Friday, May 22, 2015
Hillary Clinton Emails Released
Flurry of Clinton emails now public; what they reveal about the days after the Benghazi attack.
Biden: 'Today, I Lend My Voice to Support the Solidarity Sabbath'
Statement by the Vice President in Support of the Solidarity Sabbath Initiative
My
friend and mentor, Congressman Tom Lantos, often said that “the veneer
of civilization is paper-thin. We are its guardians, and we can never
rest.” Recent attacks targeting
Jews in Brussels, Paris, Copenhagen – and even here at home – make
clear that the danger of anti-Semitism is very much still with us. In
too many places, outright anti-Semitism persists, and the denunciation
of Jews has been excused as political critique.
Too many leaders have lowered their voices or stood silent – or even
chimed in – when confronted with bigotry and violence against Jewish
communities in their midst.
Today,
I lend my voice to support the Solidarity Sabbath – an initiative to
mobilize leaders around the world to demonstrate their opposition to
anti-Semitic bigotry and
commitment to the security and survival of Jewish communities. In more
than twenty countries, leaders, ambassadors and other government
officials are attending services at local synagogues. This simple
gesture sends a profound message to Jews around the world:
you are not alone. People of all faiths in nations around the world
stand united against hatred and in solidarity with you. That was also
the message President Obama delivered earlier today at Congregation Adas
Israel.
I
learned the viciousness of anti-Semitism from two people, above all
others: from my father, and from Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor
ever to serve in the United
States Congress. I traveled with Tom and his wife, Annette, across
their native Hungary. Their chilling stories made personal for me the
inhumanity of anti-Semitism and made palpable the violence of its warped
perspective.
History
teaches us that, left unchecked, anti-Semitism threatens not only the
Jews it targets, but entire societies. “What a sad era,” Albert Einstein
said, “when it is
easier to smash an atom than a prejudice.” To those observing
Solidarity Sabbath in countries around the world: Shabbat Shalom, a
peaceful Sabbath to you.
Politics in Action: H.R. 606, H.R. 651, H.R. 1075, H.R. 1191 and S. 1124
Statement by the Press Secretary
On Friday, May 22, 2015, the President signed into law:
H.R.
606, the “Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act,”which excludes
from gross income for Federal income tax purposes certain compensation
from Federal or State programs received when a public safety officer
has died or become permanently and totally disabled as a result of a
personal injury sustained in the line of duty;
H.R.
651, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service
located at 820 Elmwood Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island, as the Sister
Ann Keefe Post Office;
H.R.
1075, which designates the United States Customs and Border Protection
Port of Entry located at First Street and Pan American Avenue in
Douglas,
Arizona, as the Raul Hector Castro Port of Entry;
H.R.
1191, the “Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015,” which amends
the Atomic Energy Act to provide for congressional review and oversight
of a potential comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran; and
S.
1124, the “WIOA Technical Amendments Act,” which makes technical
corrections to several drafting errors in the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity
Act that prevented aspects of that law from applying as intended.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
The President Speaks Before Meeting with His Cabinet
President Obama delivers remarks before he meets with his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room at the White House. May 21, 2015.
President Obama Meets with the President of Tunisia
President Obama delivers remarks before he meets with his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room at the White House. May 21, 2015.
British Probe into Child Sex Abuse Reveals 1400 Suspects, Politicians and TV Stars Among Them
British police, investigating allegations of historic child sex
abuse, say more than 14-hundred people have been named as suspects.
They include dozens of politicians and TV stars.
‘Operation Hydrant’ has been set up to allow detectives to establish
an over-arching investigation into historical crimes by those in
powerful positions.
Chief Constable Simon Bailey, Head of Child Protection at National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) is leading ‘Operation Hydrant’:
“It means that victims more so that ever before are having the
confidence to come forward and report abuse. And they can be reassured
that when they come forward and report their abuse that we are now
responding differently in the years gone by.”
Source: Euronews
Netanyahu Supports Call for a Two-State Solution with Palestinians
Israel and the European Union have renewed calls for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It came during EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini’s first visit to the region.
The statement contradicts Prime MInister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent election message of saying he would not permit a Palestinian state to be established on his watch.
Source: Euronews
EU Refusal to Accept Migrant Quotas ‘Unacceptable’
The debate over European Union
migrant quotas has become more heated with the Commission deputy chief
saying it is ‘unacceptable’ for EU states to reject the system.
Speaking in Strasbourg Frans Timmermans defended the Commission’s proposal to relocate 20,000 asylum seekers across the European Union.
“I know these are challenging proposals. I know they will prompt debates and controversy in member states but it is really not acceptable for people around the EU to say ‘stop the drowning’ and at the same time to say, ‘but don’t bring the people here’,” Timmermans said.
Source: Euronews
ISIL Controls More Than Half of Syria After Seizing Palmyra
By Alexander Aucott
More than 100 pro-Syrian government fighters have been reported killed as ISIL captured all of the historic city of Palmyra, according to the British-based Syrian observatory for Human rights.
Source: Euronews
Burundi: President Pushes Back Election into June
Bujumbura, Burundi (CNN) As
protests and sporadic violence continue to roil his country, Burundi's
President has pushed back the parliamentary and local council elections
by one week, to June 6, a presidential spokesman said Wednesday.
President
Pierre Nkurunziza is set to make a formal announcement about the delay
later Wednesday at the African nation's State House. Presidential
spokesman Willy Nyamitwe told CNN that Nkurunziza made the decision
after getting sadvice from Burundi's Electoral Commission and East
African leaders.
The President Delivers the US Coast Guard Academy Commencement Address
President Obama congratulates the United States Coast Guard Academy’s Class of 2015 in New London, Connecticut. May 20, 2015.
“Are You Confident in President Obama’s Strategy Against ISIS?”
Washington Journal opened its telephone lines for viewer comments on the question, “Are you confident in President Obama’s strategy against ISIS?”
Source: C-Span
Video link: http://www.c-span.org/video/?326059-5/washington-journal-viewer-calls
Sen. Bernie Sanders: The War on the Middle Class
In an epic speech, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders argues that the economic policies
pursued by the current and previous administration are effectively a
war on the American middle class and American workers – manufactured and
enacted to benefit the 1% and "too big to fail" corporate interests.
Senator Rand Paul: Complete Remarks on NSA Surveillance
The Kentucky Republican and 2016 presidential candidate rose to his feet
on the Senate floor Wednesday at 1:18 p.m. ET to speak in opposition to
the NSA surveillance program provisions in the PATRIOT Act. He was
joined by several other senators throughout the day until he finally
yielded the floor ten and a half hours later at 11:48 p.m. ET. Here are
those remarks in their entirety.
Roughly 34 Million Takata Airbags Recalled in US
The reported defect could make the airbags prone to explode during a severe incident.
Could Your Pet Be in Danger at the Groomers?
Animal rights organization PETA wants more oversight of pet grooming, an unregulated industry.
FBI Investigating Possible Serial Shooter in Colorado
Investigators are looking for a possible link between a bicyclist's slaying and a shooting on a nearby highway.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Thank You, Mr. Letterman!
From The G-Man salutes the extraordinary contributions of Mr. David Letterman and his landmark show, "Late Show with David Letterman". He is and will forever remain an icon in the world of comedy and television, and to say that he'll be sorely missed is truly an understatement.
Mr. Letterman, may the next 33 years of your life be filled laughter, love ....and an occasional kiss from Julia Roberts.
Thank you, sir.
"The G-Man"
Cuomo Pays Tribute to Letterman....with 'Top 10' List
Statement from Governor Cuomo on the Finale
of "Late Show with David Letterman"
of "Late Show with David Letterman"
"For more than 30 years, we’ve all stayed up later than we should to watch the comedic genius of David Michael Letterman. From his Stupid Pet Tricks and Top Ten lists to always keeping guests on their toes – New Yorkers and Americans alike have happily traded rest for reveling in the Late Show’s best moments. The Letterman approach to late night gave us something we could relate to and will always appreciate, as the stars of his show were often everyday New Yorkers. In the wake of 9/11, he helped us heal and brought us together with his strength, compassion and inspiration. Night in and night out, throughout thousands of tapings and guests from around the world, Dave made it clear that he felt lucky to be in the middle of New York City. Together with his stalwart sidekick Paul Shaffer, he ushered in a new generation of late night comedy that has both inspired and influenced countless comedians and hosts. After tonight, we will all feel a little lost without our late night legend – but also a little relieved that we no longer have to worry about objects flying off the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater.
"Last year, I was honored to appear on the Late Show to reveal the ‘Top Ten Ways New York State is Better Than Ever.' When Dave announced his retirement, we created our own Top Ten list in his honor. Today, on behalf of all New Yorkers, we have a new No. 1: Thank you Dave – we’ll miss you."
Mental Health Care in the U.S.
Representative Tim Murphy (R-PA) talked about the state of the U.S.
mental health system and legislation he introduced to improve
availability of care, as well as efforts to help veterans access and pay
for antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs.
Clinton Taps DREAMer As Latino Outreach Director
By
Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has named prominent DREAMer and immigration activist Lorella Praeli as
Latino Outreach Director, a Clinton campaign official told NBC News.
Praeli, who was undocumented for almost 13 years and became an outspoken
advocate during that time, will be the Clinton campaign's main point
person with Latino communities around the country. She will also be one
of the campaign's surrogates with the press on Latino issues, including
immigration.
Hillary Clinton Finally Answers Questions on Campaign Trail
The presumed Democratic presidential frontrunner has been criticized for not taking questions for the past several weeks.
Substitute Teacher Takes Belt to Rowdy Students
A sub at Gwynn Park Middle School in Maryland has been caught on tape
violently lashing students with his belt in an attempt to break up a
fight.
Consumer Alert: Allegations of Charity Fraud
Americans contributing money to charities claiming to help cancer patients but instead charity operators allegedly pocketed $187 million.
White House Report: The National Security Implications of a Changing Climate
The full report can be found
HERE.
Today,
President Obama will travel to New London, Connecticut to deliver the
commencement address at the United States Coast Guard Academy. During
his speech, the President will speak to the importance of acting on
climate change and the risks to national security this global threat
poses. The White House also
released a new report on the national security implications of climate change and how the Federal government is rising to the challenge.
As
the President has made very clear, no challenge poses a greater threat
to future generations than climate change, as we are already seeing
these
threats in communities across the country. We know that climate change
is contributing to extreme weather, wildfires, and drought, and that
rising temperatures can lead to more smog and more allergens in the air
we breathe, meaning more kids are exposed to
the triggers that can cause asthma attacks.
But
as the President will stress, climate change does not respect national
borders and no one country can tackle climate change on its own. Climate
change poses immediate risks to our national security, contributing to
increased natural disasters and resulting in humanitarian crises, and
potentially increasing refugee flows and exacerbating conflicts over
basic resources like food and water. It also aggravates
issues at home and abroad including poverty, political instability and
social tensions – conditions that can fuel instability and enable
terrorist activity and other forms of violence.
The
Department of Defense (DOD) is assessing the vulnerability of the
military’s more than 7,000 bases, installations and other facilities to
climate
change, and studying the implications of increased demand for our
National Guard in the aftermath of extreme weather events. Two years
ago, DOD and DHS released Arctic Strategies, which addresses the
potential security implications of increased human activity
in the Arctic, a consequence of rapidly melting sea ice.
But
we also need to decrease the harmful carbon pollution that causes
climate change. That is why, this summer, the EPA will put in place
commonsense
standards to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, the largest
source in the United States. Today, the U.S. harnesses three times as
much electricity from the wind and twenty times as much from the sun as
we did since President Obama took office. We are
working with industry and have taken action to phase down HFCs and
address methane emissions in the oil and gas sector. By the middle of
the next decade, our cars will go twice as far on a gallon of gas, and
we have made unprecedented investments to cut
energy waste in our homes and buildings. And as the single largest user
of energy in the United States, DOD is making progress to deploy 3
gigawatts of renewable energy on military installations by 2025.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
The President Signs the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015
President Obama signs a bill creating a nationwide alert system that
will warn officers if there is an active threat against law enforcement.
May 19, 2015.
Politics in Action: H.R. 1335, H.R. 880, H.R. 2262 & H.R. 2353
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H.R. 1335 — Strengthening Fishing Communities and
Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act
(Rep. Young, R-AK, and three cosponsors)
The Administration strongly opposes H.R.
1335, which would amend the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (MSA), because it would impose arbitrary and unnecessary
requirements that would harm the environment and the economy. The MSA
currently provides the flexibility needed to effectively manage the
Nation's marine commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries. In
contrast, H.R. 1335 would undermine the use of science-based actions to
end and prevent overfishing.
The current requirements of MSA are
working – the percentage of stocks that are subject to overfishing and
the percentage that are in an overfished state are at historic lows.
H.R. 1335 would interfere with the tremendous success achieved in
rebuilding overfished fisheries by setting rebuilding targets that are
not based on sound, credible science, and that unnecessarily extend the
time to rebuild fisheries. In making these changes, H.R. 1335
introduces a series of ambiguous provisions that could improperly extend
rebuilding periods, delaying the significant economic and environmental
benefits of rebuilt fisheries to both fishermen and the Nation as a
whole.
H.R. 1335 would exempt fishery management
actions from the requirements for environmental analysis under the
National Environmental Policy Act and replace them with a new set of
standards. This provision is unnecessary, as the regional fishery
management councils have integrated environmental analyses into an
overall framework that is both timely and effective. For similar
reasons, the provisions regarding the Endangered Species Act, the
National Marine Sanctuaries Act, and the Antiquities Act are unnecessary
and likely to give rise to confusion. Rather than reducing burdens on
the fishery management councils, these provisions of H.R. 1335 would
interfere with a well-established and integrated system and would create
confusion, delay, and the potential for litigation.
H.R. 1335 would also severely undermine
the authority of the Gulf of Mexico Regional Fishery Management Council
by extending State jurisdiction over the recreational red snapper
fishery to nine miles in the Gulf of Mexico. This proposed extension of
jurisdiction would create an untenable situation where recreational and
commercial fishermen fishing side-by-side would be subject to different
regulatory regimes. Absent an agreement among the States as to how to
allocate recreationally-caught red snapper, the bill would encourage
interstate conflict and jeopardize the sustainability of this Gulf-wide
resource.
The Administration urges the Congress to support the Administration's
efforts to fully utilize the flexibility in the current MSA. The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a proposed rule
in January updating key guidelines for implementing the MSA, which would
ameliorate many of the concerns that H.R. 1335 seeks to address without
undermining the fundamental, science-based requirements of the MSA.
H.R. 1335 would introduce uncertainty and delays in rebuilding
fisheries, undermine science-based management, weaken the protections
provided by other important environmental statutes, and generate sector
and interstate conflicts.
If the President were presented with H.R. 1335, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.
The Administration supports enhancing, simplifying, and making
permanent the Research and Experimentation Credit ("R&D credit"),
and offsetting the cost by closing tax loopholes. The President’s
Budget proposes to do so as part of pro-growth business tax reform that
is revenue neutral over the long term. Making the R&D credit
permanent will increase its effectiveness, since it will allow
businesses to make investments and create jobs today confident that they
will continue to benefit from the credit in the future. Moreover,
four-fifths of the R&D credit is attributable to salaries of U.S.
workers performing U.S.-based research—meaning that the credit helps
create high-skilled jobs, as well as encouraging new innovations and
future productivity.
However, the Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 880, which would permanently extend and expand the R&D credit without offsetting the cost, adding to long-run deficits. By making the R&D credit permanent without offsets, H.R. 880 would add $180 billion to the deficit over the next 10 years. H.R. 880 violates the very standard that House and Senate Republicans approved less than a month ago in their concurrent budget resolution, which requires offsetting the cost of any tax extenders that are made permanent with other revenue measures. If the House passes H.R. 880, it will have approved nearly $600 billion in deficit-increasing tax cuts mainly for corporations and wealthy estates this year – none of which are provided for in the Republicans’ own budget.
As with other similar proposals, Republicans are imposing a double standard by adding to the deficit to continue and expand costly tax breaks, while slashing investments and programs that serve middle-class and working Americans in the name of fiscal rectitude. If this same approach of making major tax extenders permanent without offsets were followed for the other traditional tax extenders, it would add $500 billion or more to deficits, wiping out most of the deficit reduction achieved through the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2013. House Republicans also are making clear their priorities by rushing to make business tax cuts permanent without offsets even as the Republican Budget Resolution calls for raising taxes on about 25 million working families and students by letting important improvements to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and education tax credits expire.
The Administration wants to work with Congress to make progress on measures that strengthen the economy and help middle-class families, including pro-growth business tax reform. However, H.R. 880 represents the wrong approach.
If the President were presented with H.R. 880, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.
The Administration strongly supports the development of a commercial space sector that pushes the boundaries of space exploration while creating jobs and strengthening the American economy. The American commercial launch industry is the most competitive in the world. Over the past several years, the industry has rapidly increased its share of the global market for sending satellites and other payloads into space. The Administration agrees with the goal of H.R. 2262 to bring more stability and certainty to this growing market. While the Administration does not oppose House passage of the bill, it has serious concerns with certain provisions of the bill.
For example, the Administration believes that the “learning period” restricting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation of spacecraft should be extended for a shorter period than the ten-year extension through 2025 included in the bill. Over the next few years, several American companies are expected to bring commercial orbital and sub-orbital vehicles into service. A safety framework that relies on performance-based regulations which could be satisfied by voluntary industry consensus standards would provide for a flexible approach that enhances the overall safety of the industry. FAA rulemaking activity prior to 2025 may promote, rather than hinder, the development of the commercial spaceflight industry, depending on the pace at which the market for private spaceflight services grows.
With respect to space resource utilization, the Administration recognizes that steps have been taken to ensure that the bill itself is consistent with the United States' international obligations. While the Administration strongly supports the bill's efforts to facilitate innovative new space activities by U.S. companies, such as the commercial exploration and utilization of space resources to meet national needs, the Administration is concerned about the ability of U.S. companies to move forward with these initiatives absent additional authority to ensure continuing supervision of these initiatives by the U.S. Government as required by the Outer Space Treaty.
The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to address these and other concerns as the bill moves through the legislative process.
With surface transportation funding authorization running out at the end of this month and hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk, the Administration does not oppose passage of H.R. 2353, recognizing that a short-term extension of these authorities will be necessary in order for the Congress to complete work on a long-term bill that increases investment to meet the Nation's infrastructure needs. Unfortunately, H.R. 2353 represents yet one more short-term extension coming on top of the several short-term extensions that preceded it. This continuing pattern of uncertainty has already caused several States to cancel or defer projects during the height of summer construction season and has undermined the ability of States and localities to keep Americans at work building and repairing the Nation's roads, bridges, and transit systems.
The President and Congressional Democrats have been very clear that increasing investment in the Nation's infrastructure is a top priority. That is why the President laid out a vision for a 21st century surface transportation infrastructure, the GROW AMERICA Act, which would provide robust funding for all modes of surface transportation. The GROW AMERICA Act would also streamline project approval processes and implement innovative transportation policies that will make better use of taxpayer dollars while supporting millions of jobs, improving safety, and positioning the Nation's economy for lasting growth. That proposal is fully paid for through existing revenues and by reforming the business tax system to help create jobs and spur investment while eliminating loopholes that reward companies for moving profits overseas.
The Administration is focused every day on what can be done to expand opportunity for every American. In today's economy, that means building a first-class transportation system that attracts first-class jobs and takes American businesses' goods all across the world. The Nation needs a multi-year authorization bill that makes significant and long-term investments in infrastructure. It is time for the Congress to end the era of short-term patches and chronic underinvestment. The Administration will not support continued failure in making the investments the Nation needs. The Administration expects that the Congress will use this two-month extension to make meaningful and demonstrable progress towards a significant bill in 2015. The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress towards this end.
H.R. 880 - American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2015
(Rep. Brady, R-TX, and 32 cosponsors)
However, the Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 880, which would permanently extend and expand the R&D credit without offsetting the cost, adding to long-run deficits. By making the R&D credit permanent without offsets, H.R. 880 would add $180 billion to the deficit over the next 10 years. H.R. 880 violates the very standard that House and Senate Republicans approved less than a month ago in their concurrent budget resolution, which requires offsetting the cost of any tax extenders that are made permanent with other revenue measures. If the House passes H.R. 880, it will have approved nearly $600 billion in deficit-increasing tax cuts mainly for corporations and wealthy estates this year – none of which are provided for in the Republicans’ own budget.
As with other similar proposals, Republicans are imposing a double standard by adding to the deficit to continue and expand costly tax breaks, while slashing investments and programs that serve middle-class and working Americans in the name of fiscal rectitude. If this same approach of making major tax extenders permanent without offsets were followed for the other traditional tax extenders, it would add $500 billion or more to deficits, wiping out most of the deficit reduction achieved through the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2013. House Republicans also are making clear their priorities by rushing to make business tax cuts permanent without offsets even as the Republican Budget Resolution calls for raising taxes on about 25 million working families and students by letting important improvements to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and education tax credits expire.
The Administration wants to work with Congress to make progress on measures that strengthen the economy and help middle-class families, including pro-growth business tax reform. However, H.R. 880 represents the wrong approach.
If the President were presented with H.R. 880, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.
H.R. 2262 - Spurring Private Aerospace Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship (SPACE) Act of 2015
(Rep. McCarthy, R-CA, and 12 cosponsors)
The Administration strongly supports the development of a commercial space sector that pushes the boundaries of space exploration while creating jobs and strengthening the American economy. The American commercial launch industry is the most competitive in the world. Over the past several years, the industry has rapidly increased its share of the global market for sending satellites and other payloads into space. The Administration agrees with the goal of H.R. 2262 to bring more stability and certainty to this growing market. While the Administration does not oppose House passage of the bill, it has serious concerns with certain provisions of the bill.
For example, the Administration believes that the “learning period” restricting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation of spacecraft should be extended for a shorter period than the ten-year extension through 2025 included in the bill. Over the next few years, several American companies are expected to bring commercial orbital and sub-orbital vehicles into service. A safety framework that relies on performance-based regulations which could be satisfied by voluntary industry consensus standards would provide for a flexible approach that enhances the overall safety of the industry. FAA rulemaking activity prior to 2025 may promote, rather than hinder, the development of the commercial spaceflight industry, depending on the pace at which the market for private spaceflight services grows.
With respect to space resource utilization, the Administration recognizes that steps have been taken to ensure that the bill itself is consistent with the United States' international obligations. While the Administration strongly supports the bill's efforts to facilitate innovative new space activities by U.S. companies, such as the commercial exploration and utilization of space resources to meet national needs, the Administration is concerned about the ability of U.S. companies to move forward with these initiatives absent additional authority to ensure continuing supervision of these initiatives by the U.S. Government as required by the Outer Space Treaty.
The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to address these and other concerns as the bill moves through the legislative process.
H.R. 2353 - Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015
(Rep. Shuster, R-PA, and Rep. Ryan, R-WI)
With surface transportation funding authorization running out at the end of this month and hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk, the Administration does not oppose passage of H.R. 2353, recognizing that a short-term extension of these authorities will be necessary in order for the Congress to complete work on a long-term bill that increases investment to meet the Nation's infrastructure needs. Unfortunately, H.R. 2353 represents yet one more short-term extension coming on top of the several short-term extensions that preceded it. This continuing pattern of uncertainty has already caused several States to cancel or defer projects during the height of summer construction season and has undermined the ability of States and localities to keep Americans at work building and repairing the Nation's roads, bridges, and transit systems.
The President and Congressional Democrats have been very clear that increasing investment in the Nation's infrastructure is a top priority. That is why the President laid out a vision for a 21st century surface transportation infrastructure, the GROW AMERICA Act, which would provide robust funding for all modes of surface transportation. The GROW AMERICA Act would also streamline project approval processes and implement innovative transportation policies that will make better use of taxpayer dollars while supporting millions of jobs, improving safety, and positioning the Nation's economy for lasting growth. That proposal is fully paid for through existing revenues and by reforming the business tax system to help create jobs and spur investment while eliminating loopholes that reward companies for moving profits overseas.
The Administration is focused every day on what can be done to expand opportunity for every American. In today's economy, that means building a first-class transportation system that attracts first-class jobs and takes American businesses' goods all across the world. The Nation needs a multi-year authorization bill that makes significant and long-term investments in infrastructure. It is time for the Congress to end the era of short-term patches and chronic underinvestment. The Administration will not support continued failure in making the investments the Nation needs. The Administration expects that the Congress will use this two-month extension to make meaningful and demonstrable progress towards a significant bill in 2015. The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress towards this end.
Obama: 'We Have Moved Aggressively to Protect American Workers and to Improve Labor Laws...'
President's Statement on Trade and Enforcement
I
have made rigorous trade enforcement a central pillar of U.S. trade
policy, and we have moved aggressively to protect American workers and
to improve labor laws and working
conditions with trading partners across the globe.
The
nature of global trade continues to evolve, and in addition to setting
high standards through new trade agreements, the Administration supports
new tools that would
strengthen the Administration's ability to level the playing field for
U.S. workers, businesses, and farmers.
I
am pleased that Chairman Hatch, Senator Wyden, and Chairman Ryan have
agreed to swift consideration of the bipartisan Trade Facilitation and
Trade Enforcement Act by the
end of June. Many of these new tools – such as Super 301, elements of
the ENFORCE Act and the Level the Playing Field Act, and constructive
tools to address unfair currency practices – would strengthen our
ability to both facilitate trade and improve enforcement
of the rules. We must also repeal the consumptive demand exception for
child and forced labor.
I
look forward to working with both chambers to improve certain
provisions and to ensure swift, strong and effective enforcement. These
critical enforcement tools are complementary
to new trade agreements. This legislation should be considered and
reach my desk as quickly as possible.
Cuomo: 'We Remember Their Courage and Commitment to Protecting the Lives of New Yorkers..'
Gov Honors Fallen Emergency Medical Service Workers
Governor Andrew Cuomo today honored Ross Huffer and Andre Maurice - two Emergency Medical Services providers who died in the line of duty. Their names were added to the ‘Tree of Life’ Memorial, which recognizes EMS providers who lost their lives in the service of others, during a ceremony earlier today that was attended by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and EMS professionals and volunteers from across the state. Huffer and Maurice join 58 other EMS professionals represented on the memorial.
“EMS workers deserve our gratitude each and every day for putting their lives on the line to protect the health and safety of our communities,” Governor Cuomo said.
“As we add the names of Ross Huffer and Andre Maurice to the Tree of Life, we remember their courage and commitment to protecting the lives of New Yorkers and pay tribute to their hard work and sacrifice.”
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "The brave men and women of our EMS community, along with their families, are in our thoughts and prayers ýas we honor their courageous actions. Ross Huffer and Andre Maurice were more than just heroes - they were devoted members and beloved by their communities. We commend their admirable service and New Yorkers are humbled to call them one of our own on this day."
The two EMS professionals who received special honors were:
Ross Huffer, 66, ex-Chief of the Nesconset Fire Department. A 48-year member of the Department, Mr. Huffer served the Nesconset Fire Department as an Emergency Medical Technician and operated the department’s First Responder Unit for 21 years. During his career, he received several honors for his bravery, including the Medal of Valor for saving a resident during a house fire. While on duty, Mr. Huffer responded to two EMS calls and was later found unresponsive. He was taken to the hospital and later died of apparent cardiac arrest.
Andre Maurice, 48, a driver/attendant with the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad (RVES). Mr. Maurice, the 2012 Member of the Year, was a vital member of RVES who was an exemplary EMS volunteer and an inspiration to others. After responding to a domestic violence call, Mr. Maurice stated he was not feeling well, went home to bed. Mr. Maurice and was found the next morning unresponsive, taken to the hospital and later diagnosed with a major stroke. Mr. Maurice’s organs were donated, helping five people.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “Today we honor the character and commitment of the men and women who provide EMS services throughout New York State. People like Ross Huffer and Andre Maurice are a testament to the bravery and selflessness that these heroes display every day as they work to protect New Yorkers in their greatest moments of need.”
There are more than 60,000 Emergency Medical Services professionals in New York State, including certified first responders, EMTs, advanced EMTs, and paramedics, who provide pre-hospital emergency patient care and transport.
New Yorkers are served by nearly 2,000 ambulance and emergency response agencies that provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Basic Life Support (BLS) services.
The ceremony is being held in conjunction with National EMS Week, which began on May 17.
President Obama Signs S. 665
Statement by the Press Secretary on S. 665
On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, the President signed into law:
S.
665, the "Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of
2015," which requires the Department of Justice to establish a national
Blue
Alert communications network to disseminate information on: the
serious injury or death of a law enforcement officer in the line of
duty; an officer who is missing in connection with the officer's
official duties; or an imminent and credible threat that an
individual intends to cause the serious injury or death of a law
enforcement officer.
NY Congressional Delegation Joins Cuomo's 'Raise the Age' Campaign
Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced
that 15 members of New York's Congressional Delegation are joining his
Raise the Age campaign and will be calling on members of the public to
support passage of the governor's proposal to raise the age of criminal
responsibility from 16 to 18 years of age and remove all minors from
adult prisons and jails. The governor’s proposal had previously won
widespread support among members of the state’s law enforcement
community and children’s and civil rights advocates.
“Raising the Age is key to both improving public safety and helping at-risk teenagers build safe and successful futures,” Governor Cuomo said.
“Without this reform, hundreds of young people each year will continue to be placed in adult prisons, where they face abuse and limited opportunities to rebuild their lives – which makes it more likely that they will commit criminal activity in the future. This is a common-sense proposal that will make our justice system stronger and fairer for all, and I am urging the state Legislature to stand with us and make it a reality this year.”
The following 15 members of the New York Congressional Delegation have joined the Raise the Age campaign:
• Congressman Charles B. Rangel
• Congressman Eliot Engel
• Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey
• Congressman José E. Serrano
• Congressman Jerrold Nadler
• Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney
• Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez
• Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
• Congressman Joe Crowley
• Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
• Congressman Paul Tonko
• Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
• Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney
• Congresswoman Grace Meng
• Congresswoman Kathleen Rice
The Governor’s proposal includes
raising the age of criminal responsibility to ensure that 16- and
17-year old youth who are convicted of non-violent offenses are not
incarcerated with the adult prison population.
By raising the age of criminal responsibility and implementing common-sense measures that help young offenders get back on track through means other than imprisonment, New York can reduce crime, recidivism and costs to the state. By keeping the law as-is, public safety is compromised because youth processed as adults have a 26 percent greater likelihood of re-incarceration than youth processed as juveniles.
Further, New York spends significant resources confining youth not accused of committing any crime. More than $100 million is spent annually to house youth in detention and placement, even when they are not accused of committing any crime. Other states address the needs of these youth more effectively and at a reduced cost through robust community-based services, many of which are included in this proposal.
The Governor's Raise the Age proposal follows the final recommendations made by the Commission on Youth, Public Safety & Justice and include: raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction for child and adult offenses; revising arrest and police custody procedure; revamping pre-trial diversion and court processing processes; removing youth from adult jails and facilities; expanding services to assist offender re-entry to communities; and addressing the collateral consequences of juvenile and youthful offenses.
The Commission was comprised of members of the law enforcement community, criminal justice system and children's and civil rights advocates; its recommendations would reduce the number of crimes against people by 1,500 to 2,400 every five years and save taxpayer dollars.
Members of the public wishing to state their support for Governor Cuomo's proposal can do so at http://www.ny.gov/programs/
Congressman Charles Rangel: "I applaud Governor Cuomo's commitment to making New York's criminal justice system more equitable and just. Raising the age of criminal responsibility is not only an important step towards improving public safety in our City, but also ensures that our teenagers get a second chance. Instead of prosecuting under-age youths like adults, we should focus on providing opportunities that will prevent them from committing these offenses in the first place."
Congressman Eliot Engel: "New York has the unenviable distinction of being one of only two states to automatically process and incarcerate 16 and 17-year-olds as adults, even for non-violent offenses. I believe it's time to end this excessive judicial practice. The sensible reforms Governor Cuomo has proposed in his 'Raise the Age' campaign will give our younger offenders of non-violent crimes a better chance to turn their lives around, while reducing state costs and recidivism rates."
Congresswoman Nita Lowey: “Children should not be treated as adults for non-violent offenses. It’s clear the status quo in New York isn’t working, and we need smart reforms that reduce juvenile recidivism and keep our communities safe. I support Governor Cuomo’s plan to raise the age of criminal responsibility and implement other reforms to the state’s juvenile justice system. I will continue working with the Governor and the New York Congressional Delegation to make New York a safer place for children and families.”
Congressman José E. Serrano: “This important reform to our juvenile justice system will help reduce the incidence of recidivism among convicted youth by giving our justice system the flexibility to treat 16- and 17-year olds convicted of non-violent offenses as juveniles, rather than adults. This change will help connect these young men and women to the services they need to reduce the likelihood of future criminal acts, enhance our community based services for at-risk youth, and help our state save money in the process. It will also make for a fairer justice system that attempts to treat each person as an individual, and that seeks to provide the resources to help each individual rehabilitate and succeed. With this proposal, Governor Cuomo is helping communities like mine in the Bronx, and I look forward to working with him to ensure this initiative is a success in our community and the rest of New York.”
PATRIOT Act and NSA Surveillance Programs
Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) talked about House-passed legislation that would reform National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance programs under the PATRIOT Act.
Source: C-Span
Drought and the U.S. Economy
Jim Tankersley talked about how a lack of rain and high temperatures in
Western states could affect the overall U.S. economy, including the
agriculture industry and the technology and telecom sectors.
Source: C-Span
Monday, May 18, 2015
Head Start Celebrates 50 Years
Statement by President Obama
For
millions of families, Head Start has been a lifeline. And for millions
of kids, it’s been the start of a better life. Over the past half
century, 32 million children have benefited from its
early learning and development programs. They’ve recited their numbers
and ABCs, raced around playgrounds, and learned thousands of new
words. On this 50th anniversary, our challenge is to make Head Start even stronger, and to help more children
and family benefit from its good work. My Administration
has increased access to Head Start programs, and we’ve launched a new
partnership with child care centers to reach tens of thousands more
infants
and toddlers. Plus, a growing number
of states and cities are taking steps to boost access to quality preschool. Now we need Congress to give Head Start the resources to
reach more eligible kids. And we need leaders at every level – including in our states and communities – to support Head Start, because
early childhood education is one of the smartest investments we can make to keep America strong and competitive in the 21st century.
Thank you to
everyone who has contributed to the success of Head Start over the past
50 years. Now, let’s make sure we keep serving families for the next 50
years – and beyond. Because here in America, every
child – no matter what they look like, where they come from, or who
they are – deserves to get a head start in life.
The 'Mississippi Burning' and Clyde Kennard Cases
President’s Award Recipient and Acclaimed Historian Explains Why Every American Should Know About the Events
Mr. Bradford is the recipient of the U.S. Presidential Award for Public
Service, signed by President George W. Bush, in recognition of
outstanding leadership in community service. He was also named Civil
Rights Teacher of the Year by the Congress of Racial Equality in
recognition of his work on the Mississippi Burning case. Morris Dees,
co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and civil rights legend
Rosa Parks honored his efforts in promoting tolerance in his work with
the Wall of Tolerance Recognition award.
Myrlie Evers-Williams, Former NAACP President, praised Mr. Bradford’s achievements by stating: “You are a dynamic reminder of the power of one individual to make a difference. You honor Medgar by your leadership and commitment to justice. He would be proud to know he continues to inspire a new generation of leaders.”
John Lewis, one of the most beloved and respected remembers of Congress, described him as....“A champion of the quest for justice, leading a new generation of students to believe they can be agents of change.”
Barry Bradford joins me to discuss the Mississippi Burning case, how he managed to reopen it, and the conviction of Edgar Ray Killen. He’ll also reveal the tragic story of Clyde Kennard, how he and his legal team cleared Kennard’s name, and why race is still an issue that must be addressed in America.
Myrlie Evers-Williams, Former NAACP President, praised Mr. Bradford’s achievements by stating: “You are a dynamic reminder of the power of one individual to make a difference. You honor Medgar by your leadership and commitment to justice. He would be proud to know he continues to inspire a new generation of leaders.”
John Lewis, one of the most beloved and respected remembers of Congress, described him as....“A champion of the quest for justice, leading a new generation of students to believe they can be agents of change.”
Barry Bradford joins me to discuss the Mississippi Burning case, how he managed to reopen it, and the conviction of Edgar Ray Killen. He’ll also reveal the tragic story of Clyde Kennard, how he and his legal team cleared Kennard’s name, and why race is still an issue that must be addressed in America.
The Skype
interview was conducted on May 13, 2015.
Politics in Action: H.R. 1806
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H.R. 1806 – America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015
(Rep. Smith, R-Texas, and 10 cosponsors)
The Administration strongly opposes House passage
of H.R. 1806, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, which
would undermine critical investments in science, technology, and
research. The Administration believes that H.R. 1806 would be damaging
to the Administration's actions to move American competitiveness,
innovation, and job growth forward through a world-leading science,
technology, and innovation enterprise.
The Administration strongly opposes the bill's appropriation
authorizations for the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science
Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST), and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) that
would establish maximum funding levels significantly below those
provided in the President's FY 2016 Budget. For example, H.R. 1806
would weaken investments in critical clean energy research and
development and grid modernization by providing authorization levels at
less than half of the funding levels proposed in the President's Budget
for DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and Office of Electricity Delivery and
Energy Reliability. Additionally, the legislation would shortchange
efforts to support fundamental research to address diverse and critical
global challenges by providing an authorization level for the DOE Office
of Science biological and environmental research program far short of
the funding levels proposed in the President's Budget. The America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015 would also establish NSF
authorizations levels for geosciences, education and human resources,
international and integrative activities, and administrative activities
well below the funding levels proposed in the President's Budget, as
well as an NSF authorization for social, behavioral, and economic
sciences research that is 58 percent below the President's Budget.
Additionally, the legislation would undermine efforts to implement sound
science and technology policies by providing an authorization level for
OSTP nearly 20 percent below the President's Budget.
In addition to its strong opposition to the authorized funding levels
in H.R. 1806, the Administration has serious concerns with several
other provisions in the bill and looks forward to working with the
Congress to address its concerns. For example, the Administration
opposes barring Federal regulatory authorities from relying on the
results of certain Federally-supported research and development. This
provision would set an extremely harmful precedent of political
interference in the scientific integrity of the regulation process,
which would undermine the value of the Federal research and development
enterprise as a whole. The Administration also objects
to the increased administrative burdens that the bill imposes on NSF
and its awardees without commensurate benefit. In addition, the
Administration opposes reducing oversight at the DOE National
Laboratories, which would increase the exposure of the Federal
Government to risk and liabilities while also conflicting with the
execution of the DOE mission.
H.R. 1806 undermines key investments in science, technology, and
innovation and imposes unnecessary and damaging requirements on Federal
support of research. If the President were presented with H.R. 1806, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.
Former Governor Jeb Bush at the Iowa GOP Lincoln Dinner
Former Governor Jeb Bush (R-FL) delivers remarks at the Republican Party
of Iowa’s 2015 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines. He talks about his
conservative record, criticizes President Obama’s foreign policy, and
the failures at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Hillary Clinton Remarks on Small Businesses
2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke at a
campaign event in Mason City, Iowa. She talked about jobs, the economy,
and initiatives to help small businesses.
Source: C-Span
Future Hope Column
FERC Showing Cracks, It’s Time to Act
By Ted Glick
“If someone is upset with fracking, they should probably talk to the states.” - Norman Bay, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), May 14, 2015
Why
protest? Why demonstrate? Why nonviolent direct action? Part of the
reason is to put pressure on those in power to smoke them out, to get
them to say things publicly they might otherwise not say, to expose the
truth about how and why things are working the way they are.
FERC
has more to do with fracking than any other federal agency, and much
more than any one state. They approve interstate pipelines to carry
fracked gas, compressor stations to push the gas along, storage
terminals to store it and, for the last two years, export terminals to
ship it around the world. Without this infrastructure, fracking wouldn’t
be happening.
Norman
Bay is not stupid. He knows this. And yet, because FERC has been a
target of nonviolent direct action for over 10 months, organized by Beyond Extreme Energy, and because BXE is planning a return to FERC from May 21-29, he has been thrown off, saying and doing things that have not been helpful to resolve “the situation” they are now in.
Bay
made this ridiculous statement on the day that FERC had its monthly
public meeting. But it was not held on the regular third Thursday
of the month that it has been held for years and years. Bay and his
fellow FERC Commissioners canceled it because of a disingenuous concern,
they said, for “the safety of FERC staff and the public” in the face of
BXE’s publicly-announced plans to take nonviolent action at FERC on
that day.
To
add insult to injury, on the May 14 day that this meeting was
rescheduled for, dozens of members of the public were kept from the room
where the “public” meeting was held, six were detained by Federal
Protective Services police and three were arrested.
I
was contacted by a reporter after this action, wanting to know why BXE
was engaged in this campaign, where it came from. I proceeded to explain
to him that it had emerged out of years of experience by lots of
grassroots people trying to get a fair hearing from FERC concerning
pipelines, compressors and storage and export terminals being proposed
for their communities. These are people who played by FERC’s rules,
going to the one public meeting attended by FERC staff to learn about
the proposed project, becoming an official “intervenor,” presenting
well-researched arguments against proposed infrastructure projects,
filing large numbers of comments with FERC, appealing a FERC decision
within the FERC administrative process, and the results were always the
same: FERC approval of what the gas industry wanted.
Many
of us who, several years ago, had never heard of FERC now understand
that it is a rubber stamp for the fossil fuel industry.
A month ago a story, “Employees negotiate for industry jobs under agency’s eye,”
published by E&E’s Greenwire and written by Hannah Northey and
Kevin Bogardus, reported on the corrupt, internal FERC culture which
explains FERC’s rubber-stamping ways:
“Employees
at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have deep ties to the
industry they regulate, according to agency documents detailing their
job negotiations and stock holdings.
“Ethics
records throughout 2014 show agency staff seeking employment with grid
operators, law firms and utilities that the agency has jurisdiction over
and often meets with as it sets new orders and rules. In addition, FERC
employees have held stock in or remain part of pension plans from
companies that can be affected by the agency's work. Greenwire obtained the 88 ethics documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
“The
disclosures reflect how FERC, which oversees the interstate
transmission of electricity and permitting of gas infrastructure, is
regulating an industry that many of its staffers are well-suited for and
often courted to work in.”
This
corruption, this washing of hands of any responsibility for the massive
harms of fracking and its threat to the climate, is why hundreds of
people are planning to participate over the course of BXE’s May 21-29 Stop the #FERCus actions. FERC is rattled; it’s time to ratchet up the pressure!
Ted
Glick is the National Campaign Coordinator of the Chesapeake Climate
Action Network. Past writings and other information can be found at http://tedglick.com, and he can be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jtglick.