WEEKLY EDITION

Kilmer, Reichert Call on Defense Secretary Mattis to Immediately Implement Inspector General’s Recommendations to Comply with FBI Background Check Reporting Requirements

Press release issued 12/ 27/ 17

WASHINGTON, DC – Following the report earlier this month from the Department of Defense’s Inspector General showing that the Military Services did not consistently submit convicted offenders’ fingerprint cards and final disposition reports to the FBI’s Next Generation Identification Database, Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) issued a letter asking Secretary of Defense James Mattis to immediately implement the OIG’s recommendations to prevent future reporting lapses. The bipartisan pair also requested an outline of the DOD’s plan to correct previous reporting errors.

The OIG found that the military’s failure to report convictions and to deliver fingerprints to the FBI was systemic. The OIG has conducted regular investigations identifying this issue since 1997. This most recent report found 601 of the 2502 fingerprint cards that the DOD was required to report on to the FBI were not submitted as required. That amounts to 24 percent. One of the unreported cases was the Air Force’s court-martialing of Devin P. Kelley who was convicted on two counts equivalent to felonies in the civil system stemming from a domestic violence incident. Had the Air Force properly reported the conviction, Devin Kelley would have failed an FBI background check, possibly preventing him from purchasing the guns and body armor he used to murder churchgoers at the First Baptist Church in Southerland Springs, Texas in one of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings in history earlier this year.

“The Texas mass-shooting, like too many other acts of gun violence, was preventable, but the government failed to do the simple paperwork required to keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said, “Everyone I have talked to in our community wants to see guns kept out of the hands of dangerous convicted criminals. Background checks are useless if the databases designed to prevent convicted violent criminals from getting guns aren’t up to date. Secretary Mattis shouldn’t waste another second to implement the Inspector General’s recommendations which could prevent future tragedies.”

Rep. Reichert said: “As a former Sheriff and law enforcement officer for 33 years, I know how important it is to keep guns out of the hands of those who seek to do harm. It is why we should do all we can to make sure our federal background check system is strong and effective, including ensuring relevant information is in the system. I am proud to join with Rep. Kilmer to urge the Department of Defense to quickly improve their background check reporting practices and to request specific information on how they plan to ensure no individual slips through the cracks.”

The DOD OIG made several specific recommendations to address these deficiencies. For example, the OIG recommended that the Secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force ensure that all fingerprint cards and final disposition reports be promptly reported to the FBI. More broadly, the OIG recommended that the Secretaries of each of the military’s branches, as well as the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, and the Deputy Chief Management Officer immediately perform a comprehensive review of their criminal investigative databases and files to ensure all required fingerprint cards and final disposition reports for qualifying offenses at least to 1998 have been submitted to the FBI in compliance with the DOD and FBI requirements.
Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of US Senators also called on the DOD to implement the Inspector General’s recommendations. According to Politico, US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said, "The thing that is infuriating is this shooter, it was illegal for this shooter to have a firearm. The reason he had a firearm is the federal government screwed up."
In addition to complying with federal background check reporting requirements, Reps. Kilmer and Reichert supported a bill Rep. Kilmer co-introduced called the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act, which would increase the mental health care options available to veterans with an “other than honorable” discharge. Last month, the House of Representatives passed the legislation. Under current law, service members separated from the military with an “other than honorable discharge” are not allowed to seek care at VA facilities, which bars many veterans in need of mental health care from receiving it.

Burn ban begins Jan. 1 in Eastern Washington

DOE press release issued 12/ 28/ 17 (link source)
Stage 1 burn ban in Asotin, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Okanogan and Stevens counties
SPOKANE – Cold, stagnant weather forecasted for early next week is expected to create poor air quality conditions in Eastern Washington. In an effort to prevent unhealthy air quality, the Washington Department of Ecology is limiting indoor and outdoor burning in Asotin, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Okanogan and Stevens counties.

 A Stage 1 burn ban begins at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, and will continue until further notice.
 Current air quality monitors show elevated levels of air pollution, and the levels are expected to increase further because of weather conditions. This puts communities at risk because fine particles from wood smoke can easily get into people’s lungs and cause heart and breathing problems.
Under a Stage 1 ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including residential, agricultural and forest burning. Use of uncertified wood stoves, fireplaces, inserts, and other uncertified wood-burning devices is prohibited unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat. Certified wood stoves, pellet stoves and other certified wood-burning devices are allowed.
Call 866-211-6284 if you think someone is illegally burning or you are impacted by smoke.
Up-to-date burn ban information is available at www.waburnbans.net.

Clallam County Discussion regarding Economic Development Corporation contract.

During their first work session of the year the County Commission will discuss the EDC contract. During the December 18 work session there was discussion regarding Economic Development funding. It was decided that more discussion should take place during the next work session in January. Attached is a draft contract for 2018 to continue the discussion on what changes should be made, if any, and direction on how to proceed.

Other items on the work session include

• Requests for qualifications and letters of interest from architecture and engineering firms for 2018 professional services

• Agreement with the Olympic Visitor Bureau for promotion of year-round tourism for $490,000

(See full agenda)

The County to consider Proposed changes to Clallam County Admin Policy 455 - Property Control

During their first regular session:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clallam County Board of Commíssioners will conduct a public hearÍng on Tuesday, January 2,2018, at 10:30 am., or ãs soon thereafter as possible in the
Commissioners'Meetíng Room of the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 East 4h itreet, Room 16e port Angeles, WashÍngton. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider amendments to policy {55, the text of which is being published in summary and in compliãnce with RCW 65,16.160 and Clallam County.

Other items on the regular session include:

• Contract with Peninsula Behavioral Health for dedicated tax funds for mental health counseling services to persons with developmental disabilities

• Agreement with The United States Department of the Interior National Park Service, Olympic National Park to grow locally sourced native plants at the Matt Albright Nursery

(see full agenda)

 (More news on page 2)




HAPPY NEW YEAR READERS!

I hope you'll enjoy this weekly edition of the Port Angeles Globe.
World and national news, along with commentary, and comics are on page 6. See side panel menu.
I hope we all can find true peace and brotherhood of all mankind this coming year. Let's work toward that goal.

Turning into a weekly edition Saturday

From the publisher.
Peter Ripley

Readers, I've decided to try and do a weekly edition starting on Saturday. I've been battling a health issued for sometime, which seems to drain me of me enthusiasm, and energy. This is due to having the shingles a few years ago, and apparently still feeling the pain and stiffness in one of my legs, and the place where it was which was on my back side! So you can safely say now I'm pain in the backside! I use a wheelchair, so I can't sit up in my chair for long hours like I use to. Nevertheless, besides my health issues I'm battling, the material I use are press releases and so on, from some localized sources, however they don't always update their pages on a daily basis. They usually update in midweek, if at all. Since this publication is local the first few stories or more local, and state headlines. Some complain I don't do much stories about Port Angeles other than the meeting agenda highlights, true, but I do the best I can given the information I can gleam from various sites. So the most you are going to get is from our congressional delegation, and state government sources. The Globe is more than a local publication, we have readers from around the world and nation, so of course world and national news will be paramount at times.   I hope you'll still enjoy this publication. It's my dream to continue to provide you an alternative news source, regardless the lack of local stories other than the governmental meeting highlights, and at times some commentary along with those stories
All the best
Peter Ripley

Senator Murray on DREAM Act: “We will get this done. We have to get this done.”

Press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) strongly urged her Republican colleagues to finally pass the DREAM Act and uphold Congress’ promise to find a permanent solution for hundreds of thousands of young people enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. President Trump and Attorney General Sessions rescinded the program last September, impacting an estimated 800,000 young men and women, including nearly 17,000 in Washington state. In her speech, Senator Murray shared stories from young Washingtonians enrolled in DACA, underscoring the fear and confusion President Trump’s reckless decision has posed on their lives, families, and futures, and stressed the urgent need to pass the DREAM Act to alleviate their uncertainty. Senator Murray also highlighted the moral and economic costs of not honoring the commitment made to young people who signed up for DACA, and underlined the immeasurable value recipients of DACA contribute to their communities in Washington state and nationwide.

Excerpts from Senator Murray’s floor speech:

From health care to tax reform, there’s no doubt that some days it feels impossible to get the majority of Republicans on-board with policies that truly help the families we represent. But there is one thing that unites not only a large, bipartisan contingent in Congress, but also the vast majority of the American people. And that is finding a path forward for the estimated 800,000 young men and women whose lives are right now in limbo. Eight hundred thousand people—including nearly 17,000 men and women, boys and girls, from my home state of Washington who shared their information, paid a large fee, and upheld their end of the bargain, only to have President Trump rip the rug out from under them three months ago when he and Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of the DACA program.

This Congress may not be able to change the Trump Administration’s hateful rhetoric or short-sighted policies overnight, but we can and should pass the DREAM Act as soon as possible. And that’s why we need more members of Congress—on both sides of the aisle—ready to roll up their sleeves and get this done. Because every single day Republican leaders refuse to bring the DREAM Act to the floor to a vote, another 122 young people lose their DACA status, lose their ability to work legally, and lose their protection from deportation. That means 122 of our neighbors, students, coworkers and friends could be forced from the only country they know, despite the promise the federal government made to them when they signed up for DACA, and despite their immeasurable contributions to our schools and hospitals, our universities and stores, our farms and churches, our offices and so much more.

Stop letting so many promising young men and women fall off the rolls of this program each and every day. Stop kicking this can down the road, and come together to do what’s right for these young people. Ending the DACA program is not what our country is all about. It doesn’t do anything to fix our broken immigration system, prepare for the future or grow our economy. Ending DACA won’t heal the divisions we’ve seen in our communities, or make them any easier to fix.  And ending the DACA program certainly doesn’t reflect a country of opportunity or promise—something the U.S. has always aspired to be.
I urge my colleagues here in the Senate and over in the House: think about the communities you represent.  Think about the young men and women who are currently studying for finals, caring for our sick, teaching our children, responding to natural disasters and opening businesses in the communities that you travel to and live in. Think about the young men and women who hope to serve in the military and defend your freedoms someday. Think of the Dreamers who have grown up in our country—and whose children are the future of our nation. Think about how much good we could do for these young men and women if my Republican friends brought the same commitment and zeal to this task as they did to their tax bill, and finally worked with Democrats to find a real solution to end this unnecessary uncertainty.
I want to thank Paul—as well the other advocates from Washington state who I met this morning in my office—and the many thousands of others who are showing up in every way that they can to make their voice heard and call on Congress to act. Dr. Martin Luther King once said that justice too long delayed is justice denied. And Dreamers aren’t asking for anything other than what we’ve promised to them. This is an incredibly difficult and uncertain time for so many. But Dreamers need to know, many of us in Congress—and so many others across the country—have your back. We will get this done. We have to get this done. (read more from link source)

New Year brings with it higher minimum wage and paid sick leave for Washington workers

WA Labor & Industries press release dated 12/ 20/ 17
Final rules detail how new requirements for employers will be enforced

Tumwater – Many more workers around Washington will have paid sick leave soon. The state's new mandatory paid sick leave law takes effect in less than two weeks, on Jan. 1, 2018. Voters approved the change as part of Initiative 1433, which passed in November 2016.

The initiative also included annual increases to the state minimum wage through 2020. In 2017, the minimum wage climbed to $11 an hour; that'll change to $11.50 when we ring in the 2018 New Year.

Under the new paid sick leave law, employees will earn at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. The law also requires employers to carry over up to 40 hours of an employee's unused sick leave from one year to the next.

"Paid sick leave is important for all of us. No one wants employees to come into work sick. It's bad for them, their coworkers, and customers," said Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Director Joel Sacks. "The new law allows employees to take care of themselves, or their family members, when they're sick. It makes our state a better place to work."

This week, L&I adopted final rules with specifics on how the law will be enforced. The rules explain how L&I will respond to employers who violate the paid sick leave law, fail to pay employees the tips and service charges that they're owed, or retaliate against an employee. Employees can file a complaint with L&I if they believe their employer is not complying with the new law. Businesses can face fines and have to provide back pay.

Resources to help employers prepare
To help employers get ready, L&I has launched an online Employer Resource Center that covers key topics like how to implement a paid sick leave policy and how to notify employees of their paid sick leave rights.

Businesses can also sign up for a webinar, scheduled through February 2018, to learn more about the new requirements. Some webinars already held were full to capacity because of the high amount of interest in learning more about implementing the new law.

Along with webinars and other in-person outreach, L&I has a paid campaign with TV, online, radio and social media ads to make sure employers know that the new law is coming, and what it entails.

L&I also mailed a new required workplace poster - updated with paid sick leave information — to all employer worksites in Washington. The Your Rights as a Worker poster is available for downloading in eight languages on L&I's website.

Washington is the seventh state to have a paid sick leave law. Others include California, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Arizona, as well as the District of Columbia.

PAGE 2: U.S. Chamber’s Donohue: These Are ‘Bold Reforms for Lasting American Growth’,Wednesday, December 20, 2017 - 1:00pm

LINK SOURCE
Policymakers Deliver on Their Promise of Pro-Growth Tax Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue today issued the following statement after final passage of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” sending the legislation to President Trump to sign into law:

“Today, Congress achieved what many said was impossible – overhauling our country’s broken, outdated tax code and updating it with bold reforms for lasting growth.

“American businesses will become more competitive around the world. The business community has long called for lower rates for all businesses, full and immediate expensing, and a territorial tax system because we know these elements are the pro-growth reforms our economy needs to thrive.

“We applaud the House and Senate Republican leadership, especially Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, as well as House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, for their hard work and dedication to ensuring this tax reform is as pro-growth as possible. Our country will reap the benefits of this once-in-a-generation achievement for years to come. When this legislation is signed into law, Americans will see bigger paychecks as well as more opportunities for jobs and for energy development from Alaska.”

In July, the Chamber said tax reform failure is not an option, so we engaged on all fronts to ensure its passage. Below is additional background information on the Chamber’s efforts to date:

Engaged state and local Chambers of Commerce across the country to weigh in with their members of Congress in support of tax reform;
Educated and activated hundreds-of-thousands of grassroots supporters on the merits of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” and urged engagement with legislators through phone calls, letter-writing campaigns, and social media engagement;
Communicated feedback from the business community to the Senate and House throughout the entire process, starting with our principles and continuing with guidance on specific provisions in the final legislative text;
Ran a seven-figure paid media campaign in targeted districts and states across the country, including through television, digital, and radio mediums, encouraging action on tax reform;
Organized more than 300 in-district tax events with leaders from local business communities;
Created Tax Reform for America, a microsite dedicated to providing constituents with a platform to communicate with their legislators while also hosting historic facts, testimonials, polls, and talking points; and
Prepared and distributed 435 district-specific and 50 state-specific one-pagers on the economic impact of tax reform for members of Congress.

IRS Statement – Withholding for 2018

IRS press release issued 12/ 26/ 17 (Link source)

The IRS is working to develop withholding guidance to implement the tax reform bill signed into law on December 22.  We anticipate issuing the initial withholding guidance in January, and employers and payroll service providers will be encouraged to implement the changes in February. The IRS emphasizes this information will be designed to work with the existing Forms W-4 that employees have already filed, and no further action by taxpayers is needed at this time.

Use of the new 2018 withholding guidelines will allow taxpayers to begin seeing the changes in their paychecks as early as February.  In the meantime, employers and payroll service providers should continue to use the existing 2017 withholding tables and systems.

IRS Criminal Investigation Releases Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Report

Press release issued 12/ 20/ 17 (link source)


WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the release of the Criminal Investigation Division’s (CI) annual report, reflecting significant accomplishments and criminal enforcement actions taken in fiscal year 2017.

Focusing on employment tax, refund fraud, international tax enforcement, tax-related identity theft, public corruption, cybercrime, terrorist financing and money laundering, CI initiated 3,019 cases in FY 2017.  The number of cases initiated is directly tied to the number of special agents that CI has.

“We have the same number of special agents—around 2,200—as we did 50 years ago,” said Don Fort, Chief, CI.  “Financial crime has not diminished during that time– in fact, it has proliferated in the age of the Internet, international financial crimes and virtual currency. Despite these challenges, we continue to do amazing work, investigating some of the most complicated cases in the agency’s history.  Criminals would be foolish to mistake declining resources for a lack of commitment in this area.”

The annual report is released each year for the purpose of highlighting the agency’s successes while providing a historical snapshot of the make-up and priorities of the organization. The very first Chief of IRS CI, Elmer Lincoln Irey, served from 1919 to 1946 and envisioned releasing such a document each year to showcase the agency’s investigative work.

CI is the only federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over federal tax crimes. This year, CI again boasted a conviction rate rivaling all federal law enforcement at 91.5% while spending more than 72% of their investigative time working tax cases. That conviction rate speaks to the thoroughness of the investigations and CI is routinely called upon by prosecutors across the country to lead financial investigations on a wide variety of financial crimes including international tax evasion, identity theft, terrorist financing and transnational organized crime.

CI investigates potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes in a manner to foster confidence in the tax system and compliance with the law. The interactive report summarizes a wide variety of CI activity throughout the fiscal year and includes case examples from each field office on a wide range of financial crimes.

“Since taking over as the Chief of CI this summer, I could not be prouder to lead the men and women of this organization,” said Fort. As financial crimes—and the way we investigate them—continue to evolve, CI continues to set the standard for financial investigations worldwide.”

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS NEARLY $60 MILLION IN GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN LABOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMBAT CHILD LABOR AND MODERN SLAVERY AMONG TRADE PARTNERS

Press release issued 12/ 22/ 17 (link source) 


WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced nearly $60 million in grants to NGOs and a range of organizations to promote labor law enforcement and help end exploitative labor practices in 25 trade partner countries. The grants will support projects to combat some of the most abusive labor practices, including the use of child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking in global supply chains. New technical assistance will also support trade partners’ compliance with the labor requirements of U.S. trade agreements and preference programs.

The new grants are part of a broader departmental effort to combine direct enforcement of trade-related labor commitments with targeted technical assistance to help trade partners who share our commitment, but lack the means, to strengthen the rule of law and fully comply with commitments made in trade agreements.

“Meeting trade agreement labor standards helps to shine a light into the shadowy acts of offenders who use the deplorable path of exploitation of their own people to try and gain an unfair advantage over U.S. competition,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “These grants are a useful tool for the U.S. and our allies in our goal of permanently rooting out the despicable practice of labor exploitation.”
Grants announced today by the Department will strengthen and expand efforts to identify, monitor, and combat abusive labor practices abroad that put U.S. businesses and workers at an unfair disadvantage.
Specific issues the projects will address include encouraging partnerships between the coffee industry in Latin America and buyers in the U.S. to develop social compliance systems to combat exploitative labor in their supply chains; working with labor ministries and other labor stakeholders to build their capacity to identify indicators of forced labor and human trafficking; and developing a toolkit to help program implementers reduce the risk of child labor and unacceptable conditions of work in women’s economic empowerment initiatives. Another project will help improve enforcement of minimum wage laws, hours of work and occupational safety, and health laws in the agricultural export sector, helping to ensure U.S. trading partners comply with their labor commitments.
The grants are made available through the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, whose mission is to promote a fair global playing field for workers in the U.S. and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking.

PAGE 3: WORLD NEWS

Ambassador Haley on the United States Negotiating a Significant Reduction in the UN Budget

From a US MISSION to the UN press release dated 12/ 24/ 17
Today, the United Nations agreed on a budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. ‎Among a host of other successes, the United States negotiated a reduction of over $285 million off the 2016-2017 final budget. In addition to these significant cost savings, we reduced the UN’s bloated management and support functions, bolstered support for key U.S. priorities throughout the world, and instilled more discipline and accountability throughout the UN system.

“The inefficiency and overspending of the United Nations are well known. We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked. This historic reduction in spending – in addition to many other moves toward a more efficient and accountable UN – is a big step in the right direction. While we are pleased with the results of this year’s budget negotiations, you can be sure we’ll continue to look at ways to increase the UN’s efficiency‎ while protecting our interests,” said Ambassador Haley.

UN NEWS CENTER
Field teams working 'around the clock' in wake of deadly storm in the Philippines – UNICEF
25 December 2017 – Relief supplies prepositioned by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are ready for dispatch to areas of Philippines hit by Tropical Storm Tembin (known locally as “Vinta”) and its field teams are working around the clock to assess the scale of damage, the UN agency has said.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58350

Vital that all Yemeni ports kept open for aid and commercial vessels, stresses UN humanitarian chief
24 December 2017 – With close to three-fourths of all people in Yemen in need of humanitarian assistance, the United Nations top relief official has underscored the need to keep all ports open to both aid and commercial vessels so that life-saving assistance reaches those in desperate need.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58349

Nigeria: Cholera outbreak in restive Borno state successfully contained, says UN health agency
24 December 2017 – A five-month long cholera outbreak in Nigeria's conflict-affected Borno state has been successfully contained, the United Nations health agency has announced.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58348

Security Council further tightens sanctions against DPR Korea
22 December 2017 – The United Nations Security Council today imposed new sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), increasing the depth of measures imposed on the country in the wake of its continued nuclear and ballistic weapons programme, including the ballistic missile launch on 28 November.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58345

PAGE 4: NATION

US STATE DEPT: Three Notable Nonproliferation Milestones in 2017
Blog posting 12/ 26/ 17
By Jennifer Bavisotto on December 26, 2017

Over the years, foreign policy successes ebb and flow in nonproliferation. Our victories are—at times—marked by how far we’ve moved a pebble forward. Sometimes we liken our efforts to Sisyphus, refusing to give up. But eventually, through patience, persistence and perseverance, we celebrate diplomatic achievements that have a real world impact.

Regardless of the level of success, our work in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation continues unabated: we work every day to keep the world’s most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous people. As we wind down 2017, we’re taking stock of our year and sharing three notable nonproliferation successes.

1. The U.S. Launched its “Pressure Campaign” Against the DPRK

Early in the year, President Trump and Secretary Tillerson announced a new, more aggressive approach toward dealing with the burgeoning crisis from North Korea. In April, Secretary Tillerson chaired a special ministerial meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the threat to international peace and security posed by the DPRK’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The meeting gave UN Security Council members an opportunity to discuss ways to improve implementation of UN sanctions and to show their resolve to respond to further provocations. In his remarks, Secretary Tillerson called on UN members to take three actions against the DPRK:

Isolate North Korea financially
Suspend or reduce diplomatic relations
Enforce all UN sanctions
Since the Secretary’s remarks in April, more than 20 nations have acted to restrict North Korean diplomatic activities. Several countries halted military cooperation or suspended trade relations, and the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council continue to expand.

2. The Global Health Security Agenda was extended until 2024.

In October, nearly 50 nations met in Kampala, Uganda for the Ministerial of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA)—a partnership of nations, international organizations and NGOs to help build capacity to create a world secure from infectious disease threats and elevate health security as a global priority.

GHSA launched in 2014 as a five-year initiative to increase country-level health security capacity to stop outbreaks at their source. GHSA now includes more than 60 nations all working to close gaps that allow infectious disease to take root and spread. More countries have strengthened their surveillance and laboratory capacity to diagnose dangerous pathogens. Yet there is much work to be done to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate.

Our highest priority at the Kampala meeting was to get international consensus on extending GHSA for an additional five years through 2024, which would offer an opportunity for the global health security community to continue working together to enhance data sharing, preparedness planning, epidemiological and laboratory surveillance, risk assessment, and response to infectious diseases and other health threats.

Now that the GHSA has been extended, the U.S. government will continue to work with partners to strengthen the next phase of this multilateral initiative, and shape the GHSA mission and structure to reflect the current global health security environment. These important efforts will help lead us all closer to a world that is both healthier and more prosperous.

3. States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention adopted a four-year workplan.

For more than four decades, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) has embodied the norm against the use of disease as a weapon, and we are all safer because of it. That norm remains strong, as does the U.S. commitment to work with other BWC Parties to combat this threat.

At its annual Meeting of States Parties (MSP) in December 2017, countries were able to complete the unfinished work of the BWC’s Eighth Review Conference by agreeing on a new, more ambitious workplan for the next four years, leading to the next Review Conference not later than 2021.  Nations came ready to negotiate, robustly supported by civil society, ready to remedy the less-than-satisfactory outcome of the BWC’s Eighth Review Conference in Geneva in November 2016. The positive outcome was based on the groundwork that Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States had laid, combined with the skillful chairmanship of Indian Ambassador Amandeep Singh Gill and a keen recognition among all States Parties of the importance of continued work to combat the threat of biological weapons. In kicking off the MSP, U.S. Special Representative for the BWC Ambassador Robert Wood said, “From adversity springs determination,” and he called upon States Parties to make good use of the second chance afforded by the MSP, and not walk away “from the opportunity to combat the threat of biological weapons.”

The work plan focuses on five distinct meetings of experts. Each meeting will have a designated chairperson. We look to this “core group” of five expert group chairpersons to help steer efforts in this rejuvenated workplan to successful outcomes.

As the life sciences rapidly evolve, it is vital that the international community cooperate to prevent the acquisition or use of biological weapons by anyone.

While these are just three of ISN’s more notable nonproliferation successes in 2017, others deserve a well-publicized shout out as well.

After many years of strong U.S. diplomatic support, the IAEA Fuel Bank opened in August 2017
India entered the Wassenaar Arrangement in December, bringing the number of countries participating in this important body to 42.
Our nuclear security partnership with China took a significant step forward in November when we conducted our first-ever bilateral scenario-based policy discussion on countering nuclear smuggling.
Looking forward to 2018, we will continue the work we do every day with our partners to disrupt WMD shipments, to prevent WMD terrorism, and to enforce UN sanctions. Maybe some of these efforts will make splashy headlines. But if they don’t, our efforts to work bilaterally, multilaterally, and in partnership with like-minded countries to prevent the proliferation of WMD will not be diminished. As long as the proliferators are at work, our efforts will continue.


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He's in your corner
Daily Bible Verse: he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32 NKJV

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http://www.pacofc.org/index.php



Editorial note: Readers I have decided to try doing a weekly edition instead of a daily. Saturday's seem the right time to publish since the weekly meetings are usually posted on the local governmental sites by then. So bare with me while I'm trying this out. Also my health issues seems to drain my enthusiasm a bit. Saturday's seem to be a good day to publish, so I'll try it and see how it works out for me, that way I can spend time dealing with my health issues more fully.

SUNDAY EDITION

 Sens. Murray, Cantwell, Wyden, Merkley Demand DOT Hold Railroads Accountable for PTC Implementation after Fatal Derailments, Safety Shortfalls

Press release 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) joined a group of fifteen total senators calling on Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to hold railroads accountable for failing to implement sufficient safety measures.

The Senators demanded a status report on railroads’ implementation of positive train control (PTC), a lifesaving technology required by Congressional mandate to be fully implemented by 2018. The Senators’ letter comes four days after the tragic Amtrak train derailment near DuPont, Washington, which resulted in three fatalities and injured many dozens more. This accident is the latest in a troubling trend of fatal train derailments and collisions.

“Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred,” wrote the Senators. “The PTC deadline is now almost one year away – December 31, 2018.  It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline.  They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt.”
The full text of the Senators’ letter to Chao is available for download here, and copied below.

Dear Secretary Chao:

On Monday, an Amtrak train derailed onto a busy interstate highway in DuPont, Washington.  This tragedy reminds us of the urgent need to improve rail safety, including the nationwide implementation of positive train control (PTC) technology, as mandated by Congress.  We write requesting an update on the status of railroads’ compliance with the pending deadline for implementation and your efforts to carry out other rail safety measures.

The NTSB has been urging the adoption of PTC technology since 1970, soon after a collision in Darien, Connecticut killed four people.  Following the 2008 Chatsworth, California crash that killed 25 people, Congress mandated that railroads implement the technology, which prevents trains from colliding and speeding.  For years, however, the implementation of the technology has been delayed.  Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred. 
The PTC deadline is now almost one year away – December 31, 2018.  It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline.  They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt.  Please provide information on the following questions: 

1. Based on the reports and information provided to you by railroads, and your knowledge of efforts necessary to complete PTC implementation, what railroads do you anticipate will have fully implemented PTC by the end of 2018? 
2. What railroads do you anticipate will fail to implement PTC by 2018? 
3. What is your plan to impose fines and penalties for railroads that fail to comply with the law? 
4. Can you confirm that you will be vigorous in enforcing the deadline, imposing strong fines and penalties, where necessary, on railroads that fail to meet the deadline? 
5. How are you communicating your enforcement plans to the industry? 
6. What steps are you taking to implement other provisions of law and safety requirements, such as requirements from the 2015 surface transportation bill, known as the FAST Act, that passenger and commuter railroads complete a speed-limit action plan (section 11406) to prevent over-speed accidents into curves and commuter railroads improve inspection practices (section 11409)?   
7. What level of funding will be included in the President’s yet-to-be-released infrastructure proposal to expedite PTC implementation and advance other rail safety efforts?
8. What steps is DOT taking to approve and expedite the use of federal funds and grants by recipients for the implementation of PTC?
We appreciate your attention to this matter and urgent efforts to ensure railroads implement lifesaving PTC technology.

Senator Murray Blasts Republicans for Putting Special Interests, Corporations Ahead of Middle Class Families in 2017

Press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source, includes video)

(Washington, D.C.) – Joined by fellow Senate Democratic leaders at an end-of-year news conference, today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) criticized Senate Republicans for their lack of action before the end of the year on several legislative priorities that would provide critical support to middle class families in Washington state and nationwide, and highlighted a number of ways Republicans have hurt women, workers, retirees, and students by rolling back rules intended to put them first—choosing instead to prioritize massive corporations and special interests.

Republicans have wasted months failing to pass their disastrous Trumpcare bill and rushing to jam through their unpopular tax plan instead of taking up several policies aimed at helping working families, like renewing funding for community health center and special diabetes programs and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or finding a permanent legislative fix for the Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals program, known as DACA. Additionally, Republicans undertook several actions over the last year that weaken protections for middle class families, including eliminating rules for worker safety, undermining women’s access to reproductive health care, taking away retirement savings options, and undermining guardrails intended to ensure all children receive a quality education, no matter who they are or how much money their parents make.
In her remarks, Senator Murray blasted Republicans for wasting the past year championing legislation that primarily benefits the wealthiest corporations and richest Americans, and refusing to work across the aisle to advance policies that would aid middle class families, saying “…this year, more than ever, Republicans have made clear exactly what it is they want to do: take from the very people President Trump said he would help and give to the wealthy and special interests. “
“…the massive burden they’ve put on the middle class is wrong—for families and for our country as a whole,” Senator Murray added. “This isn’t the direction we should be headed in.”

Page 2: STATE NEWS

Amtrak commits to paying derailment costs, speeding implementation of positive train control

Press release from Governor Inslee's webpage dated 12/ 20/ 17

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today following a conversation with Amtrak's president:
"Earlier today, Transportation Secretary Roger Millar and I spoke with Richard Anderson, President and Co-CEO of Amtrak, regarding the tragic train derailment in DuPont.
"The swift response to this tragedy has been the result of cooperation from all the involved jurisdictions. The priority has been on taking care of those on board the train and restoring access to I-5 as soon as safely possible. This response, however, does not come without financial costs. Mr. Anderson committed to me during our call that Amtrak will pay for the costs of the derailment including all the medical and incidental expenses incurred by those injured and their families, the clean-up and repair of the roadway, and the restoration of passenger rail service. This is a significant commitment and I appreciate that he has offered this support early and unequivocally.
"I also asked how Amtrak can work with its railroad partners to expedite the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC). There are several entities responsible for fully implementing PTC in Washington state and Mr. Anderson committed that Amtrak would seek to make PTC operational statewide on its trains as soon as possible and before the December 31, 2018 federal deadline.
"I want to be clear there are still many unanswered questions about how and why this incident occurred. I have confidence the NTSB’s investigation will provide those answers. Crews have made commendable progress on restoring I-5 and I ask that travelers continue to be patient as they complete opening of the lanes."

Washington economy continues to improve

ESD press release issued 12/ 20/ 17

OLYMPIA – Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 4.5 percent in in November, despite preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that indicate the state added 9,800 jobs over the month.

“While the unemployment rate didn’t change, Washington’s economic outlook is bright,” said Paul Turek, economist for the department. “Unemployment stands at a record low, businesses are adding jobs and more people are joining the labor force. That’s great news for everyone as we head into the holidays.”

The Employment Security Department released the seasonally adjusted, preliminary job estimates from BLS as part of its November Monthly Employment Report. The department also announced that October’s previously announced gain of 6,900 jobs was revised downward to 6,300 jobs.
In November last year, the statewide unemployment rate was 5.2 percent.
The national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in November and 3.8 percent in the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett area.
Employment Security paid unemployment insurance benefits to 54,386 people in November.
Labor force continues to grow in Washington
The state’s labor force was 3.7 million in November — an increase of 5,200 people from the previous month. In the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett region, the labor force increased by 4,400 over the same period.
From November 2016 through November 2017, the state’s labor force grew by 98,600 and the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett region increased by 21,900.
The labor force is the total number of people, both employed and unemployed, over the age of 16. Ten sectors expand, three contract 
Private sector employment increased by 13,100 and government employment decreased by 3,300 jobs in November.
This month’s report shows the greatest job growth occurred in professional and business services up 3,800, education and health services up 2,900, and other services up 2,300. Other sectors adding jobs were wholesale trade up 1,300, construction up 1,200, transportation, warehousing and utilities up 1,000, information and manufacturing both up 900, retail up 200 and mining and logging up 100.
Government faced the biggest reduction in November, losing 3,300 jobs. Additionally, leisure and hospitality cut 1,400 and financial activities trimmed 100 jobs respectively. 
Year-over-year growth remains strong
Washington has added an estimated 97,900 new jobs from November 2016 through November 2017, not seasonally adjusted. The private sector grew by 3.2 percent or 87,100 jobs, and the public sector increased by 1.8 percent, adding 10,800 jobs.
From November 2016 through November 2017, 12 of the state’s 13 industry sectors added jobs. Manufacturing (-1,500) was the only sector to report job losses.

The three industry sectors with the largest employment gains year-over-year, not seasonally adjusted, were:

Professional and business services with 17,900 new jobs;
Construction with 14,400 new jobs; and
Education and health services with 13,800 new jobs.
Employment Security is a partner in the statewide WorkSource system, which offers a variety of employment and training services for job seekers, including free help with resumes, interviewing and skills training. WorkSource also helps employers advertise jobs, convene hiring events and connect with subsidized employee training.
WorkSource locations and more than 140,000 job openings can be found on WorkSourceWA.com.
Check it out! ESD has new labor market information and tools, including a video tutorial, to highlight popular information and data.
Note: The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently updated its “alternative measures of labor underutilization,” or U-6 rate, for states to include the third quarter of 2017. The U-6 rate considers not only the unemployed population in the official U-3 unemployment rate, but also “the underemployed and those not looking but wanting a job.” The U-6 rate for Washington through the third quarter 2017 was 9.4 percent compared to the national rate of 8.9 percent. Washington’s U-6 rate is the lowest it has been since 2007.

PAGE 3: Our Health Digest

FDA updates the label of Tasigna to reflect that certain patients with a type of leukemia may be eligible to stop treatment after sustained response

FDA press release dated 12/ 22/ 17 (link source)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today updated the product label for the cancer drug Tasigna (nilotonib) to include information for providers about how to discontinue the drug in certain patients. Tasigna, first approved by the FDA in 2007, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). With today’s updated dosing recommendations, patients with early (chronic) phase CML who have been taking Tasigna for three years or more, and whose leukemia has responded to treatment according to specific criteria as detected by a test that has received FDA marketing authorization, may be eligible to stop taking Tasigna.
“Patients diagnosed with CML generally face a lifetime of treatment to keep their leukemia from growing or recurring,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval shows that some patients may be able to stop treatment with Tasigna altogether if they are showing a strong response to therapy. While we welcome this progress in patient care, it’s important to note that any discontinuation of treatment still means patients must be regularly monitored for disease recurrence.”

CML is a cancer of the bone marrow and causes the body to make too many white blood cells. Almost all patients with CML have an abnormality known as the Philadelphia chromosome, which produces a protein called BCR-ABL. The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health estimates approximately 8,950 patients will be diagnosed with CML this year, and 1,080 will die of the disease.

Tasigna is a kinase inhibitor that works in CML by blocking a protein called BCR-ABL, which promotes abnormal cell growth. Today’s action adds information to the product label for patients and health care providers regarding the conditions under which patients may be eligible to discontinue treatment and notes that if treatment is stopped patients must be regularly monitored for disease recurrence.

The information about discontinuing Tasigna was based on two single-arm trials of patients with Ph+ chronic phase CML. The trials measured how long patients were able to stop taking Tasigna without the leukemia returning (treatment-free remission, or TFR). In both trials, patients had to meet rigorous criteria showing how their cancer had responded to treatment before stopping Tasigna. In the first trial, among the 190 newly diagnosed patients with CML who stopped Tasigna after taking it for three or more years and meeting other specified criteria, 51.6 percent were still in the TFR phase after approximately one year (48 weeks) and 48.9 percent were still in the TFR phase after approximately two years (96 weeks). In the second trial, among the 126 patients who had stopped Tasigna after taking it for three or more years after switching from the cancer drug imatinib, 57.9 percent were still in the TFR phase after approximately one year (48 weeks) and 53.2 percent were still in the TFR phase after approximately two years (96 weeks).

An important part of both trials was regular and frequent monitoring of specific genetic (RNA) information that specifies the BCR-ABL protein level in the blood with a diagnostic test that has received FDA marketing authorization. Monitoring with a test able to detect reductions of specific RNA information with high accuracy and precision is critical to the safe discontinuation of Tasigna, as this monitoring provides the first signs of relapse.

Common side effects in patients who discontinued Tasigna include musculoskeletal symptoms such as body aches, bone pain and pain in extremities. Some patients experienced prolonged musculoskeletal symptoms.

Common side effects of taking Tasigna include nausea, rash, headache, fatigue, itching (pruritus), vomiting, diarrhea, cough, constipation, joint pain (arthralgia), upper respiratory inflammation (nasopharyngitis), fever (pyrexia), night sweats, low levels of low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) and low levels of certain blood cells (myelosuppression or thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia).

Severe side effects of taking Tasigna include myelosuppression, blockages in the heart or arteries (cardiac and arterial vascular occlusive events), inflammation of the pancreas and high levels of enzymes in the blood (pancreatitis and elevated serum lipase), severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity), abnormal levels of electrolytes in the blood, metabolic abnormalities (tumor lysis syndrome), severe bleeding (hemorrhage), drug interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors, total surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy) and fluid retention. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Tasigna because it may cause harm to a developing fetus or newborn baby.

Severe side effects typically associated with Tasigna administration occurred less frequently in patients who discontinued Tasigna. However, the long-term outcomes of patients discontinuing versus continuing treatment are unknown at this time.
The labeling for Tasigna contains a boxed warning to alert health care professionals and patients about the risk of abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) and sudden death. Tasigna should not be taken by patients with low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), low levels of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia), or QT prolongation. Sudden deaths have been reported in patients taking Tasigna. The boxed warning also states Tasigna should not be given with drugs known to prolong the QT interval or with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Patients should not eat two hours prior to or one hour after taking Tasigna.
The  update to the Tasigna labeling information was granted Priority Review, under which the FDA’s goal is to take action on an application within six months where the agency determines that the drug, if approved, would significantly improve the safety or effectiveness of treating, diagnosing or preventing a serious condition. Tasigna also received Orphan Drug designation, which provides incentives to assist and encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases.
The FDA granted the approval of the Tasigna label changes to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

AT THE STATE LEVEL

State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department’s Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions and advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2017NewsReleases/17174SuspensionM1757NewsRelease

PAGE 4: World and NATIONAL

Secretary General Extends Mandate of Special Tribunal for Lebanon, in Accordance with Security Council Resolution 1797 (2005)

UN press release issued 12/ 22/ 17 (link source)
Secretary‑General António Guterres has extended the mandate of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon from 1 March 2018 for a period of three years, or upon the completion of the cases before the Special Tribunal if sooner.  The extension is in accordance with Security Council resolution 1797 (2005).
The mandate of the Special Tribunal, which is based near The Hague in the Netherlands, is to hold trials for those accused of carrying out the attack of 14 February 2005 in Beirut, which killed 22 people, including the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafiq Hariri, and injured many others.  The trial, in absentia, of four individuals indicted over the killing began in January 2014 and is currently ongoing.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon also has jurisdiction over attacks carried out in Lebanon between 1 October 2004 and 12 December 2005, if they are connected to the attack of 14 February 2005 and are of a similar nature and gravity.
The Secretary‑General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to support the work of the Special Tribunal in the fight against impunity for such major crimes, in order to bring those responsible to justice.  The United Nations looks forward to the completion of the mandate of the Special Tribunal in a timely manner.  The United Nations also looks forward to the continued support and cooperation of the Government of Lebanon.

NATION

What Tax Cuts Have to Do with Making America Great Again

White House press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)
Congress has passed the first overhaul of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years. The Tax Cuts Act is a powerful symbol of what Republicans can accomplish when they unite behind a positive governing agenda for the country.
But this legislation isn’t about Republicans vs. Democrats. Rather, it’s an early centerpiece of the vision President Trump laid out on the campaign trail. Americans of all backgrounds want a government that’s more accountable, more democratic, and less eager to line its pockets with cash from taxpayers and small businesses.
The U.S. tax code was an over complicated mess, so we understand Americans want to know exactly what’s different under the new law. It makes three important changes to our tax system:

The Tax Cuts Act means less money taken out of Americans’ paychecks. It provides $5.5 trillion in tax cuts by nearly doubling the standard deduction, doubling the child tax credit, protecting tax savings for higher education and retirement, and lowering rates across the board. It also repeals Obamacare’s individual mandate tax, 80 percent of which hit households earning less than $50,000 a year in 2016.
The bill puts American businesses on a level playing field with foreign competitors. America’s corporate tax rate will go from being the highest in the developed world to below the average for Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. A one-time tax on corporate earnings stashed overseas will end the incentive for companies to keep their profits outside of the United States.
The act will eliminate dozens of special interest tax breaks and loopholes. The Tax Cuts Act will raise $4 trillion in revenue to help offset tax cuts by closing the door on dozens of corporate accounting tricks. The bill eliminates a loophole used to deduct compensation for executives earning more than $1 million a year. Washington isn’t spared, either: Members of Congress will no longer be able to deduct their living expenses.
Talk is cheap, of course—the proof will come when Americans begin seeing more money in their paychecks as early as February. (read more from link source)


NEWS STORY COMMENTARY
From the Seattle Times: Pulling out of NAFTA would jeopardize our security and economy
Trump should not lightly discount the border and homeland security implications of a NAFTA withdrawal. A fracture in the American-Mexican relationship and the resulting consequences should worry us all.


WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY
Undenominational Christians?
Peter, Paul, and other first-century disciples were Christians, but what denomination were they members of? None at all! Denominational division, as we know it, did not exist in the first century. All Christians were in one body, the church which belongs to Jesus (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:3-6). First-century Christians were members of Jesus' church, but not members of any denomination. Why can't you and I do the same today?---Gospel Way
https://www.gospelway.com/topics/church/undenominational_christians.php

COMIC CORNER

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Picture by, Peter Ripley using IMVU props

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Luke 2:16-20 NKJV

Starting every Sunday I'll post a comic post on here. Using my IMVU props, making these pictures with a caption. And a little storyline along with it. 

Monday there will be no update taking the day off for Christmas. In the meantime have yourself a safe, and blessed holiday.

Kilmer Statement on Congress’s Decision to Kick the Can on Long-term Spending Plan

Press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)

I am disappointed that rather than using these last few weeks to do their jobs and produce a long-term, bipartisan spending plan, the majority of Congress has decided to once again kick the can down the road. I remain committed to working with the members of both parties to pass a long-term, bipartisan spending plan.
Congress has punted from September to early-December, then to mid-December and now to January. No household would run their family finances three weeks at a time. No business would either.  These manufactured crises are certainly no way to run the government either.  That’s why I supported measures like No Budget No Pay, which would mean Congress wouldn’t be paid if the government is shutdown.
In January, Congress should get serious and pass a long-term, bipartisan deal. That’s overdue. Doing so would mean government agencies and the federal workforce has the assurances needed to make long-term plans, which saves taxpayer money, allows the military to maintain readiness, and prevents Americans from having the government services on which they rely held hostage by partisan politics.

AG FERGUSON’S LAWSUIT REVEALS COMCAST DECEIVED CUSTOMERS, CHARGED FOR SERVICE PLANS WITHOUT CONSENT

Press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 ( link source)

SEATTLE — Today Attorney General Bob Ferguson amended his lawsuit against Comcast to include new evidence revealing even more deceptive conduct than previously alleged.

Ferguson filed a more than one-hundred-million-dollar lawsuit against the cable television and internet giant in King County Superior Court in August of 2016. The suit asserts Comcast misrepresented the scope of its Service Protection Plan (SPP) as part of more than 1.8 million violations of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

More than half a million Washingtonians subscribed to the SPP since 2011, paying at least $73 million to Comcast for the service plan from 2011 through the end of 2015.

A sample of recorded calls between SPP subscribers and Comcast representatives obtained by the Attorney General’s Office reveal that Comcast may have signed up more than half of all SPP subscribers without their consent. Comcast deceived consumers even when mentioning the SPP, telling them the SPP plan was “free” when they signed up, when in fact, Comcast would automatically charge them every month after the first month.

“This new evidence makes clear that Comcast’s conduct is even more egregious than we first realized,” Ferguson said. “The extent of their deception is shocking, and I will hold them accountable for their treatment of Washington consumers.”

Sample of customer calls reveals massive deception

In May 2017, King County Superior Court Judge Timothy Bradshaw ordered Comcast to provide the Attorney General’s Office with “telephone calls that exist in which [Comcast] sold the SPP to Washington consumers.” In response to the court order, Comcast turned over to the Attorney General’s Office recordings of calls between Comcast and 1,500 Washington consumers whom Comcast signed up for the SPP.

The Attorney General’s Office analyzed a random sample of recorded sales calls between Comcast and 150 Washingtonians. Comcast did not even mention the SPP to nearly half the sample. Additional consumers in the sample explicitly rejected the SPP, but Comcast signed them up anyway. Consequently, Comcast enrolled more than half of these subscribers without their consent.

Even when Comcast actually mentioned the SPP on the sales call before signing consumers up for the SPP, Comcast continued to engage in deception. Comcast deceptively failed to disclose the SPP was a monthly recurring charge to 20 percent of the Washingtonians in the sample. Rather, Comcast often told subscribers the SPP was added for “free” to their account.

According to Comcast’s own data, more than 75% of SPP subscribers sign up via the telephone. Comcast operates call centers in Washington state, Colorado, Minnesota and Texas, as well as throughout the world in the Philippines, Mexico and Guyana. Comcast paid call center staff up to $5 for every SPP sale they made.

Comcast does not instruct its employees to send customers any information about the SPP via email, text message, mail, or refer the customer to Comcast’s website while the call is occurring and the customer is considering whether to enroll in the SPP. Rather, Comcast only provides oral representations about the SPP.

The Attorney General’s Office alleges this pattern of deception is a systemic issue throughout Comcast’s marketing and “sale” of the SPP, and represents potentially tens of thousands of new violations of the Washington state Consumer Protection Act.

Deleted call recordings impede investigation

Comcast’s refusal to produce call recordings has been an ongoing issue.

In June 2015 the Attorney General’s Office sent Comcast a Civil Investigative Demand that required Comcast to preserve these call recordings between Comcast representatives and Washingtonians who purchased the SPP.

After filing the lawsuit in August 2016, the Attorney General’s Office renewed its request for these call recordings. Comcast refused to provide them, arguing that to do so would be burdensome. Consequently, the Attorney General’s Office asked the court to compel Comcast to produce a sample of these call recordings.

Still Comcast refused to produce the recordings. Comcast responded to the Attorney General’s motion to compel production of call recordings by again arguing it would be burdensome to review and provide them. In a brief to the court, Comcast estimated it would take “approximate 8,500 reviewer hours” to produce these calls.

Only after Judge Bradshaw ordered Comcast to comply in May 2017 did Comcast admit it had already deleted 90% of the calls the Attorney General’s Office had been requesting as part of its investigation. Comcast deleted tens of thousands of calls some time after the Attorney General’s Office demanded Comcast preserve the recordings and before telling the court it would take more than 8,000 hours to produce them.

The Attorney General’s Office filed a motion asking Judge Bradshaw to levy sanctions against Comcast for discarding potential evidence while under investigation.

In August 2017, Judge Bradshaw awarded the state approximately $13,000 in attorney fees and costs incurred in connection with the motion for sanctions. Judge Bradshaw reserved ruling on whether to impose further sanctions.

Despite Comcast’s deletion of recordings, through Judge Bradshaw’s court order, the Attorney General’s Office obtained the sample of call recordings that reveals additional unfair and deceptive practices.

New evidence substantially expands original $100 million-plus lawsuit substantially

Ferguson’s original 2016 lawsuit asserts Comcast violated the CPA to all of its nearly 1.2 million subscribers in Washington state. The lawsuit is the first of its kind in the nation — though the SPP is a nationwide program.
When filing his lawsuit, Ferguson announced he is seeking full restitution for the $73 million paid by SPP subscribers in Washington state. He announced he is also seeking penalties for violations of the CPA for a total of more and $100 million to hold Comcast accountable. The CPA allows a penalty of up to $2,000 per violation.
With this new evidence of these significant additional violations, Ferguson is seeking substantially more.
Shortly before Ferguson filed his lawsuit, Comcast increased the monthly price of the SPP from $4.99 to $5.99. The cost of the SPP has tripled since 2011.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Rupert and Assistant Attorneys General Daniel Davies and Seann Colgan are handling the case for Washington.
If Washington consumers believe Comcast added the SPP to their account without their consent, they should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by going to www.atg.wa.gov and clicking on the “file a complaint” button on the homepage.

PAGE 2: AGRICULTURAL DIGEST

Hawaii: Home of a World-Class Pineapple Collection

USDA press release issued 12/ 20/ 17 (link source)

Whether eaten sliced or as a pizza topping, pineapple is a delicious and versatile tropical fruit that ranks third in worldwide popularity behind the banana and mango.
In the late 19th century, Hawaii led in the production and export of canned pineapple, thanks to an industry built around key advances in processing technology and plantings of Smooth Cayenne, a variety well suited to the state’s soils and growing conditions.

Hawaii no longer holds that title. However, it remains home to one of the world’s largest and most genetically diverse pineapple collections. The collection is managed by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) on 33 acres of land in Hilo as part of the agency’s National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Tropical Fruit and Nut Crops.
The ARS collection represents a treasure of genetic resources for identifying and improving important traits in commercial pineapples as well as for research to understand the basic biology and evolution of different plant processes.

Big-name as well as little-known pineapple accessions alike are kept there. Some, like Smooth Cayenne, are industry leaders, prized for their fresh fruit or canning quality. Others, like Saigon Red, are more obscure though no less worth preserving.
A miniature pineapple brought to Hawaii from Vietnam in 1938, Saigon Red is too tart to eat. However, its compact size, red-skinned fruit and long, shapely leaves could prove ideal for landscape plantings or indoor use as a decorative plant.
Ensuring the good health and availability of the Hilo collection—which numbers 186 different kinds of wild and cultivated pineapple—can be labor-intensive; so, too, can cataloguing the plants and their traits. Now, new tools called “molecular markers” are helping to speed up the process—from 18 months to 2 years down to just a few days. The markers detect the gene or genes for specific traits in the pineapple’s DNA. This can be done with seedlings rather than full-grown plants, saving time, money and resources.
Just as canning refinements made Hawaii an early world leader in exports, so too is the state on the cusp of technology today to mine the fruit crop’s untapped genetic potential, with benefits to growers and consumers across the globe.

Perdue Applauds USDA’s 2017 Accomplishments

USDA press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2017 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded the accomplishments made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the past year. In the first year of the Trump Administration, USDA made breakthroughs in agricultural trade, moved to reduce burdensome regulations, responded to natural disasters, and battled through the worst fire season on record, among other notable achievements.

“As 2017 comes to an end, the hard-working civil servants who make up USDA have a great deal to be proud of,” said Perdue. “Unlike any other federal department, USDA touches the lives of each individual in this country every day. In the wake of hurricanes, forest fires, and everything in between, the dedicated professionals at USDA worked tirelessly to serve the American people. As we look ahead to 2018, USDA will continue our efforts to be the most effective, efficient, and customer focused department in the entire federal government.”

Stakeholder Outreach

Since being sworn in on April 25th, Secretary Perdue has visited 30 states and six foreign countries, conducting outreach to rural and agricultural stakeholders promoting President Donald Trump’s agenda. During his travels – and through two RV Tours covering over 2,200 miles in the midwest and northeast – Perdue met with farmers, ranchers, foresters, and many other stakeholders to seek input to help Congress craft the 2018 Farm Bill and solicit feedback for USDA to increase rural prosperity.

Additionally, USDA increased its efforts to attract youth to agriculture, including signing a memoranda of understanding with National FFA and separately with SCORE, an organization of business-oriented mentors. At many of his stops across America, Secretary Perdue interacted with National FFA and 4-H students to encourage the next generation to enter fields of agriculture.

Reorganization

Secretary Perdue undertook a significant reorganization of USDA, including the creation of the first-ever Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, as directed by the 2014 Farm Bill. As part of the reorganization, Perdue implemented a strategic vision focused on modernizing Information Technology, facilities, and support services; streamlining processes; engaging stakeholders; and improving stewardship of resources. Additionally, Perdue established an Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, solidifying his commitment to improving USDA customer service by bringing together three of the Department’s most customer-facing agencies: Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Risk Management Agency.

Trade

USDA scored significant trade victories during 2017, including the reentry of U.S. beef to China after a 13-year hiatus; Chinese market access for U.S. rice for the first time ever; easing of regulations on U.S. citrus into the European Union; gaining approval for new biotech varieties in China; resumption of U.S. distillers dried grains into Vietnam and China; reentry of U.S. chipping potatoes into Japan; and lifting of South Korea’s ban on imports of U.S. poultry.

School Meals and Reduced Regulations

Responding to the concerns of local school nutrition workers and students, USDA moved to restore flexibility in order to serve wholesome, nutritious, and tasty meals in schools across the nation. The new School Meal Flexibility Rule makes targeted changes to standards for meals provided under USDA’s National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, and asks customers to share their thoughts on those changes with the Department.

Overall, USDA worked to reduce regulatory burdens on Americans and identified 27 final rules across the Department that will be completed in 2018 which will save an estimated $56.15 million.

Wildfires

USDA’s Forest Service responded to the worst fire season on record, deploying over 25,000 personnel and spending $2.9 billion fighting fires across the nation. Through the leadership of the Trump Administration, there is now bipartisan, bicameral support to invest in forest management and address inadequate fire funding after decades of inaction.

Hurricane Response
USDA helped feed people and assist producers who experienced devastating losses across five states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Assistance included direct delivery of food packages, waivers and flexibilities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, approval of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, waivers for free school meals, and supplies of infant formula and baby food. USDA staff were deployed across hurricane-stricken regions to provide timely assistance through various emergency conservation, clean-up, and indemnity programs while authorizing additional time flexibilities for reporting losses and completing requests for assistance. Secretary Perdue provided Puerto Rico with a one-of-a-kind program that covered dairy cattle feed costs to prevent herd losses following virtually complete destruction of feed across the island.

Rural Prosperity
Secretary Perdue chaired the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, created by President Trump’s executive order, to seek ways to improve quality of life and increase prosperity across rural America. The Task Force, made up of 22 cabinet departments and federal agencies, has submitted its final report to the White House with concrete recommendations for improving the economic situation across America’s heartland.

Veterans
Secretary Perdue launched a USDA initiative to provide comprehensive and timely support to veterans interested in opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and in rural America. USDA wants to ensure veterans  looking to return home, or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. The resources include a website and a USDA-wide AgLearn curriculum to allow all employees to understand the unique opportunities offered to our nation’s veterans.

Ethics
USDA unveiled a new mobile application for Apple and Android devices to provide Executive Branch employees answers to questions about government ethics issues. The USDA Ethics App is the first of its kind in the federal government and reaffirms Perdue’s commitment to applying President Trump’s government-wide ethics standards to the department. The Ethics App brings to users’ fingertips short, easy-to-read summaries of federal ethics rules and Hatch Act limitations on political activity. It includes a comprehensive video library so that officials can quickly become familiar with these important rules at any time, whether in the office, off-site, or on official travel. It also contains a resources section so USDA employees can readily contact an ethics advisor at USDA. The groundbreaking application was designed to make compliance with the federal ethics rules a one-stop-shop for USDA employees, but the app is available to anyone with Android devices  or Apple devices .

USDA Agency Accomplishments

USDA is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American people at more than 4,500 locations across the country. While each mission area’s accomplishments may be found by using the links below, notable accomplishments are as follows:

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provided significant support in negotiations that re-opened the market for U.S. beef to be exported to China for the first time in 13 years.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) added information on nearly 140,000 food items to the Branded Food Products Database, which makes it easier to find nutrients contained in manufactured or brand-name foods sold in supermarkets.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continued its work to ensure the free flow of agricultural trade by keeping U.S. agriculture industries free from pests and diseases. APHIS opened a potential $50 million live animal market in Kyrgyzstan, opened the sugar beet market in China, and reopened the $220 million dried distillers grain market in Vietnam, amongst many others.
Economic Research Service (ERS) conducted research which found that USDA’s school meal programs generally reduce food insecurity and contribute to diet quality and academic performance for children from low-income and food-insecure households.
Farm Service Agency (FSA), in response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, provided special procedures to assist producers in states and territories most severely impacted and dispatched additional staff to the affected areas.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) continued its work to modernize operations and inspection systems to be more effective, efficient, and focus on food safety related tasks.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) worked tirelessly with other state and federal authorities, including FEMA, to ensure all those in natural disaster related areas were able to get the food they needed. FNS provided hundreds of thousands of pounds of nutritious food, provided disaster supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits to low income households and allowed schools in the hardest-hit areas to serve children meals for free.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) organized trade missions to Egypt, Brazil, and India which generated more than $30 million in projected sales as a part of its ongoing efforts to help U.S. agribusiness expand its global reach.
Forest Service (FS) increased wildfire mitigation efforts in high risk communities and launched a USDA-led national coalition to confront the high costs of suppressing wildfires, which totaled $2.9 billion in 2017.
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) launched the census of agriculture with an improved online questionnaire and items to document changes and emerging trends in agriculture.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) invested in projects that resulted in transformative discoveries to meet our societal challenges. Research gains include making strides in combatting citrus greening, using plant products to treat Salmonella, and lowering ammonia emissions at livestock facilities.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funded contracts for historically underserved customers, including socially disadvantaged, limited-resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers, exceeding $553 million to treat more than 11.3 million acres of working land.
Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) supported American agriculture and USDA decision making with timely, accurate economic intelligence on the season’s natural disasters, trade and domestic policy proposals, deregulatory actions, budgetary issues, and consequences of both real and potential market disruptions. The office expanded environmental market opportunities releasing a new information portal for farmers, ranchers, and foresters regarding data from water, carbon, and biodiversity projects as well as state and regional policies.
Risk Management Agency (RMA) streamlined claims procedures in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and diligently worked to increase program integrity by reducing its improper payment rate.
Rural Development (RD) provided funding for 34 telecommunications infrastructure projects that will deliver new or improved broadband service to more than 160,000 households and businesses

AT THE STATE LEVEL

New rules would require RFID for cattle in some cases 

WSDA press release issued 12/ 20/ 17 (link source) 

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) filed a notice of intent today to update rules concerning livestock identification, specifically requiring Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, in cases where cattle are currently required to be identified with metal tags.

The proposed rule amendments would require official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) RFID tags:

When female cattle receive brucellosis vaccinations.
When bulls are sampled for trichomoniasis.
On all sexually intact cattle and bison over 18 months old presented for sale at a public livestock market.
Current rules already require official identification in these cases, but allow for the use of metal ID tags. The proposed amendments would swap metal tags for an RFID tag.

"Updating our rules to incorporate RFID devices is an important step in strengthening our state's animal disease traceability system," Washington state Veterinarian Dr. Brian Joseph said. "The livestock industry could be devastated by a disease outbreak if WSDA and the USDA were unable to contain it quickly, something that an effective animal disease traceability program can help us accomplish."

The paperwork WSDA filed today involves two CR 101 documents, the first step in making changes in the Washington Administrative Code. WSDA is proposing to amend WAC 16-86 Cattle and Bison Diseases and WAC 16-604 Public Livestock Markets with the language requiring the RFID devices.

USDA has set expectations for all states to show continued progress in implementing a robust animal disease traceability (ADT) program. An effective ADT program allows rapid tracking of an animal's movements during an animal disease outbreak and increases consumer confidence in cattle products. By incorporating the use of RFID, WSDA continues to move forward with its development of a statewide ADT system with the end goal being all cattle identified with RFID before leaving a Washington premise.

"USDA is very supportive of the efforts to improve animal disease traceability in Washington State," Dr. Leonard Eldridge, USDA Assistant Director for Alaska, Oregon and Washington said. "We have made great strides at a national ADT system. The rule changes WSDA is recommending help move Washington along the path to an effective statewide ADT system."
An animal disease outbreak can sicken or kill livestock, require animals to be quarantined or euthanized and, in some cases, pose a public health risk. They are also expensive to manage and costly to the livestock industry. A 2003 case of BSE, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, in Washington closed some foreign markets to Washington beef products until only recently. Prior to market access closure, the U.S. was China's largest supplier of imported beef, providing 70 percent of their total consumption. Beef exports to China must now meet specified requirements under the USDA Export Verification Program which includes traceability to the U.S. birth farm using a unique identifier or, if imported, to the first place of residence or port of entry.

The next step in the rule making process is the filing of a CR 102, which also includes a public comment period. No date for this has yet been set, but it is not expected to occur prior to the end of the 2018 Legislative session.
Anyone can email wsdarulescomments@agr.wa.gov and request to be notified when the CR 102 is filed, or visit agr.wa.gov/lawsrules for the most current information.

PAGE 3: WORLD & NATIONAL

General Assembly Overwhelmingly Adopts Resolution Asking Nations Not to Locate Diplomatic Missions in Jerusalem

UN PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)


The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly during a rare emergency meeting today to ask nations not to establish diplomatic missions in the historic city of Jerusalem, as delegates warned that the recent decision by the United States to do so risked igniting a religious war across the already turbulent Middle East and even beyond.

By a recorded vote of 128 in favour to 9 against (Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Togo, United States), with 35 abstentions, the Assembly adopted the resolution “Status of Jerusalem”, by which it declared “null and void” any actions intended to alter Jerusalem’s character, status or demographic composition.  Calling on all States to refrain from establishing embassies in the Holy City, it also demanded that they comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions and work to reverse the “negative trends” imperilling a two‑State resolution of the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict.

“We meet today not because of any animosity to the United States of America,” insisted Riad Al‑Malki, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine.  Instead, the emergency session had been called to make the voice of the vast majority of the international community — and that of people around the world — heard on the question of Jerusalem/Al‑Quds Al‑Sharif.  He described the 6 December decision by the United States to recognize the city as Israel’s capital, and to move its embassy there, as an aggressive and dangerous move, cautioning that it could inflame tensions and lead to a religious war that “has no boundaries”.

He went on to state that the decision would have no impact on the Holy City’s status, but it nevertheless compromised the role of the United States in the peace process.  Moreover, it did nothing but serve the forces of extremism around the world, he said, pointing out that even the closest allies of the United States could not turn a blind eye to its actions.  The Assembly was meeting in the wake of the Security Council’s failure to adopt a similar draft resolution, even as 14 of its 15 members had voted in its favour.  “The veto will not stop us,” he declared in that regard, underlining that Al‑Quds “will not fall to any siege, monopolization or domination”.

The representative of the United States, however, said she stood firmly behind the Administration’s decision, declaring:  “America will put its embassy in Jerusalem.”  Its citizens would remember today’s votes, including the countries that had disrespected the United States and singled it out, she warned.  Pointing out her country’s standing as by far the largest single contributor to the United Nations, she said its contributions were intended to advance its national values and interests, but when such an investment failed, the Government would be obliged to spend its resources “in more productive ways”.

Israel’s representative, meanwhile, said one‑sided anti‑Israel resolutions had been pushing the Middle East peace process back for years.  The Assembly remained in constant open session when it came to Israel, though the world was full of conflict, he noted, adding that the recent decision by the United States only declared what had always been true:  “Jerusalem has been, and always will be, the capital of the State of Israel.”  Today’s vote, therefore, was nothing more than the performance of a delusion, and the text did absolutely nothing to improve the lives of the Palestinian people.

At the meeting’s outset, Yemen’s representative presented the draft resolution in his capacity as Chair of the Arab Group and one of its two main co‑sponsors, the other being Turkey, current Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).  Describing the decision by the United States as a blatant violation of the rights of the Palestinian people, as well as those of all Christians and Muslims, he emphasized that it constituted a dangerous breach of the Charter of the United Nations and a serious threat to international peace and security, while also undermining the chances for a two‑State solution and fuelling the fires of violence and extremism.

Venezuela’s delegate, speaking for the Non‑Aligned Movement, expressed grave concern about Israel’s ongoing violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including attempts to alter the character, status and demographic composition of the City of Jerusalem.  Also concerned about the decision to relocate the United States embassy, he warned that such provocative actions would further heighten tensions, with potentially far‑reaching repercussions given the extremely volatile backdrop.

Malaysia’s representative echoed those sentiments, rejecting the Jerusalem decision as an infringement on the Palestinian people’s rights.  It had also caused dismay and frustration across the Muslim world, he added.  Since the issue lay at the heart of the Palestinian cause, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital endorsed Israel’s brutal occupation and repressive policies, he said.  “We are concerned that this dire situation will only feed into the agenda of the extremists and frustrate our collective efforts in our bigger objective of combating terrorism and ending the vicious cycle of violence.”

Several delegates spoke in explanation of position, with Australia’s representative explaining that she had abstained because although her country’s Government did not support unilateral action that undermined the peace process, it did not believe today’s text would help to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.

Canada’s representative said he had abstained because the resolution was one‑sided and did not advance the prospects for peace.

Meanwhile, Paraguay’s representative said he had abstained because his delegation’s position was that the question of Jerusalem was a matter for the Security Council, as the primary body responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Mexico’s representative said he had also abstained, while emphasizing that convening an emergency session was a disproportionate response.  The United States must become part of the solution, not a stumbling block that would hamper progress, he emphasized, noting that the international community was further than ever from agreement.

Also speaking were representatives of Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Maldives, Syria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Iran, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, South Africa, Estonia (on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Albania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia), El Salvador, Argentina, Romania, Nicaragua, Czech Republic, Armenia, Hungary and Latvia, in addition to the Permanent Observer for the Holy See.

 Agencies announce Shared National Credit definition change; aggregate loan commitment threshold increased to adjust for inflation, and changes in average loan size

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)

To adjust for inflation and changes in average loan size, the federal banking agencies on Thursday announced that, effective January 1, 2018, the aggregate loan commitment threshold for inclusion in the Shared National Credit (SNC) program will increase from $20 million to $100 million. This change will reduce reporting burden for a substantial number of banking institutions, with no material impact on the size of the portfolio evaluated.
The reporting change provides regulatory relief to 82 financial institutions while reducing the dollar amount of loans identified as SNCs by 2 percent. As a result, the SNC program will continue to reflect a portfolio of more than $4.2 trillion in credit commitments. The table below provides details for the planned change.
The SNC program is an interagency review and assessment of risk in the largest and most complex credits shared by multiple financial institutions. The interagency program began in 1977. This is the first increase in the dollar threshold for inclusion as a SNC since the program's inception.
Further, the agencies announced that, starting in 2018, annual SNC results will be reported after the third quarter examination, reflecting data as of June 30. Previously the annual report was issued after the first quarter examination, reflecting data as of December 31.

PAGE 4: LOCAL MEETINGS AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

CITY OF FORKS 12/ 26/ 17
Agenda highlight item: Clallam County Opportunity Fund appointment
See full agenda
There was no other meetings scheduled for next week. So, Fork City Council is the only show in the region next week. All others been canceled due to the holiday.

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He's in your corner

Daily Bible Verse: For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:11-14 NKJV

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