Nuclear Energy, Shrinking Products, Apprenticeship, Border, Murder Suspect, Veterans, Farmers, Nato

Today's News for February 28, 2024

HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION ADVANCING NUCLEAR ENERGY PRODUCTION
Source: U.S. Representative Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
February 28, 2024
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 6544, the bipartisan Atomic Energy Advancement Act, which aims to incentivize and advance nuclear energy production in the United States. Included in H.R. 6544 is legislation Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) sponsored—the Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act, which would improve the licensing review process for future nuclear projects by establishing updated procedures and timelines for reviewing nuclear licensing applications.
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Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Big Corporations Shrinking Products Without Reducing Prices
Source: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D - WI)
February 28, 2024
For example, food products like name-brand cereals, chips, and crackers shrank the sizes of some of their products, while keeping the price stable. In the case of Cocoa Puffs, General Mills reduced its “Family Size” from 19.3 ounces to 18.1 ounces of cereal while charging the same price. Frito-Lay also reduced the size of a bag of Doritos from 9.75 ounces to 9.25 ounces, while their profits increased 9 percent from 2021 to 2022. Meanwhile, Mondelez International shrunk a family size box of Wheat Thins from 16 ounces to 14 ounces, but kept the price the same.
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ABC Survey: Biden’s Proposed Apprenticeship Rule Will Strongly Discourage Construction Apprenticeship Program Participation
Source: Associated Builders and Contractors Association
February 27, 2024
According to the results of a new survey of ABC contractor members and chapters published today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s controversial, 180,000-plus word proposed rule overhauling regulations related to government-registered apprenticeship programs—or GRAPs—will discourage apprentices, contractors and ABC chapter apprenticeship program providers from participating in the government-registered apprenticeship system.
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Barrasso: Biden and Democrats Have Taken A Wrecking Ball to America’s Strength
Source: Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)
February 28, 2024
“There's a confluence of crisis all around the world from El Paso, Texas, to Jerusalem, Israel. These terrible crises did not emerge overnight…Joe Biden has failed fundamentally what should be the goal of any president, which is to make America stronger, safer, more secure. As the Commander in Chief, President Biden bears full responsibility for the continuity of the crisis that he has created.”
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BERGMAN CALLS ON SENATE TO PASS HOUSE BORDER BILL
Source: U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI, 1st)
February 27, 2024
“It’s long past time the Senate take up H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, to secure our southern border and end this crisis. Our porous border is teetering on the verge of major catastrophe with the rampant rise of crime, fentanyl overdoses, and illegal crossings. Passing a so-called border bill which only allocates a mere 17% of a $118 billion total to securing our border is not the answer. Instead, we need the national security-bolstering measures in H.R. 2 – from its provisions that would restart construction of a border wall to its elimination of catch-and-release."
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Blackburn, Graham, Senate Judiciary GOP to Secretary Mayorkas: Release Files On Migrant Murder Suspect’s Immigration Parole Status
Source: Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
February 28, 2024
By law, immigration parole is only to be granted at the discretion of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on a case-by-case basis, in instances of “urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit.” Ibarra is the suspect charged in the murder of Augusta University student Laken Riley.
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Blumenthal & Murphy Praise VA Expansion of Health Care for All Toxic-Exposed Veterans
Source: Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
February 27, 2024
Millions of veterans exposed to burn pits & toxins during their service will be eligible for health care starting March 5; Historic expansion accelerates progress of PACT Act, makes health care available to all affected veterans
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Booker, Cardin, Meeks, Jacobs Welcome Announcement of High-Level Special Envoy for Sudan
Source: Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
February 27, 2024
“Having served as Special Envoy for the Great Lakes during the Obama Administration, former Congressman Tom Perriello has a strong track record of diligently working to find solutions to intractable conflicts in Africa, and we look forward to working with him to develop a sustainable path toward peace for the people of Sudan.”
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Ranking Member Boozman to USDA at Oversight Hearing: Help Us Ease Worries, Make Things Right for Farmers and Rural Communities
Source: Senator John Boozman (R-AR)
February 28, 2024
The lede from a February 15th story in Agri-Pulse, reporting on a presentation made by USDA’s Chief Economist at the Ag Outlook Forum, read: “USDA is forecasting lower prices for most major crops this year as input costs remain elevated and farmers face growing export competition”. A week earlier USDA forecasted that net farm income would decrease by 27.1 percent, or $43.1 billion, when adjusted for inflation over the last year. When you consider that since 2022 inflation-adjusted net farm income has dropped by $80 billon, this will be the largest two-year decline in net farm income of all time.
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BOYLE STATEMENT ON SWEDEN CLEARING FINAL HURDLE TO JOIN NATO
Source:U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA, 2nd)
February 26, 2024
“With today’s vote by the Hungarian Parliament, Sweden will become the 32nd NATO ally, dealing a profound geopolitical blow to Vladimir Putin. Today’s outcome is yet another clear example of the world unifying around Ukraine and Europe, and against Vladimir Putin as he continues his brutal and unprovoked invasion of a sovereign nation. Sweden's inclusion exponentially enhances NATO's collective strength and safety.”
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SNAP, Electric Vehicles, SOTU, Illegal Alien

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 27, 2024

Welch Introduces New Bills to Bolster SNAP Benefits for Social Security Recipients and Student Loan Borrowers
Source: Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
February 27, 2024
U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today introduced the COLAs Don’t Count Act, and the Student Loan Deduction Act of 2024, bills that would exempt annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and student loan payments from impacting the benefits of the families and individuals who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance. This would help ensure participants of SNAP are not losing benefits to the added costs of inflation and can more accurately report their available income after the expense of student loans is paid.
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MISS. LAWMAKERS URGE BIDEN TO END COSTLY & HASTY TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Source: Senator Roger F. Wicker (R - MS)
February 26, 2024
The lawmakers argue that the EPA rule should be rejected because it “is contradictory to all conventional predictions about where the automobile industry is headed in the coming years, including this administration’s own Department of Energy.”
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ICYMI — Dallas Morning News: “Rep. Colin Allred invites Dallas doctor who fled state for abortion to State of the Union”
Source: U.S. Representative Colin Allred (D-TX, 32)
February 26, 2024
The Dallas Morning News reported that Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) will host Dr. Austin Dennard as his guest at the State of the Union on March 7. Dr. Dennard is a Texas OBGYN and mom who had to flee the state to get an abortion.
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ALLEN ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE APPREHENSION OF ILLEGAL ALIEN AS THE SUSPECT IN THE DEATH OF LAKEN RILEY
Source: U.S. Representative Rick Allen (R-GA, 12th)
February 24, 2024
"President Biden and his administration’s complete disregard for the law and blatant refusal to secure the border undoubtedly led to this unfathomable tragedy and they must reverse course. Robin and I join our fellow Georgians and the nation in praying for Laken’s family and loved ones. She will not be forgotten."
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Trump, Renewable Energy, War Crimes

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to December 27, 2022

Smith: Democrats’ Release of Trump’s Tax Returns Nothing More Than Taxpayer-Funded Hit Job Against Political Opponent
Source: U.S. Representative Jason Smith (R-MO, 8th)
December 23, 2022
U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) spoke on the House floor to slam Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee for releasing President Donald Trump's private tax returns, an action made more egregious because the information included a child’s social security number.
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U.S. SENATORS SMITH, KLOBUCHAR ANNOUNCE MAJOR INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND RENEWABLE ENERGY, LOWER ENERGY BILLS FOR MINNESOTANS
Source: Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
December 22, 2022
“The transition to clean energy is happening, the question is whether our country leads or follows. I want us to lead,” said Smith. “These investments in renewable energy will save Minnesota businesses and families thousands of dollars a year in energy costs while helping reduce harmful emissions. I’m proud of our work to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which made investments like these possible.”
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Spartz's War Crimes Bill Passes Both Chambers, Heads to President’s Desk
Source: U.S. Representative Victoria Spartz (R-IN, 5th)
December 22, 2022
“War criminals should never be able to escape justice in the United States,” said Rep. Spartz. “I was proud to co-lead this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Rep. Cicilline and I am grateful to my colleagues for voting to close this loophole for good.”
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Cuban Prisoners, Small Business Exports, NDAA, Retirement, Marriage

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to December 10, 2022

At the Urging of Sen. Rick Scott, Biden Finally Calls for Cuban Prisoners to be Released
Source: Senator Rick Scott (R-FL)
December 9, 2022
“For decades, the illegitimate, communist Cuban regime has oppressed the Cuban people and forced them to live under tyranny. The Cuban people want freedom, and on July 11, 2021, democracy activists from across the island organized, and with one voiced shouted, ‘¡Patria y Vida!’ and ‘¡Libertad!’ Since then, the regime has held and tortured hundreds of peaceful Cubans, including teenage boys and girls. I’ve spent more than a year calling on President Biden to join me in denouncing the regime and denying the expedited consideration of his nominees until he called for the immediate release of these brave people, and I am proud to see that finally happen today. But, this is not the end of our fight. I expect President Biden to continue to be a voice for freedom and democracy in Latin America, and end his appeasement of the regimes in Cuba and Venezuela. The Cuban people want a new day of freedom, and we will fight alongside them until that day is here.”
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Shaheen Leads Bill to Reauthorize Small Business Exporting Program
Source: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
December 9, 2022
“Since I worked to create STEP as a pilot program in 2010, small businesses have utilized its resources to develop export and e-commerce capabilities necessary to compete in international markets. STEP has been particularly important to Granite State small businesses, many of which I’ve had the opportunity to visit and see these crucial dollars in action,” said Shaheen. “Ninety-nine percent of New Hampshire’s businesses are small and it’s paramount that Congress explores every avenue to help them grow and succeed. STEP helps create those opportunities, which is why my bill to reauthorize and strengthen the program is necessary and a no-brainer. We see the success of this program through the work of participating small businesses every day – I urge lawmakers in Congress to support my effort to ensure that continues.”
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Scott Celebrates Passage of Key Priorities in Defense Bill
Source: U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)
December 8, 2022
“I am pleased the NDAA also includes language from both the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act and the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act. Whether it’s a high-tech device or something as simple as a magnifying glass, assistive technology is critical to helping people with disabilities live, work, and participate in their communities independently. As more Americans look to exercise their right to live at home, instead of institutions, this investment will take a key step to increase the quality of life, and expand work and educational opportunities, for people across the country. The legislation would also help firefighters get the support they need if they become sick or injured on the job due to heat, stress, and exposure to toxic substances. Nearly every state helps firefighters access workers’ compensation by providing a presumption that certain diseases are work-related. Yet, no such protection exists for federal firefighters, forcing them to prove—often in the absence of documentation—that their illnesses are work-related. This legislation would provide federal firefighters with a presumption that certain illnesses are work-related. Although it is unfortunate these presumptions will expire arbitrarily within ten years of a firefighter’s retirement, this provision marks a critical step to provide federal firefighters and their families with the support they have always deserved.”
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Reps. Sewell and Smucker and Sens. Hickenlooper and Tillis Introduce Bill to Expand Retirement Savings for Working Americans
Source: U.S. Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
December 8, 2022
“Every Alabamian and every American should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of work,” said Rep. Sewell. “This critical, bipartisan legislation would address serious gaps in our retirement system and make it easier for low- and middle-income workers to save for retirement. I was proud to work with my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this commonsense bill which would level the playing field for working families and build a stronger economy for all Americans.”
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House Sends Respect for Marriage Act to the President’s Desk to be Signed into Law
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th)
December 8, 2022
“When the Supreme Court released their opinion this summer overturning Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas made it clear that other constitutional rights – including the right to same-sex marriage – are under threat. As LGBTQ+ individuals and families face discrimination in states across the country, the House today passed a bill which will enshrine marriage equality at the federal level. Same-sex and interracial couples can rest assured that their right to marriage will be protected despite what this extreme Supreme Court could rule in the future. With the passage of this bill, Congress sent a resounding message to the American people that we will continue our work to uphold the promise of equal rights, liberties, and freedoms for all – and that love still wins. I am thrilled to have voted for this important legislation, and I look forward to President Biden signing it into law very soon.”
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Hmmmm

Bill Clinton has COVID.

Mike Pence may run for president

Hakeem Jeffries made Democratic House Leader

The Appeals Court Ruled Against Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

Kyle Rittenhouse has vowed that he was going to start speaking up.

Ponder the News: November 21, 2022

Scalise: Republicans Are Ready to fix Dems' Self-Made Crises, Hold Biden Accountable
Source: U.S. Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA, 1st)
November 18, 2022
You haven’t seen any oversight into the Biden Administration’s very questionable actions on so many fronts, this being one, and there [are] a lot of others. And we said we would do both. You don’t just do one. We’re going to pass policy. We’re going to have oversight. And it can all go on at the same time, starting on January 3rd, and we’ve been making preparations.
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Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, Food Stamp Theft

On Thursday, November 17th, U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX, 21st) nominated U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th) to be Speaker of the House.

U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th) has decided to step down from leadership. U.S. Representative Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd) issued a statement about it on Thursday.

On Friday, November 18th, Ruppersberger introduced legislation to reimburse victims of food stamp theft.

Student Loans, Monkey Pox

Chairman Palmer Denounces Biden's Student Loan Bailout Plan
Source: U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL, 6th)
August 24, 2022
“The decision by the Biden Administration to write-off $300 billion of student loan debt this year will make the inflation crisis worse,” said Chairman Palmer. “This is an incredibly insensitive decision that almost entirely benefits higher wage earners who attended college at the expense of everyone else who either paid for their college educations or never attended college. This vote-buying scheme should further expose the fact that Democrats are not the least bit concerned that 61 percent of American households are now living paycheck-to-paycheck. Even Democrat economists like Larry Summers have warned that families all across America are struggling to make ends meet, including senior citizens and others on fixed incomes, and adding another $300 billion in federal spending this year will only make their situations worse.”
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Padilla Joins Local Leaders in San Francisco to Advocate for Additional Monkeypox Vaccines and Equitable Distribution
Source: Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA)
August 25, 2022
“One of the lessons we learned from the COVID pandemic was that a sustained period of limited vaccine availability early in a public health crisis is a recipe for disaster,”said Senator Padilla. “But, unlike COVID, we already have an approved vaccine ready to deploy against Monkeypox. That is why I’ve called on HHS and the CDC to ramp up their efforts to increase vaccine access, and I’ll continue working to ensure that all resources from the federal government are equitably distributed to all corners of California.”
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Inflation Reduction Act, Chalking Tires, Learning Loss

Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement in Support of Inflation Reduction Act
Source: U.S. Representative Lihan Omar (D-MN, 6th)
August 8, 2022
“The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic bill. With the Senate’s passage, we are one step closer to passing the biggest climate bill ever, lowering drug prices, taxing wealthy corporations, and more. The bill includes a much needed tax on corporate buybacks of their own stocks, averts a benefits cliff by extending health care subsidies for 3 years, allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and would reduce carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030.
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Oxfam hails passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in the Senate
Source: OxFam America
August 8, 2022
We are pleased to see the Senate finally take much needed action on climate change, taxes, and healthcare, and we especially praise historic investments to combat climate change. While this legislation is far from perfect, as it makes damaging concessions at the behest of the fossil fuel industry and ignores the care crisis in this country, it does show that government can move the ball forward on key issues. We join activists across the country celebrating this passage, and urge the House of Representatives to quickly pass it as well, and for President Biden to sign it into law.
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Federal Court Finds Tire Chalking Unconstitutional, Orders Payment for Each Swipe of the Chalk
Source: Outside Legal Counsel
August 8, 2022
On August 8, 2022, the US Federal District Court in Bay City, Michigan issued its long-awaited decision and final judgment in the legal challenge to 'tire chalking' - the practice of surreptitiously placing chalk on the tires of privately-owned vehicles (without a valid warrant or consent) to gather information about the movement (or non-movements) of publicly parked vehicles. Federal Judge Thomas L. Ludington today held and confirmed that tire chalking is unconstitutional.
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Owens Introduces Bill to Empower Parents to Solve the Learning Loss Crisis
Source: U.S. Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT, 4th)
August 8, 2022
“As pandemic learning loss continues to crush the academic progress of millions of students across the country, only 7% of the so-called solution – $122 billion in American Rescue Plan funding – has been spent,” said Rep. Owens. “Not only is our nation falling behind as a leader in education, but our one-size-fits-all system is leaving our most vulnerable kids behind and pushing parents out of the driver’s seat. I am proud to introduce the RECOVER Act with Senator Scott to bring parents off the sidelines of their kid’s education by allowing states to reallocate billions in unspent dollars so that low-income students can receive the targeted support they need to reach their God-given potential.”
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Same-Sex Marriage, Immigration arrest of U.S. Citizen, NRA Alaska Governor Endorsement

For those of you who don't know, the "Respect for Marriage Act" passed the House yesterday with a total of 267 votes, 47 of which were Republican votes.

The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (H.R. 3396) and ensures that marriages valid under the law of the state where they were performed are recognized for purposes of federal law and benefits. It also provides additional legal protections for marriage equality from those fighting against it while acting under the color of state law.

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Carlos Rios, a United States citizen, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, last week, against Pierce County and Pierce County Jail deputies, seeking declaratory relief and damages for his unlawful imprisonment and violations of his civil rights under federal and state law. He is represented in the case by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), the ACLU of Washington, and Rekhi & Wolk, P.S.

Apparently, he was arrested on a misdemeaner, charges were dropped, but immigration officials ordered him to be held for immigration violation, even though he is a U.S. citizen.

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The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is proud to announce its endorsement of Mike Dunleavy for Governor in the 2022 Alaska Primary.

"Mike Dunleavy has demonstrated steadfast support for our Second Amendment freedoms," said Jason Ouimet, chairman, NRA-PVF. “He has worked tirelessly to secure Alaska's rich hunting heritage and defend our Constitutional right to self-defense."