

“We call every follower of Jesus in the state of Tennessee to speak out against white supremacy, in all of its forms and to pray and work for racial unity in our communities. We also pray for those who advocate racist ideologies and those who are thereby deceived, that they may see their error through the light of the Gospel, repent of these hatreds and come to know the peace and love of Christ through redeemed fellowship in the Kingdom of God.”

Study: Workplace bullying is underestimated driver of nurse and patient outcomes

Source: Emergency Nurses Association

Des Plaines, IL - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- New research from the Emergency Nurses Association recently published in the International Emergency Nursing Journal indicates workplace bullying is a significant factor in the dynamics of patient care, nursing work culture, and nursing retention. The study, aimed at developing a grounded theory of workplace bullying in emergency departments, describes bullying behavior, the dynamic of hazing and how nurses and patients are negatively impacted.

Forty-four emergency nurses participated in focus groups to share their perceptions and experience with workplace bullying, in addition to actions taken when bullying is observed.

As a result, researchers developed a model of nurse bullying in U.S. emergency departments they say can help hospital and emergency department leaders understand the process by which bullying manifests in their department.

The theory describes responses to bullying as it occurs, how those responses affect the frequency of that behavior, and the influence the bullying and environmental elements might have on the prevalence of bullying.

The research suggests that when guilty bystanding, maintaining the status quo, or retaliation are pronounced, bullying will be more pronounced than in EDs where the “calling-it-out” strategy is employed.

“Workplace bullying is unfortunately pervasive in emergency nursing to the detriment of patient care,” said lead researcher and Director of ENA’s Institute for Emergency Nursing Research Lisa Wolf, PhD, RN, CEN, FAEN. “Our new theory shows a clear process nurses and administrators can use to identify bullying elements within their environment to ultimately correct this behavior.”

Researchers say management can have a significant effect on reducing workplace bullying and its related risks to nurses and patients. An assessment of hospital work environments should include nurse perceptions of and responses to workplace bullying.

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With more than 42,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency healthcare public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care.

Congress repeals rule to protect consumer rights to class action

Source: Consumer Action

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. Senate passed a resolution (S.J. Res. 47) yesterday to repeal the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule to restore consumers’ rights to band together to hold banks and lenders accountable in class action lawsuits when the companies break the law.

The CFPB conducted a five-year study that revealed the negative impact of forced arbitration on consumers before spending two years crafting a rule to prevent companies from keeping wronged customers from joining class actions. Despite the care taken by CFPB, Republicans in Congress have voted to throw out the Bureau’s efforts before the ink is even dry on the rule announced just this summer.

In our view, the Senate has declared war on consumers and given a big fat gift to companies like Equifax and Wells Fargo, who now can continue to abuse and defraud customers without fear of liability. Because of the short-sightedness of many in Congress, giant banks and other corporations regulated by the CFPB can rest assured that no matter how they treat their customers, those customers will be prevented from collective redress.

Republicans in Congress have decided: There will be NO meaningful justice for consumers wronged by the wealthy and powerful.

National Education Groups Issue Statement on Proposed Salt-D Elimination

Source: AASA, The School Superintendents Association

Alexandria, VA - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- National education groups representing superintendents, school boards, school business professionals, rural schools and communities, and educational service agencies issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposed elimination of the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT).

“We believe any comprehensive tax reform must preserve the state and local tax (SALT) deduction as a matter of national priority. The SALT revenue is invested in local communities to fund vital needs including infrastructure, public safety, homeownership and public schools, which educate almost 90 percent of students in our country. Representing public education leaders entrusted with the important responsibility for educating students, we are deeply committed to ensuring students get the best possible education and support. Eliminating the SALT deduction endangers public education and our students’ future.

“State and local tax deductions ensure a stable local tax base that public schools rely on to educate students and provide needed services, such as health care and related needs. The current proposal to eliminate the SALT deduction as part of broader tax reform would cripple this ability and damage state and local economies.

“Policymakers can support tax reform and preserve this deduction. For the sake of our nation’s students and their future, we urge Congress to preserve and protect the SALT deduction.”

In alphabetical order, representatives from the national organizations included:

AASA, The School Superintendents Association
Daniel A. Domenech, Executive Director

Association of Educational Service Agencies
Joan Wade, Executive Director 

Association of School Business Officials, International
John Musso, Executive Director

National Rural Education Association
Allen Pratt, Executive Director

National School Boards Association
Thomas Gentzel, Executive Director and CEO