Editorial Comment: This was a week that all other news stories seemed trivial, and paled by comparison, when the nation was mostly focused on the funeral of George H. W. Bush, who passed away last Friday. The following stories some touching and some just outrages reflects the media's coverage. The liberal media took the opportunity to use this time of sorrow for the Bush family to degrade President Bush. One magazine called Slate decided to attack his service dog Scully. Pretty despicable in my book, and pathetic. But nevertheless we pause to pay tribute to GHW Bush, and offer our thoughts and prayers for his family during this time of grief.
(See full funeral video from CSPAN)
News Story commentary, News article from the Washington Times: Final salute to George H.W. Bush: 'A 21st century founding father'
WH: Presidential Proclamation Announcing the Death of George H.W. Bush.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-proclamation-announcing-death-george-h-w-bush/
It is my sorrowful duty to announce officially the death of George Herbert Walker Bush, the forty-first President of the United States, on November 30, 2018.
President Bush led a great American life, one that combined and personified two of our Nation’s greatest virtues: an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to public service. Our country will greatly miss his inspiring example.
On the day he turned 18, 6 months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, George H.W. Bush volunteered for combat duty in the Second World War. The youngest aviator in United States naval history at the time, he flew 58 combat missions, including one in which, after taking enemy fire, he parachuted from his burning plane into the Pacific Ocean. After the war, he returned home and started a business. In his words, “the big thing” he learned from this endeavor was “the satisfaction of creating jobs.”
The same unselfish spirit that motivated his business pursuits later inspired him to resume the public service he began as a young man. First, as a member of Congress, then as Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the United States Liaison Office in China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President, and finally President of the United States, George H.W. Bush guided our Nation through the Cold War, to its peaceful and victorious end, and into the decades of prosperity that have followed. Through sound judgment, practical wisdom, and steady leadership, President Bush made safer the second half of a tumultuous and dangerous century.
Even with all he accomplished in service to our Nation, President Bush remained humble. He never believed that government — even when under his own leadership — could be the source of our Nation’s strength or its greatness. America, he rightly told us, is illuminated by “a thousand points of light,” “ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique” in which Americans serve Americans to build and maintain the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth. President Bush recognized that these communities of people are the true source of America’s strength and vitality.
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of one of America’s greatest points of light, the death of President George H.W. Bush.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, in honor and tribute to the memory of President George H.W. Bush, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions for a period of 30 days from the day of his death. I also direct that, for the same length of time, the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall make similar arrangements for the display of the flag at half staff over their embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
I hereby order that suitable honors be rendered by units of the Armed Forces under orders of the Secretary of Defense.
I do further appoint December 5, 2018, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President George H.W. Bush. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Related news stories.
Washington Times: Bush's spirit of compassion, duty soared beyond confines of politics.
George H.W. Bush was one of the best-prepared men in history to hold the presidency and forged a reputation as a master of the world stage while in office — but he was also a trailblazing pioneer afterward, as an ex-president who showed life after the White House could be fun.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/dec/2/george-hw-bush-a-trailblazer/
American Spectator: In Memoriam George H.W. Bush, RIP
We’ve lost a good man.
Say what you will, but George H.W. Bush was a politician. But he was also, for lack of a better word as applied to our politics, a patrician. A classy guy, in other words. And so he died late on a Friday, too late to become the day’s story, and when it broke most news outlets had gone to bed and TV news bureaus had to scramble to get something up.
https://spectator.org/george-h-w-bush-rip/
WP: ‘Honorable, gracious and decent’: In death, Bush becomes a yardstick for Trump
For President Trump, the funeral of George H.W. Bush means an uncomfortable encounter with official Washington and his predecessors, some of whom he has publicly insulted.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/honorable-gracious-and-decent-in-death-bush-becomes-a-yardstick-for-president-trump/2018/12/02/a38c3f36-f656-11e8-8d64-4e79db33382f_story.html
WP: Sully, Bush’s service dog, lies by his casket before one last journey with the former president.
The yellow Labrador retriever appeared woebegone, his head slack over his front left paw, his muzzle resting on the ground. Yet he was also steadfast, still keeping watch over George H.W. Bush, the 41st president, who died Friday at his home in Houston.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/12/03/sully-bushs-service-dog-lies-before-his-casket-before-one-last-journey-with-former-president/?utm_term=.5b23f7870c0d
Related stories:
Fox News: George H.W. Bush's service dog 'Sully' isn't a Democrat or Republican -- It's doggone crazy to attack him.
People from around the world are recalling President George H.W. Bush’s many accomplishments and outstanding qualities with words of praise – but one of the most beautiful and moving tributes was a wordless expression of love from his service dog, Sully. Unbelievably, a mean-spirited writer for Slate has chosen to attack this loyal dog.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/george-h-w-bushs-service-dog-sully-isnt-a-democrat-or-republican-its-doggone-crazy-to-attack-him
Related Story: Don’t Spend Your Emotional Energy on Sully H.W. Bush
He’s a service dog who had been with the president for six months, not his lifelong companion.
https://slate.com/human-interest/2018/12/sully-hw-bush-service-dog-george-hw-bush-funeral.html
Editorial note: How gutless and cold Slate Magazine is to publish such trash about a dog!
NYT: World Leaders Praise Bush as a Calm and Vital Statesman.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/01/world/europe/george-bush-global-reaction.html
Quote: " Mikhail Gorbachev, the former president of the Soviet Union, underscored Mr. Bush’s skillful negotiation among the former adversaries of the Cold War. “We had a chance to work together during the years of tremendous changes. It was a dramatic time that demanded great responsibility from everyone,” he told the Interfax news agency. “The result was an end to the Cold War and the nuclear arms race.”
Mr. Gorbachev said Mr. Bush “was a true partner” at the diplomatic table, but above all one who showed kindness to him and to his wife, Raisa."
THE HILL: This week: Lawmakers return to mourn George H.W. Bush.
https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/scheduling/419384-this-week-lawmakers-return-to-mourn-george-hw-bush
"Lawmakers are returning this week as Washington mourns former President George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and head of one of America’s most prominent political families.
"Former President George W. Bush announced his father’s death in a statement Friday night, describing him “as a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for.”
Washington Times: Read my lips: Media's love for George H.W. Bush more about hatred of Donald Trump.
It has been nothing short of miraculous in this new season of Advent to hear all the Hosannas and applause for our recently departed former President George H.W. Bush.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/dec/2/read-my-lips-medias-love-for-george-hw-bush-more-a/
LA Times: Washington prepares for the solemnity and pomp of a state funeral for George H.W. Bush.
It’s been more than a decade since the nation’s capital conducted the grand and solemn ritual of bidding a final farewell to a former president.
https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-bush-state-funeral-20181202-story.html
UN REACTION: George H. W. Bush Served United States with Distinction, Supported United Nations with Dedication, Says Secretary-General in Mourning Fallen Leader.
Press released on 12/ 1/ 18
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19381.doc.htm
The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of former President George Herbert Walker Bush, a leader who served the United States with distinction and supported the United Nations with dedication.
Beginning with his posting as United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1971 and continuing through his appointment as the Secretary‑General’s Special Envoy for the South Asia Earthquake Disaster in 2005, George H. W. Bush worked productively with and through the United Nations.
Across the years I was consistently impressed by his compassion, instinct for moderation and commitment to public service. At this time of loss, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the Government and people of the United States.
🌍WORLD NEWS HEADLINES.
From the UN NEWS SERVICE AND OTHER SOURCES.
COP24: A million lives could be saved by 2050 through climate action, UN health agency reveals.
Taking bold climate action now, could help save a million lives and a lot of money by the middle of the century, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, launching a special report as part of the ongoing COP24 climate conference in Katowice, Poland.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/12/1027661
Syrian civilians must be protected amid ISIL executions and airstrikes: Bachelet.
Reports that violent extremists in Syria have executed civilians in the east of the war-torn country have been condemned by the UN’s top rights official, Michelle Bachelet.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/12/1027641
Millions more migrant workers, means countries lose ‘most productive part’ of workforce.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/12/1027651
Soil pollution ‘jeopardizing’ life on Earth, UN agency warns on World Day.
Soil is a “treasure beneath our feet,” essential to human lives and well-being, a senior United Nations official has highlighted, warning, however, that this invaluable resource is under constant threat from the little-understood phenomenon of soil pollution.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/12/1027681
First Western Sahara talks at UN in six years, begin in Geneva.
Talks have begun at the UN on the future of Western Sahara – the first in years – the Organization announced on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/12/1027691
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Remarks by Vice President Pence at Ceremony Preceding the Lying in State of the Honorable President George Herbert Walker Bush.
Press release dated 12/ 3/ 18
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-vice-president-pence-ceremony-preceding-lying-state-honorable-president-george-herbert-walker-bush/
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Speaker Ryan, Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Leader Pelosi, members of Congress, distinguished guests, but most of all to President George W. Bush, Governor Jeb Bush, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and the entire Bush family.
It is deeply humbling to stand before you today at the beginning of a week in our nation’s capital when we will commemorate and celebrate the lifetime of service and leadership of the 41st President of the United States, President George Herbert Walker Bush.
The Bible tells us to mourn with those who mourn, and grieve with those who grieve. And today, on behalf of the First Family, and my family, and the American people, we offer our deepest sympathies and respects to your family. And we thank you for sharing this special man with our nation and the world.
Today, President Bush becomes the 32nd American to lie in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Soon, Americans from every corner of the country and every walk of life will make their way to this Rotunda to pay the respects of a grateful nation.
On the death of Abner, it is written that King David said, “Do you not realize that a commander and a great man has fallen in Israel this day?” George Herbert Walker Bush was such a man.
While he was known as the “quiet man,” it was not for lack of nerve or daring. For in all of his 94 years, President Bush never lost his love of adventure and he never failed to answer the call to serve his country.
Born into a tradition of public service, George Herbert Walker Bush began his own life of service when he was still in high school. After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, he wanted to do his part, so he enlisted in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday.
On receiving his wings, he became the nation’s youngest naval aviator, and was sent to the South Pacific where his story almost ended. September 1944, on a bombing raid over Chichijima, his aircraft was hit, his engine caught fire, but he still managed to hit his target before bailing out and being rescued by American forces after some four hours at sea.
All told, he flew 58 combat missions, and for his bravery under fire, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Which would have been enough honor for any American life, but George Herbert Walker Bush was just getting started.
After he came home, he staked his claim to a booming post-war America by making a name for himself in the oil business. For four years, he walked these halls as a congressman from Houston. President Nixon took notice of the young Texan and asked him to be our ambassador to the United Nations. He led our Party during a tumultuous time for the presidency.
And after earning the respect of another President, he did the work of a diplomat as the first United States envoy to China, and led the CIA.
And then, for eight years, George Herbert Walker Bush served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States. I’m told, as he was preparing to become Vice President, he once joked about the job, saying that there was, quote, “nothing substantive to do at all.”
But as history records, during those years he set the standard as a sound counselor and loyal advisor to an outsider who came to Washington, D.C. to shake things up, to cut taxes, rebuild the military. And together, they did just that.
And then, in 1988, he made history again when George Herbert Walker Bush was elected in a landslide as the 41st President of the United States of America, becoming the first sitting Vice President to win the presidency in more than 150 years of our history.
He served during an uncertain time in the world, made momentous by his leadership. President Bush oversaw the fall of the Soviet Union, the crumbling of the Berlin Wall, and under his leadership, America won the Cold War. He took our nation to war to repel aggression in the Persian Gulf and, through his leadership as Commander-in-Chief and the brilliance of our armed forces, the United States won a decisive victory.
When President George Herbert Walker Bush left office, he left America and the world more peaceful, prosperous, and secure.
President Bush was a great leader who made a great difference in the life of this nation. But he was also just a good man who was devoted to his wife, his family, and his friends.
I was lucky enough to meet him in 1988 when he was Vice President and I was a 29-year-old just getting started in politics. Then, as always, I was struck by his approachability. There was a kindness about the man that was evident to everyone who ever met him. All his years in public service were characterized by kindness, modesty, and patriotism.
He was so modest in fact, that he never wrote an autobiography. But he did leave a record of his life and in the thousands of letters that he wrote.
I’m told that he started writing letters to his parents when he was 18 years old, and over time his circle of correspondence grew to include family, friends, advisers, staff, business associates, former Presidents, and just about anyone who would take the trouble to write him.
After a lifetime of writing letters, my son got one just not too long ago. As I told two of his sons this weekend, when our son made his first tailhook landing as a Marine aviator on the U.S.S. George Herbert Walker Bush, I took the liberty of writing that ship’s namesake to ask for a small favor.
I didn’t write to him as a Vice President to a former President, I just wrote as a proud dad of a Marine aviator to a former Navy pilot. I asked him to sign a picture of the flight deck that I could give to my son.
Now, we were told by the staff that the President had long since ended the practice of signing autographs, and we understood that. But little to my surprise, just in time for my son’s winging, there came not only a signed photograph, but, of course, a letter, hand-signed as well — August 2018. In that letter, President Bush wrote to my son, in his words, “Congratulations on receiving your ‘wings of gold.’ I know how proud you and your family are at this moment.”
And then in words that assured us that the letter came directly from him, he wrote, quote, “Though we have not met, I share the pride your father has for you during this momentous occasion. And I wish you many CAVU days ahead. All the best, G Bush.”
I would come to learn that that acronym, CAVU for short, is a term Navy pilots have used since World War II. It stands for Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited.
President Bush described CAVU, in his words, as “the kind of weather we Navy pilots wanted when we were to fly off our carrier in the Pacific.” And he once wrote a letter to his children saying that CAVU, in his words, “describes my own life as it has been over the years, as it is right now.” Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited.
You know, that may well describe the essence of this man. And it may well have been his vision. The vision he had for his life, for his children, his children’s children, and his country: no barriers, no boundaries, no limits.
So we mourn with those who mourn and grieve with those who grieve, but we do not grieve like those who have no hope for President George Herbert Walker Bush had that hope.
His faith sustained him throughout his life of service. And we pray that faith will be a source of comfort for all those who mourn the loss of this good man and great American.
President George Herbert Walker Bush loved his family and he served his country. His example will always inspire and his lifetime of service will be enshrined in the hearts of the American people forever.
May God bless the memory of the George Herbert Walker Bush. May God comfort his family and friends. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.
( Watch CSPAN coverage of President GHW Bush funeral in Huston Texas)
Our Congressional Delegation response to the death of GHW Bush:
Senator Murray Statement on the Funeral of President George H.W. Bush.
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E6AF07D0-7A37-4C3C-806F-539CB0795067
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, after attending the state funeral for former U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement:
“From his courageous sacrifice as a Navy pilot during World War II, to his landmark advocacy for people with disabilities, to his dedication to giving back through his Points of Light Foundation, President Bush lived his life as a testament to the enduring values of public service and putting your country before yourself.
“As people in Washington state and around the globe mourn the passing of our nation’s former leader—one of the last of our ‘greatest generation’—I too send my thoughts and condolences to the Bush family and urge all of us to aspire to the dignity, civility, and service that President Bush modeled throughout his long, remarkable life.”
Cantwell Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-the-passing-of-president-george-hw-bush
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement on the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush:
“From his service in World War II to his work navigating the end of the Cold War, President George H.W. Bush dedicated more than 70 years of his life to our country and to trying to make the world a better place. Countless Americans have been inspired by his leadership, grace, and kindness. My thoughts are with the entire Bush family.”
Note: Congressman Kilmer had no statement posted on his webpage.
In more world news headlines:
A safer, more dignified journey for all migrants, tops agenda at global conference in Marrakech.
Top politicians and officials from across the world will gather in Marrakech, Morocco this weekend, ahead of a major conference convened by the UN, to formally adopt an all-inclusive, extensive global agreement aimed at making migration safer, and more dignified for all.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/12/1027671
Yemen war: UN-backed talks to silence the guns begin in Sweden
Highly anticipated UN-brokered consultations about substantive talks which could lead to an end to more than three years of brutal conflict across Yemen, have begun in Sweden. Brutal fighting has left the Middle East nation divided between Government and rebel forces, with millions on the brink of famine, and the economy and society in ruins.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/12/1027801
From the US Mission to the UN:
Remarks at a UN Security Council Open Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Peace, Security, and Stability.
Quote: " Mr. President, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentleman, today, the American people mourn the loss of President George H.W. Bush, the forty-first President of the United States of America. We thank the Security Council, the many delegations, and colleagues who have offered their condolences since his passing. Allow me to make a short statement now in his memory.
President Bush exemplified a fearless sense of duty to his nation through his lifelong commitment to public service. On his eighteenth birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his nation. From his time as a Member of the Congress, U.S. Ambassador to China, Director of Central Intelligence, and as President of the United States, he guided our nation to peace and prosperity. He also shaped a freer, safer world, including with the United Nations as Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special Envoy for South Asia Earthquake Disaster, and in this very Council as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, where he worked selflessly to defend justice and promote peace.
On a personal note, I had the honor and privilege to work for President Bush. He was the first sitting president of my country that I met personally, for the first time here at the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in 1991, twenty-seven years ago. He made an indelible impression as a man of great decency and great dignity. And he left a legacy of towering foreign policy achievements. We honor the legacy of President Bush. His unwavering commitment to public service and his accomplishments in both war and peace will continue to inspire generations to come."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8821
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the United Nations Investigative Team for Accountability of Da'esh / ISIL (UNITAD)
" Thank you, Mr. President. And let me also repeat in the open chamber our congratulations to Côte d’Ivoire on assuming the presidency of the Council and our thanks and congratulations to China for the excellent job they did in November with the presidency. Mr. President – Special Adviser Khan, congratulations on your appointment, and thank you for being here in person today to brief the Security Council for the first time. The United States looks forward to working closely with you to fulfill UNITAD’s critical mandate."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8820
Ambassador Haley on Iran’s Latest Violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8819
US STATE DEPT: On the Passing of President George H. W. Bush
Secretary Pompeo (Twitter): "Our American flag in Argentina flies at half staff in honor of President Bush. I’m privileged to have known him as a friend, and I will always treasure the special bond we shared having led the world’s finest intelligence service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family.
https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/12/287719.htm
Department Briefing on Syria
Dec. 3: The Secretary’s Special Representative for Syria Engagement Ambassador James Jeffrey delivered remarks to the media on the results of the Syria Small Group meetings with envoys from the U.K, France, Germany, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/12/287752.htm
🌏PAGE 3: NATIONAL NEWS🌎
President Donald J. Trump Champions Economic Growth and Prosperity at the G20 Summit---White House fact sheet.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-champions-economic-growth-prosperity-g20-summit/
PROMOTING GROWTH AND PROSPERITY: President Donald J. Trump championed the successes of his pro-growth agenda at this year’s G20 Summit.
President Trump used the G20 Summit as an opportunity to reiterate his commitment to promoting economic growth and prosperity both domestically and across the world.
At the G20, President Trump highlighted the Administration’s successes in achieving historic tax cuts, cutting regulations, and promoting workforce development.
President Trump’s economic policies have resulted in the United States seeing historically low unemployment and strong economic growth.
The President encouraged other countries to follow this path to promote economic growth and prosperity for citizens worldwide.
President Trump urged leaders to invest in job training and workforce reskilling to meet the needs of high-demand industries.
President Trump also addressed the need to promote economic opportunities for women around the world.
ACHIEVING FREE AND BALANCED TRADE: President Trump is working with world leaders to advance free, fair, and reciprocal trade.
President Trump seeks to advance a global economic system that is based on fair economic competition and free, fair, and reciprocal trade.
The President is working with other leaders to fight unfair trade practices.
At the Summit, the President officially signed the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) – the largest, most advanced, and most balanced trade deal in our history.
Once implemented, the USMCA will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
The Agreement will make North America the most competitive free, fair, and reciprocal trading bloc in the world.
In addition, President Trump met with many world leaders about securing fair market access for United States goods and services through bilateral trade deals.
INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY: President Trump is promoting the development of quality infrastructure and energy investment.
President Trump understands that modern infrastructure is a critical component of achieving economic growth.
During the G20, the President highlighted the need for transparent and accountable infrastructure finance.
Such finance will support the development of high-standard, quality infrastructure that does not deepen the debt of developing countries.
Last month, President Trump signed the BUILD Act to reform, expand, and modernize our country’s development finance tools to spur private-sector led development.
The President also secured G20 recognition of the role all sources of energy play in economic growth, energy security, and energy access, while supporting a healthy environment.
More Tributes to George H W Bush:
DOD: America Bids Goodbye to President George H.W. Bush
WASHINGTON --
Eulogies hailed former President George Herbert Walker Bush as both a great and a good man at a state funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral here today
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1705936/america-bids-goodbye-to-president-george-hw-bush/
DOJ: Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker Statement on the National Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush
Today, Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker issued the following statement on the National Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush:
"President George H.W. Bush was a patriot who dedicated his life to serving this great nation," Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said. "As President, he was a strong supporter of law enforcement and helped to lay the foundation for almost three decades of declining crime in America. This was an historic achievement that changed millions of American lives. For me personally, he was the first presidential candidate that I ever voted for. His example has always been an inspiration to me--and it always will. This Department of Justice is determined to continue his legacy of supporting law enforcement officers and protecting the right to be safe. President Bush’s memory will live on, not just in the history books, but in the hearts of a grateful nation. "
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/acting-attorney-general-matthew-whitaker-statement-national-day-mourning-president-george-hw
Dept. of Education:
Secretary DeVos Mourns the Loss of President George H.W. Bush
Washington, D.C.— U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released the following statement on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush:
"My heart and prayers are with the Bush family at this time of great loss. George H.W. Bush's gentle approach called us to the greater good, and his strong example over the years inspired many, me among them, to enter public service.
"Perhaps never has a citizen given his life to service of country in a more noble and unassuming way than he did. He first answered the call of duty in the wake of Pearl Harbor, and America benefited from his service for the eight remarkable decades that followed.
"Despite reaching our Nation's highest office, his story was never of himself. He'd tell you of his love for Bar, how proud he was of his children and how enamored he was by his grandchildren, because George H.W. Bush cared about people more than anything else. His dedication to others and his love for country are why he and his family worked so tirelessly to improve educational opportunities, especially expanding the power of literacy, for all.
"As we mourn, we take comfort in knowing that America now has a 1,001st point of light shining down from the Heavens on us. We thank God for sharing George and Barbara Bush with us for so many wonderful years."
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-mourns-loss-president-george-hw-bush
BBC: George HW Bush: Four ways his funeral was different.
On a chilly day in December, friends, family, officials and dignitaries gathered at the Washington National Cathedral to memorialise President George HW Bush.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46449637
The Daily Signal: ‘Mission Complete’: Funeral Recalls George H.W. Bush’s Service to God, Family, Country.
During a moving and sometimes humorous eulogy, the younger Bush spoke of the family’s loss of his sister Robin, who died at 3 years old, as well as his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush, who died in April in the 73rd year of the couple’s marriage.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2018/12/05/mission-complete-funeral-recalls-george-h-w-bushs-service-to-god-family-country/
🌍PAGE 4🌏
DOJ: Medical Device Maker ev3 to Plead Guilty and Pay $17.9 Million for Distributing Adulterated Device; Covidien Paid $13 Million to Resolve Civil Liability for Second Device.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/medical-device-maker-ev3-plead-guilty-and-pay-179-million-distributing-adulterated-device
Minnesota-based medical device manufacturer ev3 Inc. has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to its neurovascular medical device, Onyx Liquid Embolic System, and pay $17.9 million, the Department of Justice announced today. Covidien LP, whose parent acquired ev3, separately paid $13 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations resulting from its alleged payment of kickbacks in connection with another medical device, the Solitaire mechanical thrombectomy device.
“The Department of Justice will hold corporations accountable when they violate laws designed to protect consumers and protect public funds,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “This resolution demonstrates the Department’s continued commitment to protect taxpayer dollars and deter companies from putting profits before patient safety.”
Pursuant to a criminal information filed today in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, ev3 will plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge in connection with the company’s distribution of adulterated Onyx, in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. As part of the criminal resolution, ev3 will pay a criminal fine of $11.9 million and will forfeit $6 million.
According to the plea agreement, Onyx was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a liquid embolization device that is surgically injected into blood vessels to block blood flow to arteriovenous malformations in the brain. The FDA has approved Onyx only for use inside the brain. Despite the FDA’s limited approval of Onyx, from 2005 to 2009, ev3 sales representatives encouraged surgeons to use Onyx in large quantities for unproven and potentially dangerous surgical uses outside the brain. The company’s sales force continued to tout unapproved and potentially dangerous uses of Onyx even after FDA officials told ev3 executives that they had specific safety concerns regarding uses of Onyx outside the brain at a 2008 meeting. FDA officials told ev3 executives that a study would be required to gain approval for uses of Onyx outside the brain and to ensure that the benefits of the device outweighed the risks.
Rather than conduct a study to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Onyx for uses outside the brain, ev3’s sales representatives sometimes attended surgical procedures and provided explicit instructions to surgeons regarding how to use Onyx for unapproved surgical procedures outside the brain, including in quantities far larger than what would be used in the brain. According to the criminal information, ev3’s management also set-up a system of sales quotas and bonuses that incentivized sales representatives to sell Onyx for unapproved uses and trained the sales force how to instruct physicians on unapproved uses of the device.
Covidien acquired ev3 in 2010, subsequent to the course of criminal conduct covered by the plea agreement. Covidien was acquired by Medtronic in 2015. Although Medtronic played no role in the criminal conduct, the company has agreed as part of the ev3 criminal resolution to implement new compensation structures to ensure the sales force responsible for marketing Onyx is not incentivized to sell the device for unapproved uses. Medtronic has also agreed to conduct compliance monitoring related to the Onyx sales and marketing components.
“ev3 disregarded laws designed to protect patient safety,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling for the District of Massachusetts. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting patients and the integrity of federal health care programs, and we will continue to use our criminal authority to ensure that medical device manufacturers play by the rules that protect the public and ensure quality of care.”
“Unnecessarily putting patients at risk to increase profits, as the government alleged in this case, will not be tolerated,” said Christian J. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to work with our federal partners and hold accountable companies that use deceptive practices to increase their bottom line.”
“Consumers rely on the FDA to ensure that there’s a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for the approved uses of medical devices. When manufacturers ignore the FDA’s regulatory authority, they undermine these crucial assurances and put lives at risk. Our Office of Criminal Investigations investigated a bad actor who marketed their device for unapproved uses, potentially harming patients,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “The ev3 agreement to plead guilty announced by the U.S. Department of Justice today is an example of the FDA’s comprehensive commitment to ensuring the safety of medical devices and investigating companies that put patients at risk. A key part of our overall efforts to promote safe and effective innovation and protect patients is our enforcement work related to unsafe practices and bad actors. In addition to investigating such activities, we’re advancing other new policies to assure post-market device safety, as we recently outlined in our Medical Device Safety Action Plan. The FDA is also committed to fully implementing a new active surveillance system that will enable the agency to harness real-world evidence from medical records and patient registries to more swiftly identify device safety issues and enable more informed decision-making.”
Covidien separately has agreed to pay $13 million to resolve its civil liability for allegedly paying kickbacks to induce the use of its Solitaire mechanical thrombectomy device. The Solitaire device is intended to restore blood flow and retrieve a blood clot in certain stroke patients.
The United States alleged that Covidien caused false claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid by paying kickbacks to hospitals and institutions to induce them to use Covidien’s Solitaire device. Specifically, the United States alleged that after receiving FDA clearance for the Solitaire device, Covidien launched a registry to pay hospitals and institutions to collect data about user experiences with the device. For about two years beginning in August 2014, Covidien paid a fee to hospitals and institutions that participated in a registry each time they used a new Solitaire device and reported certain clinical data about their practices for treating stroke patients to Covidien. Covidien solicited certain hospitals and institutions for the registry in order to convert their business from the competitor’s product and/or persuade them to continue using Covidien products, and knowingly and willfully used the registry as a means of increasing device sales.
The civil lawsuit was filed by Jeffrey Faatz, who worked for Covidien from 2012 to 2014, under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The Act allows private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Faatz will receive $2,015,000. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Doe v. Covidien PLC et al., Civil Action No. 8:15-cv-01796 AG (JCGx) (C.D. Cal.).
“Illegal kickbacks bring fraud and abuse into the Medicare system,” said U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna for the Central District of California. “As part of an aggressive marketing campaign for its medical device, Covidien allegedly found a way to subsidize facilities that agreed to use its product – often convincing them not to use devices sold by another manufacturer. Patients deserve to know that their medical providers are offering the best possible treatments and are not making decisions based on increasing the bottom line for health care providers.”
The plea agreement was the result of a coordinated effort among the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, with assistance from the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel. The criminal investigation was conducted by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, HHS’s Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
The civil settlement was the result of an investigation by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, and the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The False Claims Act claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, the Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and their enforcement efforts, visit their websites at
www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch and
www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section.
More national headlines...
USGS Identifies Largest Continuous Oil and Gas Resource Potential Ever Assessed
Estimates Include 46.3 Billion Barrels of Oil, 281 Trillion Cubic feet of Natural Gas, and 20 Billion Barrels of Natural Gas Liquids in Texas and New Mexico’s Wolfcamp Shale and Bone Spring Formation.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/usgs-identifies-largest-continuous-oil-and-gas-resource-potential-ever-assessed
CDC: Decline Stalls: 58 Million Americans Still Exposed to Secondhand Smoke.
Progress in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke among U.S. nonsmokers has stalled in recent years, despite longstanding declines over the past three decades.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p1206-secondhand-smoke.html
HUD AWARDS $23 MILLION TO FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded more than $23 million to nearly 80 fair housing organizations working to protect consumers from housing discrimination. Provided through HUD's Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI), these grants offer a range of assistance to the nationwide network of fair housing organizations so they can carry out testing and enforcement activities.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_142
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on FDA’s new strategic framework to advance use of real-world evidence to support development of drugs and biologics.
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm627760.htm
EPA Superfund Site cleanup reviews protect health and environment at four Rhode Island sites.
Boston – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed comprehensive reviews of site cleanups at four National Priorities List Sites (Superfund Sites) in Rhode Island, including one federal facility, by performing required Five-Year Reviews of each site. Under the Trump Administration, the Superfund program has reemerged as a priority to fulfill the Agency’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-superfund-site-cleanup-reviews-protect-health-and-environment-four-rhode-island
📈PAGE 5: BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS💳
IRS: Security Summit warns employers: Be alert to identity theft and W-2 scams.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit-warns-employers-be-alert-to-identity-theft-and-w-2-scams
WASHINGTON – As the 2019 tax season approaches, the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry joined together to warn small businesses to be on-guard against a growing wave of identity theft and W-2 scams.
Small business identity theft is big business for identity thieves. Just like individuals, businesses may have their identities stolen and their sensitive information used to open credit card accounts or used to file fraudulent tax returns for bogus refunds. Employers also hold sensitive tax data on employees, such as Form W-2 data, which also is highly valued by identity thieves.
“Identity theft can be devastating to small businesses, and the IRS continues to see instances where cybercriminals are targeting these groups to obtain sensitive employee information that can be used to file fake tax returns,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “And as tax season approaches, the IRS and the Security Summit partners continue to warn employers to be on the lookout for emails asking for sensitive W-2 information, a dangerous scheme aimed at payroll and human resource offices. We encourage small businesses and others to follow some important steps to help protect themselves and their employees.”
The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax community, partners in the Security Summit, are marking “National Tax Security Awareness Week,” Dec. 3-7, with a series of reminders to taxpayers and tax professionals. In part four, the topic is business-related identity theft and scams.
Identity thieves have long made use of stolen Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) to create fake Forms W-2 that they would file with fraudulent individual tax returns. Fraudsters also used EINs to open new lines of credit or obtain credit cards. Now, they are using company names and EINs to file fraudulent returns.
The IRS has identified an increase in the number of fraudulent Forms 1120, 1120S and 1041 as well as Schedules K-1. The fraudulent filings apply to partnerships as well as estate and trust forms.
Businesses, partnerships and estate and trust filers should be alert to potential identity theft and contact the IRS if they experience any of these issues:
Extension to file requests are rejected because a return with the Employer Identification Number or Social Security number is already on file;
An e-filed return is rejected because a duplicate EIN/SSN is already on file with the IRS;
An unexpected receipt of a tax transcript or IRS notice that doesn’t correspond to anything submitted by the filer.
Failure to receive expected and routine correspondence from the IRS because the thief has changed the address.
Complete trusted customer questions
The IRS, state tax agencies and software providers also share certain data points from returns, including business returns, that help identify a suspicious filing. The IRS and states also are asking that business and tax practitioners provide additional information that will help verify the legitimacy of the tax return.
These “know your customer” procedures are being put in place and include the following questions:
The name and SSN of the company executive authorized to sign the corporate tax return. Is this person authorized to sign the return?
Payment history – Were estimated tax payments made? If yes, when were they made, how were they made and how much was paid?
Parent company information – Is there a parent company? If yes, who?
Additional information based on deductions claimed.
Filing history – Has the business filed Form(s) 940, 941 or other business-related tax forms?
Sole proprietorships that file Schedule C and partnerships filing Schedule K-1 with Form 1040 also will be asked to provide additional information items, such as a driver’s license number. Providing this information will help the IRS and states identify suspicious business-related returns.
For small businesses looking for a place to start on security, the Federal Trade Commission maintains a Protecting Small Business page which includes a series on cybersecurity and a Cybersecurity for Small Business publication. This is a cooperative effort between the FTC, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Homeland Security and the Small Business Administration.
Guard against W-2 scam
All employers – in both the public and private sectors – also are targets for the W-2 scam that has in recent years become one of the more dangerous email scams for tax administration. These emails appear to be from an executive or organization leader to a payroll or human resources employee. It may start with a simple, “Hey, you in today?” and, by the end of the exchange, all of an organization’s Forms W-2 for their employees may be in the hands of cybercriminals. This puts workers at risk for tax-related identity theft.
Because payroll officials believe they are corresponding with an executive, it may take weeks for someone to realize a data theft has occurred. Generally, the criminals are trying to quickly take advantage of their theft, sometimes filing fraudulent tax returns within a day or two. This scam is such a threat to taxpayers that a special IRS reporting process has been established.
Here’s an abbreviated list of how to report these schemes:
Email
dataloss@irs.gov to notify the IRS of a W-2 data loss and provide contact information. In the subject line, type “W2 Data Loss” so that the email can be routed properly. Do not attach any employee personally identifiable information data.
Email the Federation of Tax Administrators at
StateAlert@taxadmin.org to get information on how to report victim information to the states.
Businesses/payroll service providers should file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov). Businesses/payroll service providers may be asked to file a report with their local law enforcement agency.
Notify employees so they may take steps to protect themselves from identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission’s www.identitytheft.gov provides guidance on general steps employees should take.
Forward the scam email to
phishing@irs.gov.
Employers are urged to put steps and protocols in place for the sharing of sensitive employee information such as Forms W-2. One example would be to have two people review any distribution of sensitive W-2 data or wire transfers. Another example would be to require a verbal confirmation before emailing W-2 data. Employers also are urged to educate their payroll or human resources departments about these scams.
The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry are committed to working together to fight against tax-related identity theft and to protect taxpayers. But the Security Summit needs help. People can take steps to protect themselves online.
Taxpayers can visit the “Taxes. Security. Together.” awareness campaign or review IRS Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers, for additional steps to protect themselves and their data from identity theft. Tax professionals can get more information through the Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself campaign as well as the Tax Security 101 series.
💸More Business & Finance news:
US Chamber of Commerce: Hope and Help for California
In recent weeks, communities in Northern and Southern California were ravaged by wildfires. The Camp Fire in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains was the most devastating fire in this country in a century, burning the entire town of Paradise to the ground. The Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce was one of more than 4,200 buildings destroyed. Yet in the aftermath of the blaze, local business and community leaders vowed to rebuild.
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/hope-and-help-california
U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ACOSTA STATEMENT REGARDING NATIONAL MINERS DAY.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta released the following statement regarding National Miners Day:
"On National Miners Day, Americans honor miners for their tremendous skill, expertise, and dedication. In nearly 13,000 mines across our nation, America's miners leverage our natural resources to power our nation and manufacture products that improve our lives. Mining provides good, family-sustaining careers for the American people. At the Department of Labor, we work each day to ensure miners work in a safe and healthy environment so that they can return safely to their families at the end of each shift."
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20181206
USDA: U.S. Beef Gains New Market Access in Morocco.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2018 – U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the government of Morocco has agreed to allow imports of U.S. beef and beef products into Morocco. 2018 is the first year that U.S. beef and poultry exporters have access to Morocco’s market under the terms of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Morocco opened its market to U.S. poultry in August, 2018.
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2018/12/06/us-beef-gains-new-market-access-morocco
FTC Charges Executive Whose Company Owns New York Knicks, New York Rangers with Violations of U.S. Premerger Notification Requirements
To settle charges, Madison Square Garden Company Executive Chairman James L. Dolan will pay $609,810 in civil penalties
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/12/ftc-charges-executive-whose-company-owns-new-york-knicks-new-york
US TREASURY DEPT: Report to President Trump on Reforming America’s Healthcare System Through Choice and Competition.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm564
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Announces Minority Business Development Agency Grant Awards
Minority Business Development Agency Issuing $13 Million in Grants through Broad Agency Announcement
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/11/us-secretary-commerce-announces-minority-business-development-agency
THE FED: Agencies seek public comment on proposal to raise appraisal exemption threshold for residential real estate transactions.
The three federal banking agencies announced they are seeking public comment on a proposal to raise the threshold for residential real estate transactions requiring an appraisal from $250,000 to $400,000. The appraisal threshold has remained unchanged since 1994, and the agencies believe an increase would provide burden relief without posing a threat to the safety and soundness of financial institutions.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20181204a.htm
🌎PAGE 6: News from our congressional delegation to D. C.🌎
TROOPS AT SOUTHERN U.S. BORDER: Senator Murray and Colleagues Slam Trump Administration’s Decision to Extend Deployment Through January, Urge Secretary Mattis to Reverse Course Immediately.
Press release issued 12/ 7/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=EEBA71E0-5E48-4705-BEE5-57B00AC8D6A8
Washington, D.C. – Led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), today a group of senators sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, urging the Department to reconsider its decision to extend the deployment of active duty service members currently stationed at the U.S. southern border. Joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), the letter follows Senators Murray and Schatz’s previous request to Secretary Mattis to end the deployment of U.S. troops at the border and allow them to return to their home base for the holidays, as the Trump administration has thus far failed to establish that asylum seekers traveling to the southern U.S. border pose a threat to national security. In their letter, the senators raised several questions and concerns regarding the deployment that the White House still has not answered, and urged the Secretary—absent justification and substantial transparency—to deny any extension of orders for troops on the southern U.S. border.
Letter as written:
Dear Secretary Mattis:
We are writing to express deep concern over the extended deployment of active duty military to the U.S. southern border, and strongly urge you to reconsider your approval to extend the orders. On November 30, the Department of Homeland Security sent a request to extend the deployment of 4,000 of the currently 5,900 deployed active duty troops for an additional 45 days through January 31, 2019. On December 4, the Defense Department confirmed it would support the request. As a country, we call on our troops frequently to sacrifice in defense of our freedoms, which they do willingly and selflessly. As you know better than most, the decision to deploy the military comes with the responsibility to be judicious and ethical when we make those requests. In this case the White House’s decision does not live up to that obligation and seems designed to stoke fear about those seeking asylum in our country.
Many of us have previously detailed our concern with this deployment and use of active duty forces. The administration’s rationale for deploying troops was to evoke fear and xenophobia and does not serve a genuine national security purpose. Continuing to rely on active duty troops militarizes the border and normalizes the deployment of active duty forces domestically – a dangerous precedent for any democracy.
We would like to raise three specific aspects of the deployment that should worry all those who are invested in the readiness of our military, its professional use, and the need to keep a bright-line distinction between military and law enforcement.
First, we have seen no justification for the extension of the orders. The Trump administration has presented no evidence to suggest asylum seekers pose a national security threat to the nation. In fact, the Department’s own assessment does not show a high risk of violence. There are other steps that can be taken to support U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent processing of asylum seekers in an orderly and lawful way that does not involve active duty servicemembers.
The Department has yet to detail a desired end-state and specify what conditions will allow these troops to return home. The majority of the points asked to be hardened have been completed; there has not been a request to leave concertina wire in place, suggesting that these obstacles were never operationally necessary; and the troops still lack authorities to perform the duties most needed by CBP, which is expedited processing at the border. We are also concerned that a plan for rotating forces, while an improvement for the families and individuals who will not have to remain at the border more than 45 days, would allow for the deployments to continue indefinitely by neutralizing concerns over individual deployment lengths. We request a clear end-state that can be met and will ensure service members return home.
Second, we remain concerned with the expansion of rules of use of force. On November 21, 2018, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly signed a cabinet order allowing the Department of Defense to expand its rules for use of force beyond what, reportedly, you or Department of Homeland Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen thought was necessary or appropriate. The fact that the rules were expanded at the insistence of political figures in the White House, rather than based on the professional military judgment of Department leaders, is inappropriate and unacceptable.
Without a basis in the tactical situation and coming dangerously close to violating the Posse Comitatus Act, authorizing use of lethal force to protect CBP agents, crowd control, temporary detention and cursory search, this expansion will inevitably force soldiers and Marines into compromised situations. As with the extension, there has been no justification supported by evidence or intelligence for why these authorities have been expanded. Media reports suggest these authorities were part of the initial DHS request for assistance in October and were rejected by your office then. We are deeply concerned that a legitimate or substantiated rationale has not been provided for the expansion, especially in conjunction with the extension of the deployment. We request a detailed justification for the expansion of rules of use of force.
Finally, we still have not received an adequate answer to justify the use of active duty forces. There are currently approximately 2,100 National Guard troops serving on the border in California, Arizona, and Texas with 4,000 authorized. There has been no justification provided by either the Departments of Defense or Homeland Security as to why active duty troops were deployed. Further, if hardening points along the border is an immediate concern worthy of active duty support, it is unclear why the National Guard units already there have not been asked to support these tasks when they possess the capacity to do so. The lack of justification for the use of Title 10 instead of Title 32 remains concerning and suggests, again, this deployment is less about the mission than it is about the optics of crisis the presence of active duty forces creates.
Our concern remains that this politically motivated mission is inappropriate and must be ended. It has the potential to normalize and create ambiguity surrounding the deployment of active duty forces domestically, something we believe should be refused in all but the most necessary situations of existential threat; it will blur the line between military and law enforcement duties; and it risks breaking the trust of those soldiers and Marines whose professionalism is being manipulated for domestic political purposes inevitably putting them in situations where any decision is legally or morally fraught.
Absent justification and substantial transparency, the extension of orders must be rescinded.
We appreciate your prompt attention to our letter and look forward to your response not later than December 20, 2018.
In other Congressional Delegation News:
TRANSPORTATION: Senators Murray, Cantwell Announce Significant Federal Investment in Critical Eastern Washington Rail System.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today announced a major new federal investment in the Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) Rail System. Awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD program (formerly known as TIGER), the grant, totaling more than $5.6 million, was awarded to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Rural Rail Rehabilitation project, and will support critical improvements to key sections of the 298-mile rail system—including replacing or rehabilitating 10 bridges, replacing 4.6 miles of rail, and rehabilitating 20.8 miles of track.
“This major investment will help ensure Eastern Washington’s agricultural community has access to efficient and reliable transportation to our state’s ports and other markets, allowing them to remain competitive while also supporting local jobs and enhancing economic development in our rural communities,” said Senator Murray. “This is great news for Eastern Washington, and I will continue working in Congress to champion this investment program and make sure vital projects like improving the PCC rail system remain a top priority in the other Washington.”
“The repairs and upgrades funded by this grant will help Washington’s farmers get their world renowned products to global markets quickly and efficiently,” said Senator Cantwell.
“Agriculture is a vital economic driver in eastern Washington and a viable rail system to transport their products allows growers to remain competitive in the global marketplace. This federal investment supports the collaborative spirit we’ve developed that brings together farmers, shippers, communities, and the state to upgrade the state-owned short-line railroad and advance economic vitality in the region,” said WSDOT Secretary Roger Millar.
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D39DE28D-E03E-4A94-8D2B-207C4A9550EA
SPOKANE: Senators Murray, Cantwell Applaud Major Federal Investment in Geiger Boulevard Infrastructure Project.
Grant awarded through Department of Transportation’s BUILD program—formerly known as TIGER, and created by Senator Murray in 2009.
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2D3CE0B1-7102-401E-8054-2EB8B536CF6A
Cantwell-Cosponsored Legislation to Improve Response to Missing, Murdered Native Women and Girls Passes Senate
According to new report, Seattle leads country in total number of murdered Native women, Tacoma highest number of missing individuals
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-cantwell-cosponsored-legislation-to-improve-response-to-missing-murdered-native-women-and-girls-passes-senate
Cantwell, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call on Secretary Perry to Stop Unnecessary Delays over Weatherization Assistance Program Funding.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-cantwell-bipartisan-group-of-senators-call-on-secretary-perry-to-stop-unnecessary-delays-over-weatherization-assistance-program-funding
Cantwell, Murray, Colleagues Urge Department of Justice to Investigate Decision-Making Process for Epstein Case
According to a new Miami Herald investigation, Jeffrey Epstein was given “the deal of a lifetime” in 2007 when he and then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta entered a non-prosecution agreement.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-colleagues-urge-department-of-justice-to-investigate-decision-making-process-for-epstein-case
🌎PAGE 7: STATE NEWS HEADLINES & LOCAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS.🌎
Inslee statement on new Washington State Labor Council leadership.
Gov. Jay Inslee today issued a statement on the appointment of Larry Brown as president of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO and April Sims as secretary treasurer.
“I offer my congratulations to Larry who is known to Washingtonians for his work on behalf of Boeing machinists and as a strong leader in our state's community college system. I congratulate April on her new role and know that she has spent her career in the labor movement as an advocate for workers.
"These leaders have already demonstrated their strong commitment to workers, social justice and shared economic growth. I look forward to working with both of them and their members to continue to strengthen, grow and develop Washington as a place that works for everyone.
“I thank Jeff Johnson for his years of dedicated service at WSLC, including his effective and strong tenure as president. I wish him the very best in his much-deserved retirement, and I know that Larry and April will continue to build on his efforts that have helped make Washington a great place for workers.”
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-new-washington-state-labor-council-leadership
Inslee appoints Paul Thompson to Snohomish Superior Court.
Gov. Jay Inslee today appointed Paul Thompson to Snohomish Superior Court. He replaces Judge Ellen Fair who is retiring at the end of the year.
Thompson has spent the past 11 years serving as an attorney at the Snohomish County Public Defender Association. During his time at the Association, he served as a trial attorney for eight years and as misdemeanor supervisor for nearly three years.
Thompson has also worked as counsel for Defense of Chelan County where he represented clients charged with offenses in both the superior and district courts. He began his career as a legal intern in Spokane.
He is also the president of the Washington Defender Association and a board member for the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
“Paul is highly regarded by those who know him and have worked with him. His even and professional temperament, and his sense of justice, will be a fine addition to the Snohomish County bench," Inslee said.
Thompson received his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Washington University.
His appointment is effective January 2019.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-appoints-paul-thompson-snohomish-superior-court
AG FERGUSON’S INITIATIVE TO END NO-POACH CLAUSES NATIONWIDE CONTINUES WITH FIVE ADDITIONAL CHAINS.
Batteries Plus Bulbs, Comfort Keepers, Edible Arrangements, La Quinta and Merry Maids join 34 others to end restrictions on workers nationwide.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-s-initiative-end-no-poach-clauses-nationwide-continues-five
Department of Commerce releases updated buildable lands guidelines.
Extensive stakeholder process results in improved guidance, new tools for addressing current growth management challenges in some western Washington counties.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-programs-facilities/department-of-commerce-releases-updated-buildable-lands-guidelines/
Conference provided opportunities for communities to learn more about Opportunity Zones.
Thank you to everyone who made the Washington State Opportunity Zone Conference a huge success! Over 250 people attended the event, which was held in Seattle on Nov. 15 and hosted by Washington State Department of Commerce, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the National Development Council (NDC).
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/growing-the-economy/conference-offered-opportunities-for-communities-to-learn-more-about-opportunity-zones/
New water bank opens in Skagit County
Ecology, county partner on mitigation for homes near Nookachamps Creek.
MOUNT VERNON – A new water bank will provide a legal right to water for nearly 100 homes along Nookachamps Creek, a tributary of the Skagit River, while protecting streamflows.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/Dec-7-New-water-bank
Premium collection for Paid Family and Medical Leave program starts Jan. 1, 2019.
New program to provide benefits for families in January 2020.
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/premium-collection-for-paid-family-and-medical-leave-program-starts-jan-1-2019
Fishers released in North Cascades:
Elusive carnivores once considered extinct in Washington state
SEDRO WOOLLEY, WA – State, federal, and partner biologists released six fishers today in the Skagit River watershed of Ross Lake National Recreation Area, a unit of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, as part of an effort to restore the species to Washington state. This is the first release in the North Cascades.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/dec0518a/
Board of Natural Resources Approves Naming of Island Near Shelton.
The state Board of Natural Resources, acting as the Washington State Board on Geographic Names, approved a proposal during its monthly meeting today to name an island in a Mason County lake for the man whose actions preserved the island from eroding away.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/board-natural-resources-approves-naming-island-near-shelton
📢LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS.📢
Clallam County meetings:
County Commission work session for 12/ 10/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1136
Agenda Highlights:
- Continued Work Session - 1:00 p.m.
Discussion on moving Emergency Operations Center
Clallam County Commissioner regular session for 12/ 11/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=405
Agenda highlights:
Port of Port Angeles meeting for 12/ 11/ 18
https://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12112018-337
Agenda highlight: John Wayne Marina Update and Next Steps (pg. 1-6) of agenda packet.
1. Public Process – The Port accepted public comment at regular commission
meetings and held the following formal public meetings and accepted public
comment:
a. June 7 – Information Gathering session to inform the commission around the long-term plan for JWM and to share a baseline set of data
b. July 2 - District Meeting sessions where held in each district and was
facilitated by Crossroads Consulting to review JWM information and gather stakeholder input
c. July 12 – Recap of district meeting and direction from the commission
2. Commission Direction – At the July 12, 2018 meeting, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of Port Angeles directed the Port’s Executive Director to contact local governments, area tribes, and appropriate not-for-profit entities to solicit their interest in acquiring the marina, and to advise any for-profit potential purchasers of the marina that the Port will not entertain any offers for the purchase of the marina by any for-profit entity.
3. Outreach Materials – The Port developed the attached public information
Background and Q & A flyer. The Port maintains a website for John Wayne Marina
Clallam County PUD meeting for 12/ 10/ 18
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PreAgenda-for-December-10-2018.pdf
Meeting agenda highlight:
Water System Plan Update – Change Order 2 to Agreement No. 150328
The Commissioners will consider approving Change Order 2 to the 2016 Water System Plan Agreement No. 150328.
Staff recommendation: Approve Change Order 2 to Agreement No. 150328 to increase the estimated not-to-exceed amount from $106,872.00 to $141,871.50 for continued engineering support for the 2016 Water System Plan.
Port Angeles School board meeting for 12/ 13/ 18
7:00pm PASD Board Meeting
When Thu, December 13, 7pm – 9pm
Where Port Angeles School District, 216 E 4th St, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA (map)
CITY OF SEQUIM MEETING AGENDA FOR 12/ 10/ 18
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1968
Agenda highlight: Interlocal Agreement with Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe for Wastewater Disposal.
City of Forks council meeting for 12/ 10/ 18
http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/agenda121018.pdf
Agenda highlight: Adoption of county wide Growth Management Act planning polices.
Jefferson County meetings:
Special Jefferson County meeting called for 12/ 10/ 18 at 6: pm
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=d8e84943-e217-4d9e-a37a-a7074c1cf196&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlight: HEARING re: Proposed Ordinance Harmonizing Title 18 of the Jefferson County Code with Commercial Shooting Facilities Ordinance No. 12-1102-18
Regular session of the Jefferson County Commission meeting for 12/ 10/ 18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=16d926fe-5ebd-42e9-bb01-62fb269df1b3&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda Highlight: RESOLUTION re: Adopting the 2019 Budget for the General Fund and Other Funds, and the 2019 Jefferson County Road Construction Program and 2019 County Capital Improvement Program
City of Port Townsend special meeting called for 12/ 10/ 18 at 6:pm
http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1389
Agenda highlight: Resolution 18-064 Adopting a State Legislative Agenda.
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 12/ 12/ 18
http://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/20181212CommAgenda-1.pdf
Agenda highlight: A. Establishment of Reserve Funds
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🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.--John 14:6 NIV
Weekly Bible Study
Avoiding Evil Companions While Befriending Sinners.
Can we obey the command to avoid evil influences while also teaching the Bible to those in sin? What about being a friend to sinners like Jesus?
Many Bible passages teach Christians that we should avoid temptation and evil influences (see Proverbs 4:23; 6:27; 13:20; 22:3; Matthew 5:8; 6:13; 18:8,9; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Genesis 39:7-12; Psalm 26:5; 1 Peter 4:3,4). On the other hand, other passages show us that Jesus was a friend of sinners, prostitutes, etc. (see Luke chap. 15; 5:27-32; 7:36-50). How can these concepts be harmonized?---Gospel Way.
Free bible studies (WBS)
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
👳Riddle Genie
last week's question: When I'm young I'm tall
When I'm old I'm short
When I'm alive I glow
Because of your breath I die
What am I?
Last week's answer: A candle.
New Question: Scientists have proven that one side of a cat has more hair. Which side is it?
Answer next week!
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