Friday, April 17, 2020

830 Groups Urge Congress to Halt Broadband, Electricity and Water Shutoffs in Next COVID-19 Relief Bill

Washington, D.C. - April 17, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- On Monday, 830 utility-justice, environmental, faith, digital-rights and civil-rights groups sent a letter to Congress calling for the next congressional COVID-19 relief package to include a moratorium on broadband, electricity and water shutoffs.

The letter also calls for stimulus funds to address the systemic issues that lead to shutoffs. These issues include racial and economic inequities that can be addressed with improved affordable broadband programs including Lifeline; distributed solar energy; and percentage-of-income water-affordability initiatives.

The coronavirus crisis has triggered unemployment to levels that are unprecedented in U.S. history, and this has disproportionately harmed low-income households and communities of color. These households are facing disconnections and unaffordable rates for utility services that are first lines of defense during this national health emergency.

Congress failed to include any utility-service protections in earlier coronavirus-relief packages despite vast public support for such measures. Today’s letter calls for a nationwide moratorium on all utility disconnections. The letter also advocates for reconnections for lost services and forgiveness of late fees and bill payments for economically distressed people. The letter, led by the Center for Biological Diversity, Food & Water Action, Free Press Action and Partnerships for Southern Equity, calls on Congress to extend these protections for six months after the emergency ends, allowing people to recover economically without the burden of debt.

“Unfortunately, millions of families each year are cut off from their utility services, and the coronavirus emergency exacerbates and highlights the urgency of these chronic issues,” the letter reads. “These utility services must be retained to ensure basic family survival and to fight the health pandemic at ground zero.”

“Right now, an affordable broadband connection can mean the difference between being employed or unemployed, healthy or sick, connected with the outside world or trapped in isolation,” said Dana Floberg, policy manager at Free Press Action. “As the pandemic forces people out of work, millions more people, especially low-income families and communities of color, will find themselves unable to pay for broadband. No one should lose access to lifesaving and necessary communications tools during this crisis. Congress must act swiftly. We must end the shutoffs that leave vulnerable families digitally stranded and fund the emergency broadband-connectivity programs to get and keep impacted communities online.”

“It’s unconscionable that Senate Republicans chose to protect corporate America over families in the last rescue package,” said Jean Su, director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s energy justice program. “Families are facing impossible choices between paying for food or electricity, water or health care. Congress should ensure that all utilities are kept on and should invest in long-term solutions like community solar that aren’t dependent on dirty corporate-utility power that can be cut off in a crisis.”

“Our nation is in crisis and we are once again woefully underprepared to address the systemic injustices exacerbated by this pandemic head on,” said Chandra Farley, just energy director at the Partnership for Southern Equity. “Low-income households, particularly Black and Latino households that already spend a larger portion of their income on home-energy costs, need a national moratorium on utility shutoffs now. As bills continue to rise due to utility-rate hikes and expensive, dirty-energy infrastructure, Congress should invest in the economic engine of energy efficiency and pollution-free, clean energy that we know can lower utility bills and improve the overall health of historically marginalized communities.”

“There is absolutely no excuse left for Congress to exclude basic human needs from the next coronavirus stimulus package, or in general,” said Rianna Eckel, senior national water organizer at Food & Water Action. “People are facing the reality of living through a summer without running water right now. We need national action to protect every single person in this country from inhumane utility shutoffs, nothing less.”

Thursday, April 16, 2020

BREAKING: New Right-to-Carry Case Filed; Second Amendment Advocates Seek Injunction Against Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Public Safety Commissioner Gary Vowell, Cherokee County, and Probate Judge Keith Wood





Atlanta, GA - April 16, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- In a new right-to-carry lawsuit brought by Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), the advocacy organizations joined individual Lisa Walters in seeking an injunction against State of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Gary Vowell, Cherokee County, and Cherokee County Probate Judge Keith Wood. The case filings can be accessed from FPC’s website, FPCLegal.org.

The State’s ban on carrying loaded handguns in public, and the Cherokee County defendants’ closing down their Georgia Weapons Carry License program, “are unconstitutional and violate the right to bear arms for self-defense and the privileges or immunities of citizenship,” the lawsuit says. George Code § 16-11-126 and the defendants enforcement of it, claim the plaintiffs, “are a prior restraint upon and violate the fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms of all persons not prohibited from acquiring and possessing firearms under federal and state laws…”

“The State of Georgia’s statutory scheme flips the exercise of rights and the presumption of liberty on their head,” the plaintiffs say in their request for an injunction. “Rather than allowing people to exercise their right [to carry handguns] unless they are prohibited from possessing firearms and punishing specifically dangerous conduct, the State and its law enforcers take the opposite approach: they ban most all law-abiding citizens from carrying handguns in public on pain of criminal liability, and then provide a few narrow, limited exceptions—including the possession of a valid [Georgia carry license], which Plaintiff Walters cannot today acquire because of Defendants Wood and Cherokee County.”

“The natural right to armed self-defense does not cease to exist when a person steps over the threshold of their home and into the outside world,” observed Adam Kraut, FPC’s Director of Legal Strategy. “By their elimination of access to Georgia Weapons Carry Licenses, Judge Keith Wood and Cherokee County have destroyed the right to carry handguns outside the home for Lisa Walters and others like her. This is not acceptable and shows the inherent and terminally unconstitutional defects of the State’s license requirements.”

“This is the most recent in a series of legal actions we’ve had to file around the country,” noted SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “because we’ve discovered that some officials have arbitrarily decided the COVID-19 crisis allows them to suspend the Constitutional rights of the citizens they serve. We’ve been stunned by this pattern because such actions are not permitted by the Constitution. Authorities may not, by decree or otherwise, enact or enforce a suspension or deprivation of constitutional liberties.”

“The Constitution explicitly protects the fundamental human right to keep and bear arms, especially for self-defense, inside and outside the home” said FPC President Brandon Combs. “Governments cannot eliminate the right of law-abiding adults to carry handguns for self-defense in public, which is all the more pertinent in these troubled times. As the Supreme Court has already explained, the Constitution's guarantee of the right to bear arms is especially important for self-defense in case of confrontation, and individuals must be allowed to exercise their rights outside their home.”

Individual firearm or ammunition purchasers, retailers, and ranges affected by ‘stay-home’ or shutdown orders are encouraged to report their concerns and potential civil rights violations to FPC’s COVID-19 Issue Hotline at www.FPChotline.org.

Firearms Policy Coalition (www.firearmspolicy.org) is a 501(c)4 grassroots nonprofit organization. FPC’s mission is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, especially the fundamental, individual Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, advance individual liberty, and restore freedom.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Securities and Exchange Commission Working to Provide Relief During COVID-19 Crisis

Washington, D.C. - April 13, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The Securities and Exchange Commission announced on Wednesday that it is providing temporary, conditional exemptive relief for business development companies (BDCs) to enable them to make additional investments in small and medium-sized businesses, including those with operations affected by COVID-19. BDCs were created to provide capital to smaller domestic operating companies that otherwise may not be able to readily access the capital markets. Today’s relief will provide additional flexibility for BDCs to issue and sell senior securities in order to provide capital to such companies, and to participate in investments in these companies alongside certain private funds that are affiliated with the BDC. Today’s relief is subject to investor protection conditions, including specific requirements for obtaining an independent evaluation of the issuances’ terms and approval by a majority of a BDC’s independent board members.

“Many small and medium-sized businesses across the country are struggling due to the effect of COVID-19, and today’s temporary, targeted action will enable BDCs to provide their businesses with additional financial support during these times,” said Chairman Jay Clayton. “The method for calculating the level of permitted financing and the other important conditions included in the order are designed to ensure that this temporary relief will both protect and benefit investors in the BDCs.”

This relief is the latest in a series of steps the Commission has taken to assist financial market participants in addressing the impacts of the coronavirus. The Commission’s website provides additional information regarding its response. The Commission and its staff continue to assess impacts relating to the coronavirus on investors and market participants, and will consider additional relief from other regulatory requirements where necessary or appropriate. Firms and financial professionals affected by the coronavirus are encouraged to contact the staff with questions and concerns.

The Securities and Exchange Commission voted to adopt rule amendments to implement certain provisions of the Small Business Credit Availability Act and the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act relating to business development companies and other closed-end funds.

Business development companies—or BDCs—are a type of closed-end fund established by statute that primarily invest in small and developing companies. As directed by Congress, the rules will allow business development companies and other closed-end funds to use the securities offering rules that are already available to operating companies. The amendments are designed to streamline the registration, offering and investor communications processes for BDCs and registered closed-end funds and will provide important benefits to market participants and investors, including advancing capital formation and modernizing and streamlining disclosures. The Commission’s reforms will allow eligible funds to engage in a streamlined registration process that has long been available to operating companies, including modernized communications and prospectus delivery procedures and requirements. As a result, they will be better able to respond to market opportunities.

“The amendments we are adopting will modernize the offering process for eligible funds in a way that, as borne out by our experience with operating companies, will benefit both investors in these funds and the companies in which they invest,” said SEC Chairman Jay Clayton. “This is another example of our staff’s laudable efforts to modernize our rules in a manner that furthers all aspects of our mission. It is my hope, particularly when many of our small and medium sized businesses are facing profound challenges not of their own making, that these and other modernization efforts will provide those businesses more efficient access to financing.”

The reforms include changes that supplement the specific amendments mandated by Congress. These changes are designed to better align the modern immediately-effective or automatically effective offering process long available to other types of funds with the structures of the newly eligible funds. They also include disclosure requirements and new structured data requirements that will make it easier for investors and others to analyze fund data.

Most of the amendments will become effective on Aug. 1, 2020.

Representative Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) released the following statement after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to adopt amendments to provide relief to small public companies with less than $100 million in annual revenue from Sarbanes-Oxley 404(b) requirements.

“Last Congress we passed a bipartisan bill to ensure smaller companies can invest in cures, not excessive compliance; I’m happy to see the SEC is carrying this forward and enabling American firms to continue leading the world in groundbreaking research,” said Rep. Hollingsworth.

Rep. Hollingsworth and Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT) introduced the Fostering Innovation Act in 2019 to allow small emerging growth companies to keep capital working to fund business needs, rather than on costly and unnecessary regulatory filings. The bill would extend the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404(b) exemption for an additional five years for a small subset of emerging growth companies with an annual average revenue less than $50 million and less than $700 million in public float. The House previously passed the Fostering Innovation Act in the 115th Congress in both the CHOICE Act and the JOBS Act.

“This timely action by the SEC comes at a critical time for many growing companies, including those in the bioscience sector, to keep vital capital working in research and development, rather than costly regulatory requirements. America has long been a leader in scientific and medical innovation, and this move by the SEC helps ensure that will continue,” said McAdams.

“These amendments allow small biotech companies in Indiana and across the country to focus their scarce resources on developing life-saving therapies. We are grateful to Rep. Hollingsworth for his leadership on the “Fostering Innovation Act” and to the SEC for adopting these changes, which will positively impact patients,” said Kristin Jones, President of the Indiana Health Industry Forum.

The SEC adopted amendments to the “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” definitions. This action tailors regulatory issues for these start-ups that had no revenues or low annual revenues in the most recent fiscal year. The amendments adopted by the SEC do not change key protections from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Monday, April 13, 2020

Georgia Man Arrested for Attempting to Defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs in a Multimillion-Dollar COVID-19 Scam

Washington, D.C. - April 13, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Christopher Parris, a 39-year-old Atlanta, Georgia resident, was arrested today and charged in federal court in the District of Columbia with fraud for attempting to sell millions of nonexistent respirator masks to the Department of Veterans Affairs in exchange for large upfront payments, the Justice Department announced.

The criminal complaint charges Parris with wire fraud. It alleges that he made and caused to be made a series of fraudulent misrepresentations in an attempt to secure orders from the Department of Veterans Affairs for 125 million face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) that would have totaled over $750 million. For example, the complaint alleges that Parris promised that he could obtain millions of genuine 3M masks from domestic factories when he knew that fulfilling the orders would not be possible. Parris also allegedly made similar false representations to other entities in an effort to enter into other fraudulent agreements to sell PPE to state governments.

“We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money,” said Attorney General William Barr. “As this case demonstrates, even beyond the typical costs associated with unlawful behavior, COVID-19 scams divert government time and resources and risk preventing front-line responders and consumers from obtaining the equipment they need to combat this pandemic. The Department of Justice will not tolerate this conduct, especially when it involves this kind of egregious attempt to target and defraud our nation’s treasures – our veterans.”

After arrest, Parris appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Alan J. Baverman in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, where he was ordered detained. Parris will be extradited to the District of Columbia.

“During this time of crisis, fraud or attempted fraud impacting services for veterans, who have selflessly served this country, is unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Shea for the District of Columbia. “My office will devote whatever resources are necessary to stop scams aimed at exploiting Americans during this unprecedented pandemic.”

“We are committed to protecting the integrity of taxpayer funds and ensuring the delivery of medical supplies necessary to provide quality healthcare to our nation’s veterans, and any attempt to exploit the current global COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain will be dealt with swiftly,” said Inspector General Michael J. Missal for the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Today’s charges are the direct result of the expeditious and tireless efforts of special agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, working in tandem with our law enforcement partners at the Department of Justice and Homeland Security Investigations.”

“Homeland Security Investigations special agents have sworn an oath to protect the American public, particularly during this health crisis, from opportunistic individuals who seek to deliberately harm and deceive others for their own profit," said Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles, Homeland Security Investigations – New Orleans. “Today, our special agents have shown their commitment to that promise.”

A criminal complaint is an accusation by a federal law enforcement agent, and defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. Upon conviction for the wire fraud charge, the maximum statutory penalty is 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Trial Attorney Patrick Runkle of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Lallas and Zia Faruqui of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison Prout and Theodore S. Hertzberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia provided substantial assistance.

Information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc.

The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by e-mailing the NCDF at disaster@leo.gov.

Elections, Oil, Nurses, COVID-19, Testing, Religion, Prisons, Unemployment, Taxes, Trump Administration, Cuba, PPE

DFA praises Sanders “transformational” campaign, is “100% committed” to ensuring Biden beats Trump
Source: Democracy for America
April 8, 2020
Sen. Bernie Sanders just announced the suspension of his 2020 campaign for President. Democracy for America endorsed Sanders in 2016 and fought along his side from early in the campaign all the way to the convention. The grassroots progressive group endorsed Sanders again prior to the Super Tuesday contests following a vote of DFA members.
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HEAT Members Urge Saudi Crown Prince to Restore Global Oil Market Stability
Source: U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
“The United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have an important strategic partnership that ensures regional stability, counters Iran’s malign activity, and defeats terrorists that threaten our security,” the letter reads. “The United States also remains committed to maintaining the strong economic ties between our two countries. We are concerned, however, with the Kingdom’s actions to artificially distort global crude oil markets as countries around the world struggle to address a growing economic and health crisis fueled by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.”
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Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s Loyalty Program, to Offer ENA Members Free Hotel Rooms
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
April 8, 2020
The initiative, which also includes members of the American College of Emergency Physicians, offers free hotel room nights to nurses and physicians in several targets cities currently in the greatest need, including New York City, Newark, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Detroit and New Orleans. ENA and ACEP will oversee the matching of their respective members in those cities with accommodations at participating hotels.
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We Need True Positives, True Negatives: Doggett and DeLauro Press FDA for Data on the Accuracy of COVID-19 Tests
Source: U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 35th)
April 9, 2020
U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, pressed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for information regarding the precautions they have taken to assure the accuracy of COVID-19 tests, as well as for manufacturers’ data provided to the FDA on false positives and false negatives in administered tests thus far.
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Davids Statement on Kansas’ Reversal of Order Limiting Mass Religious Gatherings During Coronavirus
Source: U.S Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS, 3rd)
April 9, 2020
“The decision to overturn Governor Kelly’s executive order is not only outrageous and irresponsible – it’s putting lives at risk. Rather than work to ensure the health and safety of Kansans, extremists in the state legislature have created chaos and confusion and endangered our public health.
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DPA Leads Vast Coalition of Public Health Orgs & Professionals Calling on the CDC to Adopt Decarceration & Expanded Health Care Access in Guidance to Slow Spread of COVID-19
Source: Drug Policy Alliance
April 9, 2020
The letter follows troubling reports of rapidly escalating outbreaks within the country’s jails, prisons and youth and immigration detention centers. These institutions have failed to maintain control of the spread of COVID-19, reduce capacity to allow for social distancing, offer necessary hygienic supplies or personal protective equipment to ward off infection, and ultimately provide adequate access to healthcare for those who need it; the results of which have proved fatal.
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Ernst Statement on Senate Democrats Blocking Funding for Small Businesses
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
April 9, 2020
“After hearing from Iowans and seeing the overwhelming response of small businesses across the country, it’s clear we need to bolster the Paycheck Protection Program. We don’t have time for political games; we’re in a crisis. Workers and employers in Iowa and across the country need this relief now more than ever, so let’s put aside the politics and swiftly get this specific additional support for small businesses approved so money can keep flowing, Iowa workers can continue to collect a paycheck, and our state’s small businesses can stay afloat,” said Senator Ernst.
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ENA Foundation Announces COVID-19 Relief Fund
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
April 9, 2020
ENA members who need financial assistance due to personal hardship experienced as a direct result of COVID-19 may apply for a one-time individual relief grant of $599 to assist themselves and their family during this difficult time. Priority consideration will be provided to nurses serving in targeted hot spot areas.
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16.8 million apply for unemployment benefits in three weeks
Source: Economic Policy Institute
April 9, 2020
Between March 15 and April 4, 16.8 million workers applied for unemployment insurance (UI), according to new Department of Labor (DOL) data. That means that in the last three weeks alone, more than one in 10 workers have applied for UI benefits. The labor market has been upended.
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DelBene Secures Tax Extension for Non-profit Hospitals, Universities, Other Tax-exempt Organizations
Source: U.S. Representative Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
April 10, 2020
“The IRS made the right decision to extend the tax filing and payment deadline for tax-exempt organizations,” said DelBene. “Just like individuals and businesses, COVID-19 continues to create significant financial disruption for tax-exempt organizations, such as non-profit hospitals, and universities. Many of these organizations are on the front lines of responding to this pandemic in Washington state and around the country. They deserve relief and now will receive it.”
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Delgado Statement on Removal of CARES Act Oversight Committee Head
Source: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (D-NY, 19th)
April 8, 2020
“Two weeks ago, a broad, bipartisan coalition voted to pass the vitally important emergency relief legislation with the inclusion of critical oversight measures to ensure the faithful stewardship of federal dollars. Removing a key government watchdog from overseeing the largest stimulus package in our nation’s history is deeply concerning and runs counter to a unified message of placing emergency relief above partisan politics. Americans need relief now, not divisive partisanship.”
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What COVID-19 Means for End-of-Life Care: Experts Answer Your Questions
Source: Death with Dignity
April 10, 2020
Over the past several weeks, we have been receiving a growing number of inquiries about end-of-life care, advance directives, and other critical issues. With the help of experts, we have taken some time to answer those questions and compiled some resources. Experts come from a number of fields:
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DEFAZIO PUSHES TO PROTECT INTEGRITY OF INSPECTORS GENERAL FROM TRUMP POLITICAL RETALIATION
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
April 10, 2020
In the letter to Michael Horowitz, the CIGIE Chair, the lawmakers write, “Unlike any President in modern history, President Trump has engaged in offensive and unjustified attacks against Inspectors General, criticizing them for following the law, and retaliating against them for telling the truth…[The president’s actions] reflect a campaign of political retaliation and reward that is antithetical to good government, undermines the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and degrades the federal government’s ability to function competently.”
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DEFAZIO ANNOUNCES NEW TOOL TO HELP NON-FILERS ACCESS COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
April 10, 2020
After the 2008 financial crisis, 3.5 million of our nation’s most vulnerable did not receive a stimulus check because of bureaucratic red tape,” said Rep. DeFazio. “We cannot allow the same thing to happen now, which is why I called for a method to help those who need it most access economic impact payments. This new tool will give those who do not usually file, including those with too little income, a simple, free and secure way to provide the IRS with basic information so they can receive their Economic Impact Payments as soon as possible. While I will continue to push Treasury and IRS to automatically provide payments to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and to individuals who receive Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation and pensions, this is an important first step towards helping vulnerable populations weather these uncertain times.
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As Lawmakers Fall Ill, Congress and State Legislatures Must Enact Continuity Plans
Source: Demand Progress
April 10, 2020
Demand Progress calls on Congress and state legislatures to institute continuity of governance plans immediately, before the COVID-19 crisis worsens and the legislatures become unable to act. Many members of Congress have been exposed to the virus, it was announced that two New York state lawmakers had contracted the virus, and it’s likely many others have contacted it as well. Overseas, the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg was closed and reconvened in Brussels, and about 10 percent of Iranian parliamentarians have tested positive, while two have died.
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Democracy for America backs Jeff Merkley for reelection to the U.S. Senate
Source: Democracy for America
April 10, 2020
DFA was a strong supporter of Sen. Merkley in his first reelection bid in 2014 and, over the last six years, has worked closely with him on everything from progressive fights for filibuster reform and Medicare for All to battles against war with Iran and Donald Trump’s right-wing Supreme Court nominees.
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Chairman Deutch Calls for Stronger US Response to Idlib Humanitarian Catastrophe
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL, 21st)
April 10, 2020
In the letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, the Members acknowledge the humanitarian impact of escalating violence in Idlib on its roughly three million residents, most of whom are children. In addition to the conflict's devastating effect on civilians, the Members fear that Syria's limited health care facilities and professionals, already operating under dire conditions, may be ill-prepared for any spread of COVID-19.
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Representatives Diaz-Balart, Rooney, Mucarsel-Powell Condemn Cuba’s Actions During COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL, 25th)
April 10, 2020
The Cuban regime has shamelessly exploited this COVID-19 pandemic to engage in a misleading medical diplomacy campaign by trafficking doctors from whom they pocket as much as 80 percent of their salaries, confiscate their passports, and impose strict monitoring. The regime is also spreading dangerous disinformation about the virus worldwide with the aim of dividing the international community. These are just the latest examples of the regime’s use of propaganda to build a positive image abroad and distract from its systemic human rights violations against the Cuban people. Like their authoritarian partners around the world, the Cuban regime cannot be counted on as a reliable partner in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
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Feinstein Calls for Additional Essential Workers Such as Grocery Clerks, Agricultural Workers to Receive Protective Equipment
Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
April 10, 2020
“I write in support of your leadership in procuring 200 million masks a month, so that essential workers on the frontlines across California are protected during the coronavirus pandemic,” wrote Senator Feinstein.
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Sunday, April 12, 2020

Essential, Nurses, Pregnancy, Social Media, Price Gouging, Drugs, News, Elections, Cars, Nuclear Waste, Dependents


Brown Unveils “Heroes Fund” Proposal to Provide up to $25,000 Pay Increase to Essential Workers on Frontline of Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
April 8, 2020
“Workers in hospitals and nursing homes, in the service sector and public safety, and throughout our economy are risking their lives during this public health emergency to keep our citizens safe, and their paychecks should reflect that. Frontline workers also need proper protection from the virus at work, said Senator Brown. “The next coronavirus-response package Congress passes must honor the dignity of their work by including this Pandemic Premium Pay proposal to compensate our frontline heroes and mandatory safety requirements to keep them safe on the job.”
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That would be nice, but, we don't do it for a reward. We do it because, just like everyone else, we want SOME semblance of normality back, and we still have to pay our bills.

The Buckeye Institute: To Fight COVID-19 Ohio Should Allow Nurses to Provide the Medical Care They Are Trained to Provide
Source: Buckeye Institute
April 8, 2020
“The Buckeye Institute has consistently argued and testified that ending restrictive collaboration agreements will help patients receive more affordable health care,” said Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute. “The COVID-19 pandemic makes this commonsense policy recommendation more urgent than ever and Ohio should suspend collaborative supervision requirements on the way to eliminating them so that nurses can help provide the necessary medical care to those in need.”
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Carper Joins Murray in Releasing New GAO Report That Underscores Need to Address Maternal Mortality Crisis
Source: Senator Thomas R. Carper (D - DE)
April 8, 2020
“This GAO report confirms that we must do more to better address the increase in maternal mortality rates we are seeing in the United States. It is simply unacceptable that, in the wealthiest nation on the planet, women are dying from pregnancy-related complications at a higher rate than any other developed country,” said Senator Carper. “We must be laser-focused on figuring out solutions to address the racial and ethnic inequities in our maternal health and support systems and how we can work to address them. It is my hope that this report will help serve as a roadmap of what we know about maternal mortality rates and, from that, identify what we can be doing in Delaware and across the country – at the local, state, and federal level – to address this preventable crisis that is causing too much heartache for American families.”
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Casten Leads Letter Demanding Social Media Platforms Do More to Stop the Spread of Deadly COVID-19 Misinformation Online
Source: U.S Representative Sean Casten (D-IL, 6th)
April 8, 2020
The letter said in part, “In the midst of a global pandemic, we write to you today concerned about the spread of misinformation on your media platforms. We applaud your efforts to collaborate on best practices to help spread good information and tamp down on bad information, but more needs to be done. During a geometrically spreading biological virus, viral social media posts about bogus cures, false claims, and conspiracy theories are deadly. You have great power to influence what the American public thinks is true – and with that power comes great responsibility.”
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RELEASE: CAP Report Details the Need for an Expansive Fourth Coronavirus Relief Package
Source: U.S Representative Sean Casten (D-IL, 6th)
April 8, 2020
An in-depth report from the Center for American Progress lays out a series of recommendations for what Congress should include in its fourth coronavirus relief package. In the first three packages, Congress provided a down payment on the emergency response to the dual public health and economic crises. But with each passing day—exacerbated by the initial slow response by the Trump administration and its continued failures as the crisis has deepened—it is increasingly clear that much more will be needed to allow for a robust public health response, provide relief commensurate to the economic disruption being felt, and protect the most vulnerable Americans. CAP believes that a fourth legislative package will need to be a least as large as the $2.2 trillion CARES Act and must include the following components:
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Quarantine Blues Got You Down? New Website Solves That Problem Just Like Isaac Newton Did
Source: Isaac Newton Project
April 8, 2020
The current pandemic provides just such an opportunity for all of us today. What will we do with our current sorrows? Use them and our unexpected free time to personally grow, or waste them by trying to forget them through diversions such as bingeing on Movies and TV series, which only provide temporary relief?
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COVID-19 Versus the Constitution
Source: E.W. Jackson Sr.
April 8, 2020
There is much speculation about the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. How long will it take for the economy to recover? Will this forever change the social behavior of Americans? Is shaking hands a practice of the past? Is social distancing the way of the future? However, there are far more profound questions that no one seems to be asking. Are we witnessing the permanent erosion of respect for the Constitution? Are we allowing state and local governments to exercise power beyond their constitutional boundaries?
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REP. CISNEROS URGES FOR HAZARD PAY AND PROTECTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS TO HELP ADDRESS COVID-19 IMPACT DISPARITIES
Source: U.S Representative Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA, 39th)
April 8, 2020
“Our essential workers continue to go to work to ensure our community has access to basic and vital services. They put their lives on the line so our grocery shelves are stocked, mail is delivered, and patients receive medical care. Yet, many of our workers are not being paid what they deserve as they risk increased exposure to the coronavirus,” said Rep. Cisneros. “We need to do more than just thank them for their selflessness, we need to provide our essential workers with hazard pay and workplace protections. I join my colleagues in urging Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy to address these priorities in future coronavirus legislation.”
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Rep. Cleaver Introduces Legislation To Combat Price Gouging During National Crises
Source: U.S Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)
April 8, 2020
“We often try to hammer down on price gouging as it is ongoing during a catastrophe,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Whether it’s a pandemic or a hurricane, national emergencies are going to happen, and scammers will try to profit from them. Therefore, we need a law that protects consumers from predatory price gougers who pop up during times of turmoil, instead of playing whack-a-mole every time a crisis emerges. I want to thank Senator Klobuchar for her leadership on this common sense bill and working with me to protect American consumers from exorbitant prices on critical supplies during this pandemic, as well as any other crisis that may arise in the future.”
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Senators Collins and Smith’s Bill to Prevent Drug Shortages is Now Law
Source: Senator Susan M. Collins - (R - ME)
April 8, 2020
“As we find ourselves amid the coronavirus pandemic, it’s critical that health care workers have access to the drugs they need to treat patients,” said Senator Smith. “But in 2018—the latest full year we have data for—there were more than 200 drug shortages in the United States, and that number has continued to increase. These bipartisan measures will help mitigate this problem by prioritizing the review of drug applications and inspections in the event of a drug shortage, as well as improving manufacture reporting and planning requirements. I’m glad that Congress passed these measures into law, and hope that they help health care workers and patients.”
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Congress Must Include Local News Funding in Next COVID-19 Stimulus
Source: Common Cause
April 8, 2020
“Local news outlets, ranging from state- to city- and community-level media organizations, are necessary partners in meeting the critical information needs of people in the United States,” the letter reads. “Americans cannot endure an accelerated decline in access to vital information. And like other adversely affected sectors of the economy, local news cannot withstand the hardships of COVID-19 and the worsening economic crisis without federal support. We’re calling on you to include the journalism sector in the congressional assistance packages revitalizing affected industries and sustaining workers across our nation.”
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Congress Must Include Local News Funding in Next COVID-19 Stimulus
Source: Common Cause
April 8, 2020
“Local news outlets, ranging from state- to city- and community-level media organizations, are necessary partners in meeting the critical information needs of people in the United States,” the letter reads. “Americans cannot endure an accelerated decline in access to vital information. And like other adversely affected sectors of the economy, local news cannot withstand the hardships of COVID-19 and the worsening economic crisis without federal support. We’re calling on you to include the journalism sector in the congressional assistance packages revitalizing affected industries and sustaining workers across our nation.”
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Common Cause Calls for Emergency Congressional Hearings on Elections During COVID-19 Pandemic in Wake of Wisconsin Primary
Source: Common Cause
April 8, 2020
“Every American deserves to have their voice heard on election day, but voters should never be forced to risk their personal safety in order to cast a ballot,” said Common Cause president Karen Hobert Flynn. “The decision to hold an in-person election in Wisconsin yesterday was reckless and irresponsible, endangering the lives of tens of thousands of Wisconsinites and needlessly disenfranchising thousands more. Congress must investigate this matter thoroughly and look for ways to ensure something like what happened yesterday is not repeated in November or ever again.”
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New Survey Reveals Teens' Anxieties, How They're Staying Connected, and Their Struggles with Distance Learning Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: Common Sense Media
April 8, 2020
The spread of the coronavirus has upended life for American teenagers, with 95% reporting the cancellation of in-person classes at their schools. Eight out of 10 teens say they're following news about the coronavirus pandemic closely, and more than 60% are worried that they or someone in their family will be exposed to the virus and that it will have an effect on their family's ability to earn a living, according to a new poll by Common Sense and SurveyMonkey.
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U.S. Department of Transportation Enables Carmakers To Bypass Safety Rules, Weakens the Public’s Ability to Hold Them Accountable
Source: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
April 8, 2020
Despite compelling public interest reasons not to do so, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a misguided decision that will short-circuit the public’s ability to scrutinize automakers’ requests to be exempt from federal safety standards, including when companies are trying to rush unproven self-driving cars to market. Under a change formalized on April 7, 2020, NHTSA will no longer require companies seeking these exemptions to provide timely, complete information on their requests prior to posting them for public comment.
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Cornyn Calls on Schumer to Drop Threat to Block Small Business Rescue Funding
Source: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
April 8, 2020
“Senate Democrats should drop their shameful threat to block this funding immediately. Our small businesses desperately need help – now.”
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IDAHO DELEGATION URGES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO TAKE ADDITIONAL STEPS TO REMOVE SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL FROM INL
Source: Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
April 8, 2020
The delegation stressed that while the 1995 Settlement Agreement deadline to remove spent nuclear fuel from Idaho requires action by the Administration, Congress and states to develop a solution for long-term storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel, the Department could be preparing spent nuclear fuel stored at the INL for removal. The delegation wrote, “We encourage the Department to initiate activities needed to begin loading of spent nuclear fuel into a multi-purpose canister (MPC) at the Idaho National Laboratory using existing facilities.”
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Rep. DeGette on President Trump’s ventilator distribution mismanagement
Source: U.S. Representative Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
April 8, 2020
“Governor Polis and our Congressional delegation have been working to get more ventilators to Colorado for weeks. In fact, Colorado was set to receive 500 ventilators until FEMA blocked the shipment. Now, President Trump says we will get 100 as a courtesy to Senator Gardner. That means, because the president is playing politics with public health, we're still 400 ventilators short from what we should have received. His mismanagement of this crisis is costing lives and livelihoods.”
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Rep. Susan Davis Cosponsors the All Dependent Children Count Act to cover dependents up to age 24
Source: U.S Representative Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd)
April 8, 2020
“I am hearing from many constituents who are discovering that they are not getting the help they hoped,” said Rep. Davis. “While the CARES Act has provided millions of Americans hurting from the coronavirus with relief, we are seeing too many people falling through the cracks. As Congress considers another stimulus bill, we need to expand recovery rebates to include more dependent children.”
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Saturday, April 11, 2020

Fetal Tissue Research, PPE, Churches, Insurance, Paycheck Protection, Race, Hydroxycloroquine, Navy Secretary, ICE, China, Defense Production Act, Testing, First Responders, Prisons

DeGette calls on HHS to lift restrictions on human fetal tissue research
Source: U.S. Representative Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
April 6, 2020
In June 2019, the Trump administration banned all research using human fetal tissue within the National Institutes of Health and placed new restrictions on such research at independent labs. As a result, scientists at NIH and labs across the country have been unable to pursue promising biomedical research into conditions and diseases that affect millions – including coronavirus – because it involves the use of human fetal tissue.
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Cassidy Pushes for More Protective Equipment for First Responders
Source: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
April 7, 2020
“[We] urge you to continue exploring every possible avenue to increase the supply of PPE to put more of this critical equipment into the hands of those who need it most, including first responders,” wrote the senators. “Specifically, this requires utilizing your authorities under the Defense Production Act to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity by incentivizing private firms to produce PPE, including respirators, gloves, gowns, and eye protection, and to allocate some of these resources to first responders.
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Cheney: We Need To Help Americans Who Are Hurting
Source: U.S Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming at large)
April 7, 2020
“The spread of the coronavirus has created economic uncertainty for many across the country, and the Paycheck Protection Program is an important resource that allows small businesses to keep their employees on payroll, providing crucial economic relief during this unprecedented crisis."
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CARES ACT INFORMATION FOR ALLIANCE CHURCHES
Source: Christian and Missionary Alliance
April 7, 2020
“Access to this form of government funding for churches is largely unprecedented. For many reasons familiar to church leaders, the United States has a long history of church autonomy and the avoidance of any government financial entanglement with the church."
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Cicilline Calls on Car Insurance Companies to Provide Partial Rebate of Premiums
Source: U.S Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
April 7, 2020
“Allstate Corporation and American Family Mutual Insurance Company have agreed to pay it forward by refunding hundreds of millions of dollars in refund checks to their policy holders, and I applaud them for taking action on this issue,” Cicilline wrote in an open letter to the auto insurance industry. “I urge you to follow their lead, review your data, and reach out to the appropriate state insurance regulators to determine how to best implement a system that refunds excess premium charges to consumers.”
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Cicilline Calls on Car Insurance Companies to Provide Partial Rebate of Premiums
Source: U.S Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
April 7, 2020
“Allstate Corporation and American Family Mutual Insurance Company have agreed to pay it forward by refunding hundreds of millions of dollars in refund checks to their policy holders, and I applaud them for taking action on this issue,” Cicilline wrote in an open letter to the auto insurance industry. “I urge you to follow their lead, review your data, and reach out to the appropriate state insurance regulators to determine how to best implement a system that refunds excess premium charges to consumers.”
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Cole Statement on Additional Funding for Paycheck Protection Program
Source: U.S Representative Tom Cole (R-OK, 4th)
April 7, 2020
“As Americans hunker down in their homes and wait for this coronavirus crisis to pass, many families and businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Small businesses and their dedicated workers are some of the hardest hit and by no fault of their own. While I am encouraged that the Paycheck Protection Program will provide some desperately needed help for small businesses trying to maintain their workforce, it is critical that Congress and the Trump Administration ensure the program remains fully funded and able to deliver the promised aid to those who need it.”
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Congressman Anthony Brown Highlights Racial Disparities in Coronavirus Outbreak, Requests Additional Data
Source: U.S. Representative Anthony Brown (D-MD, 4th)
April 8, 2020
“We must have more information to confront this pandemic, not less. The lack of information will only exacerbate the existing health disparities—both in terms of care and treatment—and hinder our efforts to contain the spread of the virus in communities that may be at the highest risk,” wrote Congressman Brown. “We need this data to ensure we can address the implications of these disparities as we expand testing and treatment around our state.”
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COLLINS SECURES 200,000 DOSES OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE FOR GEORGIA
Source: U.S Representative Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th)
April 7, 2020
“On behalf of the people of Georgia, I want to thank Amneal Pharmaceuticals for this incredible donation,” said Collins. “This medication could be pivotal in Georgia’s fight against COVID—19 and could potentially save thousands of lives across our state. Acts of generosity like this remind us of the remarkable ways in which our country has rallied together to support one another in the face of this crisis, and I’m humbled to have worked with Amneal and Georgia’s Department of Public Health to help secure this donation on behalf of our state. We will beat this virus, and our nation will emerge stronger than ever before.”
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Report: Repeal #NeverNeeded Regulations to Help COVID-19 Response
Source: Competitive Enterprise Institute
April 7, 2020
“Lawmakers should prioritize policies that mitigate the effects of the pandemic on everyday life,” said Kent Lassman, CEI president. “We need flexibility to solve problems without rigid regulations that make economic recovery more difficult.”
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Chairman Courtney Statement On Reports That Acting Secretary Of The Navy Thomas Modly Has Submitted Letter Of Resignation
Source: U.S Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
“Today’s decision by former Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly to resign was a necessary step to restore the confidence of every sailor and member of the US Navy that its leadership is committed to their wellbeing,” said Chairman Courtney. “Our nation asks a lot of the men and women who wear its uniform, especially during a time of pandemic when their enduring mission becomes even more perilous. The ordeal of the USS Roosevelt was bad enough for its crew without the uncalled-for scapegoating of Captain Brett Crozier. Mr. Modly did the right thing in stepping aside. Hopefully it will allow the Navy to focus on caring for the crew and their families, as well as for a fresh review of the Captain Crozier’s punishment, which simple fairness demands.”
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Congresswoman Angie Craig Introduces Legislation Investing in Small Towns
Source: U.S Representative Angie Craig (D-MN, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig introduced the Small Cities and Towns Investment Act to provide small cities, towns and townships with a new grant program that would allow them to invest in their communities and stimulate their economies following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Advocates Sound the Alarm: Deaths in ICE Detention are Imminent
Source: Detention Watch Network
April 7, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases in ICE facilities is rising rapidly. The evidence is clear: if ICE continues to keep people locked up, we know that a COVID-19 related death of a person in immigration detention is imminent. ICE will cause preventable deaths if they don’t act now by releasing all people from detention.
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Rep. Jim Banks Calls on United States to Bring Case Against China to International Court of Justice
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
Rep. Banks says, “If China’s leaders hadn’t become embarrassed by the outbreak and tried to cover up its spread, the world may have had a better chance to prepare for this or even contain it in Wuhan or China. Instead, we have a pandemic. China shoulders most of that blame. Rather than succumb to the propaganda and spin of Chinese officials, the world must hold them accountable for mishandling this outbreak. If the United Nations cannot even do that, it has completely lost its purpose.”
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Transparency Is Critical for the Defense Production Act to Be Effective and for Allocation of Supplies
Source: Bipartisan Policy Center
April 8, 2020
“The Bipartisan Policy Center appreciates the work of the administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency in working with states to ensure the right critical medical material and personal protective equipment get to the right areas at the right time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government has the unique ability and visibility to ensure coordination, provide logistical support, and direct manufacturing of material and equipment all of which are crucial in the response to this public health emergency.”
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Congresswoman Beatty Cosponsors Bill Directing $250 Billion to Local Communities Combating the Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
“Cities and townships across Ohio’s Third Congressional District—wholly contained in Franklin County—are struggling with the impacts of this public health crisis,” Beatty said. “That includes funding and maintaining emergency operations, public awareness and outreach, and much more, all while facing a depleted income tax revenue base required to financially sustain these critical services.” Beatty continued, “I urge my Democratic and Republican colleagues to support this important piece of legislation because the coronavirus is affecting all of us—whether we live in small towns, large metropolitan areas, or anywhere in between.”
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Bera Urges Administration to Develop National Testing Strategy
Source: U.S. Representative Ami Bera (D-CA, 7th)
April 8, 2020
“As a doctor, I strongly urge the Administration to prioritize the creation of a national testing strategy, including the rapid and widespread deployment of serologic and diagnostic testing, ” said Rep. Bera “Only with a national testing strategy will we be able to help states and communities identify who is infected and who may be immune, which will allow our country to soon get back on a road to economic recovery. An effective national testing strategy will also require a trained and dedicated personnel to implement it. I encourage the Administration to establish a public health workforce that would be used to conduct widespread contact tracing and to administer vaccines when available.”
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Bergman Supports Federal Tax Holiday For Front Line Responders
Source: U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI, 1st)
April 8, 2020
Rep. Jack Bergman cosponsored the HEROES Act, which was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Bill Huizenga. This legislation will give a four-month federal tax holiday to law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, doctors, hospital and licensed medical facility support staff, and senior care facility staff.
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Beyer Highlights Food Security Resources To Prevent Hunger Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th)
April 8, 2020
Even in these hard times there are community supports in place which should ensure that no one goes hungry. We can help each other by sharing information, looking out for those who need assistance, and for those of us who have the ability, donating food and goods to these organizations.
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Booker, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Help State, Local Prisons Test, Treat COVID-19
Source: Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
April 8, 2020
The bill would also incentivize states to reduce the number of people behind bars by curtailing arrests and in-facility processing for technical parole or probation violations and implementing “cite and release” procedures for individuals who do not pose a violent threat to the community.
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Thursday, April 9, 2020

legislation, natural disaster, inspector general, Religious Liberty, Women, Essential Workers, broadband, accountablity, Stimulus, Physicians, Farmers, Africa, First Responders, Airlines, small business,

Congressman Biggs Leads Letter to President Trump about Potential Phase Four Package
Source: U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)
April 3, 2020
Our nation is facing an unprecedented public health emergency, and President Trump has shown extraordinary leadership during this difficult time. I have enormous sympathy for all Americans who are ill, as well to those who are out of work. However, even in the midst of this terrible crisis, we must continue be good stewards of our nation’s finances, challenging though that responsibility is during periods like this.
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BRINDISI & FITZPATRICK INTRODUCE BILL TO ENSURE COMPREHENSIVE PREPAREDNESS FOR FUTURE NATURAL EMERGENCIES
Source: U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi (D-NY, 22nd)
April 3, 2020
“Saving lives and keeping Americans safe is my top priority,” said Brindisi. “Unfortunately, we are already seeing breaks in our supply chain of critical supplies like PPE and other essential equipment to keep our frontline workers safe. We must learn from this crisis and in the future, we need to strengthen our supply chain and not be over-reliant on adversaries like China to help us in our time of need. The bipartisan Made In America Emergency Preparedness Act will make our country better prepared for national emergencies and in times of war, strengthen our manufacturing sector, and create good-paying jobs along the way. While we respond to this pandemic, we need to also be working together to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
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CASTRO STATEMENT ON TRUMP FIRING INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY INSPECTOR GENERAL
Source: U.S Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th)
April 3, 2020
“In the middle of the night, in the midst of a global pandemic, as the coronavirus threatens the American people, President Trump is executing retribution against a civil servant who informed the American people of a whistleblower complaint that led to his impeachment for abuse of power.”
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PELL’S RELEASE TRIGGERS BACKLASH
Source: Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
April 3, 2020
Most people are normal and desire justice. Abnormal people prize revenge. A case in point is the reaction to the release of Cardinal George Pell from an Australian prison. Normal people are happy with the news, but there are always the abnormal ones.
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Victory for Arizona Girls and Women!
Source: Center for Arizona Policy
April 3, 2020
31 courageous state representatives stood strong for Arizona girls and women and passed HB2706, ensuring only biological females compete in female sports.
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Casey, Senate Democrats Unveil COVID-19 “Heroes Fund” Proposal To Provide $25,000 Pay Increase To Essential Workers On Frontline Of Nation’s Pandemic Response
Source: Senator Robert P.Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
April 7, 2020
“We are in a war against COVID-19, and we owe our gratitude to all of the workers who are putting their own health and safety at risk by fighting on the front lines of this pandemic,” said Senator Bob Casey. “And just like wartime, we must recognize and reward those who are on the front lines—health care professionals, first responders, personal care and home health workers, truck drivers, grocery store workers and other unsung heroes—for their selfless efforts to do the critical work of protecting our citizens and keeping our country running so millions of Americans can stay safe at home. The Heroes Fund would provide essential workers with increased compensation and incentivize others to join the fight against COVID-19.”
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Chu, Hirono, Harris, Grijalva, Correa Introduce Legislation to Provide Critical Assistance to Vulnerable Communities Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S Representative Judy Chu (D-CA, 27th)
April 3, 2020
The Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act would, among other provisions, help ensure that all communities are able to access COVID-19 testing and treatment, and other relief services provided in coronavirus relief legislation. It would provide dedicated funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct public outreach in multiple languages to hard-to-reach populations to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to COVID-19 relief measures and critical public health information.
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FCC’s 5G Fund Draft Presents False Choice in Path to Bring Critical Mobile Broadband Services to Areas Still In Need
Source: Competitive Carriers Association
April 3, 2020
In a statement, CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “I appreciate the Commission’s focus on ensuring every American has access to robust mobile broadband services and for a dedicated $9 billion for mobile service in rural America; however, I am extremely discouraged by the two options the Commission has proposed. The draft proposal sets up a false choice between, on the one hand, updating the FCC’s maps in line with the recently-enacted Broadband DATA Act but delaying funding for several years, and, on the other hand, moving forward using the flawed coverage data, simply for the sake of moving forward quickly. But these are plainly not the only options, nor the best options; there is no reason why the FCC cannot follow the law that Congress mandated and distribute needed funding in a timely manner, with accurate data. We should not be limiting ourselves to two inadequate options, but rather looking for real solutions to deploy mobile broadband as quickly as possible.”
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Cotton, Hawley, Curtis, Gallagher Introduce Li Wenliang Global Public Health Accountability Act
Source: Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)
April 3, 2020
“Dr. Li tried to warn his country and the world about the Wuhan coronavirus, but he was silenced by the Chinese Communist Party. By hiding the truth about the virus, the CCP turned a regional health problem into a global catastrophe. In honor of Dr. Li, our bill seeks to punish foreign officials responsible for suppressing information about international health crises, including the Wuhan virus,” said Cotton.
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Disability Law Center’s Efforts to Advocate for Utahns with Disabilities During COVID-19
Pandemic

Source: Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
April 6, 2020
The Disability Law Center (DLC) has taken several steps this week to advocate for Utahns with disabilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the DLC filed a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding the State’s Crisis Standards of Care on behalf of the agency and an individual who could be impacted, Jacob Hansen, an individual with cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis. The guidelines’ Patient Prioritization Tool and Adult Triage Guidelines explicitly and implicitly deprioritize people with disabilities for care in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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Beatty’s Votes on Coronavirus Response Bills Help Bring $62 Million+ Back to Central Ohio
Source: U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
April 6, 2020
“As the Representative of Ohio’s Third Congressional District, I am fighting hard to secure the much-needed federal resources to ensure that hardworking Ohioans, families, and small businesses come first during this public health crisis. I was proud to support all three comprehensive COVID-19 response bills, but I am even prouder of the many people in Central Ohio who are working tirelessly on the front lines in the ongoing battle against the virus. The $62 million in federal funds will help my constituents as well as the courageous professionals and dedicated individuals who are saving lives and keeping our country and economy moving forward.”
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Some truths need to be spoken...
Source: Caesar Rodney Institute
April 6, 2020
To their credit, the hospitals have responded appropriately to a perceived crisis and redeployed resources. My guess is that this will be seen as heroic in the short term and over reaction in the long term. History will be the judge.
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Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Veterans, SSI Beneficiaries to Receive Stimulus Checks Automatically Without Having to File Tax Return
Source: U.S Representative Senator Maria Cantwell - (D - WA)
April 6, 2020
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and 40 of their Democratic colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue the direct cash assistance included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act automatically to individuals who receive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. In their letter, the senators point out that the federal government has the data necessary to deliver the stimulus checks automatically, and that many individuals in these groups do not file tax returns.
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Cárdenas, Lofgren Urge Trump Administration to Allow Foreign-Born Physicians to Practice in the U.S. During COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S Representative Troy Cardenas (D-CA, 29th)
April 6, 2020
“Today, the United States has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. For weeks, state, local, and federal officials have focused their efforts on addressing the extreme shortage of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators, that has hindered our response to this national emergency,” the Members wrote. “Long-before this pandemic emerged, the United States was already experiencing a shortage of medical workers. As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase, so does the risk to U.S. doctors, nurses, and other critical care workers. As this crisis will undoubtedly continue to take its toll on these professionals, we must do everything in our power to build and retain a robust workforce.”
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Carter Introduces Legislation to Prevent Scams During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA, 1st)
April 6, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous scams across the country. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been working together to stop fraud, including companies making false claims about COVID-19 treatments and prevention or scammers securing financial information when offering fraudulent COVID-19 assistance.
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REPRESENTATIVE RICK CRAWFORD ANNOUNCES FARM CORPS INITIATIVE PAIRING ARKANSAS AG-PRODUCERS AND UNEMPLOYED GUARD, RESERVISTS
Source: U.S Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR, 1st)
April 6, 2020
“Food Security is national security, and no two groups understand that better than the farmers who produce our food, and the military members who secure our nation. In this challenging environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers across Arkansas are dealing with a labor shortage, while National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, as well as veterans in general are struggling with job loss,” said Crawford. “I’m proud to support FARM Corps in their broad efforts to bring farmers and veterans together with the common mission of securing American agriculture.”
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Rep Bass Urges Continued Support to Africa Against Violent Extremist Threats Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
April 7, 2020
"There have been a series of deadly assaults across the Sahel. Since the beginning of this outbreak, extremists have attacked Chad’s military, killing soldiers near the border of Nigeria and Niger; Nigerian soldiers have been killed in northeastern Nigeria; and this week, numerous Malian soldiers were killed in an attack on their military base. I condemn this violence and any other attempt to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. I urge the administration and international community to continue to support African governments in a comprehensive manner as they combat the increased violence in the region. This especially includes addressing the root causes of violence."
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Rep. Ted Budd Leads Resolution to Honor Health Care Workers and First Responders
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Bud (R-NC, 13th)
April 7, 2020
“Our health care workers and first responders are going above and beyond the call of duty to fight the Coronavirus. It’s essential that we recognize their sacrifice and willingness to put their lives on the line to help save the lives of others. These individuals embody what it means to be true American heroes. Because of their sacrifice, countless lives will be saved and our country will unite and emerge stronger after we defeat this pandemic.”
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Burchett announces legislation to hold airlines accountable for taxpayer-funded relief
Source: U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
As of last week, passenger airline traffic has fallen 90% compared to a year ago. The CARES Act included significant financial relief for the airline industry to address the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines in the United States will receive grants and loans designed to keep their businesses afloat and pay the salaries of their employees in order to make it out of the current crisis with their workforce intact. Rep. Burchett wants to ensure this money makes it to the operations of the airline companies that need it most.
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CARTER CALLS FOR MORE SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING
Source: U.S Representative John Carter (R-TX, 31st)
April 7, 2020
“Over the last week, my office and I have spoken to over 700 small business owners about the Paycheck Protection Program, and it’s increasingly obvious the program will need additional funding to continue helping as many small businesses as possible through this hard time. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I wholeheartedly support efforts to increase funding for PPP loans, and I call on my colleagues to avoid partisan games or unnecessary delays in getting this funding into the hands of business owners. Small businesses are truly the backbone of our economy, and I’m committed to doing whatever is necessary to help them survive.”
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