Saturday, January 27, 2018
Senators Murray, Cantwell, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge President Trump to Keep Campaign Promise on State Marijuana Laws
press release issued 1/ 25/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and 52 of their House and Senate colleagues criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance on state marijuana laws, and urged President Trump to adhere to his campaign promise to respect the will of millions of Americans, including over 1.7 million Washingtonians, who have voted to legalize and regulate marijuana.
In a letter to President Trump, the senators urged the administration to reconsider its decision to rescind the DOJ’s 2013 Cole Memorandum, which has allowed states and localities to decide how best to enforce marijuana laws as long as they have sufficient regulations in place. In particular, Senators Murray, Cantwell and their colleagues pointed to the confusion and anxiety the move has caused in states with recreational marijuana laws.
“This action has the potential to unravel efforts to build sensible drug policies that encourage economic development as we are finally moving away from antiquated practices that have hurt disadvantaged communities,” the members of Congress wrote. “This new guidance will have a chilling effect across the country in states that have worked tirelessly to implement voter-approved laws, creating legal and economic uncertainty.”
The members of Congress also urged President Trump to stand by his previous statements in support of state and local rights regarding marijuana:
“As a candidate, you stated: ‘I really believe we should leave [marijuana] up to the states’ and that ‘it’s got to be a state decision.’ We trust that you still hold this belief, and we request that you urge the Attorney General to reinstate the Cole Memorandum. This step would create a pathway to a more comprehensive marijuana policy that respects state interests and prerogatives.”
In 2012, voters in Washington state approved Initiative 502, providing for the production, processing and sale of marijuana to be regulated, licensed, and taxed. Eight other states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Vermont), as well as the District of Columbia, have also passed recreational marijuana laws. Since the nomination of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a long-time opponent of state marijuana legalization, these laws have had an uncertain future.
Last March, Senators Murray and Cantwell wrote a letter to Attorney General Sessions expressing concerns about how rescinding the Cole Memo would impact states, like Washington, that have legalized marijuana. The senators also sent a letter last week urging the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network at the Department of the Treasury to continue to allow financial institutions to provide banking services for cannabis businesses in states with legal marijuana. (see letter here)
Senator Murray’s Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Threat to King County Law Enforcement Funding
press release issued 1/ 25/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), released the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions threatened to subpoena records and withhold federal funding from King County for its policies related to communication with federal immigration enforcement.
“Threatening to cut off funding for public safety does not make our communities safer. The Trump Administration’s intimidation tactics are reckless, wrong, and in no way reflect the values or priorities of so many communities across our state or country, nor does it reflect responsible use of limited taxpayer resources at the Department of Justice. Instead, this announcement—which strikes even more fear into our communities and attempts to intimidate state and local leaders who have complied with the law—is not about solutions but about pandering to the hard right. If Attorney General Sessions and the rest of the Trump Administration was truly serious about public safety and better cooperation among all levels of government, they would work with Congress to support community policing and other practices that actually keep our communities safe—not threaten this vital funding.”
Senator Murray: “We need a voice to reject such damaging ideological decisions and to champion evidence, science, and sound policymaking. I do not believe Mr. Azar is that champion.”
Press release issued 1/ 24/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, voiced her strong opposition to President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar.
In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Murray reminded her colleagues about the ethics issues of former Secretary Tom Price, who resigned amid scandal, and stressed the importance of putting patients and families first as HHS Secretary. Senator Murray went on to outline a series of concerns about how Azar fails to meet this standard, including his outdated views on women’s health, his past endorsement of health care sabotage, and his record raising drug prices as a pharmaceutical executive at Eli Lilly.
Key Excerpts of Senator Murray’s floor speech:
“After a year of President Trump’s health care sabotage, there were over 3 million more uninsured people in our country. So we need a voice to stand up and defend the health care our families rely on. I am alarmed by Mr. Azar’s statements cheerleading health care repeal efforts, predicting the Affordable Care Act was “circling the drain” even though enrollment stayed strong across the country this year, and detailing specific steps to, as he said, hasten the demise of patients’ and families’ health care.”
“I’m alarmed that Mr. Azar believes a woman’s employer should be able to decide, based on ideology, whether or not her birth control should be covered. I’m alarmed by his extreme and out of touch views on Roe v. Wade, as shown by his support for legislation and political candidates who would undermine the Constitutional rights enshrined in this important decision, and his use of ideological rhetoric in discussing the rights guaranteed to women by this landmark case. Unfortunately, Mr. Azar is latest in a string of ideologically-driven health care appointees from President Trump.”
“After months of Republicans putting politics ahead of funding health care for children—and as Republicans continue to put politics ahead of funding for community health centers, like those in rural Washington state, and those across the country helping underserved communities, as they continue to ignore other primary care programs that bring medical professionals to populations in need like teaching health centers in Spokane—we need strong leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services that will demand we put public health first, not partisanship. And so I urge my colleagues to stand with me in voting against his confirmation.”
Military, Political Strategy Vital to Addressing Terrorist Threat in Somalia, Special Representative Tells Security Council
UN Press release issued 1/ 24/ 18
Following the worst improvised explosive device attack ever carried out, defeating terrorism in Somalia would require the use of both “carrots and sticks”, the Security Council heard today, as representatives were also updated on the humanitarian situation and political developments in the country.
“Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat, despite or perhaps precisely because it is on the back foot as a result of financial pressures, counter-terrorism operations and air strikes,” said Michael Keating, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), introducing the report of the Secretary-General on Somalia
On 14 October 2017, an estimated 512 people were killed, nearly all civilians, in a truck bomb attack in Mogadishu, said Mr. Keating, underscoring that both a military and political strategy were needed to address the continued terrorist threat in the country.
Sustained efforts to address deficits that lent extremists a degree of credibility were also needed, said Mr. Keating, including those that aimed to tackle corruption, lack of educational and job opportunities for young people, weak national justice and corrections capacity, and grievances arising from unresolved disputes.
Beyond terrorism, numerous other daunting challenges faced the county, he said, including chronic poverty and persistent humanitarian needs. The risk of famine still loomed after four consecutive rainy seasons and food security needs were nearly double the five-year average, with an estimated 62 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Malnutrition had reached emergency levels in many locations and were expected to rise, while drought and conflict had displaced more than 2 million people within the country, up to a million of them in the last 12 months, including many children and more than 80,000 pregnant women.
Given the recurrent nature of droughts in Somalia, addressing the root causes of Somalia’s fragility and building resistance to shocks to prevent further refugee flows and displacement was imperative, underlined Mr. Keating. Continued support was needed to help Somalia break the cycle of recurrent crises that caused so much suffering and undermined the peacebuilding and State-building process. (see more from link source)
From the UN NEWS Center
Libya: UN relief wing and partners seek $313 million to assist hundreds of thousands of people
25 January 2018 – With people across Libya suffering amid the fallout from a protracted political crisis, outbreaks of violence and displacement, the United Nations humanitarian wing and its partners launched on Thursday a $313 million appeal to cover the basic needs of 940,000 who need assistance and protection.
Safety of Rohingya children must be guaranteed, before return to Myanmar – UNICEF
25 January 2018 – Improved security and unimpeded humanitarian access in Myanmar are essential before Rohingya children can be returned from Bangladesh, a senior official of the United Nations children's agency has said.
Spike in attacks on ‘blue helmets’ means UN peace operations must adapt, says peacekeeping chief
24 January 2018 – With United Nations ‘blue helmets’ facing increasingly grave threats, including armed groups with no interest in peace, the UN peacekeeping chief called on Wednesday for greater political engagement and leadership from the Security Council and the world body’s Member countries to ensure UN troops – and the populations they serve – are better protected.
Table of Context for this week's edition
Cantwell Requests More Bomb-Sniffing Canines for Sea-Tac (pg 2)
State adopts Washington’s first reclaimed water rule (pg 3)
Commission advises WDFW on chinook plan that would guide Puget Sound salmon fisheries (pg 4)
Secretary Zinke Approves Initial Plan to Build a Life-Saving Road for Alaska Native Village of King Cove (pg 5)
News Story Commentary: Inslee's carbon tax proposal, In a word...INSANE! (pg 6)
Editorial Note: A reminder of our annual fundraising drive, Jan 31st is the last day to donate toward our fundraising goal. So far only $47.00 was collected let's make an effort and donate.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Cantwell Calls On Department Of Energy To Improve Safety Culture At Hanford
Press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA) questioned Trump administration nominee, Anne Marie White, regarding the Department of Energy’s ability to improve and maintain worker safety at Hanford. If confirmed, Anne Marie White would be the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Environmental Management which is currently responsible for cleaning up 16 nuclear weapons sites in 11 states.
Hanford is unlike any other environmental cleanup operation in this country. The site was the proving ground for nuclear production reactors and for developing the first plutonium extraction process. This has left a legacy of a complex mix of chemicals and radioactive materials that our best minds are still figuring out technological solutions to remediate.
During the hearing Senator Cantwell said, “If confirmed, you [Anne Marie White] will need to improve the safety culture at the site, ensure health and safety of our cleanup workers in addition to making sure that we have adequate funding, and keeping the cleanup effort on track to meet the cleanup milestones which the Department I know is committed to.”
“Our country owes a great deal of debt to those men and women at Hanford who helped our country in time of great national security. We owe it to them to make sure we get the cleanup process right,” said Senator Cantwell. “That’s why I want to make it clear to the Administration that we need a budget that doesn’t shortchange Hanford. Last year was cut by over $100 million dollars than what was acceptable.”
Kilmer, Heck, Murray and Cantwell Question Federal Railroad Administration on Positive Train Control Implementation
Press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Washington Representatives Derek Kilmer and Denny Heck and Washington’s Senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, led the Democratic members of Washington’s Congressional Delegation in asking the Acting Administrator of Federal Railroad Administration, Heath Hall, for a comprehensive update on the current status of Positive Train Control’s implementation. They also asked the Acting Administrator for the FRA’s plan for completing nationwide implementation by the December 2018 deadline set by Congress three years ago, and the cost of getting the job done on time.
The lawmakers represent the people from the region affected by last month’s derailment of the Amtrak Cascades 501 as it crossed a highway overpass above Interstate 5 near Dupont, Washington. The derailment killed three passengers and injured 62 passengers and crew members, and injured an additional 8 individuals in their vehicles on Interstate 5.
“In the aftermath of this tragic incident, it is clear that achieving nationwide implementation of Positive Train Control must be a top priority for the Federal Railroad Administration,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “With less than one year until the December 31, 2018 implementation deadline, it is imperative that FRA conduct vigorous oversight of the data provided by railroads and use all the tools within the FRA’s authority to ensure that all railroads complete full PTC implementation by the deadline. It is also essential that FRA make available additional funding to implement this technology.”
Positive Train Control is a technology designed to automatically slow trains traveling faster than a safe speed. While the National Transportation Safety Board has not yet issued a final report on the derailment, the NTSB’s preliminary report said, “in this accident, PTC would have notified the engineer of train 501 about the speed reduction for the curve; if the engineer did not take appropriate action to control the train’s speed, PTC would have applied the train brakes to maintain compliance with the speed restriction to stop the train.”
Since 1969, the National Transportation Safety Board has investigated 148 railway accidents that it determined PTC could have prevented. These accidents resulted in 298 deaths and 6,763 injuries.
The Federal Railroad Administration is the government agency Congress tasked with ensuring railroads meet the 2018 PTC implementation deadline. This year’s deadline is the second chance for the railroads to implement PTC. In the leadup to the original 2015 deadline, the Government Accountability Office issued a report to Congress which found most railroads would not make the 2015 deadline for a variety of reasons including low funding and the complex challenge of integrating PTC technologies. The report, which was the basis for Congress’s decision to extend the implementation deadline to the end of this year, also said the FRA’s oversight efforts at the time were “not sufficient to oversee progress made by individual railroads and to hold them accountable for making progress in meeting the mandated PTC deadline.” Congress responded by enhancing the FRA’s mandate so it could adequately assist railroads and hold them accountable for reaching full implementation by 2018. (see link source for more)
In Fight to Protect Open Internet, Senators Cantwell, Murray Mark Milestone in Effort to Reverse FCC’s Net Neutrality Decision
press release issued 1/ 16/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democrats, including U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Patty Murray (D-WA), announced today that the legislation to overturn the FCC’s recent vote to repeal the net neutrality rule now has the support of all 49 Democrats in the United States Senate. Today’s announcement is the latest milestone in the Democrats’ fight to stand up for average consumers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal the 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court upheld in 2016. The Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from blocking, slowing down, or discriminating against content online. Repealing the net neutrality rules could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and even blocked websites.
The resolution of disapproval, which now has the support of the entire Senate Democratic caucus, would rescind FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s item and fully restore the Open Internet Order. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers. In accordance with the Congressional Review Act, the Senators will formally introduce the resolution after the rule is submitted to both houses of Congress and published in the federal register and then force a vote within 60 legislative days.
“It’s time for our Republican colleagues to decide whether they stand with big corporations who are trying to slow down innovation and job creation or stand on the side of consumers and the businesses and innovators of our future,” said Senator Cantwell. “We cannot allow the FCC to put a choke hold on the internet by allowing big corporations to create artificial fast lanes or charge consumers more. The open internet rule was created to protect a level playing field and to make sure no one can throttle access or block content.”
“The FCC’s backward decision to roll back internet protections for consumers is as shameful and wrong today as it was last December. Washington state families, students, innovators and entrepreneurs have continuously raised their voices against the Trump Administration’s repeated attempts to turn public goods into more money-making opportunities for the largest corporations, and the FCC’s vote to change the internet as we know it is no exception,” said Senator Murray. “As a voice for Washington state, I will continue fighting with every tool at my disposal to keep the internet free and open.”
As flu-related deaths & hospitalizations increase in Washington state and across the country, Senator Murray leads Senate hearing to investigate the nation’s preparedness to address serious global health threats
Press release issued 1/ 17/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, questioned top U.S. health officials about the nation’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies. In the first in a series of hearings about the nation’s preparedness to handle widespread public health threats, Senator Murray cited rising cases of flu-related hospitalizations that have led to at least 46 deaths in Washington state as evidence of the need to improve the country’s ability to respond to public health crises, and criticized the Trump Administration’s failure to deliver an effective response to recent public health threats like the opioid epidemic and the public health crisis caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where many Americans are still living without electricity and clean water.
Led by Senator Murray, the committee heard testimony from Robert Kadlec, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at Health and Human Services (HHS), Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Dr. Stephen Redd, the Director of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response at the Centers for Disease Control. A long-time supporter of strong investments in public health, during the hearing Senator Murray urged continued bipartisan action to strengthen our nation’s public health emergency and response capacity.
Senators Murray, Cantwell Join Bipartisan Group of Senators to Urge Federal Agency to Stay the Course on Cannabis Banking, Provide Certainty to Businesses and Consumers
Press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Washington Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today joined a bipartisan group of their colleagues to urge the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) at the Department of the Treasury to keep in place its 2014 guidance that has enabled some financial institutions to provide banking services for legitimate cannabis businesses in states, like Washington, that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana.
“We urge FinCEN to preserve this guidance to continue to support banking infrastructure and access to financial institutions for businesses that are operating in accordance with state and local law and abiding by 8 other stated factors in your guidance,” the senators wrote. “FinCEN’s stated priorities have allowed such businesses to conduct commerce more safely through financial institutions which reduces the use of all cash, improves public safety, and reduces fraud…. This guidance must remain intact because the risks involved in removing it are too great.”
The Senators’ letter follows Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ attack earlier this month on states’ rights to set their own cannabis laws, as well as the will of the voters who passed these laws. The Sessions decision throws into chaos years of work to create a safer, more stable market, and threatens to drive cannabis sales back underground into the dangerous black market.
In Washington state, 12 financial institutions currently do business with licensed cannabis enterprises, providing them with access to credit and bank accounts. Because the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board no longer permits marijuana businesses to pay their taxes in cash, FinCEN’s guidance has been crucial to the growth of Washington’s marijuana industry, which is projected to contribute $730 million to the state’s revenues over the next two years. ( more on link source)
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Constitutes ‘Major Achievement of Nuclear Non-Proliferation’, Says Secretary-General on Implementation Anniversary
UN Press release issued 1/ 17/ 18
The Secretary-General welcomes the second anniversary of the achievement of “Implementation Day” under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on 16 January. This marks another significant milestone in the historic agreement reached by the E3/EU+3 [comprising China, France, Germany, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States] and Iran, and endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 2231 (2015).
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action constitutes a major achievement of nuclear non-proliferation and diplomacy, and has contributed to regional and international peace and security. The Secretary-General remains convinced that the Plan of Action is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and to realize the promised tangible economic benefits for the Iranian people. He notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly confirmed that Iran is fulfilling its nuclear-related commitments under the Plan of Action.
The Secretary-General calls for concerns regarding its implementation to be addressed through the mechanisms established by the agreement. He believes that issues not directly related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action should be addressed without prejudice to preserving the agreement and its accomplishments.
President Trump Returns to Pennsylvania, a Promise Kept
White House press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
Three months ago, President Donald J. Trump spoke before men and women of the American Trucking Associations in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At the time, he had good news to report on the economy, but Congress was still working to send tax reform legislation to his desk.
“We want lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and more jobs for American truckers and for American workers,” the President said to applause. “We need a tax system that is fair to working families and that encourages companies to stay in America, grow in America, spend in America, and hire in America.”
On January 18, 2018, he returns to Pennsylvania—with even better news to share. Less than a month after the Tax Cuts Act became law, nearly 200 companies have issued bonuses, raised their minimum wage, planned investments, or donated to charity as a result of lower taxes.
Some of the country’s largest corporations are sharing the benefits of tax reform with their employees and their communities:
Walmart raised its minimum wage to $11 an hour and issued bonuses up to $1,000.
Fiat Chrysler issued $2,000 bonuses and now plans to build a Ram factory near Detroit, Michigan, with production set to start in 2020.
BB&T raised its minimum wage from $12 to $15 an hour and issued $1,200 bonuses.
Southwest Airlines issued $1,000 bonuses and donated $5 million to charity.
Comcast issued $1,000 bonuses.
Fifth Third Bank raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour and issued $1,000 bonuses.
JetBlue issued $1,000 bonuses.
U.S. Bank raised its minimum wage to $15, issued $1,000 bonuses, and donated $150 million to the U.S. Bank Foundation.
Wells Fargo raised its minimum wage to $15.
See the full list of companies announcing good news, courtesy of Americans for Tax Reform.
In addition to making U.S. businesses more competitive on the global stage by lowering America’s corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act delivers substantial relief for working families through cuts on the individual side. For families with children under 17 years old, the child tax credit was doubled to $2,000. The Obamacare individual mandate—a costly tax that primarily hits lower-income Americans—was repealed, as well.
In other news headlines
Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA) questioned Trump administration nominee, Anne Marie White, regarding the Department of Energy’s ability to improve and maintain worker safety at Hanford. If confirmed, Anne Marie White would be the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Environmental Management which is currently responsible for cleaning up 16 nuclear weapons sites in 11 states.
Hanford is unlike any other environmental cleanup operation in this country. The site was the proving ground for nuclear production reactors and for developing the first plutonium extraction process. This has left a legacy of a complex mix of chemicals and radioactive materials that our best minds are still figuring out technological solutions to remediate.
During the hearing Senator Cantwell said, “If confirmed, you [Anne Marie White] will need to improve the safety culture at the site, ensure health and safety of our cleanup workers in addition to making sure that we have adequate funding, and keeping the cleanup effort on track to meet the cleanup milestones which the Department I know is committed to.”
“Our country owes a great deal of debt to those men and women at Hanford who helped our country in time of great national security. We owe it to them to make sure we get the cleanup process right,” said Senator Cantwell. “That’s why I want to make it clear to the Administration that we need a budget that doesn’t shortchange Hanford. Last year was cut by over $100 million dollars than what was acceptable.”
Kilmer, Heck, Murray and Cantwell Question Federal Railroad Administration on Positive Train Control Implementation
Press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Washington Representatives Derek Kilmer and Denny Heck and Washington’s Senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, led the Democratic members of Washington’s Congressional Delegation in asking the Acting Administrator of Federal Railroad Administration, Heath Hall, for a comprehensive update on the current status of Positive Train Control’s implementation. They also asked the Acting Administrator for the FRA’s plan for completing nationwide implementation by the December 2018 deadline set by Congress three years ago, and the cost of getting the job done on time.
The lawmakers represent the people from the region affected by last month’s derailment of the Amtrak Cascades 501 as it crossed a highway overpass above Interstate 5 near Dupont, Washington. The derailment killed three passengers and injured 62 passengers and crew members, and injured an additional 8 individuals in their vehicles on Interstate 5.
“In the aftermath of this tragic incident, it is clear that achieving nationwide implementation of Positive Train Control must be a top priority for the Federal Railroad Administration,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “With less than one year until the December 31, 2018 implementation deadline, it is imperative that FRA conduct vigorous oversight of the data provided by railroads and use all the tools within the FRA’s authority to ensure that all railroads complete full PTC implementation by the deadline. It is also essential that FRA make available additional funding to implement this technology.”
Positive Train Control is a technology designed to automatically slow trains traveling faster than a safe speed. While the National Transportation Safety Board has not yet issued a final report on the derailment, the NTSB’s preliminary report said, “in this accident, PTC would have notified the engineer of train 501 about the speed reduction for the curve; if the engineer did not take appropriate action to control the train’s speed, PTC would have applied the train brakes to maintain compliance with the speed restriction to stop the train.”
Since 1969, the National Transportation Safety Board has investigated 148 railway accidents that it determined PTC could have prevented. These accidents resulted in 298 deaths and 6,763 injuries.
The Federal Railroad Administration is the government agency Congress tasked with ensuring railroads meet the 2018 PTC implementation deadline. This year’s deadline is the second chance for the railroads to implement PTC. In the leadup to the original 2015 deadline, the Government Accountability Office issued a report to Congress which found most railroads would not make the 2015 deadline for a variety of reasons including low funding and the complex challenge of integrating PTC technologies. The report, which was the basis for Congress’s decision to extend the implementation deadline to the end of this year, also said the FRA’s oversight efforts at the time were “not sufficient to oversee progress made by individual railroads and to hold them accountable for making progress in meeting the mandated PTC deadline.” Congress responded by enhancing the FRA’s mandate so it could adequately assist railroads and hold them accountable for reaching full implementation by 2018. (see link source for more)
In Fight to Protect Open Internet, Senators Cantwell, Murray Mark Milestone in Effort to Reverse FCC’s Net Neutrality Decision
press release issued 1/ 16/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democrats, including U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Patty Murray (D-WA), announced today that the legislation to overturn the FCC’s recent vote to repeal the net neutrality rule now has the support of all 49 Democrats in the United States Senate. Today’s announcement is the latest milestone in the Democrats’ fight to stand up for average consumers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal the 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court upheld in 2016. The Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from blocking, slowing down, or discriminating against content online. Repealing the net neutrality rules could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and even blocked websites.
The resolution of disapproval, which now has the support of the entire Senate Democratic caucus, would rescind FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s item and fully restore the Open Internet Order. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers. In accordance with the Congressional Review Act, the Senators will formally introduce the resolution after the rule is submitted to both houses of Congress and published in the federal register and then force a vote within 60 legislative days.
“It’s time for our Republican colleagues to decide whether they stand with big corporations who are trying to slow down innovation and job creation or stand on the side of consumers and the businesses and innovators of our future,” said Senator Cantwell. “We cannot allow the FCC to put a choke hold on the internet by allowing big corporations to create artificial fast lanes or charge consumers more. The open internet rule was created to protect a level playing field and to make sure no one can throttle access or block content.”
“The FCC’s backward decision to roll back internet protections for consumers is as shameful and wrong today as it was last December. Washington state families, students, innovators and entrepreneurs have continuously raised their voices against the Trump Administration’s repeated attempts to turn public goods into more money-making opportunities for the largest corporations, and the FCC’s vote to change the internet as we know it is no exception,” said Senator Murray. “As a voice for Washington state, I will continue fighting with every tool at my disposal to keep the internet free and open.”
As flu-related deaths & hospitalizations increase in Washington state and across the country, Senator Murray leads Senate hearing to investigate the nation’s preparedness to address serious global health threats
Press release issued 1/ 17/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, questioned top U.S. health officials about the nation’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies. In the first in a series of hearings about the nation’s preparedness to handle widespread public health threats, Senator Murray cited rising cases of flu-related hospitalizations that have led to at least 46 deaths in Washington state as evidence of the need to improve the country’s ability to respond to public health crises, and criticized the Trump Administration’s failure to deliver an effective response to recent public health threats like the opioid epidemic and the public health crisis caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where many Americans are still living without electricity and clean water.
Led by Senator Murray, the committee heard testimony from Robert Kadlec, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at Health and Human Services (HHS), Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Dr. Stephen Redd, the Director of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response at the Centers for Disease Control. A long-time supporter of strong investments in public health, during the hearing Senator Murray urged continued bipartisan action to strengthen our nation’s public health emergency and response capacity.
Senators Murray, Cantwell Join Bipartisan Group of Senators to Urge Federal Agency to Stay the Course on Cannabis Banking, Provide Certainty to Businesses and Consumers
Press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Washington Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today joined a bipartisan group of their colleagues to urge the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) at the Department of the Treasury to keep in place its 2014 guidance that has enabled some financial institutions to provide banking services for legitimate cannabis businesses in states, like Washington, that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana.
“We urge FinCEN to preserve this guidance to continue to support banking infrastructure and access to financial institutions for businesses that are operating in accordance with state and local law and abiding by 8 other stated factors in your guidance,” the senators wrote. “FinCEN’s stated priorities have allowed such businesses to conduct commerce more safely through financial institutions which reduces the use of all cash, improves public safety, and reduces fraud…. This guidance must remain intact because the risks involved in removing it are too great.”
The Senators’ letter follows Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ attack earlier this month on states’ rights to set their own cannabis laws, as well as the will of the voters who passed these laws. The Sessions decision throws into chaos years of work to create a safer, more stable market, and threatens to drive cannabis sales back underground into the dangerous black market.
In Washington state, 12 financial institutions currently do business with licensed cannabis enterprises, providing them with access to credit and bank accounts. Because the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board no longer permits marijuana businesses to pay their taxes in cash, FinCEN’s guidance has been crucial to the growth of Washington’s marijuana industry, which is projected to contribute $730 million to the state’s revenues over the next two years. ( more on link source)
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Constitutes ‘Major Achievement of Nuclear Non-Proliferation’, Says Secretary-General on Implementation Anniversary
UN Press release issued 1/ 17/ 18
The Secretary-General welcomes the second anniversary of the achievement of “Implementation Day” under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on 16 January. This marks another significant milestone in the historic agreement reached by the E3/EU+3 [comprising China, France, Germany, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States] and Iran, and endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 2231 (2015).
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action constitutes a major achievement of nuclear non-proliferation and diplomacy, and has contributed to regional and international peace and security. The Secretary-General remains convinced that the Plan of Action is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and to realize the promised tangible economic benefits for the Iranian people. He notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly confirmed that Iran is fulfilling its nuclear-related commitments under the Plan of Action.
The Secretary-General calls for concerns regarding its implementation to be addressed through the mechanisms established by the agreement. He believes that issues not directly related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action should be addressed without prejudice to preserving the agreement and its accomplishments.
President Trump Returns to Pennsylvania, a Promise Kept
White House press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
Three months ago, President Donald J. Trump spoke before men and women of the American Trucking Associations in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At the time, he had good news to report on the economy, but Congress was still working to send tax reform legislation to his desk.
“We want lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and more jobs for American truckers and for American workers,” the President said to applause. “We need a tax system that is fair to working families and that encourages companies to stay in America, grow in America, spend in America, and hire in America.”
On January 18, 2018, he returns to Pennsylvania—with even better news to share. Less than a month after the Tax Cuts Act became law, nearly 200 companies have issued bonuses, raised their minimum wage, planned investments, or donated to charity as a result of lower taxes.
Some of the country’s largest corporations are sharing the benefits of tax reform with their employees and their communities:
Walmart raised its minimum wage to $11 an hour and issued bonuses up to $1,000.
Fiat Chrysler issued $2,000 bonuses and now plans to build a Ram factory near Detroit, Michigan, with production set to start in 2020.
BB&T raised its minimum wage from $12 to $15 an hour and issued $1,200 bonuses.
Southwest Airlines issued $1,000 bonuses and donated $5 million to charity.
Comcast issued $1,000 bonuses.
Fifth Third Bank raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour and issued $1,000 bonuses.
JetBlue issued $1,000 bonuses.
U.S. Bank raised its minimum wage to $15, issued $1,000 bonuses, and donated $150 million to the U.S. Bank Foundation.
Wells Fargo raised its minimum wage to $15.
See the full list of companies announcing good news, courtesy of Americans for Tax Reform.
In addition to making U.S. businesses more competitive on the global stage by lowering America’s corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act delivers substantial relief for working families through cuts on the individual side. For families with children under 17 years old, the child tax credit was doubled to $2,000. The Obamacare individual mandate—a costly tax that primarily hits lower-income Americans—was repealed, as well.
In other news headlines
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Kilmer Seeking Veteran for Fellowship in Washington, DC Office
Press release issued 1/ 9/ 18
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06) is seeking a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for a fellowship position in his Washington, DC office.
The fellow will manage a policy portfolio, work with the military and veteran constituents to handle veterans-related casework, and act as a facilitator between constituents and government agencies at the federal, state and local level.
“Veterans bring a unique and valuable perspective to the workplace,” Rep. Kilmer said. “Working on legislation and advocating for veterans and military families who ask for assistance from my office is a great way to continue serving the country.”
The fellowship is funded through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, which was established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans within congressional offices.
The program is limited to veterans who meet all of the following requirements: Honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last five years, terminal pay grades at or below E-5 or O-3, 20% or greater service connected disabilities (waived if you have a Purple Heart). Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program.
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, examined the impact of the opioid addiction in Washington state and the government’s role in the fight against the opioid epidemic during a committee hearing to discuss how the opioid crisis evolved and the urgent need to respond with additional funding and services. During the hearing, Senator Murray heard testimony from Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic,” and emphasized the broad impact of the opioid epidemic, sharing stories from her visits with patients, medical providers, and law enforcement officials throughout Washington state about how opioid misuse affects families and communities. Senator Murray also criticized the Trump Administration for failing to live up to its promises of serious action to address opioid addiction.
As part of her on-going commitment to help prevent opioid misuse and end the opioid epidemic in Washington state and across the nation, Senator Murray previously led bipartisan efforts to pass the 21st Century Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) which provide federal investments to help combat opioid misuse and addiction. Through her leadership on the Senate health committee, Senator Murray will convene additional hearings on the opioid crisis, including a hearing to learn more about how families are impacted by the epidemic. (cont. on page 2 are her remarks)
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sharply criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to ignore years of public input and fact-finding and instead reopen offshore oil and gas drilling leases three years ahead of schedule, putting vast stretches of Washington state’s coastline and coastlines along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts and in the Arctic at risk. In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the Senators urged the Department to reverse its decision to expand offshore oil and gas drilling and maintain current regulations protecting the country’s continental waters.
“This draft proposal is an ill-advised effort to circumvent public and scientific input, and we object to sacrificing public trust, community safety, and economic security for the interests of the oil industry,” wrote Senators Murray and Cantwell. “We urge you to abandon this effort and maintain the protections outlined in the current 2017-2022 plan.”
In the letter, the Senators highlighted overwhelming public concern and outright opposition to new leases, including states, cities, businesses, and members of the fishing community.
“The governors of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington, and the Attorney General of Rhode Island all are formally opposed to new leasing off their respective shores,” the Senators continued. “Additionally, more than 150 municipalities on the East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf of Mexico have passed resolutions opposing offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration. The New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the Department of Defense, Air Force, and NASA have all weighed in expressing serious concerns or opposition to offshore exploration and drilling. More than 41,000 businesses and 500,000 fishing families have also expressed opposition to drilling in their communities.”
The Trump Administration’s decision to push a rewrite of the existing 2017-2022 offshore drilling plan has wasted valuable taxpayer resources and ignored extensive community input that went into the original plan. In Washington state and many locations across the country, public input urged strong protections against drilling, as coastal communities that rely on commercial fishing and tourism for their economies feared the impacts that drilling and the potential of spills could have on their ecosystems, businesses and jobs. Last January, Senators Murray and Cantwell introduced legislation to permanently prohibit offshore oil and gas drilling on the outer continental shelf off of Washington, Oregon, and California. ( the letter sent can be seen on page 2)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) continued her push to protect the open internet and restore the 2015 net neutrality rules. Today, Senator Cantwell, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) – among others – announced that 40 senators have signed on to co-sponsor a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval that overturns the anti-consumer regulations passed in December by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai and supported by Donald Trump to end net neutrality.
At a press conference, Democrats made clear they will “force a vote” on the resolution to restore the 2015 Open Internet Order. Thirty members are needed to send the CRA to the floor for a vote and a simple majority is needed for its passage. The measure will be formally introduced after the FCC regulation has been published in the Federal Register.
“Over the last several years, the biggest job growth that we have seen in America has come from internet businesses. We are seeing an attack on that internet economy by FCC rolling back this open internet rule,” said Senator Cantwell. “We cannot allow the FCC to put a chokehold on the internet by allowing big corporations to artificially charge consumers more. The open internet rule was here for a reason. It was to protect a level playing field and to make sure no one artificially created opportunity and access by controlling the internet.”
“Last month, the FCC turned a deaf ear to millions of Americans standing up for a free and open internet and instead gutted net neutrality,” said Markey. “The anti-consumer regulations passed by the Trump administration takes away a fundamental right that ensures the internet is a diverse, dynamic and open to everyone. We can force a vote to restore net neutrality and level the playing field away from the big corporations. There will be a political price to pay for those on the wrong side of history. Momentum is on our side.”
Last month, the FCC voted to repeal the 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court upheld in 2016. The Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from blocking, slowing down, or discriminating against content online. Repealing the net neutrality rules could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and even blocked websites. A recent poll showed that 83 percent of Americans do not approve of the FCC action to repeal net neutrality rules.
Discussing the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today, Security Council members expressed their concern about the recent protests in the country over the delays in holding presidential elections, as well as violence last December that left 15 United Nations peacekeepers dead and many others wounded.
Presenting the report of the Secretary‑General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (document S/2018/16), Jean‑Pierre Lacroix, Under‑Secretary‑General for Peacekeeping Operations, said that the Comprehensive and Inclusive Political Agreement signed last December had given the Council great hope, but one year later its implementation was still incomplete. In addition, violent demonstrations showed that the situation in the country remained fragile.
On a more positive note, preparations for the upcoming elections were advancing despite continued political tensions, he said. The electoral calendar had been published, the amended electoral law had been promulgated by the President, and the voter registration process was near completion. To support those efforts, MONUSCO had enhanced its support to the political and electoral processes and continued to provide logistical and technical support to the Electoral Commission for voter registration and other electoral activities.
The Secretary‑General had appointed former Assistant Secretary‑General Dmitry Titov to lead a special investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident in North Kivu that resulted in the deaths of 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers and the wounding of 44 others, said Mr. Lacroix, noting that it was the latest in a string of deadly attacks perpetrated by suspected Allied Democratic Forces.
The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo emphasized that the focus of all political actors had been on the electoral process and the efforts to revise the electoral register. The country’s President had underscored in a public address that the authorities were determined to hold elections. He cautioned, however, that fringe groups of the opposition were not ready to take part in them.
Referring to the holding of public demonstrations, he said that they were regulated by legislation that required the submission of a request to authorities to ensure order and protect demonstrators. The organizers of the 31 December demonstrations did not comply with those requirements, he said. The Congolese national police had not recorded any deaths in places of worship that were associated with those demonstrations, and the only recorded violent deaths on that date had nothing to do with the protests.
Sweden’s representative noted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced surging humanitarian needs, and that the lack of resilience among the population had made it vulnerable to conflict. There were more people forced to flee their homes in that country in 2017 than in any other country in the world, he said.
The representative of Bolivia said that the threat of armed groups had led to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which had resulted in the internal displacement of 4 million people. On the upcoming elections, he welcomed the publication of the electoral calendar and underscored the importance of holding timely, credible voting that resulted in the peaceful transfer of power.
Also highlighting the need for credible elections in the country, the representative of Côte d’Ivoire said that it was up to all stakeholders to do their utmost to ensure that the 23 December 2018 election date was respected. The parties involved should also work towards the establishment of conditions that were conducive to the holding of democratic and peaceful voting, he said.
Delegates also denounced the incident in North Kivu, with the representative of Kuwait condemning the repeated attacks against MONUSCO, including the armed attack of 7 December 2017. He called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
The representative of the Netherlands noted that her delegation approved of the establishment of an inquiry to investigate the attack in order to determine how MONUSCO should be reformed to ensure its ability to protect civilians. The suffering of the Congolese people had reached unimaginable levels, she said, pointing out that the country’s famine was man‑made, and that 7.7 million people faced severe food shortages.
" It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of our beautiful City. We have a new council filled with much energy and drive and I am looking forward to working with them. For me, my main priority is updating our comprehensive plan, as that leads us into the future. I'm proud of our previous council that took action on difficult decisions, while ensuring that our children are not saddled with the burden. I'm looking to our new council to help plan and set our future vision.
Port Angeles is a community that welcomes and celebrates diversity. As proof of this, for the first time, an immigrant Latina woman with Native South American heritage is leading our City. I believe this is also the first time that Port Angeles will be represented by two women.
I am grateful to the citizens for this great opportunity and welcome all feedback and suggestions on how to continue to grow and improve our City."
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Work session agenda item highlight
Letter to Charlie Wright, Bloedel Timberlands Development Inc., requesting his support to begin the process of negotiations with Bloedel Timberlands for a 1.5 acre strip of property in the City of Forks (1c)
(see full agenda)
Regular County Commission meeting agenda highlights
Resolution calling for a hearing to be held at 10:30 a.m., January 30, for consideration of the following Debatable Emergency:
Clerk – Transfer of funds from the 2017 budget to the 2018 budget for the purchase of 11 bar code printers for the new statewide software system Odyssey/$6,551
Letter to the Washington State Legislature in support of the William Shore Pool District’s request for funding
Resolution establishing right of way acquisition procedures and appointing staff personnel responsible for the various elements of the acquisition process and authorize the Chair to sign the Clallam County Right of Way Procedures and Waiver of Appraisal Procedure form
(see full agenda)
(see more local & regional meetings on page 2)
Table of Context other leading stories:
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06) is seeking a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for a fellowship position in his Washington, DC office.
The fellow will manage a policy portfolio, work with the military and veteran constituents to handle veterans-related casework, and act as a facilitator between constituents and government agencies at the federal, state and local level.
“Veterans bring a unique and valuable perspective to the workplace,” Rep. Kilmer said. “Working on legislation and advocating for veterans and military families who ask for assistance from my office is a great way to continue serving the country.”
The fellowship is funded through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, which was established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans within congressional offices.
The program is limited to veterans who meet all of the following requirements: Honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last five years, terminal pay grades at or below E-5 or O-3, 20% or greater service connected disabilities (waived if you have a Purple Heart). Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program.
During Senate health committee hearing, Senator Murray shared stories from Washington state underlining grave impact of opioid misuse on individuals, families & communities
Press release issued 1/ 9/ 18(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, examined the impact of the opioid addiction in Washington state and the government’s role in the fight against the opioid epidemic during a committee hearing to discuss how the opioid crisis evolved and the urgent need to respond with additional funding and services. During the hearing, Senator Murray heard testimony from Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic,” and emphasized the broad impact of the opioid epidemic, sharing stories from her visits with patients, medical providers, and law enforcement officials throughout Washington state about how opioid misuse affects families and communities. Senator Murray also criticized the Trump Administration for failing to live up to its promises of serious action to address opioid addiction.
As part of her on-going commitment to help prevent opioid misuse and end the opioid epidemic in Washington state and across the nation, Senator Murray previously led bipartisan efforts to pass the 21st Century Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) which provide federal investments to help combat opioid misuse and addiction. Through her leadership on the Senate health committee, Senator Murray will convene additional hearings on the opioid crisis, including a hearing to learn more about how families are impacted by the epidemic. (cont. on page 2 are her remarks)
Senators Murray, Cantwell Shred Trump Administration’s Expansion of Offshore Oil Drilling
Press release issued 1/ 9/ 18(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sharply criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to ignore years of public input and fact-finding and instead reopen offshore oil and gas drilling leases three years ahead of schedule, putting vast stretches of Washington state’s coastline and coastlines along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts and in the Arctic at risk. In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the Senators urged the Department to reverse its decision to expand offshore oil and gas drilling and maintain current regulations protecting the country’s continental waters.
“This draft proposal is an ill-advised effort to circumvent public and scientific input, and we object to sacrificing public trust, community safety, and economic security for the interests of the oil industry,” wrote Senators Murray and Cantwell. “We urge you to abandon this effort and maintain the protections outlined in the current 2017-2022 plan.”
In the letter, the Senators highlighted overwhelming public concern and outright opposition to new leases, including states, cities, businesses, and members of the fishing community.
“The governors of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington, and the Attorney General of Rhode Island all are formally opposed to new leasing off their respective shores,” the Senators continued. “Additionally, more than 150 municipalities on the East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf of Mexico have passed resolutions opposing offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration. The New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the Department of Defense, Air Force, and NASA have all weighed in expressing serious concerns or opposition to offshore exploration and drilling. More than 41,000 businesses and 500,000 fishing families have also expressed opposition to drilling in their communities.”
The Trump Administration’s decision to push a rewrite of the existing 2017-2022 offshore drilling plan has wasted valuable taxpayer resources and ignored extensive community input that went into the original plan. In Washington state and many locations across the country, public input urged strong protections against drilling, as coastal communities that rely on commercial fishing and tourism for their economies feared the impacts that drilling and the potential of spills could have on their ecosystems, businesses and jobs. Last January, Senators Murray and Cantwell introduced legislation to permanently prohibit offshore oil and gas drilling on the outer continental shelf off of Washington, Oregon, and California. ( the letter sent can be seen on page 2)
Cantwell, Markey Announce Net Neutrality Resolution Reaches 40-Vote Milestone in the Senate
Press release issued 1/ 9/ 18Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) continued her push to protect the open internet and restore the 2015 net neutrality rules. Today, Senator Cantwell, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) – among others – announced that 40 senators have signed on to co-sponsor a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval that overturns the anti-consumer regulations passed in December by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai and supported by Donald Trump to end net neutrality.
At a press conference, Democrats made clear they will “force a vote” on the resolution to restore the 2015 Open Internet Order. Thirty members are needed to send the CRA to the floor for a vote and a simple majority is needed for its passage. The measure will be formally introduced after the FCC regulation has been published in the Federal Register.
“Over the last several years, the biggest job growth that we have seen in America has come from internet businesses. We are seeing an attack on that internet economy by FCC rolling back this open internet rule,” said Senator Cantwell. “We cannot allow the FCC to put a chokehold on the internet by allowing big corporations to artificially charge consumers more. The open internet rule was here for a reason. It was to protect a level playing field and to make sure no one artificially created opportunity and access by controlling the internet.”
“Last month, the FCC turned a deaf ear to millions of Americans standing up for a free and open internet and instead gutted net neutrality,” said Markey. “The anti-consumer regulations passed by the Trump administration takes away a fundamental right that ensures the internet is a diverse, dynamic and open to everyone. We can force a vote to restore net neutrality and level the playing field away from the big corporations. There will be a political price to pay for those on the wrong side of history. Momentum is on our side.”
Last month, the FCC voted to repeal the 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court upheld in 2016. The Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from blocking, slowing down, or discriminating against content online. Repealing the net neutrality rules could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and even blocked websites. A recent poll showed that 83 percent of Americans do not approve of the FCC action to repeal net neutrality rules.
Speakers Concerned About Violent Protests over Delayed Presidential Election as Security Council Discusses Situation in Democratic Republic of the Congo
UN press release issued 1/ 9/ 18Discussing the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today, Security Council members expressed their concern about the recent protests in the country over the delays in holding presidential elections, as well as violence last December that left 15 United Nations peacekeepers dead and many others wounded.
Presenting the report of the Secretary‑General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (document S/2018/16), Jean‑Pierre Lacroix, Under‑Secretary‑General for Peacekeeping Operations, said that the Comprehensive and Inclusive Political Agreement signed last December had given the Council great hope, but one year later its implementation was still incomplete. In addition, violent demonstrations showed that the situation in the country remained fragile.
On a more positive note, preparations for the upcoming elections were advancing despite continued political tensions, he said. The electoral calendar had been published, the amended electoral law had been promulgated by the President, and the voter registration process was near completion. To support those efforts, MONUSCO had enhanced its support to the political and electoral processes and continued to provide logistical and technical support to the Electoral Commission for voter registration and other electoral activities.
The Secretary‑General had appointed former Assistant Secretary‑General Dmitry Titov to lead a special investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident in North Kivu that resulted in the deaths of 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers and the wounding of 44 others, said Mr. Lacroix, noting that it was the latest in a string of deadly attacks perpetrated by suspected Allied Democratic Forces.
The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo emphasized that the focus of all political actors had been on the electoral process and the efforts to revise the electoral register. The country’s President had underscored in a public address that the authorities were determined to hold elections. He cautioned, however, that fringe groups of the opposition were not ready to take part in them.
Referring to the holding of public demonstrations, he said that they were regulated by legislation that required the submission of a request to authorities to ensure order and protect demonstrators. The organizers of the 31 December demonstrations did not comply with those requirements, he said. The Congolese national police had not recorded any deaths in places of worship that were associated with those demonstrations, and the only recorded violent deaths on that date had nothing to do with the protests.
Sweden’s representative noted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced surging humanitarian needs, and that the lack of resilience among the population had made it vulnerable to conflict. There were more people forced to flee their homes in that country in 2017 than in any other country in the world, he said.
The representative of Bolivia said that the threat of armed groups had led to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which had resulted in the internal displacement of 4 million people. On the upcoming elections, he welcomed the publication of the electoral calendar and underscored the importance of holding timely, credible voting that resulted in the peaceful transfer of power.
Also highlighting the need for credible elections in the country, the representative of Côte d’Ivoire said that it was up to all stakeholders to do their utmost to ensure that the 23 December 2018 election date was respected. The parties involved should also work towards the establishment of conditions that were conducive to the holding of democratic and peaceful voting, he said.
Delegates also denounced the incident in North Kivu, with the representative of Kuwait condemning the repeated attacks against MONUSCO, including the armed attack of 7 December 2017. He called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
The representative of the Netherlands noted that her delegation approved of the establishment of an inquiry to investigate the attack in order to determine how MONUSCO should be reformed to ensure its ability to protect civilians. The suffering of the Congolese people had reached unimaginable levels, she said, pointing out that the country’s famine was man‑made, and that 7.7 million people faced severe food shortages.
Port Angeles City Mayor: " It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of our beautiful City."
After emailing out new city mayor, Sissi Bruch, she emailed the following statement on being selected as City Mayor:" It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of our beautiful City. We have a new council filled with much energy and drive and I am looking forward to working with them. For me, my main priority is updating our comprehensive plan, as that leads us into the future. I'm proud of our previous council that took action on difficult decisions, while ensuring that our children are not saddled with the burden. I'm looking to our new council to help plan and set our future vision.
Port Angeles is a community that welcomes and celebrates diversity. As proof of this, for the first time, an immigrant Latina woman with Native South American heritage is leading our City. I believe this is also the first time that Port Angeles will be represented by two women.
I am grateful to the citizens for this great opportunity and welcome all feedback and suggestions on how to continue to grow and improve our City."
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Work session agenda item highlight
Letter to Charlie Wright, Bloedel Timberlands Development Inc., requesting his support to begin the process of negotiations with Bloedel Timberlands for a 1.5 acre strip of property in the City of Forks (1c)
(see full agenda)
Regular County Commission meeting agenda highlights
Resolution calling for a hearing to be held at 10:30 a.m., January 30, for consideration of the following Debatable Emergency:
Clerk – Transfer of funds from the 2017 budget to the 2018 budget for the purchase of 11 bar code printers for the new statewide software system Odyssey/$6,551
Letter to the Washington State Legislature in support of the William Shore Pool District’s request for funding
Resolution establishing right of way acquisition procedures and appointing staff personnel responsible for the various elements of the acquisition process and authorize the Chair to sign the Clallam County Right of Way Procedures and Waiver of Appraisal Procedure form
(see full agenda)
(see more local & regional meetings on page 2)
Table of Context other leading stories:
Kilmer Statement on Exclusion of Florida in President’s Offshore Drilling Plan pg 2
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Statement from Inslee regarding reports that USDOJ will rescind Cole Memo
Press release issued 1/ 4/ 18 (link source)
Gov. Jay Inslee issued the following statement today upon news that the U.S. Department of Justice would announce its decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum that has allowed Washington and other states to implement common-sense marijuana laws:
“If news reports are accurate, today’s forthcoming announcement from Attorney General Sessions is the wrong direction for our state. It is also disrespects Washington voters who have chosen a different path for our state. I am especially frustrated that this announcement comes after Sessions has refused offers from Attorney General Ferguson and myself to meet with him to discuss these policies in person, after he has disregarded the input that we and other state leaders have provided to his department.
“In Washington state we have put in place a system in place that adheres to what we pledged to the people of Washington and the federal government; it’s well regulated, keeps criminal elements out, keeps pot out of the hands of kids and tracks it all carefully enough to clamp down on cross-border leakage. We are going to keep doing that and overseeing the well-regulated market that Washington voters approved.
“Make no mistake: As we have told the Department of Justice ever since I-502 was passed in 2012, we will vigorously defend our state’s laws against undue federal infringement.”
Last year Inslee and Ferguson wrote to Attorney General Sessions urging him to respect Washington state’s marijuana laws, and offering to meet with him to discuss federal treatment of marijuana laws. Inslee also joined with the governors of Alaska, Colorado in Oregon in sending another letter to Sessions and U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin telling them to retain the Cole Memo and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) guidance that respects state marijuana systems.
Kilmer Statement on Reports That Justice Department Will Rescind Cole Memo
Press release issued 1/ 4/ 18 (link source)TACOMA, Wash. – Today, following news reports that the United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions plans to direct the US Department of Justice to rescind the Cole Memorandum, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) issued the following statement:
“This action by Attorney General Sessions would silence the voices of the majority of Washington state’s voters. No matter how you feel about the legalization of marijuana, this decision by the federal government to meddle in a state issue settled by public referendum is particularly troubling and would create tremendous uncertainty. It’s the wrong decision and is in direct conflict with the Attorney General’s long career of advocating for more autonomy for state and local governments.”
Senator Murray Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions Ending Common Sense Approach to Legalized Marijuana
Press release issued 1/ 4/ 18 (link source)Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he rescinded the Cole Memorandum, an Obama Administration directive that allowed states such as Washington to decide how to regulate the use of marijuana.
“Today’s announcement is just the latest example of President Trump and members of his Administration breaking their promises and trying to jam through an ideological agenda that would be deeply damaging to people in Washington state and across the country.
“When it comes to the legal, adult use of marijuana, the voters in my home state of Washington, and in many other states, have spoken clearly. In the years since, Washington state has created a well-regulated system that works for families and communities, and I have supported policies at the federal level that provide clarity, stability, and security for consumers, regulators, business owners, banks, and credit unions. This latest move from the Trump Administration and Attorney General Sessions only makes our work to provide clarity at the federal level that much more urgent, and I intend to keep fighting to make sure Washington state is able to continue carrying out the will of its voters.”
New year brings new opportunities for inmates released in Seattle
Sec. of State press release issued 1/2/ 18 (link source)OLYMPIA – A new partnership between the Washington State Library (WSL) and The Seattle Public Library (SPL) grants inmates a library card before they’re released to the Seattle area. Now, the first inmates to take advantage of this opportunity – two men soon to be released from the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton – won’t face the stigma of announcing at the library counter that they’re in need of post-incarceration resources.
This groundbreaking arrangement has multiple positive outcomes,” said State Librarian Cindy Aden. “Inmates with easier access to resources have a lower risk of returning to the lifestyle that got them locked up in the first place, giving them a better chance at successful reintegration while also keeping our communities safer.”
Under the terms of the agreement, inmates being released to Seattle from state correctional institutions can get a card from SPL before they even leave prison. WSL already provides classes and workshops to inmates prior to their release. A similar partnership has also recently been formed between the State Library and The Spokane Public Library.
The first statewide recipient of a library card under these partnerships was an inmate released from the Washington Corrections Center for Women to Spokane in December. The State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State, operates the institutional libraries found in state correctional facilities and hospitals.
Washington’s Office of Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, regulating corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office also manages the State Archives as well as documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington.
Senator Murray Statement on Trump Administration’s Efforts to Expand Offshore Oil Drilling in U.S. Coastal Waters
Press release issued 1/ 4/ 18 (link source)(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced plans to draft and implement new oil and gas leasing guidelines that would expand access to offshore drilling in nearly all of the United States’ continental waters, including coastal waters in Washington state.
“The Trump Administration’s effort to open up areas off the Washington coast and elsewhere to drilling is outrageous and wrong, and once again demonstrates exactly what this Administration stands for: Big Oil and the relentless pursuit of profit, no matter what it may mean for our environment, public health, economy, or the many, many people who want their pristine coasts preserved. The Trump Administration’s move is especially egregious given the years of fact-finding and public input that already established the need to protect ecologically-sensitive areas. I urge people across this country to make their voices heard—again—to make sure this Administration backs down from this short-sighted proposal.”
One year ago, Sen. Murray introduced legislation to permanently prohibit offshore drilling on the outer continental shelf off of Washington, Oregon, and California.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS HIGHLIGHTS
Clallam County Work Session agenda1) Letter to the Washington State Legislature in support of the William Shore Pool District’s request for funding
The Board of Clallam County Commissioners is writing this letter in strong support of the William Shore Pool District's.request for funding through the Washington State Legislature for the upcomÃng expansion of the William Shore Pool. While this project will increase capacity of the facility it will also spur community revitalization and economic investment in a key district that has been identified by the city.
2) Letter to Washington State Health Care Authority providing notification of the County’s intent to continue operation of county-based Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization
3) Discussion to learn about the Washington State, Clallam County, and Serenity House commitments to "Housing First" and the impact on the County Housing Crises Response system
(see full work session agenda)
Regular County Commission meeting agenda highlights
1) Contract with the Economic Development Corporation to promote and enhance economic development and employment opportunities for $60,000
2) EXECUTIVE SESSION - 1 p.m.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development, the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department, outside legal counsel and the WCRP Claims Manager.
The purpose of this session is to discuss with the BoCC the federal lawsuit filed on December 21, 2017 by Judy Lee against Clallam County and Director Winborn under cause #3:17-cv-06065. Underlying the lawsuit is an application for a 32,000+ square feet structure proposed by applicant Judy Lee. Lee asserts her application is for a bed and breakfast within a single family residence while the County has determined the application is for a hotel. Parallel to the lawsuit, the consolidated hearing before the Hearing Examiner regarding the land use and building code issues is now scheduled to occur on Thursday, February 15, 2018.
Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposes, specifically actual litigation against the County.
3) Federal grant application for Services for Victims and Survivors (VOCA) to help Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program meet national standard requirements
(see full agenda)
PORT OF PORT ANGELES AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
WASHINGTON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER “WSBDC” FUNDING REQUEST
The Washington Small Business Development Center (“WSBDC”) is a government program created in 1980 by the U.S. Small Business Act.
The WSBDC is governed through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of SBDCs, and is hosted and administered in the State of Washington by Washington State University.
The WSBDC’s purpose is to provide confidential, in-depth one-on-one guidance at no cost to businesses in the private sector, to stipulate well-informed business owners that start, grow and/or transform their businesses and enhance local and regional economic development.
In 2015, WSBDC relocated its regional office to Port Angeles to better serve the North Olympic Peninsula and the Port provided space in the Port’s Admin office building. In light of WSBDC’s stated purpose and goals and the positive impact of WSBDC on economic development within the local economy, the Commission approved “in-kind” rent in exchange for services from WSBDC.
The lease with WSBDC has been in place since July 2015 and expires December 31, 2017. The lease has a one-year term and has two remaining one-year renewal provision at the option of the Port.
The lease covers 566 sq. ft. of office space and is currently valued at $579 per month; this amount will be adjusted by CPI on January 1st of each year. The WSBDC pays the Port for electricity/water & sewer. WSBDC directly pays providers for phone and internet connections.
The Executive Director has the authority to approve the lease renewal because the lease renewal terms were contemplated in the original lease and the “in-kind” waived rent and $23,000 in cash services were included in the 2018 budget.
Commission has expressed support for continued funding of the WSBDC for services in addition to inkind rent On January 4, 2018 the Executive Director and Real Estate Manager met with Kevin Hoult to discuss further opportunities for business development and interagency development and ways to further improve upon the services provided.
(See full agenda)
( more meetings and highlights can be found on page 3)
Other headlines...
Page 2: Cantwell Statement on Department of Justice Rollback of Cole Memorandum
Page 3: U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia and Thailand
page 4: Promises Made, Promises Kept: Interior Releases Comprehensive List of Accomplishments under President Trump & Secretary Zinke
page 5: NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission Locates Elusive Electron Act
page 6: Commentary; THE DOJ's Strong hand tactics Causes more harm than good.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
It's that time of year when I go seeking donations to this publication.
As you know the content of this paper is free, you can access it anytime. I don't sell advertising space, but willing to promote worthy causes free of charge. BUT! As always I am grateful for any donations. So if you can swing $25.00 or more my way I would appreciate it very much. As an incentive, if donations reach a certain threshold the Globe will donate 15% to a local charity in Port Angeles Wa. So if it reaches $500 or more 15% will be donated, to the local Hospice.
I have a paypal account to handle such transactions. See link
If you been enjoying the Port Angeles Globe show it by donating today. Thanks!
Peter Ripley
DONATIONS THUS FAR COLLECTED:
$47.00
We didn't reach our goal this year. BUT you can still make donations to this paper anytime, as well as donating to the Clallam County Hospice anytime.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)