Maybe there's hope for humanity after all.
WH: Remarks by President Trump in Briefing with State Leadership on Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts | Austin, TX
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 29/ 17
GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Mr. President, I want you to know the gratitude the people of the state of Texas have for you. We're honored to have you here in the Lone Star State. I wish it were not under these circumstances.
But we are able to be where we are today, in the aftermath of this catastrophic storm that we faced. And it's really been two storms: It was the hurricane that turned into one of the most immense floods ever suffered by the United States. People's lives have been on the line, and I've been able to see firsthand your care and your compassion for the people of Texas.
I've had the opportunity -- for those who only get to see what happens on the front lines, you need to know what happens behind the scenes. And behind the scenes, the President has shown both care and compassion, and direction and commitment, from the very beginning when the storm was still way out in the ocean. You helped Texas get prepared, providing us every resource and tool that we needed so that we could have a plan to respond to the catastrophe that was coming. And then after the hurricane came onshore, and after the flooding began in Houston, we were in communication, either you and I almost every day, or you and myself and your tremendous Cabinet members who have bent over backwards to assist us.
And then, on our flight from Corpus Christi to Austin, to see his genuine compassion, as we saw videos of what was going on in Houston, Texas, with the rising water and our fellow Texans suffering, the President was heartbroken about what he saw, and he's committed to ensuring that Texas will rebuild -- because that's the American way. We take care of each other. We've seen that with Texans helping Texans, with Americans helping Americans.
And, Mr. President, we're stronger, better, and better prepared because of your leadership from the very beginning. And I want to thank you. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: And I want to just say hello -- Elaine Duke is here someplace. Elaine, fantastic job. And Brock has been incredible. And from your standpoint, Nim and the whole group, and Steve, who I just met -- Steve -- and the job that they've done getting along. Number one, they like each other -- very important. And number two, they respect each other. And the job that all of these groups have done getting along is -- in terms of coordination, has been really incredible, and everyone is talking about it.
The sad thing is that this is long term. Nobody has ever seen anything this long, and nobody has ever seen this much water. The wind was pretty horrific, but the water has never been seen like this to the extent.
And it's maybe someday going to disappear. We keep waiting. We have three of our great -- four of our great congressmen right here, and we really appreciate you being here. We're going to be working with Congress on helping out the state of Texas. It's going to be a costly proposition, because again, and probably -- Ted Cruz is here. And, Senator, thank you very much -- Senator Cornyn. And we'll be working with these characters over here -- (laughter) -- and I think we'll come through and really get the right solution.
But probably there's never been anything so expensive in our country's history. There's never been anything so historic in terms of damage and in terms of ferocity as what we've witnessed with Harvey. Sounds like such an innocent name, Ben, right? But it's not. (Laughter.) It's not innocent. It's not innocent.
I also want to thank my people. And Ben Carson, as you know, is here from HUD, and Linda is -- Linda McMahon from Small Business. And I say this is not small business, Linda, this is big business. When you add it all up, you're going to be giving away many, many millions of dollars to help people out. And Tom Price, as you know is -- Dr. Tom Price -- you have your people in the field, Tom.
In fact, you may say a couple of words. And then I'll ask Linda and I'll ask Ben, and then I think we'll get on to Nim and to Brock and everybody.
Tom.
SECRETARY PRICE: Sure. Thanks, Mr. President. As you said, this is a historic proportions storm and flood. The challenge that we have, obviously, is to get the resources to the individuals that are stranded right now, make certain that the evacuees have a place to go. From an HHS standpoint, our responsibilities are medical and veterinarian and mortuary. There will be of the above.
The challenge that we have in the long term is that most individuals who suffer from these suffer from not being able to get the medical care that they need after the -- when the sun comes out. So trying to make certain that we've got pharmacies staffed, make certain that dialysis units are up, make certain that folks are getting the electricity to their homes so the oxygen concentrators are able to be utilized. And then (inaudible) disease -- making certain the folks can get to their doctor when they are in their hometown and get the treatment that they need.
But we're staffed up and ready to go. We've got four federal medical stations that -- two are up and running and two on the way. And we've another four or five that are stationed after that, depending on where folks need --
THE PRESIDENT: And they're big ones.
DR. PRICE: Yeah, yeah. We're here for you.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you, Tom.
Linda.
ADMINISTRATOR MCMAHON: Well, SBA has its disaster relief office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so we have 900 people there permanently. We have 600 available in the surge. There will be -- they're already coming in. I actually did get a note on the plane from Corpus that we made the first home loan approval from this disaster. So I was glad that we're already up and running.
We will be making home loans, business loans. We'll be making loans for those folks who have lost income, and also the opportunity to replace property and equipment and inventories. So we're up and ready to go.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. And Ben Carson from HUD.
SECRETARY CARSON: Well, thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for your leadership, and you, Mrs. First Lady, also. Currently, everything that's been done -- it's been great working with everybody. And, Governor, you're one of the people that I admire the most. (Inaudible.) Brock has done a fantastic job, and Elaine. Everybody that we've been working has been fantastic.
And what we've been trying to do is make sure that we go from the phase of rescue and reaction to the phase of recovery and a smooth transition. We're also going to be assisting state and local governments in reallocation of federal assets to the disaster relief. We'll be granting immediate foreclosure relief; insurance -- mortgage insurance, as well as insurance for rehabilitation, through the Section 203(k) program, Section 108 of loan guarantees for infrastructure, for economic development, and for a host of things, and also disseminating information, which is so critical. The masses frequently become confused. We're working very hard to get rid of some of the regulatory burden so that we can get things gone really quickly. Linda and I will be working on that to make sure that we get what we need to the people.
And I want everybody to know that we're in this for the long run, and know that once the water recedes, that's where our work really begins. And we're going to be (inaudible) until we finish.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Ben, very much. I appreciate it.
So, Nim, why don’t you take over along with Brock, and we can through some of the different things that we're going to be doing.
UN PRESS RELEASE: Secretary-General, Saddened by Loss of Life Due to Hurricane Harvey, Extends Condolences to United States
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 29/ 17
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Secretary-General is following with great concern the flooding and extensive damage caused by Hurricane Harvey throughout the State of Texas.
The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life and extends his condolences to the Government and people of the United States of America. He wishes those injured a speedy recovery.
The Secretary-General salutes the efforts of first responders and national relief teams.
DHS: How to Help Disaster Survivors in Texas
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 29/ 17 (link source)
WASHINGTON – The compassion and generosity of the American people is never more evident than during and after a disaster. It is individuals, non-profits, faith- and community-based organizations, private sector partners, and governmental agencies working together that will most effectively and efficiently help survivors cope with the impacts of Tropical Storm Harvey.
Please follow a few important guidelines below to ensure your support can be the most helpful for Tropical Storm Harvey disaster survivors.
To Donate to Relief Efforts
The most effective way to support disaster survivors in their recovery is to donate money and time to trusted, reputable, voluntary or charitable organizations.
Cash donations offer voluntary agencies and faith-based organizations the most flexibility to address urgently developing needs. With cash in hand, these organizations can obtain needed resources nearer to the disaster location. This inflow of cash also pumps money back into the local economy and helps local businesses recover faster.
Please do not donate unsolicited goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, medicine, or perishable foodstuffs at this time. When used personal items are donated, the helping agencies must redirect their staff away from providing direct services to survivors in order to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
Donate through a trusted organization. At the national level, many voluntary-, faith- and community-based organizations are active in disasters, and are trusted ways to donate to disaster survivors. Individuals, corporations, and volunteers, can learn more about how to help on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website.
In addition to the national members, The Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD) has a list of vetted disaster relief organizations providing services to survivors. Texas VOAD represents more than three dozen faith-based, community, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations.
To Personally Volunteer in the Disaster Areas
The State of Texas is asking volunteers to not self-deploy, as unexpectedly showing up to any of the communities that have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey will create an additional burden for first responders.
The National VOAD has also noted the situation may not be conducive to volunteers entering the impacted zone and individuals may find themselves turned away by law enforcement.
To ensure volunteer safety, as well as the safety of disaster survivors, volunteers should only go into affected areas with a specific volunteer assignment, proper safety gear, and valid identification.
At this time, potential volunteers are asked to register with a voluntary or charitable organization of their choice, many of which are already in Texas and supporting survivors on the ground.
The National and Texas VOAD websites are offering links to those who wish to register to volunteer with community- and faith-based organizations working in the field.
Most importantly, please be patient. Although the need is great, and desire to help strong, it is important to avoid donating material goods or self-deploying to help until communities are safe and public officials and disaster relief organizations have had an opportunity to assess the damage and identify what the specific unmet needs are.
Volunteer generosity helps impacted communities heal from the tragic consequences of disasters, but recovery lasts much longer than today. There will be volunteer needs for many months, and years, after the disaster, so sign up now.
Tropical Storm Harvey is still dangerous, with the potential to impact additional areas of Texas and Louisiana. As the situation changes, needs may also change in these areas. Continue monitoring traditional and social media channels to learn more.
DHS Activates Surge Capacity Force to Support Response to Tropical Storm Harvey Devastation
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 29/ 17 (link source)
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) activated the Surge Capacity Force (SCF) to supplement federal personnel supporting states as they respond to the catastrophic impacts from Tropical Storm Harvey. This voluntary program for federal employees within the Department of Homeland Security allows non-FEMA employees an opportunity to support disaster response efforts.
During a declared disaster, with approval from the DHS secretary, FEMA deploys designated personnel from select DHS components, and other federal agencies, to the response. These volunteers leave their regular agency and job to deploy for up to 45 days to a disaster location with austere conditions. No prior emergency management experience is necessary for these DHS component employees; FEMA provides them with the required training.
To expedite SCF training this week, and in light of the urgency of the Harvey disaster response, FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), in Anniston, Alabama, cancelled its previously planned in-residence training to accommodate SCF training.
Once training is complete, these volunteers will join the more than 8,500 federal staff currently deployed in support of the ongoing response. Today, the first wave of SCF volunteers – more than 200 individuals – began training and received operational briefings, and will be in the field assisting survivors this week. Hundreds of additional SCF volunteers will be trained in the coming days and weeks.
The program was first authorized by Congress as part of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKMRA) of 2006. It was designed as a way to allow the greater DHS family an opportunity to help communities and survivors following a large-scale disaster. The SCF was only activated once before, in October 2012, when 1,100 non-FEMA DHS employees supported disaster response and recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
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MILKING THE SYSTEM
DOJ: Social Security Administration Employee Convicted of Bank Fraud and False StatementsPRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 28/ 17 (link source)
A jury has convicted a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee of bank fraud and making false statements, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Andrew Vale of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Regional Special Agent in Charge Floyd Sherman of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Margaret Moore-Jackson of the SSA’s OIG Atlanta Field Division.
Darryl Williams, 52, of Tallahassee, Fla., was convicted on August 25, of one count of bank fraud and nine counts of making false statements to a federally insured financial institution for the purpose of obtaining loans and credit. Sentencing has been set for November 17, before Judge Mark E. Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.
The evidence at trial revealed that from approximately November 2010 to October 2016, Williams submitted a series of applications for loans and credit to Envision Credit Union (“Envision”), a financial institution with branches in Tallahassee, in which he repeatedly lied about his employment with the federal government, his pay grade, his salary and his job title. For example, evidence at trial demonstrated that Williams falsely claimed he was making over $115,000 annually, when, in fact, the highest federal government salary that he ever received was less than $60,000 and he was not employed by the federal government when he submitted several of the applications. In addition to these false statements, Williams submitted false bank statements and earnings and leave statements to Envision in support of some of his applications. The trial evidence demonstrated that Williams applied for more than $140,000 worth of loans between late 2010 and late 2016, and Envision relied upon Williams’ false representations and fake documents in granting these applications.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the DOT-OIG, the SSA’s OIG Atlanta Field Division and Trial Attorney Peter Halpern of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Heidi Boutros Gesch and Todd Gee of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
DOJ: Former Social Security Administrative Law Judge Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Role in $550 Million Social Security Fraud Scheme
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 25/ 17 (link source)
A former social security administrative law judge (ALJ) was sentenced today to four years in prison for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $550 million in federal disability payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for thousands of claimants.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General’s (SSA-OIG) Philadelphia Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Amy S. Hess of the FBI’s Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Tracey D. Montaño of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Nashville Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Atlanta Regional Office made the announcement.
David Black Daugherty, 81, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves of the Eastern District of Kentucky, who also ordered Daugherty to pay restitution of over $93 million to the SSA and HHS. Daugherty pleaded guilty in May 2017 to two counts of receiving illegal gratuities.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, beginning in 2004, Daugherty, as an ALJ assigned to the SSA’s Huntington, W. Va., hearing office, sought out pending disability cases in which Kentucky attorney Eric Christopher Conn represented claimants and reassigned those cases to himself. Daugherty then contacted Conn and identified the cases he intended to decide the following month and further solicited Conn to provide medical documentation supporting either physical or mental disability determinations. Without exception, Daugherty awarded disability benefits to individuals represented by Conn – in some instances, without first holding a hearing. As a result of Daugherty’s awarding disability benefits to claimants represented by Conn, Conn paid Daugherty an average of approximately $8,000 per month in cash, until approximately April 2011. All told, Daugherty received more than $609,000 in cash from Conn for deciding approximately 3,149 cases.
As a result of the scheme, Conn, Daugherty, and their co-conspirators obligated the SSA to pay more than $550 million in lifetime benefits to claimants based upon cases Daugherty approved for which he received payment from Conn.
Daugherty was indicted last year, along with Conn and Alfred Bradley Adkins, a clinical psychologist. The defendants were charged with conspiracy, fraud, false statements, money laundering and other related offenses in connection with the scheme.
Conn pleaded guilty on March 24, to a two-count information charging him with theft of government money and paying illegal gratuities, and was sentenced in absentia on July 14 to 12 years in prison. Conn absconded from court ordered-electronic monitoring on June 2, and is considered a fugitive. He remains under indictment. On June 12, Adkins was convicted after a jury trial of one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. Adkins is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22.
The SSA-OIG, FBI, IRS-CI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorney Dustin M. Davis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Trial Attorney Elizabeth G. Wright of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case, with previous co-counsel including Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford of the Western District of Missouri and Investigative Counsel Kristen M. Warden of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General.
DOJ: Department of Justice Funds Law Enforcement Training to Combat Elder Financial Exploitation
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 30/ 17 (link source)
Nationally representative studies conclude that nearly 10 percent of older Americans have experienced some form of financial exploitation or fraud in the past year, with some experts asserting that financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, the population of Americans who likely will be exposed to elder fraud and abuse is growing significantly.
The financial loss to older Americans is estimated in the billions of dollars, without accounting for costs to family members and society. Many older victims of fraud or financial exploitation also experience a diminished quality of life and increased mortality.
The Department of Justice is making assertive efforts to interrupt the scourge of financial exploitation and fraud against older Americans. As part of these efforts, the Department is funding the National White Collar Crime Center (https://www.nw3c.org/ (link is external)) to enhance the ability of state and local law enforcement to respond effectively to complex elder fraud cases.
In announcing those efforts, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said:
“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting all Americans from fraud and exploitation. Few things are more despicable than defrauding vulnerable persons. We have to do a better job of addressing this problem. This training will equip our partners in state and local law enforcement to ensure that our seniors receive justice and the criminals who defraud them receive consequences. I applaud the communities chosen for this training and look forward to seeing their results.”
Through carefully crafted programs, the National White Collar Crime Center will provide training in eight selected communities, with up to 100 law enforcement officers per community, on Financial Crimes against Seniors. This training, developed by the National White Collar Crime Center, will reach up to 800 law enforcement officers, who in turn will share what they have learned with their fellow officers.
The eight communities selected for this highly sought after training are:
Wilmington, Delaware (Delaware Department of Justice)
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota (Minnesota Chiefs Association & Minnesota Sheriff’s Association)
Denmark, Tennessee (Madison County Sheriff’s Office)
Topeka, Kansas (State of Kansas Office of Attorney General)
Hidalgo County, Texas (Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office)
Columbia, South Carolina (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED))
Ada, Oklahoma (Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET))
King County, Washington (King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office)
In addition, the Department of Justice, through its Elder Justice Initiative, is working on multiple other fronts to protect older Americans from financial exploitation and fraud, as well as other forms of elder abuse.
WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS
From the UN news center:
Syria: Forces battling ISIL 'lose sight of ultimate aim' to free civilians from terror – UN rights chief
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UN chief welcomes release of arrested leaders in Cameroon
31 August 2017 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed yesterday's release of several leaders of the English-speaking regions in Cameroon's South West and North West as well as the dropping of all charges against them.
NATIONAL
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Daily Bible Verse: Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice:
Psalm 95:6-7 NKJV
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