Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Impeachment, USCMA, Nominations, and Teachers




New Boston, TX - December 24, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd) voted to impeach Trump. She said, "We are a nation of laws, based on the principle that no one is above the law, but this president believes he can do anything he wants. As the record shows and the irrefutable testimonies by Trump Administration officials make crystal clear, President Trump welcomed foreign interference in the 2020 Election, abused the power of the presidency, and tried to cover it all up."

Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th) also voted to impeach on those grounds.

Yet, no proof of this exists. Tax dollars have been spent trying to prove this, and other accusations against him, and through it all, the Democrats have found NOTHING except that he is hated enough to want impeached.

Thank God for some Republicans who stand up and call a spade a spade:

Congressman Vern Buchanan spoke on the House floor Wednesday against the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

“Madam Speaker, I will vote today against both articles of impeachment because they are without merit and set a dangerous precedent for our country. This political vendetta is an abuse of the impeachment process and would subvert the votes of 63 million Americans. Just because the President’s opponents are afraid he will win reelection is no excuse for weaponizing impeachment. No president in history has ever been impeached 10 months before an election. Elections are the heart of our democracy. Our founding fathers devised a simple way to remove a president that you disagree with — it’s called an election — and we have one coming up in less than a year. Let the people decide.”

On Thursday, December 19, 2019, Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL, 5th) and 8 conservative House colleagues sent a letter to United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging them to adopt the Federal Rules of Evidence for the Senate’s President Trump impeachment trial.

Also on Thursday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed in a bipartisan manner the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). that vote follows months of negotiations by House Democrats to secure improvements to the original USMCA negotiated by the Trump Administration.

“I’m pleased to see that House Democrats were able to secure important changes to the original USMCA draft,” said Ami Bera (D-CA, 7th). “The version of USMCA that passed (today) includes strong protections for American workers, important enforcement mechanisms to ensure all countries are compliant, and key environmental protections.

The revised version of USMCA is a win for the U.S. economy and American families, and will bring important jobs to California.”


I wonder if she will admit that the idea came from Trump?

Rob Bishop (R-UT, 1st) noted the irony of this in his statement:

“It is about time!

Despite USMCA’s bipartisan and bicameral support, Speaker Pelosi has refused to bring it to the floor in what can only be described as an attempt to deny President Trump any victories until she could impeach him.

I am pleased the House passed the trade deal with Canada and Mexico. This is a vast improvement over NAFTA. This bill is good for Utah and the country. It is just too bad it took so long for Democrat leadership to do the right thing.”


Passage of the USMCA is a win for every sector of our economy, including:

  • Agriculture: The USMCA reduces Canadian and Mexican tariffs on American agricultural goods and eliminates other unfair trading practices – helping our farmers and ranchers sell more of their goods abroad.
  • Autoworkers and Manufacturers: The USMCA creates new requirements for producing auto parts in North America and ensuring those parts are made in high-wage areas – supporting U.S. autoworkers and giving U.S. automakers an edge over foreign competitors.
  • Digital Trade: The agreement creates the strongest standard for digital trade in any international agreement to date. This chapter will provide certainty for our tech sector, protect our privacy, and encourage cross-border growth of digital transactions and e-commerce.
  • Small Businesses and Consumers: Both Canada and Mexico are increasing their de minimis thresholds, or the maximum value of a good shipped across the border before tariffs are applied. This will make it easier for consumers and small businesses to participate in cross-border trade.
  • Intellectual Property: The USMCA modernizes NAFTA’s IP chapter and creates new enforcement mechanisms to protect American innovators and investors.

    “Due to the efforts of House Democrats in the House Trade Working Group, we were able to negotiate with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer a revised USMCA agreement. The revisions make enforcement more effective and fair by fixing loopholes that would have allowed Mexico and Canada to avoid accountability with regards to their trade obligations. This revised USMCA strengthens standards on protecting workers’ rights and introduces penalties on goods and services that are not produced in compliance with key labor standards," said Sanford D. Bishop, Jr (D-GA, 2nd).

    “This was an unprecedented vote for an unprecedented trade agreement. This agreement got more Democratic votes than Republican votes, and we were able to thwart the efforts of big drug companies for the first time ever in a trade agreement. This should be a sign that the days of giving big pharma sweetheart deals are over. Protecting our workers and environment, addressing climate change, and putting people ahead of profit will be at the center of all new trade agreements as long as Democrats are in charge,” said Earl Blumenauer (D-OR, 3rd).

    “With today’s vote, The House is delivering much-needed certainty to the nearly 70,000 Illinoisans whose jobs depend on fair and free trade with Canada and Mexico,” said Mike Bost (R-IL, 12th). “USMCA will strengthen exports for farmers across my district and is a bright spot in what has been one of the worst years in decades for agriculture. Despite a year of unnecessary delays, I’m glad that we are finally moving forward on this historic agreement.”

    “Illinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Representative Bost’s vocal leadership for USCMA and for recognizing the value of expanded trade between the U.S. and its neighbors,” said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., who farms in the 12th District. “The largest export market for Illinois corn is Mexico. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to that vital market and opens up the Canadian market for more sales of dairy and wheat from the 12th District. Thanks to Rep. Bost’s leadership Illinois farmers can begin to reap the benefits of expanded trade under USMCA.”

    “While we did not achieve all the environmental standards we had hoped for, we did successfully include language that will allow the Paris Climate agreement and other future international environmental agreements to be added by the parties at a later date. As a member of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, I will continue to work to address this issue,” said Julia Brownley (D-CA, 26th).

    Now we know why the Democrats so overwhelmingly supported a Trump idea.

    Once enacted, USMCA is expected to help create over 176,000 American jobs, $68 billion in new economic activity, and $2.2 billion in annual agriculture exports.

    Also on Thursday, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Arizona State University Professor Sethuraman Panchanathan to serve as the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

    “President Trump has made an inspired choice with his nomination of Dr. Panchanathan—or “Panch,” as we all know him—to head the NSF. During his time at ASU, Panch was instrumental in turning Arizona’s largest institution of higher learning into one of the most innovative universities in the country. His passion for new and exciting ideas is infectious, and I am confident that he will bring this rejuvenating spirit to an organization that could benefit from fresh direction. As a Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I look forward to working with him on future projects,” said Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th).

    On Friday, December 20, 2019, Congressman Anthony Brown (D-MD, 4th) celebrated the inclusion of language from his standalone legislation, the “Educators Expense Deduction Modernization Act,” in the “Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act.” The legislation passed the House of Representatives. The original provision doubled the teachers’ tax deduction for classroom expenses from $250 to $500. The deduction was increased to $1,000 on the floor.

    Reportedly, more than 9 in 10 public-school teachers are not reimbursed for classroom expenses which can include everything from pens to books, crafts and science materials. Teachers in high-poverty schools spent nearly 40 percent more than their peers elsewhere, with one in 10 spending $1,000 or more. In Maryland, nearly 80,000 educators benefit from this deduction.

  • Tuesday, December 17, 2019

    Black Colleges, Appropriations, Veterans, Trade, Cameroon

    Today's News from the House of Representatives



    Adams Leads Effort to Investigate the Administration’s Failure to Uphold Promise to HBCUs
    Source: Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)
    December 17, 2019
    Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) unveiled a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report she commissioned to investigate whether the Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing adequate support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to help students become successful small business owners. The report raises several deficiencies in SBA’s efforts to work with HBCUs, despite President Trump’s 2017 Executive Order to promote engagement with HBCUs, strengthen HBCU participation in federal programs, and direct federal agencies to identify priorities for working with HBCUs.

    Read more...



    Allred Votes for Bipartisan Appropriations Bills Making Critical Investments in Health Care and Election Security
    Source: Colin Allred (D-TX, 32)
    December 17, 2019
    “I am encouraged that leaders in both parties were able to come together and forge a bipartisan compromise to keep our government open and working for the American people.

    Read more...



    House Passes Amata-Cosponsored Veterans’ Bill To Report On Overcoming Barriers To Benefits
    Source: Aumua Amata (R - American Samoa, At Large)
    December 17, 2019
    This Act requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a three-year study of disability and pension benefits provided to Veterans who served in special missions, including pilots and divers, and who served on reserve components of the Armed Forces while on active duty. This multi-year study will examine disability and pension data from 2008 to 2018 to identify any barriers that exist specific to these veterans. Next, the study will focus on possible ways to overcome these barriers.

    Read more...



    Amodei Statement on Government Funding Packages for Fiscal Year 2020
    Source: Mark Amodei (R-NV, 2nd)
    December 17, 2019
    "Look at what we can actually accomplish when we make it a priority,” said Rep. Amodei. “In terms of the reforms, funding priorities, and responsible spending reductions included in these bills, Nevadans can certainly claim a number of victories. More specifically, these packages will increase funding for Department of Interior (DOI) operations including wildland fire management, Lake Tahoe restoration efforts, hazardous fuels reductions, watershed restoration, and the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program. The Interior portion of these bills also allocates $12 million for radium cleanup efforts, which the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) would be eligible to receive."

    Read more...



    ARRINGTON SENDS USMCA TO HOUSE FLOOR, APPLAUDS EFFORTS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN U.S. TRADE
    Source: Mark Amodei (R-NV, 2nd)
    December 17, 2019
    "Look at what we can actually accomplish when we make it a priority,” said Rep. Amodei. “In terms of the reforms, funding priorities, and responsible spending reductions included in these bills, Nevadans can certainly claim a number of victories. More specifically, these packages will increase funding for Department of Interior (DOI) operations including wildland fire management, Lake Tahoe restoration efforts, hazardous fuels reductions, watershed restoration, and the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program. The Interior portion of these bills also allocates $12 million for radium cleanup efforts, which the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) would be eligible to receive."

    Read more...



    Axne Votes to Fund our Military, Increase Grants for Local Police, Invest in Cancer Research, and Protect our Elections
    Source: Cynthia Axne (D-IA, 3rd)
    December 17, 2019
    The bill passed by the House today, H.R. 1158, provides funding for the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Commerce, and other key executive branch agencies tasked with protecting our nation and its citizens.

    Read more...



    Rep. Bass Statement on Kidnapped Candidates In Cameroon
    Source: Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
    December 17, 2019
    “I am alarmed by the recent kidnapping of local official and parliamentary candidates by armed separatists. These actions are counterproductive and not conducive to solving the conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Those advocating for independence must understand that preying on innocent Cameroonians who simply want to exercise their civic duties will not help them get any closer to an independent state. I encourage separatists to commit to peacefully resolving the conflict in order for the country to have open and fair elections for all in 2020.”

    Read more...


    Tuesday, November 19, 2019

    Social Workers, Guns, China, Energy, Biogenic Carbon Emissions, Epstein,

    Today's News from the U.S. Senate



    Murkowski, Sinema Bill Improves Workplace Safety for Social Workers and Health Professionals
    Source: Senator Lisa Murkowski (R - AK)
    November 19, 2019
    U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen workplace protections for social workers and behavioral and home health professionals. The Senators’ bipartisan Protecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act of 2019 establishes a grant program to fund workplace safety programs for social workers and health professionals, ensuring these public servants can continue doing their jobs safely.

    Read more...



    MURPHY, TOOMEY, MANCHIN IN USA TODAY: WE'RE READY TO RESUME BIPARTISAN GUN BACKGROUND CHECK TALKS WITH TRUMP ANYTIME
    Source: Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT)
    November 19, 2019
    “We represented an unlikely trio of senators to be at the center of these deliberations. There aren’t many controversial issues upon which the three of us — a conservative Republican, a progressive Democrat and a conservative Democrat — could find agreement,” the senators wrote.

    Read more...



    In Stunning Admission, FBI Says It Should Have Addressed Chinese Talent Recruitment Programs Sooner
    Source: Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
    November 19, 2019
    During a Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) bipartisan hearing entitled “Securing the U.S. Research Enterprise from China’s Talent Recruitment Plans” chaired by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Assistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) John Brown confirmed that the FBI should have taken more rapid and comprehensive action in addressing China’s strategic plan to acquire knowledge and intellectual property from researchers, scientists, and the U.S. private sector through their talent recruitment programs. The hearing focused on the new bipartisan report which documents how American taxpayers have been unwittingly funding the rise of China’s economy and military over the last two decades while federal agencies have done little to stop it

    Read more...



    Risch Energy Bills Advance to the Full Senate
    Source: Senator James E. Risch (R-ID)
    November 19, 2019
    “Strengthening our cybersecurity technologies and nuclear energy hybrid systems are important components to ensuring U.S. energy leadership at home and abroad,” said Senator Risch. “I thank Chairman Murkowski for bringing these important bills before the committee and I look forward to seeing them advance to the full Senate for a vote.”

    Read more...



    Rounds and Thune Join Colleagues to Call on EPA to Provide Clarity on Biogenic Carbon Emissions
    Source: Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
    November 19, 2019
    U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) joined a number of their colleagues to send a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler requesting clarity on the regulatory treatment of biogenic carbon emissions produced from feedstocks such as corn and soybeans. This clarity will remove an obstacle to investment in rural America.

    Read more...



    Sasse Statement on Arrests of Epstein's Guards
    Source: Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
    November 19, 2019
    “These arrests are important, but they’re not the end of this: These guards aren’t the only ones who should stand trial - every one of Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirators should be spending the rest of their lives behind bars.”

    Read more...


    Friday, November 15, 2019

    Employment, Television, Paris Climate Agreement, Obamacare, Drug Sentencing, Impeachment, Small Business

    News from our Elected Officials



    Coons, Isakson, Kaine, Portman introduce bill to help unemployed Americans find good jobs, call for swift Senate passage
    Source: Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)
    November 14, 2019
    U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced legislation to help more unemployed Americans reenter the workforce. The Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment (BRIDGE) for Workers Act would give states more flexibility in administering existing unemployment benefits to help more Americans find good-paying jobs.

    Read more...



    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Urges VH1 To Cancel Television Series Glorifying Work Of Drug Cartels
    Source: Senator John Kennedy (R-LA)
    November 14, 2019
    U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) asked VH1 to cancel Cartel Crew, which glorifies the lives of people with ties to the worst drug lords in history. The latest cast addition is Emma Coronel Aispuro, who is married to the now imprisoned leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.

    Read more...



    King Continues to Stress Need for U.S. to Reenter Paris Climate Agreement
    Source: Senator Angus S. King Jr. (I-ME)
    November 14, 2019
    U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) advocated for the United States to reassert its global leadership on climate issues and rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement. Senator King’s comments came during a hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee featuring testimony from current Acting Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette, nominee to be the Secretary of Energy.

    Read more...



    Senator Lankford Reintroduces Bill to Remove Obamacare Ban on Physician-Owned Hospitals to Provide Greater Access to Patients
    Source: Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
    November 14, 2019
    Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today reintroduced the Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act, which removes the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) ban on the creation and expansion of new physician-owned hospitals (POHs) and allows POHs to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. Lifting this ban will increase competition among hospitals, lower costs, and expand access to quality care for more Americans, especially those with Medicare and Medicaid.

    Read more...



    Sens. Lee, Durbin Introduce Smarter Sentencing Act
    Source: Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)
    November 14, 2019
    “Our current federal sentencing laws are out of date and often counterproductive,” said Sen. Lee. “The Smarter Sentencing Act is a commonsense solution that will greatly reduce the financial and, more importantly, the human cost imposed on society by the broken status quo. The SSA will give judges the flexibility and discretion they need to impose stiff sentences on the most serious drug lords and cartel bosses, while enabling nonviolent offenders to return more quickly to their families and communities.”

    Read more...



    Democrats Focus on Impeachment Instead of Defense Funding
    Source: Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
    November 14, 2019
    “We want to pass the USMCA and the 176,000 new American jobs it would create. But Speaker Pelosi continues to block it. The far left objects to their passing anything the president likes.”

    Read more...



    McSally Introduces Bills to Help Small Businesses Contract with the Federal Government
    Source: Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ)
    November 14, 2019
    “With small businesses comprising over 99 percent of our country’s businesses, our economy depends on their success,” McSally said. “When Arizona small business owners told me they were being forced to shoulder the cost of federal work for up to a month, I knew Congress had to act. Small businesses rely on quick, reliable payments so they can in turn pay their staff and fund new ventures. My bill speeds up payment processing times so that small businesses can continue to serve as the backbone of our economy.”

    Read more...


    Tuesday, November 5, 2019

    National Security, Substance Abuse, Drug Cartel, Space, Big Pharma, Military, Climate Agreement, Caregivers,

    The Senators requested an unclassified assessment on threats to U.S. national security resulting from escaped ISIS prisoners
    Source: Senator Benjamin L.Cardin (D - MD)
    November 5, 2019
    In their letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Admiral Joseph Maguire, Senators Collins and Warner requested that he produce an unclassified assessment with a classified annex regarding how the escape of ISIS detainees in Syria could impact the security of the United States and our allies following the pullback of U.S. troops and subsequent incursion by Turkey. Senator Collins is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senator Warner is the Vice Chairman of the Committee.

    Read more...



    CORTEZ MASTO, ROSEN APPLAUD GRANT FUNDING FOR YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS
    Source: Senator Cathrine Cortez Masto - (D - NV)
    November 5, 2019
    “Educating our youth about the dangers of substance abuse is an important step towards ensuring the health and safety of Nevada’s communities. We’re especially thankful for federal funding programs like Drug-Free Communities that promote collaboration with local agencies and coalitions, and we’ll continue to fight to get our kids the resources they need to make healthy choices and stop substance abuse before it starts.”

    Read more...



    Sen. Cramer Delivers Floor Remarks on the Death of North Dakotans in Mexico Last Night
    Source: Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    November 5, 2019
    “What this family has experienced is the personification of evil in the form of this Mexican drug cartel. But we serve a God who personifies pure good, and the greatest response to pure evil is pure good,” said Senator Cramer. “I want to express as much as anything to those grieving that today their burden is our burden too.”

    Read more...




    Sen. Cruz: To Maintain U.S. Leadership in Space, We Must Inspire the Future Workforce
    Source: Senator Ted Cruz (R - TX)
    November 5, 2019
    U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, led a hearing with educators and industry leaders on the importance of hands-on learning opportunities for students in developing America's future space workforce. During his introductory remarks, Sen. Cruz highlighted the historic accomplishments of NASA during the Apollo Program and the crucial role a skilled, diverse workforce played, and the importance of inspiring children of all ages and background to become involved in science, technology, engineering, and math:

    Read more...



    Durbin: NAFTA 2.0 Is A Trojan Horse Giveaway To Big Pharma
    Source: Senator Richard J. Durbin (D - IL)
    November 5, 2019
    “For all the President's talk, this provision in this trade agreement is a Trojan horse giveaway to Big Pharma at the expense of American patients,” Durbin said. “I guess we shouldn't be surprised, but I'll say this: if Members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, are listening to the people they represent back home about the cost of prescription drugs, they won't fall for this new pharma fleece.”

    Read more...



    Ernst Blasts Democrats for Blocking Military Funding
    Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    November 5, 2019
    U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, blasted her Democratic colleagues who blocked a measure simply allowing a debate on defense funding. On the floor of the Senate, she called on Democrats to put politics aside and to uphold one of the most important duties of the oath of office—and provide our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to do their jobs.

    Read more...



    Feinstein, Cardin, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Urging President Trump to Keep the United States in the Paris Climate Agreement
    Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
    November 5, 2019
    Monday, November 4 is the first day President Donald Trump can formalize his threat to withdraw the United States from this historic international agreement. Parties to the Paris Agreement pledged to reduce carbon pollution in an amount and manner determined by each nation that puts the world on a strong trajectory to address climate change.

    Read more...



    (See Also:
    Heinrich Statement On Administration’s Withdrawal From Paris Climate Agreement

    Gillibrand Unveils Bipartisan Legislation To Support Family Caregivers
    Source: Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand (D-NY)
    November 5, 2019
    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand unveiled the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, legislation that would support family caregivers by helping to alleviate some of the financial challenges they may face. Family caregivers are family members who take care of a loved one that has a medical or behavioral condition or disability. Gillibrand’s new push comes after hosting roundtables and meetings across New York with older adults and disability rights advocates and hearing directly from them about their specific needs. According to the most recently available data, there are 2.6 million unpaid caregivers throughout New York State.

    Read more...



    At Homeland Security Hearing, Harris Questions FBI Director on Rudy Giuliani, Foreign Election Interference, Witness Intimidation
    Source: Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA)
    November 5, 2019
    U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, on Tuesday questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray about potential threats to the United States, including foreign interference in U.S elections, witness intimidation in ongoing investigations, and Rudy Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer. Wray could not say if the FBI has told the president whether Giuliani is a potential counterintelligence threat or whether Giuliani holds any security clearance of any kind.

    Read more...



    Senator Hassan Addresses Foreign & Domestic Terrorist Threats, Ransomware Attacks at Homeland Security Committee Hearing
    Source: Senator Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH)
    November 5, 2019
    Senator Maggie Hassan questioned several of the nation’s top security officials about the rising threats of ISIS affiliates, growing domestic terrorism threats, and cybersecurity during the Senate Homeland Security Committee annual Threats to the Homeland hearing. Senator Hassan and other members of the Committee questioned FBI Director Chris Wray, Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis David Glawe, and National Counterterrorism Center Acting Director Russell Travers.

    Read more...


    Cardin Introduces Legislation to Hold Private Prisons Accountable for Treatment of Federal Inmates

    Washington, D.C. - November 5, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) unveiled legislation Tuesday that will hold private prisons that receive federal funds to the same transparency standards as federal prisons. After welcoming an expert panel hosted by Open the Government, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Senator Cardin officially introduced S. 2773, the Private Prison Information Act (PPIA), which would mandate private prisons with federal inmates and detainees be bound by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In addition to Cardin, the legislation is cosponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), as well as Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

    “Private prisons account for 20 percent of our federal prison and detention population and 70 percent of all immigration detainees. Yet the operators of private prisons hide behind loopholes in the law when it comes to how they perform their job. If they are receiving federal funds and housing federal inmates and detainees, they must be held accountable to the same standards as our federal prisons,” said Senator Cardin.

    More than 25 percent of all people in federal custody are held in private prisons and detention facilities and, since 2000, the number of people housed in private prisons has increased by 39 percent. The Department of Justice Inspector General has found that federal prisons run by private companies are substantially less safe and secure than ones run by the federal Bureau of Prisons.

    S. 2773, the Private Prison Information Act (PPIA) has been endorsed by: Open the Government, ACLU, NAACP, Human Rights Watch, Southern Poverty Law Center, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), FreedomWorks, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, Project on Government Oversight (POGO), and the Rutherford Institute, among others.

    “For-profit prisons should no longer be able to use their status as private entities to bypass the public access and information laws with which federal prisons must comply,” said Lisa Rosenberg, executive director of Open the Government. “The PPIA will help close this FOIA loophole and mitigate waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars by holding corporations accountable for their contractual obligations to the federal government.”

    “Currently, oversight of America's private prisons is limited to the federal agencies overseeing them, leaving the American people without any way of knowing how their taxpayer dollars are being spent and keeping them in the dark about how private prisons are being operated, even as private prison companies pour millions into politics.Without oversight, profit-driven private prisons are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and shielded from sufficient public accountability,” said CREW Executive Director Noah Bookbinder, “The Private Prison Information Act will build on FOIA to ensure the American people have access to key information about private prisons in order to hold this multi-billion industry accountable for its actions.”

    “For the last 40 years, the Freedom of Information Act has been critical in guaranteeing transparency in government. The private prison industry is now responsible for the incarceration of tens of thousands of federal prisoners, and detention of over 70 percent of all immigrant detainees, but is not obligated to provide the public with critical information under the law. The Private Prison Information Sharing Act will ensure that the public has access to the records necessary to ensure that they are holding these entities accountable,” said Eunice Cho, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU National Prison Project.

    Watch the full panel discussion HERE

    Senate Democrats Block Permanent Funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

    Washington, D.C. - November 5, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Alexander continued: “This is not an Alexander proposal. This is a package of proposals by 29 Senators—17 Democrats and 12 Republicans. It's ready to pass the Senate. It's ready to be worked on with the House of Representatives and signed by the President.”

    Alexander concluded his floor remarks: “We're not on vacation. I know everybody's talking about impeachment, but we have lots of students around this country who would like to have a simpler way to go to college. We have lots of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions that would like to have permanent funding.”

    “We have lots of employers and potential employees who want a short-term Pell grant. And, according to the Congressional Budget Office, simplifying the FAFSA would make 250,000 Americans eligible for the maximum Pell grant. All of that is ready to go. Not by a gimmick, but by a Budget Committee approved method that President Trump and President Obama both had in their budgets.”

    And regarding the House-passed legislation, Alexander noted:

    “Unfortunately, that bill is a shortcut the House took, which has no way to pass the Senate. It's based upon a budget gimmick. It uses a method of funding that many Senators objected to. It creates a new funding cliff within 23 months. It is unnecessary to rush this short-term solution because the Secretary of Education has written all of the heads of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to say that there are sufficient funds until next September, so there is no funding problem.”

    Watch Chairman Alexander’s floor speech here.

    See Also:

    Booker Urges Senate, McConnell to Renew Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions of Higher Education

    Thursday, August 22, 2019

    Trump Drafts Executive Order To End Social Media Censorship of Conservatives


    Source: News Punch
    August 22, 2019
    According to Bloomberg News, an Executive Order has been drafted that will instruct law enforcement and federal antitrust agencies to open probes into the “platform bias” of Google, Facebook and Twitter in regards to the censorship and suppression of conservative voices on social media.

    The executive order is in its preliminary stages and hasn’t yet been run past other government agencies, said a White House official.

    Bloomberg News, which has seen a copy of the draft executive order, reports: The document instructs U.S. antitrust authorities to “thoroughly investigate whether any online platform has acted in violation of the antitrust laws.” It instructs other government agencies to recommend within a month after it’s signed, actions that could potentially “protect competition among online platforms and address online platform bias.”

    Read more...


    Wednesday, July 24, 2019

    American Legion Welcomes Recognition of Additional Vets as House Passes LEGION Act

    Indianapolis, IN - July 24, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- The head of the nation's largest veterans organization, welcomed today's passage by the House of Representatives of a bipartisan act which will recognize veterans who served during periods not previously considered "wartime."

    The Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act (LEGION Act) opens the door for hundreds of thousands of veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible. As a congressionally-chartered organization, the legislation was required for The American Legion to change its eligibility criteria.

    "Today's passage of the LEGION Act is a victory for veterans who until now have not had their service to our nation fully recognized," American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad said. "These veterans and their family members can now enjoy all the benefits of their service which they so richly deserve."

    The gaps in the war eras were largely during the Cold War, a time when threats to U.S. national security was real, especially to the men and women serving in uniform. Overall, estimates show that about 1,600 U.S. servicemembers were killed or wounded in hostile operations during periods that were not previously recognized as times of war by the federal government.

    On Feb. 14, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., introduced the LEGION Act, along with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent on June 11. Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., and Ben Cline, R-Va., introduced the House version.

    President Trump is expected to sign the LEGION Act law soon.

    Reistad evoked the memories of The American Legion's founders who launched the organization 100 years ago this year.

    "As we celebrate our centennial anniversary, we hold to the same truths that our founders appropriately crafted a century ago," Reistad said. "Among those: a veteran is a veteran. It does not matter whether a veteran fought enemies on foreign soil, protected our interests in an ocean far away or secured our national defense here at home. Their service is what matters most. Now, thanks to this legislation, all veterans will be properly remembered for their service."

    With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion is the most influential voice for America's veterans. The American Legion, www.legion.org, will be celebrating its centennial through Veterans Day.

    Saturday, July 13, 2019

    The fight over the Census citizenship question isn’t over yet


    Source: New York Daily News
    June 10, 2019
    Chief Justice John Roberts and the four liberal justices determined that the Justice Department’s stated reason for including the question — that it would improve administration of the Voting Rights Act — was not the real and complete story. It was, in their view, a pretext, even though it is a perfectly valid and sufficient reason.

    This defeat, such as it was, is extremely narrow. “We do not hold that the agency decision here was substantively invalid,” Roberts wrote for his 5-4 majority. They simply “remanded” the case, asking the Commerce Department to show the “real” reason and assure the lower court that it’s not improper

    Read the whole story...